Magadh Info/Bodhgaya

Distination :

Buddhist sites in India are primarily located in the state of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Uttar Pradesh. If you are undertaking a trip to Bihar, then make sure that you explore the Buddhist attractions of Patna, Gaya, Hajipur, Champanagar, Kesariya, Kuskihar, Pragbodhi, Gurpa, Ghosrawan, Don, Indashala Cave, Jethian, Lauriya Nandangarh and Vikramshila. It is not that all these sites are directly related to Lord Buddha, however, their association with the religion in one or the other way makes tham interesting sites for Buddhist trip. For example, Vikramshila was one of the most important place for Buddhist learning in past. Similarly, Ghosrawan is important because it houses a monastery which is believed to be visited by the famous Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang in the past. Patna, the capital city was visited by the Buddha and it was also the venue of third Buddhist council during the reign of King Ashoka. The sites of Gurpa, Indashala cave, Kesariya, Jethian have interesting as well as informative accounts associated with the Buddha himself.

Located close to the state of Bihar is another important state for Buddhist tourism, that is, Uttar Pradesh. The state is home to some of the most important Buddhist sites of the country. Prominent amongst these are Sankisa, Prabhosa and Mathura. Sankisa, the town of human abode, was the place to which Buddha is believed to have returned after delivering sermons to his mother and other devas in heaven. In Prabhosa, the Buddha is believed to have spent His third rains retreat. Mathura, too, was visited by the Lord, however, it was not liked by Him much.

In the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Buddhist sites are numerous. The stupa of Amravati, Nagarjunasagar, Sankaram, Bhattiprolu and Chandavarman Buddhist sites attract a whole lot of travellers. Apart from these Buddhist sites at Adurru, Ankapalle, Bavikonda, Ghantasala and Guntupalli are also important for any Buddhist tourist. Last but not the least, the state of Andhra Pradesh also houses the Undavalli Caves in Guntur and a Statue of Lord Buddha in Hyderabad.