By Priyanka Roshan | Feb 1, 2025
India is home to several iconic Buddhist sites that attract millions of tourists and pilgrims each year. These sacred destinations offer a unique blend of spirituality, history, and culture. Here’s a guide to the 10 must-visit Buddhist sites in India.
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Bodh Gaya is where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a beacon for those seeking peace and spiritual awakening.
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Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa marks this momentous site, and the Archaeological Museum showcases significant relics and sculptures from Buddha’s life.
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Shravasti was the place where Buddha spent many years, preaching and performing miracles. The Jetavana Monastery is a prominent pilgrimage site here for those tracing Buddha’s journey.
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Kushinagar is where Buddha attained Parinirvana, marking the end of his earthly journey. The Parinirvana Stupa and the reclining Buddha statue attract pilgrims from around the world to honor his final passage.
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Rajgir is known for its association with Buddha’s early life. It is here that Buddha gave many sermons, and the Vulture’s Peak (Gridhkuta Hill) is a key spiritual site for pilgrims and tourists alike.
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Vaishali is significant for being the place where Buddha announced his impending Parinirvana. The ancient ruins and the Ashoka Pillar here are reminders of the rich Buddhist heritage of the area.
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Nalanda was one of the most prominent centers of Buddhist learning in ancient India. The ruins of Nalanda University stand as a symbol of intellectual achievement, attracting scholars and history enthusiasts.
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Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its ancient Buddhist stupas, particularly the Sanchi Stupa, one of India’s oldest stone structures, showcasing immense historical and cultural significance.
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Odisha is home to several ancient Buddhist sites, including the Dhauli Hill, where Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism. The site features the Peace Pagoda, a symbol of the region’s rich Buddhist culture.
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Sankisa is where Buddha is said to have descended from heaven after preaching to his mother. The site houses a stupa and several pillars, making it an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination.
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