Reasons Why Buddhists From All Countries Travel To India

Buddhism is not the biggest religion in India, but it is a significant one considering the sizable population of Buddhists in the country. And the country also holds a special place in the religion with Buddhists performing pilgrimage from all over the globe. Their reasons for taking Buddhist trips to India can be summed up as follows:

 

Country Where Buddhism Was Born

India holds a special place in the minds of Buddhists as the birthplace of Buddhism. It was in Bodhgaya, Bihar, that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment after spending many years searching for it fruitlessly. And it is in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, where he started teaching the Dhamma. 

And it was from this country that the religion spread to other parts of the world over the years. So it’s no wonder that India is an important stop for Buddhists worldwide seeking to soak in the country’s spiritual vibes and retrace the footsteps of the Buddha.

 

Home To Important Buddhist Sites

As the birthplace of Buddhism, India is dotted with monasteries, stupas, and temples, many of them dating back to the days of the Buddha himself. Many of these sites receive pilgrims from all over the world offering devotion to the Buddha while many hold historic significance as well.

 

Three of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage places: Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar are in India, while the fourth Lumbini is located in the neighbouring country of Nepal and is accessible through select Buddhist Circuit Tour packages.

 

Other significant sites essential to Buddhism located in India include Nalanda (which once had a monastery where students from all over the world would come to learn), Rajgir (one of the Buddha’s most important preaching locations) and Sravasti (considered his monsoon retreat) among others.

 

With so many significant locations associated with Buddhism, India is an ideal location not only for Buddhist pilgrimage but also to learn more about the religion’s history.

 

Dedicated Buddhist Tour Packages

With so many places associated with Buddhism dotted throughout India, there are also many tour packages run by the government and private entities. One such program that can help a Buddhist travel to destinations directly associated with the Buddha is the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train (BCTT).

 

BCTT is an IRCTC-operated train that takes travellers to some of the most significant locations associated with the life of the Buddha in India and even Lumbini in Nepal. It offers many amenities like air conditioning, a restaurant and a sitting area.

 

If you plan on travelling to explore India’s Buddhist monasteries and stupas for religious or exploratory purposes, be sure to research reliable packages and travel requirements when making plans.