- Bodh Gaya, Bihar:
- This is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major pilgrimage site.
- Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh:
- Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar are important attractions.
- Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh:
- Kushinagar is where the Buddha is believed to have attained Mahaparinirvana, or the final stage of enlightenment. The Ramabhar Stupa and Nirvana Temple are significant sites.
- Nalanda, Bihar:
- Nalanda was a great center of Buddhist learning and one of the world’s first residential universities. The Nalanda Archaeological Site is an important historical and educational site.
- Rajgir, Bihar:
- Rajgir is associated with several events in the Buddha’s life and is known for the Griddhakuta Hill, where the Buddha delivered many important discourses.
- Lumbini, Nepal (near the India-Nepal border):
- While Lumbini is in Nepal, it is a crucial pilgrimage site for Buddhists, being the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. It’s easily accessible from India.
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra:
- These UNESCO World Heritage Sites have beautiful rock-cut caves, including those with Buddhist sculptures and paintings. Ajanta has stunning frescoes depicting the life of the Buddha.
- Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh:
- Known as the residence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, this area is a hub for Tibetan Buddhism. The Namgyal Monastery is a prominent site.
- Hemis Monastery, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir:
- Hemis Monastery is one of the wealthiest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. It is known for its annual Hemis Festival, celebrating the birth of Guru Padmasambhava.
- Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh:
- The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest stone structures in India. It contains relics of the Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site.