The communal living is swamped in hyperactive schedules but taking out time to attain peace is now obtainable. Buddhism clenches great significance in the world since it foregrounds the values of compassion, mindfulness, and the quest of inner peace. Its teachings have had an overpowering impact on a large number of people. By bestowing tourists and pilgrims the opportunity to witness significant Buddhist sacred sites throughout India and Nepal, the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, operated by IRCTC, serves as a palpable manifestation of this significance. The Buddhist Circuit Tour encourages cultural awakening and heritage preservation along with providing firsthand experience into the life and teachings of the Buddha.
The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is a splendid peregrination of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal, retracing the footsteps of Lord Buddha.
This eight-day journey takes off from the Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi, and introduces the pilgrims to the various facets of Buddha’s life and teachings. Get a glimpse of the sacred sites with the phenomenal IRCTC tour package and delve into the recalibrating journey through Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Varanasi, Kushinagar, and more.
The first destination is Bodh Gaya. It is a place where Prince Siddhartha achieved enlightenment and became Buddha. Arriving in Bodh Gaya, pilgrims experience the serene ambiance of the Maha Bodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Along the serene banks of the Falguni River reclines the Royal Bhutan Monastery which is a perfect place for meditation and introspection.
The train then arrives in Rajgir. It is an ancient city with spiritual and archival significance. During the Buddha’s course of life, Rajgir was a conventional location with several attractions, including Gridhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), where the Buddha conferred several momentary lectures.
The trip perseveres in the afternoon to Nalanda. It is the formerly thriving centre of Buddhist research. The remnants of Nalanda serve as a prompt of the area’s long-standing scholarly and spiritual connections.
Varanasi, known as one of the oldest cities still in existence, greets pilgrims with a wealth of spiritual and cultural traditions. The Tibetan Temple, the Chaukandi Stupa, and the Ashoka Pillar, relics from a bygone era are a must-visit that will immerse your inner soul in contentment. Tourists can also witness the magical Ganga Aarti by evening.
Following that, the train enters Nepal and arrives in Lumbini which is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The serene gardens in Maya Devi Temple, and Ashoka Pillar of Lumbini provide tourists with a consecrated environment that traces back to the beginnings of Buddhism. The antiquated sites and tranquil environs of Lumbini make it an invaluable place for contemplation and devotion.
The next stop is Kushinagar. It is a place where Buddha gained Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana). The reclining Buddha statue, preserved at the Mahaparinirvana Temple, is frequented by pilgrims. The serene atmosphere of Kushinagar provides a sombre setting for contemplation on the transience of existence and the profound lessons of Buddha regarding detachment and emancipation.
The penultimate stop is Sravasti, where the Buddha preached and meditated for several monsoon seasons. Travellers visit Jetavana Monastery which is a significant site where many of Buddha’s discourses were delivered. Buddha’s historical and spiritual legacy can also be felt through the Anandabodhi Tree (said to be a sprout from the original Bodhi tree), monasteries, and old stupas.
The concluding stop of the trip is Agra, where pilgrims visit the stunning Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The magnificence of the Taj Mahal and the splendour of Agra Fort provides a perfect finish to the journey before returning to Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi.
The phenomenal tour, facilitated by IRCTC, takes participants on a journey through both inner spirituality and breathtaking natural settings. This Buddhist train journey builds a bridge across cultural divides. The pilgrimage sites attract people from all over the world, culminating in a linguistic, cultural, and traditional melting pot. The tour delivers an exhaustive experience that goes beyond just sightseeing, with activities like meditation sessions and local cultural performances.
IRCTC meticulously structures the train schedule to guarantee seamless transfers between locations. As a result, travellers can spend as much time as possible at each location without worrying about planning their trip schedule. The train’s itinerary is carefully curated that promises a more sedate and reflective experience.
The IRCTCs’ Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train allows you to take a big break to take it easy as we are existent in a world where life’s hyperactive schedule sometimes grants little time for contemplation. This transformative journey fosters a more comprehensive knowledge of the Buddhist lineage and its ongoing influence on humanity, whether one is a committed follower of the religion or just a curious wanderer.
