Buddhist pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to places linked to the Buddha’s life. His teachings and his history purify karma and foster spiritual development through practices such as meditation, offering, and chanting. It often focuses on key locations in India and Nepal, such as Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (awakening), Sarnath (first teaching), and Kushinagar (death). But after the main Buddhist circuit, the Buddhist Pilgrimage in India includes the ancient monasteries of Hemis and Tabu, Ajanta, Ellora Caves, Sikkim, and Bojjnakonda.
To explore more about Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India, continue reading this blog. Here we will discuss famous Buddhist temples in India and their tour packages.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India
1. Tabo Monastery
It is a 1,000-year-old Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It is one of India’s oldest Buddhist monasteries. It is known for its ancient paintings and sculptures, which reflect a rich Buddhist heritage. It features unique mud-brick sculptures, nine temples, stupas, and meditation caves.
Nearby Attractions of Tabo Monastery
Several attractions are located near Tabo Monastery, including meditation caves within the village, outstanding monasteries, and natural landmarks within a short drive. You can explore an ancient cave complex with stunning murals, the Chogskhor Monastery, Mystic Mandala Temple, Dhanka Monastery, Langza village, and a beautiful Chandertal Lake. If you are planning to visit Tabo Monastery, then you must visit these nearby attractions. If you need any guidance, then you can contect with trusted travel agency and tell them to add these sites to your package for the Buddhist tour of India.
2. Hemis Monastery
This monastery is one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in India, located about 45 km from Leh in Ladakh. It is famous for its architecture, ancient murals, golden statues, and rich collection of Buddhist artifacts in its museum. It is a major spiritual center and tourist spot, especially known for the vibrant Hemis festival celebrating the Guru Padmasambhava’s birth. It features masked dance and rituals symbolizing that good overcomes evil.
Nearby Attractions of Hemis Monastery
Many attractions, including other beautiful monasteries and a large national park, are located near the Hemis Monastery. Some nearby attractions include Hemis National Park, Thiksey Monastery, and the Shey places. These destinations offer a rich blend of spiritual, historical, and natural experiences to visitors.
3. Ratangiri in Odisha
This is one of the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India, known for its unique carved roof and stone decorations. It includes numerous images of Buddha, Boddhisattvas, and Buddha’s mother goddess, showcasing the advanced ancient Indian artistry.
Nearby Attraction of Ratangiri
Some nearby attractions of Ratangiri are the monasteries at Lalitgiri and Udyagiri, Dhauli Hills, Jirang Monastery, and the Lagudi Hills. These sites showcase Odisha’s rich Buddhist past, revealing monasteries and temples, and attract history lovers and spiritual seekers.
4. Bhaja Caves, Maharashtra
These caves are one of the most famous Buddhist temple in India. It is a group of 22 ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves near Nolavala, Maharashtra. They are among India’s earliest rock-cut monasteries and belong to the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
Nearby Attractions of Bhaja Caves
Popular nearby attractions of this cave include other ancient Buddhist sites like Karla Caves, Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, and Tiger Point. Natural points like Bhushi Dam and Kune Waterfalls. These sites offer experiences of history, trekking, and monsoon beauty around Nolavala.
5. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
The Ajanta Caves are a complex of 30 ancient Buddhist rock-cut monuments in India. These caves are famous for vibrant, expressive murals and sculptures and are considered among the best surviving examples of ancient Indian art. The art showcases the stories of Buddha’s life, death, and rebirth as humans and animals.
Nearby Attractions of Ajanta Caves
Popular historical and natural attractions of the Ajanta Caves, including Ellora Caves, Dauletabad Fort, Bibi ka Makbara, and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. These sites offer a blend of traditions around Aurangabad. On your Ajanta Caves trip, you can also explore these nearby attractions by telling your travel guide to customize your package of a Buddhist tour in India.
6. Twang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
This is the largest Buddhist temple in India and the second-largest monastery in the world. It is known for its stunning Himalayan views, beautiful murals, ancient texts, and 28-foot golden Buddha statue. It hosts vibrant festivals like Losar and Torgya and influences the local Monpa people’s culture and daily life. It is a beautiful place for meditation and prayer.
Nearby Attractions of Twang Monastery
You’ll find beautiful lakes like Sala Lake, war memories like the Twang War Memorial, waterfalls like Nuranag Falls, and cultural gems like Taksang Gompa. These sites offer a blend of natural beauty, history, and spirituality.
7. Bojjanakonda, Andhra Pradesh
This is a significant ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave, stupas, and monasteries on two hills. They showcase history from the 4th and 9th centuries AD, when Buddhism boomed there. It is originally called Buddha’s Hill, featuring carvings of Buddha and monks, monastic cells, and a large brick stupa, reflecting Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism.
Nearby Attractions of Bojjanakonda
Nearby attractions to Bojjanakonda include the twin hills Linglakonda, Annavaram Temple, Uppada Beach, Araku Valley, and Borra Caves. These sites feature a mix of historical temples and natural sites. If you are planning to visit Bojjanakonda and also want to visit these nearby attractions. Then you can contact a trusted tour operator agency, which provides services to customize your Buddhist tour packages in India.
Conclusion
Buddhist pilgrimage is a journey that connects you with Buddhists, deepens your spiritual understanding, purifies the mind, and builds faith. These pilgrimage sites are perfect for those seeking peace, meditation, a different culture, and who want to learn about Buddhism. If you are one of those who don’t know how to start your journey, then you can contact tour operator agencies like Noble House Tour Pvt. Ltd.
We are the best travel agency that plans and manages holidays in India and neighboring areas. We offer custom-made tours, luxury and cultural trips, and facilities like Buddhist pilgrimage tour packages. We offer personalized travel services, a private vehicle, knowledgeable guides, airport pickups, and support throughout the trip. We handle all the details to make trips smooth and enjoyable for you.
