Gaya to Rome 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 Rome

Rome is one of the most mythical cities in Italy and like paradise for everyone who loves history, art and architecture. From breathtaking monuments and buildings to beautiful pieces of art, Rome is a city you must visit at least once in your life. Some of the major highlights of the city are the Colosseum, Roman churches and Vatican City. While Rome has embraced the modern way of living, it has also maintained its rich history and culture. You will find a lot of modern hotels and infrastructure in a city that also has structures that date back to the Renaissance period. Not to mention, Roman cuisine is yet another reason for you to plan a trip to Rome. Even though you will find yourself occasionally hogging on Italian cuisine, you will not have to worry about it being unhealthy at all. Almost all Italian cuisines are healthy and balanced. You can club your meal with a glass of wine, too. Go for a walk after your meal and not only will you explore the city with a different perspective, but you will also lose all the extra weight you might have put on.

Best Time to Visit Rome

Summer is peak season in Rome, and a lot of tourists choose to travel to Rome during this season. June to August is when the city experiences summer. The flight tickets to Rome can get pretty expensive in summer since it is high season. You might also want to book your hotel in Rome way in advance to get a good deal. It is advisable to make your reservations at least six months in advance because getting a decent hotel at the last moment will be quite tough. The temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degree Celsius, and if you prefer holidaying without bumping into a lot of tourists, it is recommended that you travel during another season. However, a lot of tourist attractions will be open in summer, and you might even make a lot of friends while you are here. You can attend events like Rock in Roma, Festa dei Noantri and Cosmophonies. However, be ready to wait in long queues at most tourist attractions.

The weather gets considerably pleasant in September, and since the tourist buzz also reduces during this time, it becomes a decent time to consider flying to Rome. Not to mention, you can also catch the White Night of Rome that happens this month. It started as an initiative to promote tourism and ended up becoming a regular every year. The city is alive and buzzing all night with performances, street shopping and a lot of fun activities for tourists. It might not be the most popular time of the year to visit Rome, but it isn't a bad one to consider, too.

You can also explore the city on your own without the hustle and bustle of tourists, October to April is the ideal time to do that. Rome experiences the coldest winter during these months, and it is not a very popular time to visit the city. Not only will you get cheap flight tickets to Rome, but you can also book a hotel in Rome without burning a hole in your pocket. The temperature ranges between 7 to 18 degree Celsius, though it drops to 3 degree Celsius in January and February. There are not a lot of events for you to attend during this month, but you can always be a part of the Christmas celebrations in the city. You are pretty close to the Vatican so brace yourself for a grand and divine celebration in December.

Places to Visit in Rome

The Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world and an important part of Rome's tourism. It is a part of the seven wonders of the world for a lot of reasons. It took a span of 10 years to complete the construction of the Colosseum. Roman Emperor Vespasian initiated the project in 69 AD which was taken over by his son, Titus, after his death. The structure was completed and opened to the public by the 80 AD. It was majorly built to host games and other forms of entertainment meant for the royal family as well as the public. If you opt for a guided tour, you will know more about the structure than you might sans the guide. The Pantheon temple is yet another major tourist attraction in Rome. It is about 2000 years old and is one of the Roman monuments that has been preserved really well. The temple was built in 27 BC by Agrippa, who was the right hand to Emperor Augustus but was burnt down in 80 AD. It was rebuilt in 120 AD and was used as a temple by Romans till 609 AD before it was declared as a church by Pope Boniface IV. The church is also the burial place of a lot of important personalities in Roman history like Victor Emmanuel II, Umberto I and his wife, etc.

St Peter's Basilica is the largest church in Vatican City, and it is believed that this is where Saint Peter was buried. It is one of the most stunning architectural features of the Renaissance period in Rome. It is also one of the most beautiful churches in the world. The Trevi Fountain is another tourist spot that comes with its own share of history and beliefs. It is believed that if you throw a coin in the fountain with your right hand over the left shoulder, you will visit the city again. It is also believed that if you throw two coins, you will find love and three coins will help you marry the love of your life. The coins that are collected from the fountain are given to charity. You can also visit the art museums in the city to get a glimpse of some exquisite paintings by renowned artists. The Porta Portese flea market is where you head to if you feel like going on a shopping spree on a Monday morning.

Things to do in Rome

Sightseeing is one of the popularly taken up activities in Rome. If you are well-versed with the history of the city, you will not need a guide, but if you aren't, it is highly recommended that you get one. You can also visit the museums and art galleries in Rome if you are an art lover. Rome is also home to a lot of churches that offer you the most breathtaking views inside out. The city is an architectural marvel, and you will only get to experience it when you visit it. While it is quite easy to get around the city using taxis or public transport, you can also take a walk to explore the city and admire the wonderful buildings. The cobblestone streets and narrow roads will only make your experience splendid and worth every penny spent.

Food and Restaurants in Rome

There are a lot of restaurants in Rome that have recipes passed on from generations, making them a special place to visit. Be its kinds of pasta and pizzas to delicious desserts, Rome has everything that will suit your taste buds. Enoteca il Goccetto, Trimani Enoteca and Cul De Sac are some of the popular places to head to for some excellent wine. You will also find Michelin-rated restaurants in the city in addition to the quaint cafes and other restaurants. Casa Manco, Pane e Salame are few restaurants that serve the best pizza and sandwiches respectively. You can even opt for a food tour where you can go to food tasting. Make sure you also sign up for a cooking class and try to recreate some of the best Italian cuisines. Mizio's Street Food is famous for its Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. Two Sizes- Tiramisu in Rome is another popular eatery and cafe in Rome that you must try. Cipasso Vineria Bistrot is a popular restaurant that also has a wine bar.

How to reach Rome (Transportation)

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is one of the major airports in Italy. The flight connectivity to Rome from India is excellent. There are a lot of direct flights to Rome from India. Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Vistara are some of the major airlines that fly to Rome daily. It takes about a 13 to 15 hours flight journey to reach Rome if you take a direct flight. If you book during the offseason, you might get interesting flight deals to Rome online. The airport also has well-equipped services for passengers like a duty-free shopping area, restaurants, lounges, prayer room, nursery, smoking area, WiFi, restaurants, currency exchange and so on. You will also get taxis or buses from the airport to your hotel easily. Make sure you save your shopping spree at the duty-free stores for when you are leaving from Rome since you will also shop a great deal during your trip to the city.