A Traveller's Guide to the Buddhist Circuit Tour Itinerary

In search of the best and most fulfilling Buddhist Circuit Tour Itinerary? Undertake the Buddhist Circuit tour on a semi-luxury train by IRCTC that will take to all the right places at the right time. But before you venture to book this inspirational vacation on the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, here’s a comprehensive traveller’s guide covering all the destinations in the Buddhist circuit map.

• Bodhgaya: The place where Buddhism originated from, Bodhgaya is one of the foremost pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Nestled in a quiet nook of Bihar and sprawling with peaceful Buddhist temples and monasteries, it offers a quiet retreat away from the noise of the bustling cities.

Must-Visit Attractions: Mahabodhi Temple, Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, Buddha Statue

Best Time to Visit: November to February

• Rajgir: A scenic hill town and the former capital of Magadh, Rajgir is the place where Lord Buddha set in motion his second wheel of law while spending several seasons meditating and preaching in this picturesque place.

Must-Visit Attractions: Bimbimsara Jail, Gridhakut hill, Venuvan

Best Time to Visit:

• Nalanda: The ‘Ancient Seat of Knowledge’, Nalanda was the most renowned Mahavihara of ancient times and even today offers a vibrant substance of spirituality, history, culture, architecture, and tourism.

Must-Visit Attractions: Nalanda University & Nalanda Museum

Best Time to Visit: October to March

• Sarnath: The place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and laid the foundation of his order of monks, Sarnath houses several significant historic and religious structures, many of which were built by his ardent devotee, Emperor Ashoka.

Must-Visit Attractions: Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Ashokan Pillar, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar

Best Time to Visit: October to March

• Varanasi: Traditionally not a part of the Buddhist circuit map, Varanasi or the ‘Spiritual Capital of India’ is one of the oldest living cities in the world.

Must-Visit Attractions: Ganga Ghat

Best Time to Visit: October to March

• Lumbini: The birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, Lumbini in Nepal still preserves the archaeological remains associated with the birth of Lord Buddha, making it a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Must-Visit Attractions: Maya Devi Temple & Ashokan Pillar

Best Time to Visit: April & May, October & November

• Kushinagar: The site where Lord Buddha gave up his mortal remains and went into the ultimate state of nirvana or ‘Mahaparinirvana’, Kushinagar is an international Buddhist pilgrimage centre in Uttar Pradesh.

Must-Visit Attractions: Mahaparinirvan Temple, Rambhar Stupa, Mata Kutir Temple

Best Time to Visit: November to March

• Sravasti: One of the sixth largest cities in India during the time of Gautama Buddha, Sravasti has many old structures, relics, stupas and viharas that are associated with Lord Buddha.

Must-Visit Attractions:  Jetvana Vihara, Pakki Kuti, Sehat Mahet

Best Time to Visit: September to November

• Agra: The historic city that needs no introduction, Agra has secured a spot on the Buddhist tour itinerary with IRCTC’s Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train because it houses the world-famous Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel that is a must-visit by every tourist.

Must-Visit Attractions: Taj Mahal

Best Time to Visit: November to March

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