Being an Indian and a history student, I've always been inclined towards these icons and iconic places.
Siddhartha Gautama as the Buddha was named at the time of birth had a sheltered upbringing within the palace away from all the harsh realities of the world. And one day when he visited the city with his charioteer , it turned out to be traumatic. He was sad after seeing so much sadness and destruction around. Soon after this he left the palace and went out in search of his own truth. Thus , Gautama Buddha meditated for several days under a banyan tree which is famously known as Bodhi tree and had attained enlightenment. Hence, Emperor Asoka visited this site and thus got this temple constructed. Mahabodhi temple is thus one of the few surviving examples of early brick architecture in India.
Thus this place is very peaceful and worthy enough to be visited. When one visits this place , there the ambience is very mesmerising and calm.