India is a land of different cultures, religions, traditions and beliefs. It is also the land where several religions originated & flourished and Buddhism is one among them. Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Buddha, it spread from the north-eastern region of the Indian subcontinent to other parts of the world. If you want to explore the culture and history of Buddhism, then the best way to do it is with the IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train. This train has been started with the express purpose of catering to the needs of Buddhist pilgrims and it takes them to all the places associated with Lord Buddha’s life.
What makes this journey aboard the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train different from other train journeys is that it brings together pilgrims from all parts of the world for a unique and satisfying spiritual experience. Whether you want to appreciate Buddhist architecture or celebrate Buddha’s festivals, this tour will give you an opportunity to do it all. The train also houses some amazing facilities to make the journey for every passenger comfortable and relaxing. For instance, there is a foot massager as well as a mini-library for the guests to unwind and refresh their minds. The accommodation is also segregated into 3 different categories so that passengers can choose to travel in whichever way they like. While the AC -first coupe is perfect for two people, AC-2 tier is ideal for a group of four. The first-AC class is priced at USD 165 per night and a journey in the AC-2 tier will cost USD 135 a night.
According to Buddhism, enlightenment, the ultimate goal, is attained through wisdom, morality and meditation. Buddhist monks adhere to a strict code of conduct and follow the four ‘noble truths’ of the religion diligently. As Lord Buddha traveled extensively while giving sermons, undertaking a pilgrimage forms an integral part of the religion. Buddhist followers across the globe like to visit Buddha’s monasteries, stupas, temples and holy rivers interspersed through Southeast Asia. The IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train takes the passengers on an 8 days/ 7 nights spiritual journey that covers places of eminence like Bodh Gaya, Rajgir & Nalanda, Varanasi, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sravasti and Agra among others. All these places form an important part of the history of Buddhism and paying homage to these holy sites is said to bring peace. While Bodh Gaya is famous because it is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, the Deer Park in Sarnath is where he preached his first sermon. Lumbini is Buddha’s birthplace and Kushinagar houses his mortal remains. Every year, Buddhists also celebrate Vesak, a festival that commemorates Buddha’s birthday, enlightenment and death. While these can be celebrated anywhere, the religious fervour found on board the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is hard to find elsewhere. With devotees coming from different corners of the world, this journey is ideal to discuss one’s faith or one’s spiritual journey and easily find other people with similar experiences.
This train would not only offer you the best of “Buddhist culture and history” but also a chance to strengthen your faith and perhaps come closer to enlightenment! To book your tickets, visit https://www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com/.