BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE TOUR

Lord Buddha in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta states that, “a Buddhist must undergo the pilgrimage or Dhamma Yatra to evoke the feelings of religious awe & repentance.” This saying from the lord himself testifies the importance of a Buddhist pilgrimage tour for every traveller who is in search of peace and knowledge. In fact, this pilgrimage is a definitive step in the life of every Buddhist, inspiring him to follow the Buddha path.
The four pilgrim sites associated with the life of Lord Buddha comprise the most visited Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit. At Lumbini’s Mahamaya Temple, Prince Siddhartha stepped on to this earth to fulfill the desires of millions. Under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, the wandering Prince gained enlightenment and became Buddha. Sarnath, near Varanasi is associated with Lord’s first sermon of Middle way or Eight – fold path. Kushinagar is the site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.

These four prominent sites in India and Nepal comprise the illustrious Buddhist Pilgrimage tour that has inspired millions of Buddhist followers, tourists and pilgrims in their journey of a lifetime.

The other sites associated with Buddha and his life also play an important role in Buddhist circuit. These are not less important than the major four – fold pilgrimage and are related strongly to the Buddha and Buddhism.

Nalanda, Rajgir, Sravasti, Griddhakutta, and Kesariya are some of the Buddhist heritage sites in India. Buddha Tour in India’s Uttar Pradesh and Bihar present rich glimpses of lord’s life in the form of stupas, peace pagodas, monasteries, temples and caves. But, there is more to Buddhist Pilgrimage tour in India that just the presence of the revered Buddhist shrines. Some destinations in the country illustrate the journey of Buddhism with the changing times. India Buddhist tour also refers to the places dotted with the present day monasteries where many monks learn the basics of Buddhist and gain insights from his teachings.

Ladakh is a one such prominent destination known for its remote Tibetan monasteries and Buddhist festivals. It is indeed a blessing to experience the religion in extremities of the cold desert. Dharamshala, the next Buddhist natured destination in Himachal Pradesh is a home for His Holiness XIV Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans in exile. Sikkim is another Buddhist Pilgrimage site famous for its Gompas.

Similarly, there are numerous Buddhist attractions in the country based on their ancient heritage that feature in and comprise the India Buddhist Tour Packages. Prominent among them are the world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves also form an important Buddhist pilgrimage where devotees experience the rock art in caves, which served as monasteries for monks. The Group of Monuments at Sanchi is also a favoured destination amongst the Buddhist followers.

Apart from them, recently excavated sites in various states also form a lucrative option to explore the roots of the religion. Prominent among them are Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, etc. Symbolising Sakyamuni’s journey to enlightenment, the revered Buddhist pilgrimage is an exploration on life, compassion, wisdom, and power of Buddha; the values which still usher the humankind with eternal bliss and pure life..