The Indian Railways launched the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, a special train dedicated to exploring important Buddhist sites in India and Nepal, earlier this year. The train recently embarked on a journey from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station on March 11, 2023.
The 08-day/07-night trip is designed to offer tourists an incredible and comfortable experience as they visit destinations significant in Buddha’s life and teachings.
The train departed from New Delhi’s Safdurjung Station on Friday. Its next stop is Bodh Gaya, the place where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists, and a visit to this site is considered a pilgrimage. The train will then move on to Rajgir and Nalanda, which were important centers of learning during Buddha’s time. The Rajgir hills, where Buddha gave some of his most important teachings, are a must-visit site for all tourists.
Indian Railways: Buddhist Circuit train route, stops & schedule
The next destination on the tour is Varanasi, a city with a rich spiritual history. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered one of the holiest places in India. The train then moves on to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar are two important sites in Sarnath.
The journey then moves to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. The Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini is believed to be the exact spot where Buddha was born. Kushinagar, the place where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, is the next destination on the tour. The Mahaparinirvana Temple and the Ramabhar Stupa are two important sites in Kushinagar.
The penultimate destination on the tour is Sravasti, where Buddha spent a significant part of his life. The Jetavana Monastery and the Anathapindika’s Stupa are two important sites in Sravasti. Before the journey concludes at New Delhi on March 18, the train will make a halt at Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world.
How to book Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train
Visit the official IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train website i.e.www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com Then click on ‘book now’ & fill in all the details are per your preference. Use the IRCTC account login or Guest Login to fill in passenger details & complete the booking by making payment.
Fare of IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Special Train
1. USD 150 or Rs 12,600 for confirmed 2-berth cabin in AC I class of Full/Partial Tour.
2. USD 200 or Rs 16,800 for single occupancy in hotel for entire tour (applicable for AC I and II). Or USD 50 per stay/freshen up in hotel.
3. USD 669 or Rs 56,200* (full/partial journey) would be applicable for confirmed allocation of one lower berth only in a 2-seater first class cabin. Upper berth would not be allocated to other passenger.
4. USD 669 or Rs 56,200 (full/partial journey) would be applicable for confirmed allocation of two lower berths in a 4 seater first class cabin. Two upper berths would not be allocated to other passengers. (Source: IRCTC website)
Departure dates
In 2023, IRCTC’s Buddhist Circuit Special train has scheduled departure dates on January 25, March 11, October 21, November 4, and December 16.
