Sarnath

It was in here in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan). The Emperor Ashoka (c 304 - 232 BC), who spread the Buddha's message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, visited Sarnath around 234 BC, and erected a stupa here. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. Sarnath is 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi, and is an exceedingly tranquil place. The ruins, the museum and temple are all within walking distance.

Kushinagar

The district of Kushinagar is named after the sacred death-place of Lord Buddha. At Kushinagar, Lord Buddha, an apostle of peace, comapassion and non-violence, attained Mahaparinirvana (Salvation) in 483 BC. Lord Buddha died in a Saal forest in Kushinagar and attained mahaparinirvana at the age of 80.

There are several destination in Himachal Pradesh, which represents Buddhism. The towns of Shimla, Dhramshala, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti are abundant with numerous Buddhist Pilgrimage sites, which beckons every devout to its sacred surroundings. The towns of Keylong, Reckong Peo, Tabo, Rarang, Jangi, Lippa, Kanum and Pooh has many impressive monasteries and gompas, which are real joy to sight.

With a majestic view of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, Dharamsala is the seat of His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile. This small town has a large Tibetan refugee settlement and one can see monks in their robes and old Tibetans walking with rosaries in their hands or turning the prayer wheels. The main is the Namgyal monastery or the Dalai Lama’s temple. Gangchen Kyishong houses the offices of the Tibetan government in exile. Monastery of Nechung Oracle is where the official oracle of the Dalai Lama sits and one can visit the monastery and witness the daily services.

Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh lies in the head of a triangular plateau in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is renowned for its unique architecture, rich culture and its monasteries, which have their own charm and beauty.

Known as "the land of lamas," Leh-Ladakh is situated amidst peaceful and soothing snow clad Himalayas, a perfect place to be one with God. This is a land of snow carved peaks, translucent lakes, barren terrain and mystic culture. Perilously perched atop precipices and peaks, are about 13 major Gompas (monasteries) which remain the treasury of Buddhist mysticism. Visits to the major Buddhist monasteries and other cultural or heritage sites are the principal tourist attractions of Ladakh. Most of the region's principal gompas are open throughout day and a caretaker lama is available to show visitors around. Some of the less visited establishments have special opening hours, as in the case of Namgyal Tsemo, Shey Palace and the Stock Palace Museum.

The monasteries constitute the fountain-head of Ladakh's Buddhist religion and culture. Tourists are advised to respect their holiness. Shoes may have to be removed before entering some of the temples, smoking is anathema to the monastic atmosphere, while loud action and speech may disturb the tranquil ambience characteristic of such places of worship.