Gaya to Montreal Flights

  About Gaya

Located in the state of Bihar is Gaya, popularly known as Bodh Gaya, for its spiritual significance. The city of Gaya is a popular pilgrimage in the state and attracts Hindus and Buddhists from around the world.

One of the key reasons behind Hindus visiting the Gaya is to make funeral offerings to give the deceased's soul solace. Known as Pind Daan, the puja is only performed here in Gaya and is said to have strong religious values. The Pind Daan puja is conducted by the family of the deceased to bring their ancestor's souls to peace. The rituals are said to help the ancestors and their wandering souls find some peace and harmony in the nether worlds, after death. To perform this puja, people come from around the world as the beliefs are strong.

Hills surround the city of Gaya as the Himalayan range continues to sprawl across the expanses of Bihar as well. The Vishnupad temple, located at the heart of the Gaya city, holds tremendous religious significance. It is believed that the temple was originally built by Maratha princess Ahliyabai, back in the 18th century. Much like the city, even the hills that surround Gaya are known to be sacred and places of sanctity. The temple city has important shrines located in different directions from the centre of the city.

Gaya is also of spiritual significance to Buddhists as it is believed that Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment in this small town of Bihar. Bodhgaya has a vast expanse of Buddhist temple constructed with various spiritual significance. The city of Gaya holds importance for the Hindus and Buddhists for two impactful incidences are related to the place.

With the demand the city of Gaya has, the flight connectivity for domestic routes as well as international routes is quite high. There are numerous flights available from within the country and international destinations. The spiritual haven attracts Buddhists and Hindus every year to perform prayers and seek blessings. Ensure to book hotels well in advance during peak season as you might have trouble finding accommodation.

Best time to visit Gaya

Pitrapaksh month, also known as the period of ancestors in Hinduism, is considered to be the ideal time to visit Gaya. During this time, pilgrim activities are performed by families to help the souls of their ancestors to attain salvation. The Pitripaksh month falls in the monsoon season. The months September and October are observed as Pithru months, and during this season, various pilgrims arrive to seek blessings and help their ancestors. Another favoured month is during Buddha Purnima, which falls in the summer months of April-May. Buddhist monks and followers arrive at the Gaya to observe the teachings of Gautama Buddha and to seek his blessings. In terms of weather, Bodhgaya sees a spike in temperatures during summer, especially May. However, since the month is observed as Buddha Purnima, tourists don't mind the excess heat.

Places to see in Gaya

Mahabodhi Temple complex

South from the Brahmayoni hill is the temple of Bodh Gaya. The site is said to be a pilgrimage to the Buddhists and has the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The site is often visited by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as it is the land where their guru, Gautama Buddha, attained Enlightenment. Not just Buddhists but even Hindus flock over to the temple complex as it has a calm and serene vibe that helps people find peace. Buddhists, as well as Hindus, venerate Bodh Gaya.

Vishnupad Temple

The ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located beautifully along the banks of the Falgu river. Legend states that Lord Vishnu observed Gaya as the place of attainment of salvation for wandering souls. Whoever wishes to seek moksham on behalf of them and their ancestors, should make Pind Daan and perform some rituals for the same.

Kushinagar

Kushinagar is believed to be a civilisation built by Lord Rama's son King Kush with Kushvati as the capital. Although many Hindus believe that the pilgrimage town is the capital of the Kosala Kingdom, which was led by King Kush, the Buddhists think otherwise. According to their traditional beliefs, Kushvati was a name given to the land even before the Ramayana happened. In this village, you will find some important structures that are pivotal to Buddhism.

Some of the incredibly beautiful structures in Kushinagar involve the Parinirvana Stupa, Nirvana Chaitya, Ramabhar Stupa and Matha Kuar Shrine. The entire complex is actually believed to be the shrine of Gautama Buddha after he attained Enlightenment. The Parinirvana Stupa is a fancy structure that represents the 'dying Buddha' as the statue is in a reclining position. The statue is placed on top of a large brick with pedestals. The temple is sacred and pious and what drives Buddhists to the city of Gaya.

The Matha Kuar Shrine is yet again a huge statue of Lord Buddha which has been carved out of one block, to represent the Buddha being seated under the Bodhi tree in a 'bhumi sparsh mudra'. Every attribute about these structures hold a deeper meaning and should be explored.

Bakraur

Bakraur or Bakrour is another village located closely towards the east of Bodh Gaya. It is believed that Sujata, residing in this village, offered Guatam Buddha milk and rice before he reached Enlightenment. A statue has been erected to honour Sujata for catering to the Buddha.

Deo Surya Mandir

The Hindu temple of Deo Surya Mandir is a shrine of the Sun God. Located in the small town of Deo, the temple is often decorated for Chhath Puja, and devotees who visit the temple during the same are blessed.

Things to do in Gaya

You can take this as an opportunity to trek up the Bragmayoni. The highest hill, called Brahmayoni, is at the height of 450 ft above the Gaya plains. It is said that on this very hill, Buddha preached the Adittapariyaya Sutta (fire sermon) to a thousand ascetics. Enlightened by Buddha's teachings, the former fire-worshipping monks accepted the new discourse set by him. The hill has spiritual relevance in Buddhism and is often visited by Buddhist monks and believers.

Food and Restaurants in Gaya

Even though the place is a spiritual haven for pilgrims, there are some quaint cafes and fusion food joints that cater to all kinds of travellers. While you are in Bodh Gaya, you can spend a day relishing the simple but sublime food provided by the temples. There are various restaurants close to the temples which have basic but soul-satisfying food. Other restaurants and cafes that you can explore in Bodhgaya are Be Happy cafe, Zera Coffee Company, Fusion Food Factory, Taj Darbar Restaurant, Gautam Lassi Corner, Rose Apple Cafe, Tirupathi South Cafe, Mohammed's restaurant and more. These places offer appetising food that isn't necessarily void of flavour. Plus, the ambience of the joints is also quite good and definitely memorable. You can also spend some time investing in street food as there are a plethora of options in that department.

How to reach Gaya (Transportation)

By Air

Gaya is a spiritual centre and hence is well-connected to domestic as well as international cities. The Gaya Airport has regular flight connectivity from Yangon, Delhi, Kolkata and Varanasi. While you can opt for these domestic routes to reach Gaya, for travellers from Mumbai, Chennai and other metropolitan cities in the West and South, Delhi and Kolkata are the best choices. As for tourists from abroad, there are international routes from Thailand, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Japan, Myanmar, Vietnam and many more countries, that are directly connected to the Bodhgaya airport. Travellers often go to Gaya for Pind Daan and hence, book flights in advance. Not to mention, the international crowd often heads to the city to seek Enlightenment at the Buddhist monastery.

The city does not have luxury stays as such. However, there are some decent hotels in Gaya that you can book ahead of your visit. Another alternative for travellers opting flight is to book flight tickets to Patna and transit from there. Often this domestic route is considered as it is easier to reach Patna from different parts of the country.

By Rail

Many trains from metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Patna have regular trains passing through Bihar. You can book your tickets to Gaya and opt for the railway as an option. The connectivity within Gaya is also quite good as there are rickshaw and buses available. Taxi cabs and tuk-tuk rides are also prevalent, making the intercity travelling a tad bit easier. If you book your hotels in Gaya before travelling to the city, you will receive shuttle services from the accommodation.

By Road

The bus services to Gaya are aplenty from significant cities in Jharkhand Uttar Pradesh and more states. In fact, there are daily transport facilities from cities such as Patna, Hazaribag, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, etc. You can book AC or non-AC buses that will take you to the city. The travel service providers ensure to offer services to Gaya for its spiritual significance and demand.

  About Montreal

Montreal is a popular holiday destination in Canada that is a blend of the 18th and 21st-century architecture. The city is known for its diverse culture, be it Indian, Portugal or French. The city is known for its spectacular museums, eclectic cuisine and a busy marketplace. It is also like paradise for photographers. The city is, especially, famous for its vibrant and happening nightlife. You can party till you drop and treat yourself to a refreshing cup of coffee the next morning to cure that hangover. History and adventure lovers will also find their famous spots in the city quite conveniently and quickly. You can either head to Montreal with your family or with your friends, and the city will have something in store for all kinds of holidays. It is the perfect place just to sit back and relax. Getting around the city is also quite convenient. You can either book yourself a taxi, or you can use the trams or other means of local commute to explore Montreal on your own. Make sure you book a hotel in Montreal that is closer to the tourist attractions that you plan to visit to cut down on travel time.

Best Time to Visit Montreal

Summer is the peak season for Montreal, and it welcomes a lot of tourists during this time. The temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degree Celsius. A lot of events and festivals are hosted in summer. June to August is when the city experiences summer and sees a surge in the number of tourists. Make sure you book your hotel in Montreal in advance before there is a surge in prices and availability becomes an issue. You will also have to book your flight tickets to Montreal in advance if you don't wish to overpay. Though the days are quite warm, the evenings are chilly and the humidity increases in certain areas of the city. It is best to explore the city on foot by yourself in summer. You can attend a lot of events hosted in the city this summer like Formula One: Grand Prix of Canada, MURAL Fest, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal Pride, Montreal International Tango Festival, Osheaga and MUTEK. Make sure you also pack a pair of layers, in case it gets chilly in the evenings and nights.

After the heat of summer, the fall season brings quite a relief to Montreal. September to November is the fall season in the city, and it is also the best time to visit Montreal. If you are visiting Montreal in late autumn, make sure you pack your warm clothes, too, because it will get pretty cold. The temperature ranges between -3 to 19 degree Celsius in autumn. If you don't like crowded places, autumn is an ideal time for you to visit. The weather is quite pleasant and does not affect any of your sightseeing plans. You can also sign up for outdoor activities during this time if you want You can attend events like the World Film Festival that starts in August and goes on till September, POP Montreal, Montreal Burlesque Festival and Black & Blue Festival. Though hotel prices drop in autumn since it is shoulder season for the city, you still might want to book several weeks in advance, so you get a better deal.

December to February is winter, and it can get quite brutal. It is highly recommended that you do not plan your vacation to Montreal in winter. The temperature ranges from -17 to -3 degree Celsius, and of course, it witnesses heavy snowfall. You can, however, head to the Underground City if you want to go on a shopping spree, go for a movie or binge on your favourite food at the restaurants here. You can also indulge in winter sports like ice skating, sleigh rides and skiing if you have no problem fighting the cold weather. The city also lights up beautifully during Christmas and New Year's Eve. You can also join the celebrations and have the time of your life. If you are planning to try winter sports, make sure you book your hotel in Montreal in advance since availability will be an issue at the last moment.

March to May is also an ideal time to plan a holiday to Montreal. The spring season makes the city far pleasant. The hotel prices drop, and you might even get cheap flight tickets to Montreal during spring. The temperature ranges from -8 to 18 degree Celsius. The weather becomes warmer as the months progress. If you are travelling during the beginning of spring, you might want to pack your boots and warm clothes, too, since it will snow lightly in the city. You can attend the Montreal St Patrick's Parade, Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival or Montreal Museums Day if you are planning a spring vacation.

Places to Visit in Montreal

Montreal is the economic and cultural capital of Quebec. It is also the second-largest city in Canada. Montreal is also the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. You will find a lot of French culture in the city. Mount Royal Park is in the centre of the city, and you will also find monuments dedicated to Jacques Cartier and King George IV. You can also visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, one of the oldest churches in Montreal. It was founded in 1656. The church also has a carving of Louis-Philippe Hebert, who was a popular sculptor. Just a 20-minute tour of the church will leave you amazed. Old Montreal is a popular tourist attraction in the city. Place d'Armes, Place Royale and Place Jacques-Cartier are some of the popular places in Old Montreal that date back to the 18th century. You can also head to Vieux-Montreal that reflects the Parisian culture and also has a stunning waterfront. You can take a stroll here and just admire the beautiful buildings around you. Jardin Botanique is one of the main reasons that tourists love Montreal. Not only does it have about 30 themed gardens but also has over ten exhibition greenhouses.

Oratoire Saint-Joseph is near Mount Royal Park is another tourist spot where you can know more about the belongings and lifestyle of the saint. Head over to Musée des Beaux-Arts if you are an art lover. The museum houses 1400 paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures. You will also find a lot of masterpieces by Canaletto, El Greco, Mantegna, Veronese, Goya and so on. If you love history and archaeology, you can visit the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. It was established in 1992 to celebrate the city's 350th anniversary.

Things to do in Montreal

You can visit museums and historic landmarks in Montreal. Sign up for a sightseeing tour of the4 city, or you can explore the city on your own. Montreal is also known for its vibrant and colourful nightlife. Apart from that, the city also has a lot of spots for you to go shopping and dining. Canada is known for its Maple syrup, and you can also sign up for a tour to Sugar Shack to sample some and see how it is made. Jean-Talon Market is where you head to if you want to buy fresh produce, home-grown spices, cheeses, handmade chocolate or binge on grilled sausages. If you are visiting the city with your family, you can also take your kid to the Barbie Expo.

Food and Restaurants in Montreal

Even though you will find a lot of restaurants in Montreal that serve French cuisine, you will also find restaurants that serve Portuguese, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Moroccan and other cuisines. Poutine, bagels, smoked meat are some of the popularly ordered foods here. Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel Shop are the most popular eateries in the city for bagels. Le 409 is a popular place that serves Indian food. You can head to La Campagnola Italian steakhouse for authentic Italian food, steaks and Sicilian cuisine. Bistro 1843 and Bistro L'entrepont are some popular restaurants to try traditional French and Canadian food.

How to reach Montreal (Transportation)

Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is about 20 km away from Downtown Montreal and has been named after Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the father of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The flight connectivity to Montreal from India is excellent. British Airways, American Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, United Airlines and Air Canada have frequent flights to Montreal with layovers at London, New York, Newark, Washington and Toronto. If you book in advance, you might get cheap flight tickets to Montreal. If you are travelling to Montreal during the offseason, you might even get exciting flight deals to Montreal online. It is not very difficult to get a taxi or car rental from the airport. The Montreal airport also has premium lounges, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, currency exchange, and a lot more for passengers. You can also book a hotel in Montreal that is closer to the airport, so you are boarding an early flight and want to avoid the commute. You can also call for an airport shuttle service from your hotel.