Bodh Gaya, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Bodh Gaya, India? If you're planning to go to Bodh Gaya, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bodh Gaya, India

Based on the climate and weather in Bodh Gaya, India, the best time to go is November. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bodh Gaya, India

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bodh Gaya, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Bodh Gaya, India by month

January

If you vacation in Bodh Gaya during January, you will probably notice that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you find the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

Traveling to Bodh Gaya in February, you will notice that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to get the correct type. Most adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you vacation in Bodh Gaya during March, you might see that it is unbearably hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Check that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you go to Bodh Gaya in April, you will notice that it is blindingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 100s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you visit Bodh Gaya during May, you are likely to notice that it is blindingly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 100s F (low 40s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you visit Bodh Gaya during June, you will probably see that it is scorchingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 80s F (high 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Bodh Gaya is blindingly hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you find the necessary type. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August here is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Take care to find the correct kind. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you go to Bodh Gaya in September, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you get the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Bodh Gaya is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to find the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you visit Bodh Gaya during November, you are likely to see that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Check that you choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you vacation in Bodh Gaya during December, you may find that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bodh Gaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Take care to pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan go to a monastery, like Thai Monastery, take the following:

If you go to the Archaeological Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Bodh Gaya, India

Bodh Gaya is one of the most famous cities in India for it is the place where Gautama Buddha, an ancient philosopher and spiritual teacher, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This small city located in the Indian state of Bihar has become an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, attracting both domestic and international tourists. Aside from the historical and religious significance that it holds, Bodh Gaya has plenty of attractions to offer for travelers. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Bodh Gaya, India.

1. Mahabodhi Temple Complex

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site that covers a large area of Bodh Gaya. This temple complex, built in the 3rd century BCE, is one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists. It features the Mahabodhi Temple, where the Bodhi tree stands. It's said that the Bodhi tree is a descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Other sites within the complex include the Vajrasana or the Diamond Throne, where Buddha attained enlightenment, and several stupas and monasteries.

2. Bodhi Tree

The Bodhi Tree is a sacred fig tree that is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. It is believed that Gautama Buddha meditated under this tree for six days and nights before he attained enlightenment. The current tree is a descendant of the original tree, and it's believed to be over 2,000 years old. Visitors can sit under the Bodhi Tree and meditate or offer prayers.

3. Great Buddha Statue

The Great Buddha Statue is located at the entrance of the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. This statue, made of sandstone, stands at a height of 80 feet and depicts Buddha in a sitting position. The statue has been designed in a way that it faces the Mahabodhi Temple, as if looking at the place where Buddha attained enlightenment.

4. Dungeshwari Cave Temples

Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as the Mahakala Caves, are located around 12 kilometers from Bodh Gaya. These caves are believed to have been where Buddha meditated before he arrived in Bodh Gaya. The caves are also significant because it is believed that Buddha spent six years here in penance before he attained enlightenment.

5. Thai Monastery

The Thai Monastery or Thai Temple is a Buddhist monastery that was built by the Thai government in Bodh Gaya. This temple is adorned with beautiful artwork and is designed to represent Thai architecture. The temple features a huge gold-plated statue of Buddha in a sitting position.

6. Tibetan Monastery

The Tibetan Monastery, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple, is a monastery that was established in 1975 in Bodh Gaya. This colorful temple is adorned with traditional Tibetan architecture, murals, and intricate carvings. Visitors can hear the chanting of monks and attend prayer sessions here.

In conclusion, Bodh Gaya is a city rich in history and culture, and is a must-visit destination for those who are interested in Buddhism or spirituality. Apart from the famous Mahabodhi Temple Complex, there are many other interesting and fascinating tourist attractions to explore in Bodh Gaya. From awe-inspiring Buddha statues to ancient caves and vibrant monasteries, Bodh Gaya has something for everyone.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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