Buddhist Tours in India Places That You Must Visit

India is holy place where the Lord Buddha conveyed the principle of Buddhism first time. It was India where the seeds of Buddhism were sown earliest. There are about 16 important Buddhism pilgrimages renowned in the country and four of them have special religious significance. If you want to explore the origin of Buddhism, Buddha’s life and his teachings, then India would be the perfect place for you. Some important places that you should visit are following.

Lumbini

Lumbini was the birth place of Lord Buddha. The place is currently located in the Kingdom of Nepal at India-Nepal border. Many sacred monasteries and temples are dotted in Lumbini. With religious importance, these places are also known for their architectural beauty.

Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is an important pilgrimage in the state of Bihar where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the most sacred temple in Bodh Gaya. It was built by the Ashoka the Great in 250 BCE at the exact place where Buddha meditated and got enlightenment. The temple complex is also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sarnath

Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh from 13 km north-east of Varanasi, Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha taught doctrine of Buddhism first time. It is one of the four must visit Buddhism pilgrimages including Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar. Large numbers of devotees visit this place every year. Sacred monasteries and temples are the major attractions of the place.

Kushinagar

Buddha attained Parinirvana at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh after death. The ancient excavated Buddha-image inside the Parinirvana Temple in Kushinagar is the major attraction of the place. It is one of the most frequently visited Buddhist pilgrimage in the country. Mahaparinirvana Stupa and the place of his cremation are the two important places to visit here.

Rajgir

Rajgir in Bihar is an important pilgrimage in Bihar. The town is also gifted with amazing beauty of nature. It is surrounded by the beautiful mountains and lush greenery. It is one of the major places of Buddha’s teachings. Numbers of sacred temples and monasteries are dotted in surroundings.

Nalanda

Nalanda is the oldest university in the world. It is located near Rajgir in Bihar. It was the Buddhist center of learning in 5th century to 12th century. It also has a museum that managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The museum has wonderful collection of manuscripts, ancient paintings and other stuffs related to Buddhism culture and religion.

These are the some most interesting places to visit on Buddhist tours in India. It will be a perfect religious trip for you. Centuries old heritage will surely give you a unique experience for lifetime.

Manish Ajad is an expert writer primarily focusing on travel and tourism related topics. Currently he is rendering his services to indenomade.com. He has written many articles for Buddhist tours.