In today’s fast-paced world, all of us are in search of the same thing, peace of mind. Whether you want to take a break from the mundane routine or want to embark on a journey towards self-exploration, one of the best ways to attain some peace is a change of place. But the question arises, where to next? If you have been struggling to find a place that is filled with tranquility and a lot of positive energy, then we have an entire journey filled with such places. Introduced by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train takes travelers on a soothing journey across renowned Buddhist destinations across India and Nepal. One of the places covered by this train is Bodhgaya.
Bodh Gaya is one of the holiest places in the world for those looking for a Buddhist pilgrimage. It is a quiet village situated in southwestern Bihar. The Buddha temple Bodhgaya is located under the sacred tree (Pipal or Bodhi tree) where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became Lord Buddha. Emperor Ashoka built a Shrine to mark the spot that is now known as the Mahabodhi Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been venerated by Buddhists for several centuries. The temple complex is quite large and it consists of several interesting features within it. The nearest railway is just 16 km away. Bodh Gaya is also well connected via road with Gaya and several other parts of the city. All attractions point in Bodhgaya that one can visit is Durgeshwari Caves, Vajrasana, Muchalinda Sarovar, Sujata Garh, Barabar Cave, Indosan Nippon Japanese temple, Mahabodhi Temple complex, Ratanaghara, The Bodhi Tree, Thai Monastery, The Great Buddha Statue, Meditation Park and Pragbodhi. But if you are travelling to Bodhgaya for the first time, then it is best to do it on The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train. As soon as the train takes off from New Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway station, it makes its way to Gaya. On day 2 of the journey, the train arrives in Gaya and the journey moves towards Bodhgaya by coach. After hotel check-in and relaxation, sightseeing at this religious destination begins. Some of the important tourist attractions that are part of the itinerary include Mahabodhi Temple, the Niranjana River, the Thai Temple, the Japanese Temple, and Buddha Statue. Taking Buddhist pilgrimage tourism to new heights, this train has set a mark for itself because of its unique features which include:
- World-class amenities
- Elegant train design
- 2 multi-cuisine restaurants
- A separate seating area
- Mini-library
- State-of-the-art kitchen
- Foot massager
- Safety and Security System on the train
Bookings are now open for February and March 2023 and season 2023-24. Get your hands on the tickets and also avail an exciting promo offer exclusively for Indian Nationals. To know more about the Buddha temple in Bodhgaya, the Buddhist pilgrimage, or to book your Buddha stupa Sarnath tour, visit the official website on www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com.