An exploration of Buddhist pilgrimage places in India

India the birthplace of Buddhism, is also distinguished as one of the most visited countries on the global map for Buddhist Tourism. Every year lakhs of pilgrims come to this land which is filled with many Buddhist pilgrimage places in India. Though Buddhism is not the most prevalent religion in India, there is a sizeable Buddhist population in the country.  The dissemination of Buddhism to other parts of the world originated in India and it is known as a crucial destination to retrace the Buddha’s footsteps. Thus, pilgrimage tourism in India is always booming. 

As the birthplace of Buddhism, India is adorned with ancient monasteries, stupas, and temples, many dating back to the time of the Buddha. Numerous sites that are most important Buddhist Pilgrimage places, attract pilgrims from worldwide, serving as places of devotion and historical significance. 

 

Among the most important Buddhist pilgrimage places, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar are situated in India, while Lumbini, the fourth significant site, is in neighboring Nepal and accessible through specific Buddhist Circuit Tour packages.

 India also boasts other noteworthy Buddhist sites, such as Nalanda, once home to a monastery attracting students globally, Rajgir, a crucial preaching location for Buddha, and Sravasti, considered his monsoon retreat, among others. India emerges as an ideal destination not only for Buddhist pilgrimages but also for delving into the rich history of the religion. The various holy pilgrimage places for Buddhists that are covered by Buddhist circuit train is Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi (Sarnath), Kushinagar, and Lumbini in Nepal. 

Bodhgaya: The place where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.

Nalanda: Known for the ancient Nalanda University, an important center of Buddhist learning.

Rajgir: An essential location for Buddhism, associated with some of Buddha's important teachings.

Varanasi (Sarnath): Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya.

Kushinagar: The site where Buddha is believed to have attained Parinirvana, or final nirvana, after his death. 

Lumbini (Nepal): While not in India, Lumbini is part of the circuit and is the birthplace of Buddha, it is located in Nepal.

These sites are carefully selected to offer travelers a comprehensive and spiritually enriching experience, capturing the milestones in the life of Buddha. The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train run by IRCTC can be of major help in taking tourists to various Buddhist destinations as a part of a single journey. The train has a dedicated itinerary that takes passengers on a spiritual voyage across the many Buddhist sites in India and even to Lumbini in Nepal.