Varanasi to Gaya?

Hello! We will be traveling in India in Nov and Dec. We only have 3 weeks and we are trying to decide if it's worth the trip to go to Gaya... we were thinking of going there after Varanasi then heading back east and south where the other things we want to see are. I've always thought seeing the bodhi tree would be amazing, but i'd love to hear your opinions. Thanks so much! and Namaste!

If im not mistaken, it is only 15, 20 mins away? I think its be quite worth the trip, greeat temples to see. 2-3 hours would be a blast!

Hmmm.... maybe I'm mistaken (I meant to say Bodhgaya) but the train schedule makes it look about 5 hours away....

All I know is the advise used to be not to travel around the area at night with a view to local banditry, esp. between Bodhgaya and Gaya. Other than that should be perfectly OK for a visit. The bodhi tree is at Bodhgaya btw, Gaya is a different town (famous as a Hindu place of pilgrimage).

The distance should be just 14 kms. Ten years ago they were plied by overloaded rickshaws or less frequent buses apparently.

edit: between B + G I mean! There should be trains from Gaya to Varanasi. Doesn't look to be very close no, your 5 hrs. could well be right.

wonderful! thank you!

We actually hired out a car and drove about 6 hours from Varanasi to Bodhgaya which we were told is only safe to do during the day. The drive is pretty boring except for all the colorfully dressed women alongside the road.

Bodhgaya itself is a definite must see, even if you only have 3 weeks. The amazing architecture of all the different temples is absolutely amazing and if you stay within the town itself, it's very safe. Have fun.

Hello we flew into Gaya/Bodghaya airport from Sri Lanka last Dec.Bodghaya is definitely worth a visit,a very peaceful ,friendly town.It lies in the state of Bihar,one of the poorest states in India.When we were there there were sooooo many pilgrims from Tibet,Burma,Thailand etc it was really lovely.The Temple is especially beautiful,night time is a wondrous sight covered in fairy lights.The Deep guest house on the older side of town is a great spot to stay and the Old Pol Pol restaurant worthy of a visit.Kindest cheers,Carol.

>If im not mistaken, it is only 15, 20 mins away? I think its be quite worth the trip, greeat temples to see. 2-3 hours would be a blast!<

I believe you are thinking of Sarnath; a short ride from Varanasi. Bodgaya is in the next state over and at least 8 hours away by train.

Hi,
Varanasi and Gaya is well connected by trains. It will be better to avoid roadways to Gaya. And there is a combination in that area. Gaya – Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda - Pawapuri. Rajgir is a nice place. As you said next you will go to east / south, you can come to Calcutta from Gaya or from Rajgir (one boggie is reserved for Rajgir quota which gets attached to Dellhi- Shealdah Lalquilla Express at Bakhtiarpur station. But not recommended). If you are interested can do it but NO ADVENTURE after the evening.

- Somnath

Thanks for all this great info! And thanks Callous for the hotel and restaurant recommendations.

you`ll have to take the train or bus from Varanassi , which takes 5 hours i guess.Bodhgaya`s Mahabodhi temple is mesmerizing in the evenings.Don`t miss it.If you stay there i also suggest you to stay in Buddhist-Europe Asian Guest House which is run by a frien of mina called Barua and a French woman , Mrs.Pema.Give them my many many kisses!!!!!!!!!!

Do you have an email for the Buddhist-Europe Asian Guest House? or a phone number?

thank you!

Mr Barua Prasad & Mrs Pema{who is a French Lady}
Their email is: Mr Prasads email:beagh2002@yahoo.co.in

There is a web site also you could check the place: www.bodh-europ-center.org

Give many many kisses to Mr.Barua from Pantelis , i will meet him on January

I`m jealous you are going to Bodhgaya.I missed so much Mahabodhi Temple in the evenings.


Have a nice trip