Bodhgaya, the cradle of Buddhism is about 11 Kms from Gaya. Here under the sacred tree, Prince Gautam, Lord Buddha, attained supreme enlightenment called "Samma Sabodhi". The exact spot was known as Bodhi Mandapa in ancient days now is called Bodh Gaya. After 250 years of this great event (in 250 B C) Ashoka came to Bodhgaya, and built a Temple by the side of the Bodhi tree and erected a Diamond throne (Vajrasana) on the exact spot where Buddha had sat. The present Mahabodhi temple was built exactly over the remains of Ashok's Temple, so that the Vajrasana Throne still retains its old position of Buddha's seat, and the reputed center of the Universe.

Maha Bodhi Temple:
A unique memorial of Buddhists and perhaps the eldest and most venerable of its kind. Its basement is 480 Sq. Ft. and as it rises, it becomes narrower till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. Four towers on its four corners rise gracefully giving the entire structure a poise and balance. Rows of peepal trees provide an artistic frame of foliage to the picture of the 170 Ft. high temple. Inside the temple there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture, facing east in the exact position where he sat in meditation with his back to the Bodhi tree. The old stone gateway at the eastern entrance, erected by king Husishka in the 2 nd century A D is heavily sculptured with the images of gargoyles, and near the western entrance to the courtyard stands two large bells, donated by the Bramese Government in 1905.

Ashokan Railings:
On three sides of the temple there is now extant a position of the beautiful stone railing made during the Sunga period and generally described as an Ashokan Railing. The inscriptions found on some of the pillars proves that it is of much later date. It is possible that the present railing must have replaced the one set up by Ashoka. The difference between this railing and those of Ashoka consists in the fact that the stone used is less polished and contains figurines, medallion etc. where as those of Ashoka are highly polished and absolutely plain. The 8 Ft. high railing is fairly well preserved on South ane West but badly damaged in the North And East.

Bodhi Tree:
Stands to the West of the Temple and is known as the tree of enlightenment or wisdom. The present tree is the fifth sapling. In his unregenerated days emperor Ashoka cut down the tree but later, when he began to revere it, his wife in a fit of jealousy, had it cut down. The king was struck with remorse and the tree was planted again. It was furthered fourth time it withered in 1880.

Vajrasana of Diamond Thorne:
This is the seat at the foot of the Bodhi tree. It is a piece of biggest carved stone seat of 7 Ft. 7 inch long, 4Ft. 10 inch broad and 3Ft. high. Vajrasana derives its name from the fact that it is regarded as stability, indestructibility and capacity of resisting all worldly shocks.

Animeshalochana Stupa:
This is a small stupa erected at the site where Buddha out of gratitude, stood gazing at the Bodhi tree for giving him shelter, while he attained supreme enlightenment. Built in bricks some of which are carved. It is square at the base and tapering towards the top, the height being 55 Ft.

Chanka Ramana:
On the jeweled cloister, is a raised platform along the Northern wall of the main temple was built in the 1 st century B C by queen Kusangi. At this place Buddha spent 7 days walking up and down in meditation. The platform is 3 Ft. high and 60 Ft. long. At present there is only one undamaged pillar standing with a figure carved on it. On the platform, the lotuses indicate the place where his feet rested while walking.

Rantagar:
A small roofless shrine masks the place where Buddha spent 7 days in meditation and recited to himself Samants Pathana. While in contemplation, the Blue, Yellow, Red, White and Orange rays emanated from his body. The Biddhist flag of India and Ceylon are designed with these colors.

Tibetian Temple:
Situated near Maha Bodhi Rest House and built in typical Tibetian style, the main shrine is on the first floor. The central figure being Maitraya Bodhisative. It is shocked with many colorful images, Tibetian scriptures, tongkas and other religious objects. Down stairs is a prayer wheel room housing a huge wheel of law, weighing over 20 tons. The temple is flanked on the East with a row of rooms for visiting pilgrims.

Chinese Temple:
Situated further towards the West, built in Chinese style.

Museum:
It contains relics of the old temple and ancient monuments excavated at the site.

Thai Buddhist Temple:
This striking monastery was built by the king of Thailand in 1956 set in middle of a beautiful garden, the high chambered temple houses a large image of a Ast Dhatoo (eight materials) in the earth witnessing posture.

Japanese Temple:
The international Buddhist Brother hood association of Japan has built a large rest house and temple behind the Thai temple.

Sujata Kuti:
A small hill on the opposite bank of the river is considered to be the site of Sujata's house behind the village Bakrapur is the tree under which Sujata offered milk - rice to the Buddha, some consider this to be the Ajapla tree.