The Wonder that is India

100 km northeast of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the world famous site of Ajanta is home to some 29 rock-hewn Buddhist caves which were excavated into the scarp of a cliff of a hillside set in the valley of the Waghora River. Of these four are Chaityas and the rest viharas (monasteries).  These caves were constructed from the 2nd century BC to 7th century AD. The spectacular sculpture and lovely paintings with which the Ajanta caves adorned make them one of the most splendid monuments of ancient India. The murals depict scene from the life of the Buddha and from the Jatakas. Among the many works of genius of Ajanta, the statue of Avlokitsvara Padmapani in the pose called tribhanga is something that defies imagination.  How to reach Ajanta Air: Nearest airport to Ajanta is Aurangabad which is 106 km from the place. The Aurangabad airport is connected by flights with major cities in India.  Rail the nearest railway station to Ajanta is Jalgaon railway station which is 59 km from the place.

 

 

Located on the banks of the Godavari river, Nashik is one of the holiest cities in India. It is at its exuberant best when it plays host to the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious congregations in the world.  Pandavleni Caves   Image Source Located at a distance of 8 km from Nashik, Pandavleni Caves are one of the well known tourist attractions of Maharashtra. Chiseled into the hills, Pandavleni is a group of 24 caves dating back to the period between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century AD. Of these, Cave 18, a chaityagrha, is the most impressive. These magnificent Buddhist rock-cut caves are known for profusion of ornate carvings of the highest order. These caves received the patronage of various rulers inducing those belonging to the Satavahana dynasty.

  Badrinath is a site of immense significance for the Hindus. Flanked by awe-inspiring snow-clad capped peaks of the Himalayas, Badrinath is situated in the state of Uttarakhand. 

Adventure means different things to different people. While to some it may involve swimming with kaleidoscopic aquatic life, summiting a great peak or gliding on crystal blue waters of the sea and facing the breaking waves with gusto, to others, it’s the terrestrial activities such as paragliding, hiking, skiing that help them unleash their adventurous spirit. Whatever your viewpoint, we are here to get your fix of adventure Bungee jumping: Take the plunge There’s nothing quite like falling through the skies attached to a bungee cord to get the heart pumping. Bungee jumping is one of the world’s most thrilling, exciting, and hair-raising activities and is guaranteed to give you mad adrenaline rush. Some Bungee jumping destinations in India: Rishikesh in Uttrakhand, Lonavala in Maharashtra, Goa and Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh Paragliding: Ultimate Adrenaline Rush When it comes to extreme adrenaline pumping activities, nothing beats the rushing thrill of gliding through the open skies. Pa

                                          Resorts at  Agatti Island              Lakshadweep is a stuff of painting and  poetry.   Located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala,  the Union Territory of   Lakshadweep is a  stunning   archipelago of 27 coral islands. Visitors can enjoy the peace and isolation of  Agatti Island,  a 7.6 km long island in Lakshadweep.  Kavaratti, the capital and largest town, is a laidback, sunny spot.  The only airport in Lakshadweep is at Agatti Island which is connected to Kochi in Kerala by flights.                                                  Airport at  Agatti Island 

Maha Kassappa  smiling at the lotus flower/Wikipedia 33 km from Gaya, the small village of Gurpa or Gurpada is home to the Kukkutapadagir mountain where Maitreya, the future Buddha, will return and receive the robes of the Buddha, kept with the latter’s successor, Maha Kassappa who is still in a state of meditation here. Before his death, the Buddha had given the robes to Maha Kassappa under whose presidentship the first Buddhist Council was held in the Magadhan capital of Rajagraha (modern Rajgir).  Legend has it that when Maha Kassappa sensed that his life was nearing its end he decided to proceed to Kukkutapadagiri. During his journey to Gurpa, he withstood all the obstructions and the three peaks of the Kukkutapadagir mountain parted ways resulting in the creation of a seat for him. Since then Maha Kassappa is awaiting the arrival of Maitreya who will descend to this world in order to share the message of the Buddha with the mankind.  Today Gurpa is a major Buddhist pilgrimage cent

                                                            Dihing Kinar Bangali monastery Emphatically not to be missed while you're in the state of Assam is a visit to Dihing Kinar Bangali, also known as Nam Phake village, - easily managed as a day-trip from Dibrugarh. Set in the midst of a picturesque landscape, Nam Phake village near Naharkatia in the Dibrugarh district of the state is home to the Namphake monastery, one of the oldest and most venerated Buddhist monasteries of the region.  Established in 1850, the monastery boasts a library that is a treasure trove of hundreds of manuscripts. A few of the manuscripts called Lik-Kham are of pure gold. Located along the banks of the Buridehing river, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, Nam Phake village is home to the Mongolian tribes known as Phakials or Tai-Phakes who arrived in Assam in 1850 from the Hukawang Valley of Myanmar and are a branch of the Tai-Ahom race that ruled Assam for six centuries. Assam  is home to some ni

Champanagar in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar is a site of great significance for the Buddhists. The place is deeply associated with the life of the Buddha. It was one of the six greatest cities during the time of the Buddha and served as the capital of the kingdom of Anga, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas. Anga was annexed to the Magadhan empire by Bimbisara in the 6th century BC . The Buddha paid several visits to Champanagar where he preached his several important discourses including Sonadanda Sutta and Kandaraka Sutta.   It was here in Anga where Sariputta, Buddha’s famous disciple, preached Dasuttara sutta in presence of the Buddha himself.                                                   Sariputra with Buddha/Wikimedia Commons Champanagar finds mention in the accounts of Chinese traveler Fa-hsien who came to India in the fifth century AD. According to him, monasteries in Champanagar were full of spiritual activities.    Named after the queen Gaggara, the Gaggara's Lotu

Situated at an altitude of 1,071 metres on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, Netarhat is one of the best-kept secrets of the state of Jharkhand. From this pleasantly intriguing hill station you can have awe-inspiring view of the landscape that has the potential of humbling you.  Since location of Netarhat is like that of a plateau, the kind of view one gets from the table top is unmatched. Above all, what makes it a compelling destination is the presence of many waterfalls around the place.  It is no wonder that Netarhat is also referred to as the Queen of Chota Nagpur . Don’t miss watching the sunset from Magnolia Point .  Lodh Falls  70kms from Netarhat, Lodh Falls, also known as also known as Burha Ghagh falls, is the highest waterfall of Jharkhand. Here water cascades down from a height of 140 meteres. 

           Image Source  It is at Parasnath that 20 out of 24 Jain Tirthankaras (ford makers) attained enlightenment. Needless to say, the place is one of the most important sites of Jain pilgrimage. Situated in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, Parasnath is named after Parshva, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, and is gateway to the Parasnath hill, also known as Shikarji (Venerated Peak). Joining Jain pilgrims on the hike to the top of the hill is a surreal experience.

                                                         Bhadrakali Temple, Chatra 60 km from Bodh Gaya, Itkhori in the Chatra district of Jharkhand is the site of some of the finest specimens of the Buddhist remains.                                          Bhadrakali temple at  Itkhori / Image credit      Located some 150km from Ranchi, the place is home to the famed 7th century AD Ma Bhadrakali temple on the premises of which is situated a five-feet high votive or wish-fulfilling Buddhist stupa with 1,008 figurines of the Buddha carved on it. The stupa is worshipped by the Hindus as Koteshwarnath Temple.  Itkhori is a holy site to Jainism too.  What makes Itkhori a unique Buddhist site is the presence of smiling Buddha idols which are not to be found elsewhere in the world. Numerous Buddha statues in different forms have been discovered in Itkhori. Legend has it that the Buddha had come to Itkhori. When his aunt reached Itkhori searching for the Buddha who had renounced the mundane

                                      Japanese Peace Pagoda/ Darjeeling The glistening, white-domed Peace Pagoda has been a landmark in Darjeeling since 1992. The edifice was built in by monks and nuns belonging to the Nipponzan Myohoji sect of Nichiren Buddhism. Nichidatsu Fujii (1885–1985), who founded the religious movement of Nipponzan Myohoji which means "Japanese Mountain Dharma Temple", laid the foundation stone of the pagoda in 1972. Nipponzan Myohoji has constructed more than 70 peace pagodas in different parts of the world. They exist all around the world mostly in Asia but also in Europe and North America. Born in 1885, Nichidatsu Fujii founded Nipponzan Myohoji in 1924.  Located on the slopes of the Jalapahar hills of Darjeeling, the Peace Pagoda which is 28.5 metre high has the four incarnations of the Buddha including the Maitreya Buddha. How to reach Japanese Peace Pagoda Air: Bagdogra airport near Siliguri in West Bengal is the nearest airport to the Japanese

                                                                      Lalitgiri/Wikimedia Commons Arguably, India’s greatest contribution to the world is the Buddha. India is the country of origin for Buddhism. Today, the Buddhist shrines are not only concentrated mainly in the Indian states of UP & Bihar but also in the eastern state of Odisha.   One famous Buddhist destination in Odisha is Lalitgiri. This archaeological site is the treasure trove of extensive Buddhist remains dating from the 3rd century BC to 15th century AD. A visit to this Buddhist site will take us to exquisite temples, stupas, and monuments set in an ambience of serenity of the Mahanadi basin. Large brick monasteries, statues of Buddhists deities including Avalokitesvara and Maitreya, colossal image of Buddha, the remnants of a chaitya hall and votive stupas are some of the finds at Lalitgiri which, needless to say, occupies a place of prominence in the history of Buddhism in Odisha. Bodhisattva images produc

  Situated in Clement Town in Dehradun in Uttarakhand, Mindrolling Monastery is a centre of spiritual activity for the Tibetan Buddhist community. Set up in 1965, the monastery enshrines 60m high Great Stupa and is adorned with beautiful murals and paintings.  Mindrolling Monastery, which follows the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, was founded by Khochhen Rinpoche who escaped to India during the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. The monastery has a 35m-high gold statue of the Buddha. The monastery also houses Ngagyur Nyingma College, which promotes literary studies of Tibetan Buddhism. How to reach Mindrolling Monastery  Mindrolling Monastery is accessible through rail, road and air. Air: The nearest airport to Mindrolling Monastery is at Jolly Grant at Dehradun is connected with flights to major cities of India. Rail: The nearest railway station to Mindrolling Monastery is Dehradun which is well connected by rail to almost all the major cities in India. Road: Mindrolling Monaste

Nalanda|Wikimedia Commons Nalanda in Bihar is known for the ruins of the world famous Buddhist monastery which served as a great centre of learning in the ancient India.  Established in 5th century AD during the Gupta period, the University of Nalanda was the Buddhism’s most famous teaching centre which attracted students and pilgrims from far-off countries including China and south-East Asia.  The renowned Chinese traveller Hiuen-Tsang who visited India in the 7th century AD and studied at the university describes Nalanda as full of intellectual activity. According to him, in order to get themselves admitted to the University the students had to pass a strict oral examination. Apart from the doctrine of Buddhism, the Vedas, Hindu philosophy, Hetu Vidya (logic), Shabda Vidya (grammar) and Chikitsa vidya (medicine) were also taught at the university.  Places of attractions in Nalanda Nalanda University Complex The university provided free education to some 10,000 students whose expenses

22 km from Khammam town in the South Indian state of Telangana is situated the famous Buddhist destination of Nelakondapalli which boasts an imposing Maha Stupa. The place, where Buddhism was in a flourishing state in the bygone era, attracted scholars and philosophers from across South Asia in the ancient times. In the ancient times, Nelakondapalli was known for producing images of Buddha. Excavations at the site in 1970s, 80s and 90s have unearthed viharas, bronze idol of Buddha and other Buddhist relics dating back to 3rd and 4th century AD. Karukonda is another famous Buddhist site in the Khammam district Telangana.  How to Reach Nelakondapalli Air: The nearest airport to Nelakondapalli is Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh which is 99 km from this Buddhist site in Telangana. You can find taxis and other means of transportation from the airport to reach Nelakondapalli.  Rail: The nearest railway station to Nelakondapalli is Khammam which is 22 km from this well-known Buddhist site in Te

Located in one of the most incredible landscapes, Phensang Monastery is a Buddhist site of immense significance for spiritual seekers in Sikkim. Belonging to the Nyingmapa sect, the monastery was established in 1721 by the 3rd Lhatsun Jigmed Pawo (1682-1735).  Built several times during its history, Phensang Monastery was rebuilt in 1840 to accommodate more number of monks. It is one of the six largest monasteries in Sikkim in terms of number of monks residing here.  As things stand today, the monastery plays host to some three hundred monks.  In 1947 a fire engulfed the Phensang monastery which was rebuilt in the following year.  The monastery also underwent reconstruction in the subsequent decades.  Festivals During the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calendar which usually falls in the last week of December, the Phensang monastery comes alive with excitement. Kagyad dance performed by the Buddhist monks two days before the Sikkim’s New Year symbolizes the dest

Located in the Somnath Gir district in Gujarat, Sana Caves is one of the most famous and earliest cave groups in India. Here are no less than 62 rock shelters constructed from 1st century BC to 1st century AD. As the cave shelter became small for its occupants a new cave was excavated nearby and the complex of caves grew over the period of time. The Sana Caves belong to this genre. The largest of the cave is Bhima-ni-Cori, also known as Cave 2. This is cut 21 meters deep into the rock and is the same general pattern as that at Talaja in the Bhavnagar district in Gujarat. Sana Caves are artificial caves carved of rocks and excavated for religious purposes for the Buddhist monks. They are testament to the influence of Buddhism in Gujarat.     How to reach Sana Caves   Air: The nearest airport to Sana Caves is at Rajkot that is connected by flights to major cities in India. Sana Caves is 188 km from Rajkot. Rail: Veraval, 7 Km from Sana Caves, is the nearest major railhead tha

46km from Bhopal in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is situated the world famous Buddhist site of Sanchi the remains of which are among the finest relics of early Buddhism dating from 3nd century BC. The Great stupa at Sanchi is hailed as the crowning achievement of early north Indian sculpture. Much of the Pali canon of the Sthaviravadin sect of Buddhism is from the great monastery in the UNESCO listed world heritage site of Sanchi. Located within a radius of 20 km Sonari, Satdhara, Andher and Mural Khurd are home to the ruins of ancient Buddhist stupas. Places of attractions The Great Sanchi Stupa  Today the Great Sanchi Stupa survives to be awe-inspiring spectacles for the pilgrims and tourists who throng to them. It is a massive hemisphere of about 120 feet in diameter.  Towards the end of the 1st century BC four glorious gateways (torana) were added at the four cardinal points. The stupa was enlarged to twice its original size in the 2nd century AD. Lesser stupas and monastic b

Located on a hilltop the Tashiding monastery was built in 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo during the reign of the third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal. One of the holiest and oldest monasteries in Sikkim, Tashiding features beautiful carvings of the sacred texts and Buddhist deities on the stone tablets. On the premises of the Tashiding monastery are a number of ornately carved shrines and many stupas dedicated to the saints.  The Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mane Padme Hum (hail the jewel in the lotus) is carved almost everywhere.  Festival Bhumchu is the most sacred festival associated with the Tashiding Monastery. During the festival the sealed vessels (tings) are opened to predict the prosperity of Sikkim. This is done by measuring the level of the waters which were put into the vessels one year before. The waters are from Rathong river in west Sikkim. Bhumchu is held every year in the month of February.   How to reach Tashiding monastery Air: Bagdogra airport near Siliguri in West Bengal i

About 25km from the McMahon Line that constitutes the boundary between India and China at the height of 3,500 metres above sea level is located Tawang which is dotted with several old monasteries, chief of which is the 336-year-old Tawang monastery, the focal point of any visit to this Buddhist dominated town in Arunachal Pradesh.  The Tawang monastery, world's second largest monastery complex after Drepung Monastery in Tibet, was founded by Mera Lama Lodre Gyasto in 1681 AD and is the seat of the Gelupa sect of Buddhism. Its beautifully decorated prayer hall, accessible through narrow alleys houses an 8m-high Buddha statue. The Monastery has a big library with a notable collection of ancient Buddhist texts books and manuscripts. From the Tawang monastery, one can enjoy stunning views of the Tawang -Chu valley. The monastery attracts visitors in large number who come here to catch a glimpse of the monks’ way of living as well as to see them performing prayers and traditional ritual

Commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, Buddha Purnima is an auspicious occasion for the followers of Buddhism.  The festival, which actually celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death (Mahaparinirvana) of the Buddha, falls on the full moon night in the month of Vaisakha (in April/ May) and is celebrated with great gusto and devotion in several prominent Buddhist places in India particularly at Bodhgaya and Sarnath.  During the Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti, prayers meets are held in shrines or temples all over the country and Buddhist saints deliver the sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha. 

Set against the incredible backdrop of Kanchenjunga, Bhutia Basti in Darjeeling is home to one of the oldest and most venerated Buddhist monasteries of the region. Originally built on Observatory Hill in 1765, the monastery in its present location was rebuilt by the Chogyals (kings) of Sikkim in 1879. Affairs of the Bhutia Basti are managed by Sikkim’s Ecclesiastical Affairs Department.  Bhutia Basti monastery belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhists. You will find the original copy of the Buddhism's guide to the afterlife, The Tibetan Book of the Dead in the monastery.   The main prayer hall of the monastery houses a statue of Buddha in a glass case. You will also find the statues of Tara Devi and goddess Lakshmiswari with thousand eyes and hands in the Bhutia Basti monastery which is adorned with large murals and paintings depicting sense from the life of the Buddha.

Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in the state of Chhattisgarh, Sirpur is a famous Buddhist destination that is still waiting to be discovered. In ancient times Sirpur served as the capital of Dakshin Kosala and was a great centre of Buddhist learning between the 6th and 10th centuries. The Chinese monk and scholar Hieun Tsang is believed to have visited the place in the 7th century AD. According to Hieun Tsang, Sirpur was a home to hundred Buddhist monasteries inhabited by over 10,000 monks from South east Asia professing Mahayana form of Buddhism. Discovery of conch bangles seems to suggest the presence of Buddhist nuns in the viharas.  The excavations at the site have unearthed important Buddhist sites and artifacts including 10 Buddhist visharas and a metre-high monolithic statue of Buddha in the "Bhumisparsh mudra", dating back to the 6th century. Another big find is the Buddhist Stupa built by Ashoka. Tradition is that the Buddha himself had visited Sirpur.  Th