Explore Pilgrimage And Spirituality: Buddhist Pilgrimage Tours In India

Submitted by: Aalia Khan

The dynamic land of India is a home to varied cultures, sects, regions and beliefs. Tourists who embark on a journey to this legendary land get to see a series of fascinating shrines, temples and palaces and attend numerous fairs and festivals that highlight the vibrant multi-cultural society of India. India, symbol of secularism, has been a land witnessing the development of Buddhism, and has several world famous Buddhist architectures in different regions. Buddhist pilgrimage tours in India are one of the most well-liked varieties of India tour packages.

There are many places in India located in various regions, representing the Buddhist faith from years. Most famous pilgrim sites in Indian peninsula are Dharamshala and Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh, Pilak in Tripura, Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, Bodhgaya and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh and Sarnath in Bihar which are famous for imperial Buddhist stupas, monasteries, temples, parks and pillars. Other renowned pilgrim places are Amravati and Nagarjunakonda in Andra Pradesh, Dhauli hill, Ratnagiri, Udaigiri and Udaigiri in Orissa, Kaushambhi, Mathura, Prabhosa and Sravasti in Uttar Pradesh and Bomdila and Tawang monastry in Arunachal Pradesh. Maharashtra is a spectacular region for Buddhist pilgrimage with Ajanta, Bhaja, Ellora, Junnar, Kaheri and Karla caves located here.

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The entire valley of Ladakh in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is dotted with monasteries of all kinds, belonging to various orders or schools of Buddhism. Almost all these monasteries are sited at scenic locales, enhancing their magnificence further. They boast of a rich collection of Buddhist relics like thankas, murals, sculptures, scriptures, etc. Bardan Monastery, Chemrey Gompa, Diskit & Hundur Gompa, Hemis Monastery Karcha Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Phugtal Gompa ,Rangdum Gompa Rhizong Gompa, Sani Monastery, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Shey Gompa, Spituk Gompa and Stakna Gompa are famous Buddist Monastries in Laddakh. The monasteries in are located at isolated areas, away from the hustle bustle of the routine life which lends an air of peace and tranquility to them.

Sikkim is another place in India famous for its significance in Buddism.There are numerous monasteries or Gompas that dot the landscape of Sikkim, belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order. These pristine structures have been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people of this North-eastern state. The famous monastries in Sikkim are Enchey, Phodong, Ralang, Rumtek , Tashiding, Pemayangtse and Phesang. Nestling at an altitude of 6840 ft, Pemayantse is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim. Perched on top of the hill rising between the Rathong River and the Rangit River, the Tashiding provides breathtaking views of the scenery below.

The Land of Bihar has been the ultimate pilgrimage for the Buddhists. It was in Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha became enlightened. The prime Buddhist pilgrim sites of Bihar include Vaishali, where Lord Buddha preached and announced his impending nirvana, Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment (nirvana) and Nalanda. Vaishali developed as great center of Buddhist learning. Rajgir, where Lord Buddha spent much time giving sermons is another important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Bihar. Barabar Caves were constructed during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, for the Ajivikas, Champanagar, Don, Ghosrawan, Gurpa village, Hajipur, Indasala, Jethain and Kurkihar village, Kesariastupa, Lauriya Nandangarh, Nalanda, Pragbodhi and Vikramshila are other famous heritage sites of Buddhism in Bihar.

India, blooming flower decorated with the petals of various religions invites tourists from all over the world to come and adore these wonderful symbols of faith, with Buddhist pilgrim places being a spectacular part of this panorama.

About the Author: Aalia Khan has deep interest in writing informative articles on Travel and tourism in India. Also given her words to a portal for India Tours where one can find info on Buddhist Pilgrimage tours and India tour packages. Explore-

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