Railways has launched a super deluxe Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train which covers pilgrimage sites associated with the life of Gautam Buddha, while offering passengers an enhanced travel experience with dedicated dining cars, in-built library and sofa-seating in coaches. (From Tweet of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal)
In the Mahaparinirvana sutra, the Buddha tells his followers that they can attain merit and a noble rebirth by going on pilgrimage to the places where he was born (Lumbini), gained enlightenment (Bodhgaya), first taught (Sarnath), and attained Nirvana (Kushinagar).
The Buddhist tourist train takes you to these places and helps you experience first hand the self disciplined and legendary life of Lord Buddha.
India, the country where Buddhism originated has rich memories of the Buddhist legacy. As part of its drive towards austerity, the only kind of art and architecture that it supported were Stupas (stone cased moulds that commemorated relics of Buddha), Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (cells for the monks). Buddhist Train India will help you visit all these places up close for a truly religious experience.
The Buddhist tourist train covers all the places which had a significant impact on Buddha’s life and teachings. Board the Buddhist train from Safdarjung Railway Station as it heads for religious and traditional Gaya.
Bodhgaya is the place where Buddha attained Enlightenment. The train then takes you to Niranjana River wherein Buddha bathed after gaining wisdom. The Iconic Buddha Statue is a hub of worship to revere along with Mighty Temples including UNESCO World Heritage Site Mahabodhi Temple. The ancient city of Rajgir welcomes you in Buddha Express to enjoy the beautiful sights of Bimbimsara Jail, Gridhakut Hill and Venuvan. The Buddhist Train then heads to Nalanda for its world-famous ruins, archaeological museum, and international university. Disembark the Buddhist Train in Sarnath and visit the massive Dhamekh Stupa, oldest archaeological site Sarnath Museum, Ashokan Pillar, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Monastery in the afternoon and Ganges Ghat for Aarti in the evening. Board the Buddhist Train again at night to Nautanwa, the nearest railway station to the Indo Nepal Open Border. Buddha Express will take you to Lumbini where you can visit the birthplace of Gautam Buddha- the Maya Devi Temple and Ashokan Pillar. The Buddhist Tourist Train then takes you to Kushinagar where Buddha attained Nirvana. Here you will explore Mahaparinirvan Temple, Sacred Rambhar Stupa, Magnificent Mata Kutir Temple and other sites. Arrive at the majestic Jetvana Vihara Monastery, Splendid Pakki Kuti Excavation site, and Ancient Idols and Inscriptions rich Sehat Mahet. Finally, visit the palatial and opulent Taj Mahal to complete a journey that will make you cultivate self-discipline and positive reflection. All meals are provided on the Buddhist Tourist Train along hotel accommodations in every city you visit.
