Land of enlightenment and salvation

Tripoto
17th Dec 2023
Photo of Land of enlightenment and salvation by Bhargab Das
Day 1

I started from Ranchi in the morning around 8.30 . From Ranchi to Bodh Gaya the distance was around 220km .It took me around 5hr to reach Bodh Gaya. After reaching Bodh Gaya I went straight to my friends cafe & restaurant it's a must visit place if you go there. The cafe's name is Bodhigram it's located in the Arya complex near the Japanese monastery. After completing my lunch I went straight to my friends flat and rested for a while . Then I decided to visit the Monastery of different countries that are there in Bodh Gaya. I thought about completing all the small monasteries before I visit the  maha bodhi temple. I visited a  Japanese monastery, Royal Bhutanese monastery and a Thai Monastery. Then I decided to visit the archaeological survey of India's museum. The ticket fee was 20 rupees per person and it was a great experience as it gives you the feel of a great civilization that India is. 

Photo of Ranchi by Bhargab Das
Photo of Ranchi by Bhargab Das

Japanese Monastery

Photo of Ranchi by Bhargab Das

Royal Bhutanese monastery

Photo of Ranchi by Bhargab Das

Thai Monastery

Photo of Ranchi by Bhargab Das

Interior of the Thai Monastery

Photo of Ranchi by Bhargab Das
Photo of Ranchi by Bhargab Das
Photo of Ranchi by Bhargab Das
Photo of Ranchi by Bhargab Das
Day 2

It's day two and today I decided to visit Nalanda University and the places that are near it . From Bodh Gaya to Nalanda the distance is around 85 km and it took me around 2 hr 30 mins to reach there .

Photo of Bodh Gaya by Bhargab Das

The ticket fee to enter the Nalanda University ruins is 35 rupees if you do the payment online or its around 40 rupees if you buy it from the ticket counter. Near the ticket counter only you will get a scanner from where you can fill the online form and book it online. It's an experience of its own to visit the place. You can feel the stories and knowledge that's lost in the ruins.

Photo of Nalanda by Bhargab Das
Photo of Nalanda by Bhargab Das
Photo of Nalanda by Bhargab Das
Photo of Nalanda by Bhargab Das
Photo of Nalanda by Bhargab Das
Photo of Nalanda by Bhargab Das
Photo of Nalanda by Bhargab Das
Photo of Nalanda by Bhargab Das

After seeing Nalanda I decided to visit the Ghora katora that's in Rajgir. A budhha statue is in the middle of the lake but don't go by following the Google map as it takes to the other side of the lake from where the statue is not visible. Go to Rajgir and ask the locals about the location so that you could be in the correct place however I went in the confidence of Google map so I missed the opportunity to see the statue but as the saying goes if you miss something if you may get something more beautiful to see . From the other side of the lake , the sunset was surreal . I stayed there till sunset and then started my journey to Bodh Gaya .

Photo of Rajgir by Bhargab Das
Day 3

On Day 3 , I visited the Dungeshwari temple during sunset . As it was my relaxing day so I didn't do anything during the day time. Around 3 in the evening I went to the Dungeshwari temple and stayed there till dark . I did photography during that time as the place was perfect and lights were giving the effect that was required.

Photo of Land of enlightenment and salvation by Bhargab Das
Photo of Land of enlightenment and salvation by Bhargab Das

After coming from the Dungeshwari temple, my friend and I finally decided to visit the maha bodhi temple, in the evening . Keep in mind if you visit maha bodhi temple no electronic equipment is allowed inside the temple premises. So there are lockers present near the temple where you can keep your items safely. As you enter the premise of the temple you can see its grand architecture and you can feel the energy it holds. I meditated for a while near the bodhi tree, the peace was enough to calm my mind .Then I did the parikrama of the temple before leaving the temple. As it was the last day of my trip so I decided to take a few souvenirs with me . I did a little shopping here and there. And the next day I started my return journey from Bodh Gaya to Ranchi . It was my first solo bike ride and the trip was great too . I came back with so many memories and friends to cherish forever.
Thanks for reading.