Mahabodhi Temple - The main tourist attraction in Bodhgaya is the Mahabodhi temple, now declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The original Bodhi tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment had died, but the present tree is a descendant of the original tree, which was obtained from Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, where it was taken by Sanghamitra, King Ashoka's daughter in 3rd century BC. The red sandstone slab under this tree is said to be the throne on which Buddha sat. The Mahabodhi temple is located on the 3rd-century-BC shrine , erected  by  Ashoka . It is elaborately carved and houses a large gilded

image of Buddha. The present temple has been restored to its past glory.

Tibetan temple - The temple in the Tibetan monastery with sloping tiled roofs has a huge Dharma Chakra or wheel of Law. Legend has it that anyone rotating this heavy wheel three times in succession will be freed of all sin.

Bhutani, Burmese & Chinese temples - With its conventional architecture the Bhutanese temple lies in a beautifully landscaped garden while the Burmese temple is shaped like a pagoda, reminiscent of Pagan, the city of five thousand pagodas. The Chinese have built a temple too. White in colour, its architecture is a blend of traditional Chinese and Indian styles. The fine Buddha statue inside is said to have come from China two centuries ago. Across the dried bed of the Niranjan River nearby is a sacred spot Sujatha Sthane. Here Sujatha, a young village woman offered prince Siddhartha a bowl of rice gruel after which he gave up penance and took to the middle path.
On Buddha Jayanti, Buddha's birth anniversary, Buddhists from all over the world join together at Bodhgaya to offer their prayers.

Magadha University - This is an ancient center for studying history, culture and philosophy.

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

Nalanda - Nalanda, one of the greatest centers of learning in the ancient times, is located around 50 kms away from Bodhgaya. A tiny village now ,  Nalanda is famous for its monastery that was the center of