A view of the sea

Top 10 Must-Visit Buddhist Temples in India

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the location where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. This sacred site features a 5th-century temple built by Emperor Ashoka

Mahaparinirvana Temple, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh This temple houses a 6-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, representing the Buddha's final moments before attaining Parinirvana. 

Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh Located where Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhamek Stupa stands 43.6 meters tall. Its intricate carvings and historical significance make it a revered monument in Buddhist heritage

Wat Thai Temple, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh Built to commemorate King Bhumibol of Thailand's victory, this temple showcases Thai architectural elegance

Thiksey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh Perched on a hilltop, Thiksey Monastery resembles Tibet's Potala Palace. It houses numerous shrines and a 15-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, offering panoramic views of the Indus Valley

Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Established in 1965, Mindrolling Monastery is renowned for its 107-foot-tall Buddha statue and vibrant murals. It serves as a center for Buddhist learning and spiritual practice

Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling, West Bengal Founded in 1850, Ghoom Monastery is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling. It houses a 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha and ancient Buddhist manuscripts

Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple), Bylakuppe, Karnataka Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, is the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in India

Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra The Ajanta Caves comprise 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE

Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra Ellora Caves feature 12 Buddhist caves among its 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries. Cave 10, known as the "Carpenter's Cave" 

Udayagiri, Odisha Udayagiri is part of Odisha's "Diamond Triangle" of Buddhist sites. It features rock-cut sculptures and ancient monasteries, reflecting the region's rich Buddhist heritage

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