Gaya (गया), Bihar

Vishnupad Temple, Gaya


Gaya (Hindi: गया, Urdu: گیا) is a city on the southern part of the state of Bihar, India. It covers 50.17 square kilometers. With a population of 4.4 million people (2011 estimate), it is the second largest city in Bihar. The city of Gaya is located by the banks of the Falgu River, on a site that is reverred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.

Gaya derived its name from a mythological demon Gayasur which was killed by Vishnu with his foot. According to legend, Gayasur was turned into the rocky hills that surround the city of Gaya today.

Places of Interest in Gaya

Brahmayoni Hill, also called Gayasisa. This was where Buddha is said to have preached the Adittapariyaya Sutta, or Fire Sutta, in Gaya.


Today there are a number of holy sites in the city of Gaya. These usually correspond with physical features of the terrain. The Falgu River itself is lined by ghats and temples. There are also specific trees in the city that are considered sacred.

Just 11 km from Gaya is the town of Bodhgaya, the site where Buddha attained enlightenment. This is just one of the many sacred sites around Gaya.

Brahmayoni Hill, Gaya

Planning your trip to Gaya

Gaya has the only international airport in Bihar. It receives flights from Bangkok, Colombo, Singapore and Paro, among others. It is also a major train hub with trains from major cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai as well as cities in India.

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