Gaya to Stockholm 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 Stockholm 

The Scandinavian city of Stockholm is the capital of the country, Sweden. Located on the coast touching the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is part of the archipelago which also connects the city to 14 more islands. The islands are brilliantly connected with more than 50 bridges. The city of Stockholm is a known political, cultural, economic and media hub of Sweden. In fact, over the years, they have also found prominence to contribute to the climate change movement with staunch leaders and innovative methods. The city thrives with lively streets, nightlife and food establishments.

Best time to visit Stockholm

As a Scandinavian city, the summers in Stockholm are pleasant and alluring. The city witnesses cold winters almost throughout the year with summer temperatures reaching a maximum 22 degree Celsius. You can imagine how the place is cold for most of the year. The summers also mean a call for celebration for the locals, which brings about a massive crowd on the streets. Mid-July sees the hottest days in Stockholm and is quite pleasant, especially if you're travelling from a hot region. June to August is undoubtedly the best time to visit Stockholm as the city witnesses its summer peak. The temperatures might be hot for the locals, but to travellers, it is nothing short of pleasant. Summers do bring a surge in their hotel accommodations though. Even flight bookings to Stockholm turn expensive as the city springs up to life. During this season, there are many festivals celebrated in the city such as A Taste of Stockholm, Popaganda, Stockholm Pride and the most famous, Midsummer Festival. The festival takes place in the June month every year and brings all the Swedes together to create fancy wreaths, drink up to the heart's content under the bright sun and dance by around the maypole.

With skyrocketing hotel prices in Stockholm, the trip might get super expensive. However, if you can handle the winters or even the fall season in Stockholm, you should definitely opt to go between September to November. The brisk wind might give you chills, but the city is pleasant. In fact, flights to Stockholm during this season is quite cheap, as are the accommodations. You can book your hotel in Stockholm without having to worry about the exorbitant rates of the peak season. Plus, the city also celebrates Stockholm Beer and Whiskey Festival in these months, much like the rest of the world. If not Germany, you can ring in the OktoberFest right here in Stockholm. To snag the best of flight and hotel deals to Stockholm will need you to plan a trip in their winters. Despite the cold winters, the Christmas celebrations and a trip from the city to witness the Aurora Borealis views are some of the highlights. You can make the most of their snow and cool weather. Stockholm does close up early in winters because not many people step out and it might get a tad bit boring.

Places to visit in Stockholm

Stockholm is a haven for an urban tourist to relax and unwind. The whole vibe of the city is calm and composed, adding to one's need to escape from the noise. Some of the fun touristy things that you can do in the city are to visit Gamla Stan. It is basically an old neighbourhood which gave birth to Stockholm. The area is windy and has a lovely landscape that matches perfectly with the weather. You can take a trip to Djurgården island, which is located very close to the city. Just take up a ferry ride to the island and soak in all the traditional Swedish countryside without having to venture to the interiors. You should also check out Vasa Museum, Rosendals Garden, Fotografiska and the Royal Palace (also known as Kungliga Slottet). These places are classic tourist destinations. For the real fun in Stockholm, though, go for the outdoorsy activities.

Things to do in Stockholm 

As part of an archipelago, the Swedes of Stockholm are very much invested in sailing and cruising. You can actually take up a cruise ride to island-hop and check out the surroundings of Stockholm. You can further visit the Djurgården island and indulge in various activities such as biking, strolling, going on a picnic, visiting more than 21 museums and chilling at an amusement park. The air of Stockholm is so clean that you would want to settle forever to enjoy the tranquillity. Do not miss out on engaging in the city's nightlife. It certainly is a vibrant kind that would help you meet new people. The Swedes are really sweet and friendly people so on your way back from the city, you will have some beautiful memories to look back at.

Food and Restaurants in Stockholm

The city of Stockholm has international cuisine for all kinds of travellers. Thanks to the same, you wouldn't feel like you're stranded in a place where you cannot eat what you want. While they do have variety, it is recommended that you try the Swedish cuisine. Their cuisine mostly has meat and potato in abundance as well as proteins and starches. Basically, theirs is a wholesome food that is rich in proteins and starch. Stockholm also has a lot of focus on seafood as it is in proximity to the Baltic coast. With so much variety available in the Swedish cuisine alone, you wouldn't need to check out other international meals. From herring to Jansson's Temptation, you should try some of the traditional Swedish meals. In seafood, you could also give crayfish a try. They are popular, especially among the upper-class citizens and come at an expensive price. If you do wish to make some exorbitant indulgence, you should order for this scrumptious meal. While you're at it, do not miss out the marinated salmon which comes with dill potatoes as sides.

You should know that the Swedish love meatball and you will find many variations to the same. They make sure to add them in all their dishes from spaghetti to macaroni, the meatballs go with all. The side with their meals is always mashed potatoes, which only accentuate the flavours. Chives and sour cream also play a pivotal role in adding more colours and texture to the meal. Not just the spread of meals but even their desserts and savouries are lip-smacking. From the delectable cinnamon buns to the princess cake, these items would be the best way to round up wholesome dining experience. You should visit Frantzen, Gastrologik, Tapas 28, Glashuset, Stockholms Gastabud and Agrikultur, to name a few. These places serve the best meals, and they also have an amazing service. You will be happy with the way the Swedes treat their customers. Since they are soft-spoken people, to begin with, they often have a very polite way of communicating with people.

How to reach Stockholm (Transportation)

Flight connectivity to Stockholm from India is quite decent as there are many available airlines offering services. However, there are no direct flights to Sweden, and often, you will need to either deal with extended layovers or will have to run for connecting flights in foreign airports. There are a few airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Finnair, Vistara, Lufthansa, that have regular flights connecting with Stockholm. You will be met with at least one layover or require to opt for one connecting flight from international cities to Stockholm. As a Scandinavian country, much of the international route to Stockholm is via Europe. A majority of the flights to Stockholm actually require you to take a connecting flight from European countries. Out of these, the most popular route to Stockholm is from Germany, Munich and Frankfurt, to be specific. There are stops at Helsinki and Zurich as well, however, those require changing of multiple flights as opposed to the one you can get from the German cities. It takes approximately 11 hours to 14 hours to travel from Mumbai to Stockholm.

You should make note of applying for a Transit Schengen Visa when travelling to Stockholm from Mumbai. The visa basically gives you permission to enter the Schengen territory, basically to wait at the airports and change flights. The visa only allows you to be in the airport premise and you cannot step outside to the main city. If you've chosen the international route to Stockholm from Germany or France, you will need a Transit Schengen Visa. The flight tickets to Stockholm from India are quite cheap and affordable. Even round trips would amount to a cheaper deal. It is recommended that you book round trip tickets to Stockholm. Also, you'll get bonus deals for booking your flight and hotels in Stockholm together. Various online flight deals also have accommodation offers. However, if you want to wing it and book a hostel or do couch-surfing, make sure to book these in advance. It would be essential for a traveller to make prior bookings for everything as it would only help reduce the cost of the trip. You will have enough kronas to splurge on sailing trips.