India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, and Buddhism has been an integral part of its history. The ancient city of Sarnath, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most significant places for Buddhist pilgrims. It is believed that Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment, which marked the beginning of Buddhism. The Sarnath Buddha Temple is a revered place for Buddhists, and visiting it is a dream come true for many. With IRCTC’s Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, one can embark on a pilgrimage to Sarnath and other significant Buddhist destinations in India.
IRCTC’s Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is a special train designed to take passengers on a journey to some of the most important Buddhist destinations in India. The tour covers destinations like Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, Sravasti, Agra, and Kushinagar. The train is equipped with all the modern amenities to ensure a comfortable journey for passengers. The train has air-conditioned coaches, comfortable berths, a restaurant, and a pantry car to provide delicious meals on board.
The journey on the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train starts from New Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station and the first destination is Bodhgaya, the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodhgaya is one of the most significant destinations for Buddhists, and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the main attraction. The temple complex houses the famous Mahabodhi Tree, under which Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. The temple is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
Sarnath
Located approximately 10 km North East of Varanasi, Sarnath is the holy place where Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. One of the four most important Buddhist pilgrim sites, Sarnath with its calm atmosphere and air of divinity will fill you with a sense of peace and contentment. Apart from the famous Deer Park in Sarnath, there are other places of interest as well that are visited by tourists. It houses one of the most celebrated pillars in the country, the Ashokan Pillar, the national emblem of India, featuring four lions and a dharma chakra. It is believed that during the 4th century, A.D. Sarnath was an active center of art and Buddhist sculpture. Now, the Government of India is in the process of getting it permanently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to develop the area as a world-class tourist destination. While on their tour aboard The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, devotees will also get a chance to discover the spirituality of Varanasi. Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, and it is believed that Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, which is just a few kilometers away from Varanasi.
With the introduction of IRCTC’s Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, retracing Buddha’s footsteps has not only become easy but also enjoyable for devotees. Embarking on a pilgrimage to Sarnath Buddha Temple or Rajgir Buddhist tourist places with IRCTC’s Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ready to book your Buddhist tour across India and Nepal? Visit the official website at www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com.