Gaya is a city in the Indian state of Bihar. It is situated on the banks of the Phalgu River and is considered to be one of the most sacred places for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is steeped in history, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in spirituality. We offer a one day Gaya sightseeing tour by private car to help you experience the best of the sacred city in a single day.
Gaya offers a plethora of activities for travelers to enjoy. One of the most popular things in Gaya is visiting the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the four revered sites related to Buddha’s life. Booking our one day Gaya sightseeing tour by private cab allows you to explore the city’s popular places at your own pace. You have complete control over the itinerary and can choose the places to visit and customize your tour according to your interests. You can also make impromptu stops at any place that you find appealing.
Gaya can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season. With a private car, you can escape the hustle and bustle of crowded places. Avoid the hassle of finding local transport and enjoy a convenient travel experience. A local driver will take you to your destinations safely without you worrying about navigating through unfamiliar routes.
Quick Menu
- Highlights
- Book this Tour
- Pricing
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- What to Expect
- Itinerary
- Places to Visit
- Terms & Conditions
- FAQs
- Reviews
Highlights of Gaya Sightseeing Tour by Cab
- Full-day Gaya local sightseeing tour
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
- Pickup & Drop: Gaya Hotel / Home
- Places Covered: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Vishnupad Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Barabar Caves, Mangla Gauri Temple, and Sujatha Temple.
Package Price for 1 Day Gaya Sightseeing by Cab
Amaze / Etios / Dzire
4 Seater / Sedan
₹ 2,999/-
Maruti Ertiga
6 – 7 Seater / SUV
₹ 3,499/-
Toyota Innova
6 – 7 Seater / SUV
₹ 3,999/-
Toyota Innova Crysta
6 – 7 Seater / SUV
₹ 4,499/-
Tempo/ Force Traveller
12 Seater / LCV
₹ 4,999/-
Mini Bus
21 Seater / LCV
Price on Request
Book your 1 Day Gaya Sightseeing Tour Package!
Following are the car rental companies that are organizing this private tour, select your preferred vendor from the list, check availability and book your tour!
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Good to know
What’s included
- Pick and drop from Hotel / Home in Gaya
- Cab for Gaya sightseeing as per the above Itinerary
- Vehicle Parking Charges
- Toll-gate Charges if any
- Driver Allowance
What’s not included
- Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places in Gaya
- Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
- Lodging / Accommodation at Gaya
- Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
- Vehicle beyond the designated tour route
What to Expect on your Gaya Sightseeing Trip
The one day Gaya local sightseeing tour starts early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel or accommodation. Our first stop is the iconic Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Next on the itinerary is a visit to the sacred Bodhi Tree, which is believed to mark the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment. A beautiful garden surrounds the tree, and you can also find Buddhist monks meditating under its shade. Our next stop is the Sujatha Temple, dedicated to the young girl who offered Buddha a bowl of milk and rice pudding when he was starving. The temple has beautiful architecture and holds great significance for Buddhists.
Afterward, we head towards the Vishnupad Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the temple houses the footprints of Lord Vishnu, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Our next stop is the Tibetan Monastery, also known as Tergar Monastery. The Buddhist monastery is renowned for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. You can also watch the monks perform their daily rituals and prayers here.
We then proceed to the Barabar Caves, one of India’s oldest rock-cut caves. These caves were once used by Buddhist and Jain monks for meditation and are known for their intricate carvings and inscriptions.
As we near the end of our tour, we visit the Mangla Gauri Temple, a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The temple is located on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the city. You can admire the serene sunset views. Our Gaya sightseeing tour comes to an end, and we drop you back at your accommodation with unforgettable memories of this spiritual journey.
Itinerary of One Day Gaya Sightseeing Trip
Pickup from your Hotel in Gaya at 9:00 AM
| S.No | Sightseeing Place | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahabodhi Temple | 80 minutes |
| 2 | Bodhi Tree | 30 minutes |
| 3 | Vishnupad Temple | 40 minutes |
| 4 | Tibetan Monastery | 60 minutes |
| 5 | Barabar Caves | 40 minutes |
| 6 | Mangla Gauri Temple | 40 minutes |
| 7 | Sujatha Temple | 40 minutes |
Drop back at your Hotel in Gaya by 5:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: Guests can visit all the tourism places near Gaya listed above or remove any of the places that they don’t want to visit. In order to include any other sightseeing place, guests can check with their cab provider while booking this Gaya city tour by private car.
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Places to visit in one day in Gaya by private car
Our One Day Gaya Sightseeing Tour, with the luxury of a private car and the expertise of a local driver-cum-guide, ensures you experience the city’s essence in just one day. Gaya, revered for its ancient temples and serene landscapes, offers a kaleidoscope of cultural and spiritual experiences.
Each stop on this tour is a chapter in the rich tapestry of Gaya’s heritage. With the flexibility of our itinerary, you’re assured of covering the most important places to visit in Gaya in one day, turning it into a lifetime of memories.
1. Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple, also known as the ‘Great Awakening Temple,’ is listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimages. It is believed to be the sacred place where Gautama Buddha meditated under the Bodhi Tree to attain enlightenment.
The revered temple was built in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka. The temple complex also houses numerous ancient relics and artifacts, including a golden Buddha statue and a stone lotus throne. The Mahabodhi Temple is an architectural masterpiece. The temple’s architecture combines Indian and Greco-Buddhist styles and has undergone several renovations over the centuries.
The current structure dates back to the 5th-6th century CE, with additions and restorations made during the 19th and 20th centuries. The temple stands tall at 52 meters with a distinct pyramidal structure and is adorned with intricate carvings of Buddhist deities.
2. Bodhi Tree
Next on our one day Gaya sightseeing tour is The Bodhi Tree, also known as the Sri Maha Bodhi, it is located in the Mahabodhi Temple complex. It is a sacred fig tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The Bodhi tree is considered sacred by Buddhists and is believed to be a descendant of the original Maha Bodhi Tree. It serves as a symbol of awakening, enlightenment, growth, and spiritual development.
According to legend, it was under the Bodhi tree that Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, achieved enlightenment. After meditating under the sacred Bodhi Tree for 49 days, he attained a state of ultimate understanding and became the first Buddha.
You can also witness the Animeshlochana Stupa, which translates to ‘Unblinking Witness’ and is located just behind the Bodhi Tree. The stupa marks the spot where Buddha is believed to have spent seven weeks after enlightenment, gazing at the Bodhi Tree in gratitude.
3. Sujatha Temple
The Sujatha Temple is another important religious site in Gaya, dedicated to a young maiden named Sujatha. According to legend, she offered rice milk pudding to Gautama Buddha when he was in a state of starvation while meditating under the Bodhi Tree. Legend has it that this act of kindness helped Gautama achieve enlightenment.
The temple was built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It has beautiful Burmese architecture with interiors featuring exquisite carvings and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. You can also see a large statue of Sujatha offering rice milk pudding to Buddha.
The temple premises also house a museum with a vast collection of sculptures, coins, and other archaeological findings that offer insights into the culture and lifestyle of ancient India. You can participate in various religious rituals and ceremonies at the Sujatha Temple, such as offering prayers and lighting incense sticks.
4. Vishnupad Temple
Get ready to be amazed by the beauty of Vishnupad Temple on your full-day Gaya sightseeing tour. The Vishnupad Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has the footprint of Lord Vishnu embedded in a basalt rock known as the Dharmasila. It is said that the temple is the exact spot where Lord Vishnu stepped while taking a giant stride to stop the Demon Gayasur from escaping.
The temple is situated on the banks of the Phalgu River and is considered one of the most sacred places for Hindus. It is believed that Lord Rama, along with Goddess Sita, visited the temple. The present-day splendid structure of the temple is a result of several renovations. It was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the ruler of Indore, in 1787. It is believed that offering prayers to the deity and performing rituals at this temple can bring good fortune and prosperity to one’s life. Book your tour now and make it a day to remember.
5. Tibetan Monastery
The Tibetan Monastery, also known as the Tergar Monastery, is a peaceful and serene place to visit in Gaya. It is home to several monks and houses a large statue of Lord Buddha. The monastery also has meditation halls and offers courses on Buddhism. The beautiful architecture and colorful decorations of the monastery are a sight to behold.
The Tibetan Monastery plays a significant role in preserving the unique Tibetan culture and traditions in India. Apart from its cultural significance, the tranquil atmosphere and the sound of monks chanting prayers will create a calming effect on your mind and soul.
6. Barabar Caves
Make the most of your one-day Gaya local sightseeing by visiting Barabar Caves. The Barabar Caves are a group of ancient rock-cut caves known for their intricate designs and architecture. It consists of 7 ancient rock-cut caves that monks used as a place for meditation and worship. The Barabar Caves were created in the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills of Bihar during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, who was known for his patronage of Buddhism. The caves were commissioned for the Ajivikas, a religious sect that was similar to Buddhism at the time.
The caves were carved out of granite and have inscriptions in Brahmi script, making them an important archaeological site. Their intricate designs and architecture are a testament to the talent of the artists during that period. Their entrances are adorned with beautiful arches, and the interiors are decorated with carvings of Buddha and various other deities.
7. Mangla Gauri Temple
Explore the allure of Mangla Gauri temple on your Gaya sightseeing tour, a must-visit destination on this private tour. The Mangla Gauri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva’s wife, Goddess Parvati. It is located on the top of Mangalagiri Hill and offers a panoramic view of the city. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati performed penance at this very spot to seek Lord Shiva’s hand in marriage. It is also among the 52 Mahashakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Sati.
The traditional North Indian style of architecture of Mangla Gauri Temple is mesmerizing. It is adorned with intricate carvings reflecting the rich heritage of the region. The temple is built with a curved dome and multiple entrances. It is a popular spot for photographers who capture the breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset.
Ready to uncover the spiritual heart of Gaya? Book your spot now and embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment!
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Things to Do on your Gaya Sightseeing Tour
Gaya offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and history. Our One day Gaya tour is designed not just to show you places, but to offer experiences that resonate with your spirit. Feel the serenity as you walk through the ancient corridors of temples, each step bringing you closer to history and divinity.
Engage with the local culture by participating in traditional rituals and ceremonies, a unique opportunity to connect with the spiritual ethos of Gaya. Capture the beauty of the city’s landscapes with photographic stops, perfect for those cherished travel memories.
For the more adventurous, exploring the lesser-known trails around the city promises a glimpse into the untouched beauty of the region.
What to Shop during your Full Day Gaya Sightseeing Tour by Car?
Gaya is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, making it a perfect place to shop for religious souvenirs such as prayer beads, incense sticks, and idols of deities. Ramna Road Market, GB Road Market, and Gambhir Singh Plaza are among the popular markets in Gaya.
The Bodhi Tree is considered sacred in Buddhism as it was under this tree that Buddha gained enlightenment. You can find dried leaves from the Bodhi Tree, which make for a unique and meaningful souvenir. Madhubani paintings are excellent souvenirs to bring back home.
The city has plenty of shops selling beautifully crafted statues made from bronze, brass, or stone. Some shops even offer custom-made Buddha statues, so you can choose the pose and size that you prefer.
In the local markets, you can also find hand-woven textiles, pottery, and other traditional handicrafts. You can shop for authentic Tibetan Buddhist art, such as Thangkas (religious paintings), Tibetan singing bowls, incense sticks, and prayer flags at the market near the Tibetan Monastery. In addition to these items, Gaya is also famous for its silk sarees and textiles, which make for excellent gifts.
What to Eat during your One Day Gaya Sightseeing Trip by Taxi?
Gaya is known for its scrumptious and mouth-watering traditional dishes. Litti-Chokha is a staple dish in Gaya. The popular dish is made with roasted whole wheat balls (Litti) stuffed with Sattu (gram flour) and served with curry comprising mashed potato and brinjal (Chokha). It is usually served with Ghee for added flavor.
Dal Pitha is a steamed savory snack made with rice flour stuffed with lentils and spices. It is usually served with chutney or yogurt, making for a perfect breakfast. Sattu Paratha is another delicious and nutritious breakfast dish served with a dollop of Ghee or yogurt.
A popular street food in Gaya is Ghugni. It is made with dried white peas, cooked with spices, and served with puffed rice. It is a perfect snack option for hungry travelers exploring the city.
From the famous Tilkut made with sesame seeds and jaggery to the delicious Peda and Khaja, there are plenty of local sweet options to choose from. A Bihari traditional sweet and crispy cookie-like snack made with wheat flour, jaggery, and spices is Thekua.
Terms & Conditions
Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for 1 day Gaya city tour package. Ideally this full day tour package cannot be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places during this Gaya sightseeing tour by private car, they can check the possibility of the same with the above listed car rental companies and request for a custom quote.
We recommend our guests to stick to the time spent at each tourist attraction in Gaya as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.
Please also note that if a particular sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it may not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with listed cab vendor before you book the tour.
FAQs
Ideally, no. However guests can check if it’s possible to customize the tour with the above listed Gaya cab vendors before booking the trip. Additional charges might apply.
Gaya is a spiritual and culturally rich city with a fascinating history. With its serene atmosphere, breathtaking views, and spiritual significance, Gaya is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of India’s diverse culture and traditions.
A one day Gaya sightseeing tour by car allows you to explore the top religious sites and historical landmarks of the sacred city. We curate a unique experience for travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural immersion in a short time.