India is the birthplace of Buddhism, one of the world’s major religions. Buddhism was founded by Gautam Buddha, also known as Siddharth Gautama and Lord Buddha. He attained enlightenment, delivered his first teaching, spent several years, and entered Mahaparinirvana in this country. Therefore, there are many Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.
These sites are where millions of pilgrims come to learn about the Lord Buddha. From the sacred Bodh Gaya to Dharamshala’s peaceful hills, each of these Buddhist tourist places in India offers a unique combination of history, devotion, architecture, and living culture.
Whether you are a history lover, a Buddhist, or a visitor looking for meaningful travel experiences, this blog post is a good read. It briefly explains the Buddhist pilgrimage places in India with useful information such as key attractions, the best time to visit, and how to reach there. So, read this blog post till the end.
Top 10 Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India
There are numerous Buddhist places in India. Here, learn about the 10 most significant places of worship for Buddhism:
1. Bodh Gaya (Bihar)
Located in Bihar, Bodh Gaya is the most sacred pilgrimage place for Buddhists. This globally recognised spot is where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath a tree, the Mahabodhi Tree. After the enlightenment, he became Gautam Buddha around the 6th century BCE, approximately 2,500 years ago.
- Best Time to Visit Bodh Gaya: October to March.
- Key Attractions in Bodh Gaya: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, the Great Buddha Statue, Thai Monastery, Sujata Kutti, Tibetan Monastery, Dungeshwari Hill (Prag Bodhi), and Muchalinda Lake.
- How to Reach Bodh Gaya: Take a direct or connecting flight to Gaya International Airport (GAY). The airport is around 10 km from Bodh Gaya. For a rail journey, board a direct/connecting train to Gaya Junction. Bodh Gaya is well connected by road to neighbouring towns/cities and states.
For a better experience on your trip to Bodh Gaya, either choose one of the best Bodh Gaya tour packages or ask a reliable tour operator to curate an exclusive package just for you, tailored to your travel style and comfort.
2. Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh)
Sarnath is just 10 km northeast of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It is the place where Mahatma Buddha delivered his first teaching to his five disciples after attaining enlightenment. Here, Lord Buddha set the Wheel of Dharma, known as Dhammacakkappavattana. So, Sarnath is one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.
- Best Time to Visit Sarnath: October to March.
- Key Attractions in Sarnath: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath Archaeological Museum, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Thai Temple, Deer Park, and Japanese Temple.
- How to Reach Sarnath: Fly to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Babatpur in Varanasi. The airport has regular flights to major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. For a rail journey, board a train to Varanasi Junction or Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (previously known as Mughal Sarai Junction). If you land in Delhi, book a car rental from Delhi for a smooth and comfortable journey to Sarnath.
3. Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh)
Kushinagar, nestled in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most visited Buddhist tourist places in India. It is the place where Mahatma Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana after completing his earthly life in 483 BCE. This place is one of the four Buddhist pilgrimage destinations mentioned by the Buddha.
- Best Time to Visit Kushinagar: October to March.
- Key Attractions in Kushinagar: Parinirvana Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, Matha Kuar Shrine, Kushinagar Museum (Buddhist Museum), and Wat Thai Temple.
- How to Reach Kushinagar: Either fly to Gorakhpur Airport or board a train to Gorakhpur Junction. The airport or railway station is just 50 km from Kushinagar. This airport/railway station has regular daily flights/trains to major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. From neighbouring places and states, you can use buses, taxi services, or personal vehicles to reach Kushinagar.
For a better and smoother trip to Kushinagar, either choose one of the best Uttar Pradesh tour packages or request a trusted tour operator to curate a new tour package based on your travel preferences.
4. Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh)
Known as the City of Miracles and the Path to Awakening, Shravasti is one of the leading Buddhist pilgrimage places in India. It is the place where Lord Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats and delivered more than 870 discourses. Shravasti is located in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
- Best Time to Visit Shravasti: October to March.
- Key Attractions in Shravasti: Jetavana Monastery, Ananda Bodhi Tree, Ancient Sobhnath Temple, Angulimala Stupa, and Anathapindika Stupa (Kachchi Kuti).
- How to Reach Shravasti: Take a direct/connecting flight to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, which is about 190 km from Shravasti. For a rail journey, board a connecting train to Balrampur Railway Station, 17 km from Shravasti. The nearest major rail hub is Gonda Junction, about 50 km away.
5. Nalanda (Bihar)
Nalanda, famous for the World’s First Residential University, holds a significant place among Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. Located in Bihar, it flourished from the 5th to the 13th centuries and was a primary ancient centre for Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist studies. The globally recognised Nalanda University was established during the Gupta period and attracted scholars and students from China, Korea, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.
- Best Time to Visit Nalanda: October to March.
- Key Attractions in Nalanda: Ruins of Nalanda University (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, Nalanda Archaeological Museum, Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, and Black Buddha Temple.
- How to Reach Nalanda: Take a direct/connecting flight to Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (PAT) in Patna, 90 km from Nalanda. Board a direct/connecting train to either Rajgir Railway Station or Gaya Junction. These railway stations are about 10 and 95 km from Nalanda.
6. Rajgir (Bihar)
Located in Bihar, Rajgir played a central role in the life and teachings of Mahatma Buddha. It is the place where Lord Buddha spent several years, inspired many followers, and delivered many sermons. After his Mahaparinirvana, the First Buddhist Council was also held here. So, it is a holy place of worship for Buddhism.
- Best Time to Visit Rajgir: October to March.
- Key Attractions in Rajgir: Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Gridhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), Rajgir Glass Bridge, Hot Springs (Brahmakund), Venuvana Monastery, Son Bhandar Caves, Bimbisara Jail, and Cyclopean Wall.
- How to Reach Rajgir: Either fly to Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport in Patna or Gaya Airport. These airports are about 102 km and 70 km away from Rajgir. For a rail journey, board a train to Patna Junction or Gaya Junction. After that, take a train to Rajgir Railway Station. Rajgir has good road connectivity to nearby places like Patna and Gaya.
7. Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh)
Unlike several Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India directly connected to the life of Mahatma Buddha, Sanchi symbolises Buddhism’s spread and artistic development in the country. This place underwent significant development under Emperor Ashoka, who commissioned the construction of famous monuments and stupas in the 3rd century BCE.
- Best Time to Visit Sanchi: October to March.
- Key Attractions in Sanchi: The Great Stupa (Stupa 1), Ashoka Pillar, Stupa 2 & 3, Sanchi Archaeological Museum, the Great Bowl, and Udayagiri Caves.
- How to Reach Sanchi: Fly to Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO) in Bhopal, which is well connected to major air hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. This airport is about 50 km from Sanchi. Board a direct or connecting train to Bhopal Junction, which is about 46 km from Sanchi. From neighbouring places like Bhopal, Sagar, and Indore, you can use NH 86 to reach Sanchi.
8. Vaishali (Bihar)
Located in Bihar, Vaishali holds a special place among Buddhist sites in India. It is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his final sermon and revealed his approaching Mahaparinirvana. In addition, it hosted the 2nd Buddhist Council around a century after Buddha’s death.
- Best Time to Visit Vaishali: October to March.
- Key Attractions in Vaishali: Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda), Buddha’s Relic Stupa I & II, The Ashoka Pillar, Abhishek Pushkarini (Coronation Tank), Raja Vishal Ka Garh, and Vaishali Archaeological Museum.
- How to Reach Vaishali: Take a direct or connecting flight to Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport in Patna, which is about 55 km from Vaishali. For a rail journey, board a direct/connecting train to Hajipur Junction, about 35 km from Vaishali. It has good road connectivity to nearby places and is easily accessible by public/private buses or taxis.
9. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Varanasi is primarily known as the holiest city for Hinduism. However, it holds a good position among Buddhist tourist places in India due to its proximity to Sarnath. After attaining enlightenment, Mahatma Buddha spent many years in Sarnath and interacted with early disciples.
- Best Time to Visit Varanasi: October to February.
- Key Attractions in Varanasi: The Ghats of the Ganges (Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Manikarna Ghats), Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir.
- How to Reach Varanasi: Fly directly or indirectly to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. Use public transport or a private taxi to cover a 25-km distance between Varanasi Airport and Sarnath. For a rail journey, board a direct/connecting train to either Varanasi Junction (Cantt) or Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction, formerly known as Mughalsarai Junction.
10. Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh)
Dharamshala is one of the renowned Buddhist pilgrimage places in India, especially for Tibetan Buddhism. It is better known as the permanent residence-in-exile of the 14th Dalai Lama. Apart from Buddhism, Dharamshala is a global epicentre for Tibetan culture.
- Best Time to Visit Dharamshala: March to June for pleasant weather and December to February for snowfalls.
- Key Attractions in Dharamshala: Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Gyuto Monastery, and Bhagsu Waterfall.
- How to Reach Dharamshala: Fly to Kangra Airport, which is well connected to major air hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Kangra Airport is just 12 km from Dharamshala. For a rail journey, board a direct or connecting train to Pathankot Railway Station.
Best Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit in India
Buddhist pilgrims often combine many places into a single pilgrimage. The best traditional Buddhist pilgrimage circuit includes places like Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Sravasti, Sarnath, and Varanasi.
If you are interested in exploring Tibetan Buddhism, you can extend your journey to Dharamshala. To explore the birthplace of Mahatma Buddha, you can include Lumbini in your tour itinerary.
Essential Travel Tips for Buddhist Pilgrims
As a Buddhist follower or good traveller, you should follow what other Buddhists do at Buddhist pilgrimage places in India and Nepal. Here are some crucial steps to follow:
- Dress Respectfully: Wear modest clothing when visiting temples and monasteries. Covering shoulders and knees is advisable.
- Remove Footwear: Take off your shoes before entering sacred areas. Comfortable slip-on footwear can make your journey easier.
- Maintain Silence: Several pilgrims visit these sites to meditate and pray. So you should respect local customs and maintain silence.
- Plan Around Festivals: Key Buddhist festivals, such as Buddha Purnima, attract large crowds and offer extraordinary cultural experiences.
Visit Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India with Cholan Tours
Cholan Tours offers customized Buddhist pilgrimage tours and India tour packages designed around your travel preferences. We can help you visit all important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India with our well-curated Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit Tour. For a more personalised and better experience, we can curate a new tour package tailored to your travel style and preferences. Call, email, or chat with us to disclose your travel needs.
FAQs
Q1. Which is the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage site in India?
Bodh Gaya is the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage site in India. It is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under a tree, the Bodhi Tree.
Q2. What are the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India?
The four primary Buddhist pilgrimage sites are Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. The first three sites are in India, while the last one is in Nepal.
Q3. How many days do I need to visit all these Buddhist pilgrimage places in India?
In 10 to 15 days, you can explore major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.
Q4. When should I visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India?
For a smoother, more enjoyable experience, you should visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India between October and March.
