Religious site
Bodhi tree
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The Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya is a direct descendant of the original fig tree (Ficus religiosa) under which the Buddha is said to have meditated and attained enlightenment. Located within the Mahabodhi Temple complex, the tree is a major pilgrimage site, with devotees offering prayers, tying prayer flags, and meditating beneath its sprawling branches. The current tree was planted in 1881 from a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which itself came from the original tree. Visitors often sit quietly near the tree, absorbing the serene energy that has inspired countless seekers over centuries.
Don't miss
- Sit in meditation under the tree's canopy, as Buddha did, for a contemplative experience.
- Tie a prayer flag or offer flowers at the base, a common devotional practice.
- Observe the changing light through the heart-shaped leaves, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Bodhi tree
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGuided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya4.8★ · 16 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$27 per personSee dates →
Most bookedKyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour4.9★ · 1,067 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$46 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleFull-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up5★ · 25 travelers6–7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$48 per personSee dates →More attractions in Gaya