Home/Where to stay/Buddh Gaya/3-star hotels
3-star hotels in Buddh Gaya
This shortlist covers 3-star hotels in Buddh Gaya, the pilgrimage town around the Mahabodhi Temple. It is for couples, families and business travellers who want a rated, comfortable base within walking distance of the temple complex and the monasteries.
Staying in Buddh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is a small pilgrimage town where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the temple, visitors explore the monasteries built by different countries and the Great Buddha Statue. The town is compact and walkable, with most sites concentrated around the temple, and the main pilgrimage season fills it with activity while other months stay quiet for reflection and practice.
The hotels on this shortlist sit within about 2.6 km of the centre, most of them much closer. Addresses name spots around the temple and the monasteries: Near Mahabodhi Temple, Near Thai Temple, Near Japanise Temple, Katorva Road, Nigma Temple Road and Kalachakra Maidan. That makes them handy for pilgrims, couples on a short break and families who want to walk to the temple, while guests wanting a pool, banquet or fitness facilities lean towards the larger properties.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Bodhi Residency
Near Burmese Temple Pachhatti Niranjana River Side Road Near Burmese Temple Pachhatti Near Burmese Templepachhattibodh Gaya 824231, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereSet beside the Niranjana River road near the Burmese Temple, Bodhi Residency is a practical base for pilgrims who want to be close to the action without being in the middle of it, just 1.1 km from the centre. Guests rate it 4.6, and the 24 hour front desk plus free parking and free wifi make arrivals and day trips straightforward. The terrace is a quiet spot to sit after a day of walking between temples.
See Bodhi ResidencyThe Bodhgaya Hotel School
Katorva Road Behind 80 Foot Lord Buddha Satute, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereA 3-star property on Katorva Road, 1.0 km from the centre, The Bodhgaya Hotel School suits families and longer stays: it has family rooms, a restaurant and lifts, plus free parking and free wifi. Air conditioning and a 24 hour front desk keep things comfortable and easy at any hour, and the shuttle service helps with getting around. Rated 4.6 by guests.
See The Bodhgaya Hotel SchoolThe Imperial Bodhgaya
Gaya Dobhi Road, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereThe Imperial Bodhgaya is the largest of these hotels by review volume, with 1335 ratings and a 4.5 score. On Gaya Dobhi Road, 2.6 km from the centre, it works well for travellers who want more on site: a fitness centre, restaurant and bar, plus a garden and banquet space. Free parking and free wifi are included, and express check in helps after a long journey.
See The Imperial BodhgayaNew Hotel Shiva
Sujata Bypass Roadnear Metta Buddha Temple Gaya, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wifi
Why stay hereClosest of the group to the centre at 0.5 km, New Hotel Shiva sits on Sujata Bypass Road near Metta Buddha Temple. Its restaurant, garden and lifts make it a comfortable choice for guests who prefer to walk to the main sites, and car parking is available on site. Rated 4.5 by 155 guests.
See New Hotel ShivaDharma Steps Hotel & Banquet
Premdasa Road Mastipur Opposite Japanese Templemastipurbodh Gaya 824231, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Kids pool
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereDharma Steps Hotel & Banquet, on Premdasa Road opposite the Japanese Temple, is a good fit for families: it has an outdoor pool and a kids pool, a garden and a terrace, and a cafe and restaurant for meals without leaving the property. At 0.7 km from the centre, it keeps the temples within easy reach, and free parking and free wifi are provided. Guest rating 4.3.
See Dharma Steps Hotel & BanquetHotel Sakura House
Behind R.K.International, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereAt just 0.3 km from the centre, Hotel Sakura House is the nearest option here for travellers who want to be on foot for everything. On top of air conditioned rooms and a restaurant, it offers bike and car rental and a yoga space, which suits guests planning active days around Buddh Gaya. Free parking and free wifi come as standard, and 330 guests have rated it 4.3.
See Hotel Sakura HouseSambodhi Retreat
Hathiyar, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Kids pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereSambodhi Retreat in Hathiyar is the most reviewed hotel in this list, with 3169 ratings and a 4.1 score. It suits guests who want resort-style facilities: an outdoor pool, fitness centre, garden and picnic area, plus a restaurant and lounge, all 2.6 km from the centre. A shuttle service and free parking make the distance easy to manage.
See Sambodhi RetreatHotel Buddha International
Near Japanise Temple, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereNear the Japanese Temple and 0.7 km from the centre, Hotel Buddha International is a small, well-rated property with 36 reviews and a 4.3 score. Air conditioned rooms, a garden and a restaurant cover the essentials, and the business centre and meeting room make it workable for travellers combining pilgrimage with work. Free parking and a lounge with free internet access add convenience.
See Hotel Buddha InternationalNancy Residency
Sujata Bypass Near Karmapa Temple Bodh Gaya 824231 In, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Family rooms
Why stay hereNancy Residency on Sujata Bypass near Karmapa Temple is a solid all-rounder 0.7 km from the centre, rated 4.1 by 181 guests. Air conditioning, family rooms and room service cover comfort, while massage and a beauty salon help guests unwind after long days of walking. Free parking, free wifi and a shuttle service round out the practical side.
See Nancy ResidencyHotel Mahamaya
Near Mahabodhi Temple Bodhgayagayabihar 824231, Buddh Gaya, India
- Internet access
Why stay hereSteps from the Mahabodhi Temple at 0.4 km from the centre, Hotel Mahamaya keeps things simple for pilgrims who want to be as close as possible to the main shrine. Internet access is available on site, and with 890 reviews and a 4.0 rating it is one of the better established addresses in this group.
See Hotel MahamayaGalaxy Intercontinental Hotel
Nigma Temple Road, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereGalaxy Intercontinental Hotel sits on Nigma Temple Road, 1.1 km from the centre, and offers a restaurant, free wifi and free parking for guests travelling by car. A shuttle service and wheelchair accessibility make it easier for mixed groups to get around, and the 24 hour front desk handles late arrivals. Rated 4.0 by 204 guests.
See Galaxy Intercontinental HotelR.K International
Near Thai Temple, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereR.K International is close to the Thai Temple and only 0.4 km from the centre, which suits visitors who want to walk to the temples each morning. Rooms are air conditioned, there is a safe for valuables and a restaurant on site, and car parking is free. Rated 4.0 by 102 guests.
See R.K InternationalHotel Buddha Residency
Sujata Bypass Road Near Tergar Monestry And Cafe Coffee Day, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereOn Sujata Bypass Road near Tergar Monastery, Hotel Buddha Residency mixes practical basics with extras: a library for quiet reading, yoga and massage for downtime, and a restaurant for meals. Free wifi and parking are provided, lifts help with luggage, and the concierge can assist with local arrangements. Guest rating 3.9.
See Hotel Buddha ResidencyOm International Hotel
Kalachakra Maidan Birla Dharamshala Rd, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Family rooms
Why stay hereOm International Hotel faces Kalachakra Maidan on Birla Dharamshala Road, 0.3 km from the centre, a convenient spot during teachings and events on the maidan. Rooms come with air conditioning and balconies, and the hotel offers a restaurant, room service and a banquet space, plus free parking and a shuttle service. Rated 3.9 by 131 guests.
See Om International HotelHotel Lumbini International
Great Budha Statue Road Contact Phone No 91 7280000340 7280000341, Buddh Gaya, India
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Coach parking
- Breakfast
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereHotel Lumbini International is on Great Buddha Statue Road, 0.5 km from the centre, and suits families and groups thanks to a garden, playground and restaurant on site. Wedding services and a gift shop are available, along with meeting space for larger parties. Free parking and free wifi are included, and the 24 hour front desk covers late check in.
See Hotel Lumbini International
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodhi Residency | ★★★ | 4.6 | 274 | Yes | – | – | 1.1 km |
| The Bodhgaya Hotel School | ★★★ | 4.6 | 216 | Yes | Yes | – | 1.0 km |
| The Imperial Bodhgaya | ★★★ | 4.5 | 1,335 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.6 km |
| New Hotel Shiva | ★★★ | 4.5 | 155 | Yes | – | – | 0.5 km |
| Dharma Steps Hotel & Banquet | ★★★ | 4.3 | 733 | Yes | – | Yes | 0.7 km |
| Hotel Sakura House | ★★★ | 4.3 | 330 | Yes | Yes | – | 0.3 km |
| Sambodhi Retreat | ★★★ | 4.1 | 3,169 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.6 km |
| Hotel Buddha International | ★★★ | 4.3 | 36 | Yes | Yes | – | 0.7 km |
| Nancy Residency | ★★★ | 4.1 | 181 | Yes | Yes | – | 0.7 km |
| Hotel Mahamaya | ★★★ | 4.0 | 890 | – | – | – | 0.4 km |
| Galaxy Intercontinental Hotel | ★★★ | 4.0 | 204 | Yes | – | – | 1.1 km |
| R.K International | ★★★ | 4.0 | 102 | Yes | – | – | 0.4 km |
| Hotel Buddha Residency | ★★★ | 3.9 | 241 | Yes | – | – | 0.5 km |
| Om International Hotel | ★★★ | 3.9 | 131 | Yes | Yes | – | 0.3 km |
| Hotel Lumbini International | ★★★ | 3.8 | 36 | Yes | Yes | – | 0.5 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
Closest to the centre
Hotel Sakura House, Om International Hotel, Hotel Mahamaya and R.K International all sit within 0.4 km of the centre, the tightest cluster on this list. Sakura House is the best rated of the four at 4.6 from 330 reviews, and Mahamaya sits right near Mahabodhi Temple.
Hotel Sakura House · Om International Hotel · Hotel Mahamaya · R.K International
For families
The Bodhgaya Hotel School, Nancy Residency, The Imperial Bodhgaya and Dharma Steps Hotel & Banquet all list family rooms.
The Bodhgaya Hotel School · Nancy Residency · The Imperial Bodhgaya · Dharma Steps Hotel & Banquet
Pools and fitness
Dharma Steps Hotel & Banquet and Sambodhi Retreat both offer an outdoor pool, and Dharma Steps adds a kids pool. The Imperial Bodhgaya and Sambodhi Retreat have fitness centres, while Sambodhi Retreat's 3,169 reviews make it the most reviewed property here.
Dharma Steps Hotel & Banquet · Sambodhi Retreat · The Imperial Bodhgaya
Pilgrimage on foot
Hotel Mahamaya, R.K International, Hotel Buddha Residency, Hotel Lumbini International and Hotel Buddha International all sit near temples or the Great Buddha Statue, within 0.7 km of the centre. Buddha International is near Japanise Temple, R.K International near Thai Temple, and Mahamaya near Mahabodhi Temple.
Hotel Mahamaya · R.K International · Hotel Buddha Residency · Hotel Lumbini International · Hotel Buddha International
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Bodh Gaya is served by Gaya International Airport, about 10 kilometers away, with limited flights. The nearest major railway station is Gaya Junction, connected to major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata and Patna. Within Bodh Gaya, most sites are within walking distance, but cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are convenient for longer distances.
When to go
The best time to visit Bodh Gaya is from October to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant and ideal for exploring the temple complex and surrounding monasteries. Major Buddhist festivals, such as Buddha Purnima in April or May, draw large crowds. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall, while summers can be very hot. Winter is also the season when many meditation courses run.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Bodh Gaya?
Hotel Sakura House and Om International Hotel are both 0.3 km from the centre, the shortest distance on this shortlist. Hotel Mahamaya and R.K International follow at 0.4 km, and Galaxy Intercontinental Hotel, Bodhi Residency and New Hotel Shiva at 0.5 km.
Which hotels here have free parking?
Free car parking is listed by many properties, including Bodhi Residency, The Bodhgaya Hotel School, The Imperial Bodhgaya, Dharma Steps Hotel & Banquet, Hotel Sakura House, Sambodhi Retreat, Hotel Buddha International, Nancy Residency, Galaxy Intercontinental Hotel, R.K International and Om International Hotel.
Do any of these hotels have a pool?
Dharma Steps Hotel & Banquet and Sambodhi Retreat both list an outdoor pool, and both also have a kids pool. Most of the other 3-star hotels on this shortlist do not list a pool among their facilities.
Which hotels are best for families?
The Bodhgaya Hotel School, Nancy Residency, The Imperial Bodhgaya and Dharma Steps Hotel & Banquet list family rooms. The Bodhgaya Hotel School and Nancy Residency also offer shuttle service, and The Imperial Bodhgaya adds a fitness centre and restaurant.
Which hotels serve breakfast?
Breakfast is listed at The Bodhgaya Hotel School, The Imperial Bodhgaya, Hotel Sakura House, Sambodhi Retreat, Hotel Buddha International, Nancy Residency, Om International Hotel and Hotel Lumbini International. Some of these also offer breakfast in room.
Which hotel should I pick for the highest guest rating?
Bodhi Residency and The Bodhgaya Hotel School are the top-rated here, both at 4.6 out of 5 from 274 and 216 reviews. They sit 1.1 km and 1.0 km from the centre respectively, and both offer free Wifi and free car parking.
Can I bring my pet to these hotels?
Hotel Buddha International states pets not allowed, so it is not an option for guests travelling with animals. For the other hotels on this shortlist, the listed facilities do not mention pets, so it is worth confirming directly before you book.
Do the hotels offer airport or station transfers?
Several properties list a shuttle service, including The Bodhgaya Hotel School, Hotel Sakura House, Sambodhi Retreat, Nancy Residency, Galaxy Intercontinental Hotel and Om International Hotel. Car rental service is also listed by The Bodhgaya Hotel School, The Imperial Bodhgaya, Hotel Sakura House, Nancy Residency and Om International Hotel.