Here’s a curated list of the top 10 hostels and budget-friendly guesthouses in Gaya and Bodh Gaya—complete with pricing, key details, and insider tips to help any visitor book smart and stay comfortably.
1. Hostel Relax Homestay (Gaya)
- Type: Mixed dorms & private family rooms
- Price: ₹385–₹450/night (~ USD 5–6; US $11 on KAYAK)
- Amenities: A/C, shared kitchen, free Wi‑Fi, sun terrace, garden, meditation activities
- Location: ~2.4 mi from Gaya Railway Station; 17-min walk to Vishnupad Temple
- Highlight: Highly rated staff, clean rooms, great value
2. 4-Bed Mixed Deluxe Dorm @ Hostel Relax (Gaya)
- Type: Deluxe dorm
- Price: AED 47/night (₹1,000)
- Amenities: A/C, shared kitchen, free Wi‑Fi, water refill, garden, meditation tips
- Highlight: Ideal for solo travelers and groups, central location
3. HouseTale – A Traveller’s Home (Bodh Gaya)
- Type: Mixed dorm & private rooms
- Price: US $17+/night
- Amenities: Free Wi‑Fi, parking, pet-friendly, social space
- Review: 9.1/10 on KAYAK; top pick for solo female travelers
4. Epic Hostel (Bodh Gaya)
- Type: Mixed dorm
- Price: US $8+ (~₹660+) per night
- Amenities: Dorm beds, social areas, free Wi‑Fi
- Review: 7.5/10 on KAYAK
5. Ansari House (Bodh Gaya)
- Type: Budget family/dorm rooms
- Price:
$15 (₹1,250) per night - Highlight: Cheapest family-friendly option in Bodh Gaya
6. Hotel Viraat Inn (Gaya)
- Type: Boutique guesthouse
- Price: AED 122/night (~₹2,500)
- Amenities: Solo traveler friendly, event-oriented
7. Hotel O Gaya Railway Junction
- Type: Guesthouse with private rooms
- Price: US $17/night (~₹1,400)
- Location: Near Gaya Junction (~1.2 mi), close to major temples
- Amenities: A/C, Wi‑Fi, room service
8. Hotel Shakuntla Palace (Gaya)
- Type: 3★ guesthouse
- Price: US $13 (~₹1,000) per night
- Location: Walkable to Surya Kund & Vishnupad Temple
- Amenities: Private bathrooms, simple comfort
9. SS Hotel (Gaya)
- Type: 3.5★ hotel/guesthouse
- Price: AED 113/night (~₹2,300)
- Amenities: Free Wi‑Fi, parking, restaurant, business services
10. G P Guest House & Banquet Hall (Gaya)
- Type: Budget guesthouse
- Price: AED 77/night (~₹1,600)
- Location: ~1.6 km from Vishnupad Temple; near Thai Monastery & Pind Daan
- Amenities: A/C, Wi‑Fi, terrace, parking
Comparison Table
| # | Hostel Name | Area | Type | Price/Night | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hostel Relax Homestay | Gaya | Mixed dorm/private | ₹385–₹450 (~USD 6) | A/C, kitchen, Wi‑Fi, sunny terrace |
| 2 | 4-Bed Mixed Dorm (Relax) | Gaya | Deluxe dorm | ~₹1,000 (~AED 47) | A/C, kitchen, meditation activities |
| 3 | HouseTale – Traveller’s Home | Bodh Gaya | Mixed dorm/private | US $17+ (~₹1,400) | Wi‑Fi, parking, pet‑friendly |
| 4 | Epic Hostel | Bodh Gaya | Mixed dorm | US $8+ (~₹660) | Dorm beds, social area, Wi‑Fi |
| 5 | Ansari House | Bodh Gaya | Budget family room | $15 (~₹1,250) | Family‑friendly, low cost |
| 6 | Hotel Viraat Inn | Gaya | Guesthouse | ₹2,500+ (~AED 122) | Boutique guesthouse |
| 7 | Hotel O Gaya Railway Jct. | Gaya | Guesthouse | US $17 (~₹1,400) | A/C, Wi‑Fi, room service |
| 8 | Hotel Shakuntla Palace | Gaya | 3★ Guesthouse | US $13 (~₹1,000) | Private baths, basic comfort |
| 9 | SS Hotel | Gaya | 3.5★ Hotel | ₹2,300 (~AED 113) | Business services, restaurant |
| 10 | G P Guest House & Banquet | Gaya | Guesthouse | ₹1,600 (~AED 77) | Terrace, parking, near temples |
Insider Booking Tips
- Book 2–3 months in advance for winter pilgrimage season (Oct–Mar); prices soar and availability drops.
- Hostel Relax Homestay is the most affordable and well-reviewed—great for solo/family stays.
- Bodh Gaya hostels (HouseTale, Epic, Ansari House) offer social vibe, low-cost dorms, good for backpackers.
- Watch the cancellation policy—options vary between free and pre-paid.
- Choose location wisely: Gaya hostels are close to rail station & temples; Bodh Gaya ones are walkable to Mahabodhi Temple.
- Budget for ±10% extra for UPI/credit convenience fees, especially in smaller stays.
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