Buddhist Tourism – It’s Impact In Indian Tourism Sector

The roots of Buddhism trace back to 528 BCE when Siddhartha Gautama travelled throughout north India to spread his teachings where in he gained his disciples known as monks. It is not merely a religion but a way of life.  

His teachings left such a strong impact on the minds of the individuals which is pretty evident by the fact that people still wallow about it till date and that is the reason why there is a boom in the Buddhist tour of India. 

And not to mention that Buddhism tourism is popular to such an extent that tourists from around the world visit the sacred places which are considered important sites by Buddhists including Lumbini, the birth place of Gautam Buddha. Since Buddhist tourism is on the rise, it has proved to be an important product of heritage tourism in India. It certainly has very good potential to boom the country’s economy. 

Here know the essential impacts of Buddhist tourism 

1. Increased popularity 

The growing affinity towards the Buddhist tour has made India a destination for top Buddhist tourism. Due to the immense popularity that it is garnering, day by day, it is resulting in greater advancements in the overall tourism sector. Moreover, the government is taking measures to increase its popularity. Bodh Gaya has been regarded as the “spiritual capital of India”. 

2. Economic Impact 

The government has allocated a significant budget of INR 500 crores which has led to the development of three important pilgrimages namely- Sarnath, Gaya and Varanasi.  

3. Social and Cultural Impacts of Buddhist Tourism

The Buddhist tour of India is of immense significance for over 450 million Buddhists mainly from East and Southeast Asia serving as a crucial means of strengthening cultural and bilateral ties. Buddhism tourism is believed to truly incorporate “inclusiveness” into vibrant India.  

4. A variety of experiences are available for tourists

Apart from the various pilgrimages, Buddhist tourism has various activities to offer to the people. Such as meditation tours, half marathons, trekking and tours to the village. Such activities are often included in the packages opted for by the tourists as it provides them with some fun experiences along with the serenity of the tour. 

5. Amenities provided to pilgrims

The evolution in the tourism sector due to Buddhist tour of India has led to the evolution in the tools and techniques adopted by the industry. The various sectors receive donations and expansions in monetary terms. Apart from that, the government provides aid to the pilgrims for their maintenance and helps in developing facilities for the tourists.   

Places to Visit in Buddhism Tour 

The following places have been regarded as important sites by the Buddhists  to visit - 

1. Lumbini, Nepal: birth place of Gautam Buddha 

This is the place where lord Buddha was born as Prince Siddharta Gautama in the 563 BCE. The prince was given birth in the magnificent Lumbini landscape. She held on to a branch of Sal tree and gave birth. The event from history can be observed in a portrayal of it on a low-relief sculpture located in Lumbini. 

2. Bodh Gaya, India: Site of Buddha's Enlightenment

This site is of great importance since it is the place where he gained ultimate enlightenment. Before he arrived there, he had spent six years on the banks of the Niranjana River, practising rigorous self-discipline. He is known to have travelled a lot to meditate in order to achieve enlightenment. And to find remedies for various human sufferings and plights. People from various sects visit this place. 

3. Sarnath: where Buddha preached his first Sermon

Sarnath is another location in the list of Buddhist Tour of India. It is a place which resides 10 km away from Varanasi. the place where Buddha turned the wheel of dharna after the attainment of enlightenment. his main motive was to find his former companions with whom he practices austerities. 

Upon finding them, he delivered his first sermon in deer park which led to the formation of his first group of monks recognised as “Sangha” All the people present there had learnt about the path that leads to the end of sorrow, despair and leads them to inner peace and ultimate Nirvana.  

4. Ajanta and Ellora caves: ancient rock-cut Buddhist temples 

They are regarded as the best rock-cut cave architecture in India. Situated in Aurangabad, near Maharashtra. These cave monuments trace back to the 2nd century BC. They are paintings, murals, and sculptures which display the life of Buddha. They are known as the Jataka tales. 

The prominent Buddhist caves are different from the caves of Ellora. Ellora has around 34 caves that consist of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples and Viharas (Buddhist Monasteries). 

5. Khushinagar: where Buddha attained Parinirvana 

Renowned for its monasteries and stupas which are now considered an antique. Many people from across the world are known to come to this place to explore what it has to offer. It is the place where lord Buddha attained Parinirvana( NIrvana after Death). The Buddha took his last breath here. It is believed that he had fallen sick after having mushrooms from a local. And he attained Nirvana on the spot. This place has the resting statue of Buddha, (dying Buddha) which is a cremation site of Buddha.  

6. Dharamshala: home to Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism 

Located in the western region of Himachal Pradesh, it is a significant destination for Buddhists in the state. The amazing town of Tibet where an entire culture has been nurtured through the years. It is a renowned place to learn Buddhism. The important place, Mcleodganj is the home to the Dalai Lama who is considered an important preacher of Buddhism. Namgyal Monastery is regarded as an important place. The place is renowned for its amazing Tibet cuisine which will serve as a great delight. 

All these locations are considered places of great importance to the Buddhists and are included in the Buddhist Tour of India. The shrines offer effective knowledge to tourists coming from all over the world for the pilgrimage tour.