- Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj), Himachal Pradesh:
- Namgyal Monastery: The personal monastery of the Dalai Lama, it’s a major Tibetan Buddhist center.
- Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir:
- Thiksey Monastery: A prominent Gelugpa monastery known for its stunning architecture and annual Gustor Festival.
- Hemis Monastery: The largest and most famous monastery in Ladakh, known for the Hemis Festival.
- Diskit Monastery: Located in the Nubra Valley, it’s famous for its massive Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh:
- Dhamek Stupa: A prominent Buddhist site where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon.
- Mulagandhakuti Vihara: A modern monastery with beautiful frescoes and a peaceful garden.
- Bodh Gaya, Bihar:
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex: The holiest site in Buddhism, where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment.
- Thai Monastery: A beautiful Thai Buddhist monastery in Bodh Gaya.
- Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh:
- Sanchi Stupa: An ancient Buddhist monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring monastic remains.
- Nalanda, Bihar:
- Nalanda University Ruins: An ancient Buddhist center of learning with monastic ruins.
- Nava Nalanda Mahavihara: A modern Buddhist university and monastery in the Nalanda tradition.
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra:
- Ajanta Caves: These caves feature ancient Buddhist monastic complexes with exquisite paintings.
- Ellora Caves: Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave) is a significant Buddhist site with monastic cells.
- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:
- Tawang Monastery: The largest Buddhist monastery in India and an important center for Tibetan Buddhism.
- Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh:
- Parinirvana Stupa: This site is where Buddha is believed to have attained Parinirvana, or final enlightenment, and it includes a temple and monastery.
- Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim:
- Rumtek Monastery: A famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery and seat of the Karmapa Lama.
- Bylakuppe, Karnataka:
- Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple): One of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet.
- Rajgir, Bihar:
- Vulture’s Peak (Gridhrakuta Hill):