Thai Monastery (Wat Thai)

The first national temple

Wat Thai Buddhagaya was built in the 1950s, after India invited Buddhist countries to build here. Thailand was the first. It started the tradition of national monasteries that now ring the Mahabodhi Temple, and it still looks the most striking of them.

What you see

The main hall has a steep, layered roof in gold and deep red, with curling finials at the corners, in classic Thai style. Inside is a large bronze Buddha brought from Thailand, and the walls are painted. The lawns and ponds around the hall are well kept. Monks live and study here, and meditation sessions are held for visitors, with longer silent retreats in winter.

Visiting

The monastery is usually open from early morning until early evening, and entry is free. Shoes come off before you enter the hall. Dress modestly and keep quiet inside, as people come here to pray.

It is a few minutes' walk from the Mahabodhi Temple and close to the Great Buddha Statue, so it fits well into a walking loop.

Along the monastery road

From here you can walk on to the Royal Bhutan Monastery, the Japanese temple and several Tibetan monasteries. Each is built in its own country's style, and together they make one of the most unusual streets in India.

For photos

The roof is the reason to come. It is best from the lawn in front, where you can fit the whole hall into one frame. Late afternoon sun makes the gold shine. Photos are usually fine outside; ask before photographing inside the hall.