Mahabodhi temple is the main tourist attraction in Bodhgaya.It is now declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The Bodhi tree here is said to be a descendent of the tree under which Budhha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi temple stands on the 3rd-century-BC shrine, erected by Ashoka. It is intricately carved and houses a large gilded image of Buddha. The present temple has been restored to its past glory.

Nalanda was one of the greatest centers of learning in the ancient India.It is located around 50 kms away from Bodhgaya. A small village now, Nalanda is famous for its monastery that was the center of Buddhist way of learning and from where Buddhism flamed out to places like China, Tibet South-East Asia.

Rajgir is famous for rock-cut caves, forts, Buddhist ruins, shell inscriptions, Hindu and Jain temples and Muslim tombs. Located 34 km of Bodhgay, Rajgir was the place where first Buddhist Council was held. Lord Buddha spent a major period of his life in Rajgir, which was at that time was the capital of powerful Magadha Empire.

It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here looking towards the great Mahabodhi Tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.
 

This marks the sacred spot of the Buddha's meditative perambulations during the third week after pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever the Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up.

Gaya is situated around 13 km from Bodhgaya. It is an important holy place for Hindus. Thousands of devotees throng this small town every year for pilgrimage. The main pilgrim center in Gaya is the Vishnu temple.

Gaya, 12 kilometers away from Bodh Gaya, is the main access station to reach Bodh Gaya. Gaya owns an international airport, which connects it directly to Kolkata and Bangkok.

Gaya is the nearest railway station at a distance of 13 kms from Bodhgaya. Express train services are available to Gaya from Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Puri and Patna. Because of Gaya is on the main Delhi-Kolkata line, most trains operating between the metros also halt at Gaya.
 

Bihar State Road Transport Corporation( BSRTC) runs bus services to Bodhgaya from Patna, Nalanda and Rajgir. Bodhgaya is at a distance of 74 kms from Rajgir, another popular Buddhist pilgrimage destination.

The climate of Bodhgaya is tropical. Summers are very hot and uncomfortable. Winter of the place is very pleasant. Though  woolen cloths may be required at night, visiting the places of interest under the winter sun is always a pleasant experience. The October-February period is the most ideal to visit Bodhgaya.

The best buys of Bodhgaya are small decorative items associated with Buddhism like statues of Buddha made of various metals, sandalwood beads etc. Bodhgaya is a small town where such items are easily available in most of the shops.

There are several small cafes in the Mahabodhi temple market complex. Oppposite the Burmese Vihar, one can find excellent rolls and strudel at the Gautam tent restaurant. On Restaurant opposite the Deer Park has standard traveller food and does a good veg Manchurian.