Top 11 Buddhist Places in India That You Should Must Visit

Buddhism is one of the oldest and most commonly practiced faiths in the world and is often associated with calm, meditation, and spirituality. Additionally, you may visit several stunning Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India because Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, spent a significant portion of his life there. These locations are visited by pilgrims and historians from all over the world because they have significant religious importance and radiate divinity.

Therefore, the following places are a must-see if you’re searching to experience the well-known ancient Buddhist sites in India for peace and tranquility.

Top 11 Buddhist Places in India

1. Bihar, Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India, is a destination that both visitors and pilgrims should visit. Siddhartha Gautama gave up his princely existence to live a life of penance and sat here for 49 days in meditation to become enlightened. Buddha spent several days in meditation on a red stone slab that is located beneath the Bodhi tree.

2. Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala

Dharamshala, known for housing His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, is renowned for being a place of natural beauty and tranquility. It is located in the Himachal Pradesh province’s Kangra district, at the base of the formidable Dhauladhar Ranges. One of the best places in India to explore Tibetan culture is Dharamshala, also referred to as the Little Lhasa.

3. Monastery Namgyal

The Namgyal Monastery in the Tsuglagkhang Complex stands out among the many monasteries in this area since it is the Dalai Lama’s official residence. For the monks who live here, the location also serves as a significant focus of learning and meditation. The Gyuto Monastery, Nechung Monastery, and Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, among others, are noteworthy locations in the hill town that exude a Zen-like calm and divinity.

4. Mindrolling Monastery

One of the most significant Buddhist holy sites in the nation is Mindrolling Monastery, which is situated at the foot of the magnificent Himalayas. Buddhists from all around the world visit the location, popularly known as the Buddha Temple Complex. The 1965-built Mindrolling Monastery is a part of the Nyingma School of Buddhism. It is one of the most important and prominent Buddhist centers in the entire world, and many people find spiritual joy here every day.

5. Kushinagar

The location where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, Kushinagar in Gorakhpur, is of tremendous significance to Buddhists. Emperor Ashoka constructed a stupa here to mark the precise location of Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana after his passing. The 6-foot-long statue of Lord Buddha is resting on the right side of the stupa, also known as the Mahaparinirvana Temple.

6. Sarnath

Sarnath, which is close to Varanasi, is one of the most significant Buddhist sacred sites in India. Five weeks after achieving enlightenment, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon in this little village. Additionally, the famous mantra “Buddham Sharanam, Ganchami” was created in Sarnath.

7. Shravasti

One of the most significant cities during the time of Gautam Buddha is Shravasti, which is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. One of Lord Buddha’s most important students planted the Anand Bodhi tree, an ancient Bodhi Vriksh, which is why the location is so well-known. Buddhist travelers often choose to meditate deeply under the tree because of its tranquility.

Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Some of the earliest Buddhist stone monuments in India can be found at the ancient site of Sanchi, which is located in Madhya Pradesh close to Bhopal. The Great Sanchi Stupa, however, comes in first place. Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty constructed the 50-foot-high stupa with a 37-meter-wide hemispherical dome in the third century. It is situated on a hill.

Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang

Tawang, another significant Buddhist pilgrimage site in India, is dotted with numerous lovely and serene monasteries. Tsangyang Gyatso, the sixth Dalai Lama, is thought to have been born in this mountain town. Although there are many monasteries in the area, the famous Tawang Monastery is the most important one for Buddhists.

Over 300 monks live in this 400-year-old monastery, which is 3000 meters above sea level. In addition, it is well known for housing one of the biggest monasteries in the nation. This beautiful and tranquil hill town is a must-see Buddhist pilgrimage destination because it radiates strong spiritual vibrations.

Vaishali, Bihar

Lord Buddha gave his final talk in Vaishali, a city close to Patna on the banks of the Ganga. As a result, Buddhist pilgrims and monks place a great deal of importance on this small Bihar area. Emperor Ashoka even built a massive Ashoka Pillar here to honor this significant occasion. After achieving enlightenment, Gautam Buddha is said to have made frequent trips to Vaishali.

Gangtok’s Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery, also known as Dharma Chakra Centre, is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. It is surrounded by beautiful green hills and abundant natural beauty and is situated 1500 meters above sea level. The monastery also provides breathtaking views of the entire town of Gangtok.

Summary

Other lovely Buddhist locations in India worth visiting include Namdroling Monastery in Coorg, Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Leh Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajgir in Bihar. Make sure to spend time seeing these Buddhist holy sites whether you are planning a vacation or a pilgrimage to one of these states or locations.