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Pilgrimage route

The Buddhist circuit in India

Where the Buddha was enlightened (Bodh Gaya), first taught (Sarnath), taught at Vulture Peak (Rajgir) and died (Kushinagar), plus the great monasteries of Sikkim and Arunachal.

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, BiharSarnath, Uttar PradeshKushinagar, Uttar PradeshRajgir and Nalanda, BiharRumtek Monastery, SikkimTawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

How to do it

The classic route runs Bodh Gaya, Rajgir and Nalanda, Varanasi and Sarnath, then Kushinagar, with Lumbini in Nepal (the Buddha’s birthplace) a few hours further. Allow seven to ten days. The IRCTC Buddhist Circuit train covers these sites on a set itinerary.

  1. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh GayaBodh Gaya, Bihar

    Where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Nearest airport: Gaya (GAY).

    Plan a visit

  2. Sarnathnear Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

    Where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Nearest airport: Varanasi (VNS).

    Plan a visit

  3. KushinagarKushinagar district, Uttar Pradesh

    Where the Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana. Nearest airport: Kushinagar International Airport (KBK).

    Plan a visit

  4. Rajgir and NalandaNalanda district, Bihar

    The Vulture Peak and the ancient university. Nearest airport: Gaya (GAY).

    Plan a visit

  5. Rumtek Monasterynear Gangtok, Sikkim

    Seat of the Karma Kagyu school in exile. Nearest airport: Gangtok (PYG).

    Plan a visit

  6. Tawang MonasteryTawang, Arunachal Pradesh

    The largest Buddhist monastery in India. Nearest airport: Tezpur Airport (TEZ).

    Plan a visit

Kushinagar

Uttar Pradesh

Where the Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana

Where
Kushinagar district
Best
Oct-Mar

Plan a visit

How we chose: real demand, from monthly Google searches in India (Semrush, India database, monthly Google searches, checked 21 Oct 2026), plus the circuits families actually travel. Locations: Wikidata (CC0) and Wikipedia. Airports and stations are the nearest on our own lists, measured in a straight line, so check flights and road times. We do not list timings or fees because they change; check with the temple. Checked 21 Oct 2026.