Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit/ India

India is home to some of the most important #Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in the World, including #BodhGaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment & #Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon. These sites are part of the Buddhist Circuit, a network of Pilgrimage Sites that attract millions of visitors from all over the world each year.

The Buddhist Circuit has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth in India. In 2018, India has estimated that the Buddhist Tourism industry generated $3.6 billion in revenue and supported over 1 million jobs. 

It is envisaged by Buddhist Tourism to have set a goal of attracting 20 million Buddhist Tourists to India by 2025.

There are a number of factors that are driving the growth of the Buddhist Tourism Industry in India:-

• The increasing popularity of Buddhism around the world.

• The growing middle class in Asia, which is leading to more people being able to afford to travel.

• The improved infrastructure in India, which makes it easier for tourists to travel around the country.

Indian Tourism is gearing up:-

• Developing new tourist destinations along the Buddhist Circuit.

• Improving the infrastructure at existing tourist destinations.

• Promoting India as a Buddhist  Destination at International Travel Fairs.

The Buddhist Circuit has the potential to be a major source of economic growth and job creation in India. With the right investment and promotion, the Indian government can help to make the Buddhist Circuit one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Important Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India/Nepal

• Lumbini, Nepal - the birthplace of the Buddha.

• Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh - where the Buddha gave his first sermon

• Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh - where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana

• Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh - home to the Great Stupa, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monuments in the world

• Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains a large number of Buddhist Cave Temples and Monasteries

• Nalanda, Bihar - a former Buddhist university that was one of the most important centers of learning in the world

• Bodh Gaya

The Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit in India is a treasure trove of Buddhist Heritage. If one is interested in learning more about Buddhism, or if you are simply looking for a unique and spiritual travel experience, then The Buddhist Circuit is definitely worth doing.

(c) Rohit Singh Negi

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