Explore Buddhist Circuit with IRCTC’s Buddhist Tourist Train - Mahaparinirvan Express

The Mahaparinirvan Express or Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is a Buddhist Pilgrim Train that travels through India and Nepal’s major Buddhist destinations. The train takes you on an 8-day journey to the foremost Buddhist sites, such as Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini, Kushinagar, and Sravasti. Its facilities and brilliantly planned itinerary have won the hearts of both Buddhist pilgrims and tourists since its inception in 2007.

About the Train,

The Mahaparinirvan Express provides its passengers with a high level of luxury and comfort. It is made up of 12 state-of-the-art LHB coaches with 4 first AC coaches, 2 second AC coaches, 1 kitchen car, 2 dining cars, 1 staff car, and 2 power cars. The first AC coaches have been fitted with in-room amenities like individual lockers, fixed ladders, exhaust systems, refrigerators, bathrooms with showers and geysers, a mini library, a kitchen, and a restaurant to enjoy good food on board.

Accommodation

Traveling on the Mahaparinirvan Express is an experience in itself, especially in terms of accommodations. The train has three types of accommodations: AC First Class, First Class Coupe, and AC 2 Tier sleeper class.

First AC is an air-conditioned coach with Deluxe cabins with 2/4 berths. The AC 2 Tier is made up of air-conditioned coaches with berths in two tiers separated by curtains.

Facilities

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) strives to provide world-class care and comfort to all of our passengers aboard the Buddhist Circuit train. We aspire to redefine "tourism" by affordably delighting our passengers on every journey through India's breathtakingly diverse beauty.

The onboard lavatories have shower cubicles with hot and cold running water. In addition, the Western-style toilets are spacious and comfortable. You can enjoy delectable cuisines in 2 fine dining restaurants aboard.

Furthermore, the travelers are guaranteed complete security and service throughout the journey. There are security guards and CCTV surveillance at all times. There is also a mini library for those who want to read and a foot massager for relaxing after a long tiring day.

Destinations

BODHGAYA: One of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. This is the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became Buddha beneath a Bodhi Tree

RAJGIR is a historic city. It is known for its holy sites and is surrounded by hills. Gautama Buddha spent several months meditating and preaching at Gridha Kuta hills (also known as Vulture’s Peak). He also gave some of his most famous sermons and converted King Bimbisara of Magadha and many others to Buddhism. The Saptparni cave, located on one of the hills, was the site of the First Buddhist Council.

NALANDA: Countless myths have been associated with the realization of the name Nalanda. The most well-known are Nalam, which means lotus, and da, which means Giver. Historians believe it was one of the world's first residential universities, as well as the greatest center of learning in the ancient world and a renowned Buddhist Monastic University or Mahavihara. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous compounds, dormitories, temples, meditation halls, a library, and other educational infrastructure.

SARNATH: Located near the ancient Hindu pilgrim town of Varanasi and the Holy Ganges River, Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma. It is the location of the Buddha's Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, in which he taught the four noble truths and related teachings.

LUMBINI: Located in Nepal near the Indian border, Lumbini is the site where, according to Buddhist tradition, Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. Lumbini is home to several temples, including the Maya Devi Temple, the place where Buddha was born. 

KUSHINAGAR: It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddhists believe Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana after his death. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit this site.

SRAVASTI: Known as one of India's six largest cities in the fifth century BC, it is closely associated with the life of Gautama Buddha, who is said to have spent 24 chaturmasya in the city.  The ancient stupas, magnificent viharas, and numerous temples  establish Buddha's association with Sravasti.

AGRA: As the cherry on the cake, the Buddhist circuit train takes guests to the Taj Mahal, an Indian Wonder of the World that has maintained its prominence over the centuries. The serene peace that pervades this love monument calms even the most agitated travelers and soothes everyone, body, and soul.

Bless awaits you in Lord Buddha’s Abode, book your journey today at www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com

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