Buddhist Tourist Destinations

Buddhism is said to be one of the sacred and 4th largest religions in the world as the followers of Buddhism believe that human life is a form of suffering and one can attain enlightenment by practising meditation, a healthy attitude, spiritual and physical labour. Gautam Buddha who is one of the greatest sages and spiritual teachers introduced the culture and religion of Buddhism to the world. Pilgrims visit the holy sites of Buddhism to offer prayers and achieve blessings in their present life. Every Buddhist pilgrimage destination embraces and enriches the feeling of oneness, peace and compassion in the heart of the travellers.

Buddhism is followed in many countries such as India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and several other countries. Buddhism emerged in India and the reason behind it is 'Mahatma Buddha Shakyamuni'. Visiting the sacred places of Buddhism in India and Nepal which include Vaishali, Rajgir, Kapilavastu, Lumbini, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and other destinations will help devotees and tourists encourage more calm, optimism and understanding of both humanity and mother nature. From magnificent monasteries to breathtaking stupas, every destination has something to offer whether one is a spiritual seeker or an ardent traveller.

Popular Buddhist Tourist Destinations in India

Lumbini

Lumbini is famous worldwide for being the place where Lord Buddha was born. Lumbini in Nepal holds great importance in Buddhism as tourists from all over the world come to visit the Lumbini Gardens. The Ashokan Pillar and the Maya Devi Temple which is named after Buddha's mother mark the significance of Buddha here.

Vaishali

Vaishali, a stunning city located in the state of Bihar is a great Buddhist pilgrimage destination where it is said that Gautam Buddha visited and spent a long time here and is also called the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. Buddhist pilgrims believe that Buddha delivered his last speech and announced his Nirvana here. After Buddha's death, the city held the second Buddhist Council.

Rajgir

Rajgir boasts a rich culture and significant history as it is the ancient city of the Magadha kingdom and stands as a major hub for Buddhist devotees. Magadhan King Bimbisara even offered a forest monastery - Venuvan, to Lord Buddha. The Gridhakuta Hill is said to be Lord Buddha's favourite meditation site. Buddha and Mahavira both taught their followers in Rajgir in the 6th and 5th century BC.

Kapilavastu

The district of Kapilavasta holds a strong historical and cultural importance as it is said to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Kapilavastu is located in the Lumbini district of Nepal where Buddha lived his childhood, had a family with his wife and son Rahul and then later left for Nirvana. Ashoka Pillar is located at the site of Kapilavastu which enhances and signifies the importance of the Buddhist site.

Nalanda

Nalanda stands as a magnificent site for learning about the culture and religious values of Buddhism. Nalanda was built around the 5th century and Lord Buddha lived here for many years. Nalanda University in the city is a great place to visit and witness the architecture of ancient times as it enhances the appeal of the entire town.

Diamond Triangle, Odisha

Diamond Triangle of Odisha comprises three magnificent locations of the Buddhist circuit namely Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, and Lalitgiri which is a great spot for witnessing the ancient relics of history which are related to Lord Buddha. These locations served as significant hubs for Vajrayana Buddhism practice and preaching. Enlightenment via tantric and esoteric practices is the primary objective of Vajrayana.

Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi, a beautiful city of Madhya Pradesh is among the oldest pilgrimage centres devoted to Lord Buddha. The city of Sanchi beholds the glorious stone structure, Sanchi Stupa which is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sanchi consists of a plethora of stupas and monasteries that serve as testaments to the glory of Buddhism in India.

Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is located in Bihar and is said to be one of the best Buddhist places to visit in India because, at this location, Prince Siddharth attained enlightenment sitting under the Bodhi Tree and became Gautam Buddha. People from all over the world come to this holy place to offer prayers and seek blessings from Buddha.

Sarnath

The popular and magnificent locations during the Buddhist pilgrimage include Sarnath which is located in Uttar Pradesh where Lord Buddha gave his first Sermon. Sarnath is the sacred site where the Great Buddha placed the Maha-Dharma-Chakra Pravartan or the "Wheel of Dharma". Sarnath consists of stunning stupas such as the Dhamek Stupa and other ancient relics.

Kausahmabi

Kaumshambi is a district in Uttar Pradesh which has gained popularity worldwide because of its old monuments, ancient relics and fascinating history of Lord Buddha. At this place, Lord Buddha lived and preached in the 6th and 9th year of his enlightenment. Kaushambi also became a major trade centre during the Buddhist period.

Kushinagar

Kushinagar is a religious pilgrimage centre for Buddhist pilgrims because this is where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana, delivered his last sermon and was cremated. The Rambhar Stupa and Mahaparinirvana Temple is located in Kushinagar which is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The temple houses the reclining statue of Buddha that represents his last moments.

Shravasti

One of the stunning towns of Uttar Pradesh, Shravasti is widely known among Buddhists because Lord Buddha gave most of his speeches here. The city is a major destination for Buddhist devotees and tourists as it contains several old relics of Gautam Buddha. People can find different monasteries such as Gautam Buddha's hut at Jetavana Monastery is also a great place to explore during a Buddhist Pilgrimage tour.

Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh is one of the important Buddhist sites of India where travellers from all over the world come to explore the monasteries and religious centres of Lord Buddha. The majority of people in Ladakh are Buddhists, and the Mahayana and Vajrayana schools of Tibetan Buddhism have had a significant effect on the region.