India is often called the Land of Enlightenment. The most popular reason for it being the Buddha gaining enlightenment in Bihar, a state situated in the east India. I have handpicked and curated this list of places that are considered important in Buddhism in India that you can travel to if you love history and Buddha. This list may not be a complete one but it's enough to get you started and feel like a pro already.Feeling lazy? Instead of reading, you can watch the video below:1. Bodh Gaya, BiharKnown to the World as the Land of Enlightenment, Bodh Gaya is precisely the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The descendant of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha did his meditation for seven continuous days, is still there. Bodh Gaya is the key spot for anyone who wants to explore Buddha along the lines of History.a2927710523c413ee0826ab6af169ee2.jpegBONUS: Check out this travel montage film on Bodh Gaya.2. Sarnath, Uttar PradeshStraight out of enlightenment, Sarnath is the place where Buddha gave his first ever sermon. That is why this place is so auspicious. It feels like knowledge is flowing in the air of Sarnath. It is here, where he taught the Four Noble Truths for the first time.eb71340183e5266c238411fd33848215.jpg3. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh(Photo by Udit Sharma - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)6514736230f227f12e5675c419893b98.jpgThe Great Stupa erected by Ashoka, is the oldest stone monument in India. Pillars and rock edicts have found home at Sanchi. Out of all the Buddhist stupas, The Sanchi Stupa is most popular. One needs to pay a visit to realize the reason. 4. Rajgir, Bihar(Photo by Rashid Jorvee - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)417a87d7ab83562d51fa271e587cc563.jpgWhite Shanti Stupa with four golden statues of Buddha, the stupa at Rajgir is definitely one of the most beautiful structures in the entire Buddhist circuit. 5. Vaishali, BiharGautam Buddha preached his last sermon before his death at this place. Vaishali is home to various Buddhist Stupas and shrines and well preserved the Lion top Ashokan Pillar. Vaishali is a major spot in the Buddhist circuit of India.6. Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtrad2a4ddee66ae54addc0666f1240b86eb.jpgAjanta Caves are 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century. Situated in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India, the caves include paintings and rock cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotion through gesture, pose and form. Plus, who doesn’t love caves? They’re always so fun.7. Sankassa (Sankisa Basantpur), Uttar Pradesh After the Gautama Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (passing away) king Ashoka developed this place and installed one of his famous Pillars of Ashoka in the city, from which the elephant capital survives. He also built a stupa and a temple commemorating the visit of the Buddha. This temple exists even today and the ruins of the stupa are also present as a temple of Vishari Devi. 8. Kushinagar, Uttar PradeshOut of 4 major Buddhist pilgrim spots in the World, Kushinagar is one. This is where the Buddha passed away at the age of 81. The Rambhar Stupa, is said to be situated where the Buddha was cremated. Kushinagar is definitely your stop in exploring the entire Buddhist Circuit of India.
