Discover the most revered sites of Buddhism from the comfort of your seat. The IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Train is a gateway for Buddhist Followers to explore India’s unique heritage and culture.
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Our tours offer a unique chance to explore different Buddhist cultures and their various customs in one journey! Immerse yourself in the many religious sites, temples, cuisines, and more - all on one tour!
We pride ourselves in providing guests with seamless services and hospitality. Our guests are taken care of by our trained staff who strives to ensure a comfortable journey throughout your tour.
We understand that your journey needs to be comfortable, no matter how long it is. That’s why we strive to provide our guests with the best-in-class care and comfort. We guarantee that you will enjoy your experience on board the IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train.
For centuries, Buddhism has been one of the world’s most influential religions. Its followers have traveled far to explore its ancient structures and sacred sites.
Buddhist heritage trails provide a unique opportunity for Buddhist followers to experience pilgrimage and explore some of the most beautiful and historically significant Buddhist structures in existence. From ancient monasteries to shrines, these trails take you through a journey of religion, culture, and history that is truly remarkable.
The Buddhist Heritage Trails are not only popular among visitors but also among practitioners who seek knowledge and wisdom from this ancient religion. Join us as we explore these trails more closely and learn more about their rich history!
Buddhist Pilgrimage
Buddhists have a strong tradition of pilgrimage, where they visit some of the most important religious sites to deepen their spiritual practice. On these pilgrimages, they traverse Buddhist heritage trails that span across continents - taking them through centuries-old monuments and breathtaking views. From beautiful Buddhist Monasteries to majestic temples and ancient statues - these structures are a testament to the faith and devotion of Buddhism's followers.
1) Bodhgaya
The quaint town of Bodhgaya in Bihar echoes with a serene atmosphere accentuated by intense devotion. Dotted with temples and monasteries, this 2,500-year-old birthplace of Buddhism welcomes visitors from all over the world to soak in its spiritual vibes, retrace Lord Buddha's footsteps, and comprehend his philosophies at the site where he attained nirvana (enlightenment). Throughout the year, devotees ebb and flow through the city, but it remains frozen in time as monks in saffron and maroon robes walk around the monuments and temples, their chants and prayers enveloping the surroundings in a cocoon of peace.
2) Rajgir
Rajgir, a beautiful city located in the Nalanda District of the state of Bihar, attracts tourists worldwide. The location is surrounded by rocky hillocks and is located in a valley. Furthermore, the tranquil atmosphere of this location will refresh your mind and soul. It is the location where Gautam Buddha is said to have given many sermons, and Lord Mahavir once lived here. Visitors can also see Buddhist monks meditating at Vultures Peak. This is where Buddha's knowledge was written, and it is also where the first Buddhist Council was held.
3) Nalanda
Nalanda, the most popular Mahavihara of ancient times, a significant Buddhist seat of academic excellence, and a modest pilgrim center wrapped in a wisp of spirituality, remains an equally enriching location in the present. It has a vibrant spirituality, history, culture, architecture, and tourism.
This city is home to one of the world's oldest and most prestigious residential universities, which is also an architectural marvel. Despite being in ruins, the entire complex presents a beautiful picture and is visited by tourists daily. To the east are "viharas," or monasteries, and to the west are "chaiyas," or temples. In addition, the complex contains a charming little museum with a collection of original Buddhist stupas, Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, coins, terracotta jars, a sample of burnt rice, and so on.
4) Varanasi
Varanasi is the colorful and fascinating India of your dreams, with ancient domes, mats, ashrams, priests, and narrow lanes lined with shops selling Banarasi sarees. Exploring the religious geography of this city will be exhilarating, with intimate rituals of life and death being performed in parallel on the Ghats. Buddhists in the area can reap the benefits of a lifetime of asceticism, as Lord Buddha walked 200 kilometers before arriving at the Ganga Ghats and attaining nirvana.
5) Sarnath
Sarnath is one of the world's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is significant because it is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon and established the "Wheel of Dharma" (Maha - Dharma - Chakra Pravartan). Here, the Lord Buddha preached about Buddhism's doctrine, as well as the four noble truths and eightfold paths, in his first sermon. There are numerous attractions in Sarnath that one should visit for a fulfilling and pleasurable experience.
6) Kushinagar
Kushinagar is the location of Lord Buddha's enlightenment. It is well-known for its numerous monasteries and Buddhist structures, many of which are now considered relics. Every year, devotees from all over the world flock to this location to explore what the city has to offer its visitors. The Mahaparinirvana Stupa, located above the location where Gautam Buddha is finally resting, is a popular tourist attraction in this lovely town.
7) Lumbini
Lumbini marks the exact location of Buddha's birth, and the site has understandably become one of the world's most important holy sites.
Lumbini is an extremely spiritual place for visitors, and the tranquillity of the site is felt most strongly in the Sacred Garden that surrounds the central Mayadevi Temple. A large water feature reflects the garden's trees and is said to be the same pond where Prince Siddhartha received his purification bath. Prayer flags dangle from the branches and sway gently in the breeze as worshippers sit in deep meditation below.
8) Shravasti
Legend says that Gautam Buddha spent 24 chaturmasya in Shravasti. It was also one of India's largest cities at the time. It was a prosperous trading and religious center for both Jains and Buddhists, and it is a popular destination for Buddhist followers in India.
Its most important religious site in the Jetavana Monastery, which was built in a garden outside the city walls and given to the Buddha by a wealthy banker named Anathapindaka. The Rajakarama and Purvarama were two other important Buddhist monasteries.
Disclaimer: All information provided on this website is in good faith. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we suggest everyone refer to the official website www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com for updated packages and offers.
Buddhist Religion is the fourth largest religion in the world.
Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh is the largest monastery in India.
Jetvana Monastery, Pakki Kutti, and Sahet Mahet are some of the famous places to visit in Shravasti.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi tree, Niranjana River, Thai Monastery, and Sujata Kutii are some of the famous places to visit in Bodhgaya.
Bimbisara Jail, Gridhakuta Hills, and Venuvana Monastery are some of the famous places to visit in Rajgir.
Parinirvan Stupa & Temple, Rambhar Stupa, and Matha Kuar Shrine are some of the famous places to visit in Khushinagar.