Few faiths are as ancient and pervasive as Buddhism, which has become a byword for serenity, stillness, and enlightenment. There are also several lovely Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India for you to visit since Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, lived there for a considerable portion of his life. Because of their heavenly aura and profound religious importance, these locations attract historians and pilgrims from throughout the globe. If you seek inner tranquility and peace of mind, consider visiting these ancient must-visit Buddhist sites in India. Explore India tours from Sri Lanka for a seamless and personalized experience visiting these sacred destinations. Contact us for more details!
An introduction to Buddhism and the teachings of Lord Buddha
One of the world’s most revered spiritual figures, the Buddha was also the East’s foremost guru and mystic. His teachings, philosophy, and the four noble truths laid the foundation for one of the world’s major religions, Buddhism. The “awakening one” and “enlightened one” were terms people used to describe him.
The Buddha’s birth in 563 BCE in what is now Nepal, a region of India, set the Wheel of Dhamma in motion across India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and all of Southeast Asia, including Japan and China. India is home to several sacred Buddhist locations where one might begin a quest for enlightenment unlike any other. We have listed Buddhist locations, monasteries, and ancient cave sites.
Must-visit Buddhist sites in India
1. Bodh Gaya
Visit this Buddhist site in India, the most important. The Bodhi Tree in Gaya is where the Buddha became enlightened. Among the many treasures housed inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Mahabodhi Temple are the following:
- The Bodhi Tree
- The Vajrasana, or Diamond Throne
- A lotus pond
- The Mahabodhi Stupa
- An 80-foot Buddha statue.
- A meditation garden
- The collection includes monasteries from Tibet, China, Japan, Bhutanese, Taiwan, and Bangladesh.
2. Must-visit Buddhist sites in India: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
As the home of His Holiness, the fourteenth Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is famous for its tranquility and abundance of natural beauty. Situated at the base of the majestic Dhauladhar Ranges, it is part of the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Little Lhasa, or Dharamshala, is one of the greatest locations in India to learn about Tibetan culture. Those seeking a tranquil place to reflect in the middle of verdant scenery will find plenty of lovely monasteries dotting the hill town.
There are several monasteries in the area, but the one that houses the Dalai Lama, Namgyal Monastery in the Tsuglagkhang Complex, is particularly important. For the monks who live here, it is also a significant spot for contemplation and study. Hill station attractions, including the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Gyuto Monastery, and Nechung Monastery, all exude an air of heavenly tranquility reminiscent of Zen practice.
3. Sarnath
One of the sacred sites in all of India for Buddhists is Sarnath, which is close to Varanasi. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon here, five weeks after attaining enlightenment, in this little town. “Buddham Sharanam, Ganchami” is a well-known mantra, and it was born at Sarnath. For those reflecting on a religious pilgrimage, the town is home to several historic Buddhist sites and other locations of spiritual importance. There is a wide variety of historical and religious architecture in Sarnath, including Buddhist stupas and temples, museums, and recently discovered ancient ruins.
Sarnath is a popular destination for Buddhists all year round due to its status as one of the most sacred places in Buddhism. A must-visit destination, this tranquil hamlet is home to many historic monasteries and stupas. The Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Dhamek Stupa, Tibetan Temple, Mahabodhi Society Temple, and several other historic buildings are prominent attractions here. Additionally, every year Sarnath has magnificent Buddha Purnima ceremonies. All in all, this is among one of the most prominent must-visit Buddhist sites in India.
4. Nalanda
One of India’s most famous educational institutions, Nalanda, is in what is now the Indian state of Bihar. It was a famous Buddhist monastic university or Mahavihara. According to historians, it was also one of the first residential institutions in the world. It was also the most important ancient learning center. Because of its wealth of history, Nalanda is a favorite site for archaeologists and historians. For the pinnacle of Nalanda Buddhist tours, get on the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train and uncover the mysteries of this ancient city.
Numerous educational facilities, including compounds, dorms, temples, meditation rooms, a library, and more, make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is another one of the must-visit Buddhist sites in India that you shouldn’t miss.
5. Kushinagar
Lord Buddha reached Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar near Gorakhpur, making the site immensely sacred to Buddhists. Emperor Ashoka built a stupa here after Lord Buddha’s death to commemorate the spot where he entered Mahaparinirvana. Located on the right side of the stupa is a 6-foot-long statue of Lord Buddha, which is also known as the Mahaparinirvana Temple. This Buddha temple has made Kushinagar one of the must-visit Buddhist sites in India.
Another notable landmark in Kushinagar is the 49-foot-long Ramabhar Stupa, which resembles a massive brick mount. The builders built this stupa on the same spot where they cremated the Buddha. This town is home to many minor temples and monasteries managed by Buddhist nationalities, as well as the Wat Thai Temple and Matha Kuar Shrine.
6. Must-visit Buddhist sites in India: Thikse Monastery
The Gelukpa Order of Buddhism’s Thiksey Monastery is on a hill to the north of the Indus River. Included in its construction around 1430 AD is a temple to Goddess Dorje Chenmo. The compound of the monastery has many sacred shrines, befitting one of the most prominent Buddhist monasteries in India. A smaller replica of Potala Palace is Thiksey Gompa, the biggest monastery in Ladakh.
7. Lumbini, Nepal, Birthplace of Buddha
For Buddhists, this is one of the holiest places in India. Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, is located in Nepal, close to the Indian border, in the foothills of the Himalayas, thus reaching Nirvana is not too far away. Ancient stupas and temples constructed by people from all around the globe adorn Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back over two millennia.
Travelers from far and wide gather at this Buddhist temple to immerse themselves in the teachings, meditate, do yoga, go on treks, gain knowledge about Buddhism, and ultimately, discover inner peace. The Sanskrit term Lumbini means “the lovely,” and the name certainly fits! Lumbini is a sacred site for Buddhists.
8. Sanchi
The Great Stupa, the oldest stone structure in India and a gift from Emperor Ashoka is practically associated with Sanchi. Constructed atop the sacred remains of the Buddha, the stupa showcases ornately carved entrances and gates. This location in India is mostly Buddhist since it is filled with pillars, temples, statues, and monasteries. In recent years, the Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies has emerged in the area, right next to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Samkhya
After performing the two miracles, the Buddha supposedly went to this ancient place to teach the dhamma to the realm of devas, or heavenly creatures. After teaching the dhamma to his mother in heaven, the Buddha supposedly descended here with Indra and Brahma.
Previously, people built ladders to reach the spot where the Buddha first set foot on the land, but today, you can see the Ashoka Pillar and an elephant temple. Come here to see the temples of Korea and Burma as well. Ensure you have this on your must-visit Buddhist sites in India.
10. The Complex of the Dalai Lama Temple
The Dalai Lama Temple is a beautiful, elaborate monastic complex that serves as the primary seat of Tibetan Buddhism. This is also the home of the Dalai Lama. This is where he gives his sermons.
At the temple, there is a massive statue of the Buddha. Listening to the llamas go about their daily business is a unique experience, and the chants heard here in the morning and evening are truly mesmerizing. Namgyal Monastery and Norbulingka Institute are part of this sacred complex, offering visitors a chance to explore the deep spiritual practices and cultural traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
For more insights, check out our related blogs on Must-Visit Kovils and Temples in South India, Top Tourist Spots to Stop by During Your Vacation to South India, and South India Pilgrimage Tours.