Buddha Circuit: Sacred Sites in Uttar Pradesh
Buddha Circuit Tour: Sacred Sites in Uttar Pradesh
Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath
SARNATH
Where Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana) after enlightenment, establishing the Buddhist Sangha
KEY ATTRACTIONS:
- Dhamekh Stupa: A 43.6-meter-tall cylindrical stupa marking the sermon site
- Ashoka Pillar: Features the iconic lion capital (India's national emblem)
- Mulagandhakuti Vihara: Ruins of Buddha's monsoon retreat and a modern temple with frescoes
- Sarnath Museum: Houses 6,800+ artifacts, including Buddha relics and sculptures
VISITOR INFORMATION:
- Location: 10 km from Varanasi
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays)
- Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
- Photography: Allowed in most areas except inside the museum
Mahaparinirvana Temple
KUSHINAGAR
The site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (final liberation)
KEY ATTRACTIONS:
- Mahaparinirvana Temple: A 6.1-meter-long reclining Buddha statue in red sandstone
- Ramabhar Stupa: Marks Buddha's cremation site
- International Monasteries: Includes the Chinese Temple and Indo-Japan-Sri Lanka Temple with golden Buddha statues
VISITOR INFORMATION:
- Location: Eastern Uttar Pradesh, near Gorakhpur
- Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Open all days)
- Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
- Special Note: Full moon night of Vaisakha (April-May) hosts special ceremonies
Jetavana Monastery Ruins
SHRAVASTI
Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats here and performed miracles
KEY ATTRACTIONS:
- Jetavana Monastery: Ruins of Buddha's residence and the sacred Ananda Bodhi Tree
- Pakki Kuti and Kacchi Kuti: Ancient stupas linked to the legend of Angulimala
- Thai and Cambodian Temples: Modern meditation centers with intricate architecture
VISITOR INFORMATION:
- Location: Northeastern Uttar Pradesh, near Nepal border
- Visiting Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fee: Free
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ruins at Sankissa
SANKISSA (SANKASIA)
Where Buddha descended from heaven after teaching his mother, using a golden ladder
KEY ATTRACTIONS:
- Ashokan Pillar and Elephant Statue: Archaeological remnants from Emperor Ashoka's era
- Ancient Ruins: Stupas and temples commemorating Buddha's celestial return
VISITOR INFORMATION:
- Location: Farrukhabad district, about 47 km from Kannauj
- Visiting Hours: Open all day
- Entry Fee: Free
- Accessibility: Less developed than other sites; prepare for basic facilities
Ashokan Pillar at Kaushambi
KAUSHAMBI
A center for Buddhist learning where Buddha delivered sermons during his 6th and 9th post-enlightenment years
KEY ATTRACTIONS:
- Ghositarama Monastery: Ruins of a monastery gifted to Buddha by a wealthy merchant
- Ashokan Pillar: Historical inscriptions and remnants of ancient structures
- Cambodian Buddhist Temple: A colorful East Asian-style shrine managed by Cambodian monks
VISITOR INFORMATION:
- Location: About 60 km from Allahabad
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Archaeological Museum: Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays)
Piprahwa Stupa
KAPILVASTU (PIPRAHWA)
Buddha's childhood home (ages 0–29) as Prince Siddhartha
KEY ATTRACTIONS:
- Piprahwa Stupa: Contains relics of Buddha's ashes and Brahmi-script inscriptions
- Ganwaria Ruins: Excavated palaces, monasteries, and residential complexes
- Kapilvastu Museum: Displays artifacts from Chinese travelers' accounts
VISITOR INFORMATION:
- Location: Near Indo-Nepal border, Siddharthnagar district
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Special Note: The exact location of ancient Kapilvastu is debated between this site and Tilaurakot in Nepal
Mayadevi Temple
LUMBINI (NEPAL)
Buddha's birthplace
KEY ATTRACTIONS:
- Ashokan Pillar: Ancient pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka
- Mayadevi Temple: Built over the exact birthplace of Buddha
- Sacred Garden: Peaceful grounds surrounding the temple complex
- International Buddhist Monasteries: Various temples built by different Buddhist nations
VISITOR INFORMATION:
- Location: Southern Nepal, near Indian border
- Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: NPR 200 for SAARC nationals, NPR 500 for other foreigners
- Border Crossing: Valid passport and visa required for Indian travelers