Buddhist Pilgrimage Destinations in India

India has many more Buddhist Pilgrimage Destinations and Buddhist Tour Destinations for you to visit and explore. Even a modern city like Delhi can prove to be a fine Buddhist pilgrimage destination, as the city is houses the famous World Buddhist Centre which has made up to the list of the most famous Buddhist temples. Places like Nalanda and Rajgir in the state of Bihar hold a lot of religious significance for both Buddhist followers and non-Buddhists. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is also visited by a number of Buddhist and non-Buddhist travellers because Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, lies at a distance of just 11 km from here. India really gives you a number of opportunities where you can visit and explore Buddhist centres and study the teachings of Buddha.

» Delhi
There is a World Buddhist Centre which is a meditation retreat for the followers of Buddhism in Delhi. It was established in 1996 and has now joined the list of most famous Buddhist Temples. It is situated in the busy South Delhi locality and was founded to propagate peace and learning. Meditation is widely practiced in the place and people from all walks of life are welcomed to learn the art of meditation. The centre is managed by the Japanese and Indian monks and they have given the centre some characteristic traits. These are Soothing Environment, Meditation Room, Conference/ Lecture Room and Japanese style dining room



» Nalanda
Nalanda is famous for its ruins of the renowned ancient Nalanda University. The place has a very ancient history and Lord Mahavir and Lord Buddha used to visit the place frequently in the 6th century BC. One of the chief disciples of Lord Buddha, Sariputra, was born here in Nalanda. It falls on your way to Rajgir and is well connected to other major cities as well. The other places in Nalanda where you should pay a visit are the Nalanda Archaeological Museum and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara. The last one mentioned is known for the study and research in Pali literature and Buddhism.


» Rajgir
The place is situated in the rocky hills and was witness to the teachings of Lord Buddha as well as Lord Mahavira. Lord Buddha often used to meditate and preach on the Griddhakut hill. It was here that Lord Buddha converted King Bimbisara as well as countless others. Though it was a great city in its heydays, the place is just like a village today though the remnants of its glorious past still remain. Rajgir is also known for its rope way which links it to the Peace Pagoda which is situated on a hill top. Rajgir has innumerable attractions for the tourists which include Jarasandh ka Akhara, the place where Bhima and Jarasandh fought in one part of the great epic Mahabharata and Jivakameavan Gardens, Cyclopean Wall, Venu Vana etc.


» Varanasi
Though Varanasi is a famous city for the Hindu pilgrims, yet it is also known for its proximity to Sarnath which is about 10 km away from the city. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon here in Deer Park so in a way it can be said that Buddhism religion made its first appearance in Sarnath. Later the 60 disciples of Lord Buddha, went across the world to carry on with their missionary work. After this epoch making event, Sarnath remained the cultural and educational centre of Buddhist learning till 12th century. The situation changed in 11th to 17th century when the place gave way to the incessant Muslim raids and was obscured by the events that took place then.


» Kathmandu
There is a Buddhist Meditation Retreat held at Kopan which is situated at a hill that overlooks the city of Kathmandu.





» Sankisa
The place is associated to many myths related to Lord Buddha. It is said that Lord Buddha descended from heaven at this place. Located in the Farukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, it is about 40 km away from Kannauj.