India is the ‘Land of Buddha’. The State of Bihar, in particular, offers an enriching experience of ‘Buddhist Trail’. While Bodh Gaya is the main centre of attraction, Nalanda and Rajgir are two prominent destinations of Buddhist Circuit in the State. Gautam Buddha is said to have visited and preached at both these places.
Nalanda, regarded as one of the greatest universities of ancient world, rose into prominence in 5th Century AD as a great Monastic-cum- Educational Institution for oriental art and learning in the whole Buddhist World, attracting students from distant countries including China.
In Rajgir, ‘Venu Vana’ and the ‘Gridhra-kuta’ are two notable locations where Buddha lived, meditated and preached.
Visiting Nalanda and Rajgir, last week, was indeed an Incredible Experience and a proud moment. They are such ‘rare sites’ that showcase Bihar as ‘land of Buddha’, as an epicentre of India’s glorious past and as the ‘Birth Place of Ancient Education’ all-in-one & are the ‘Must-Visit’ and ’Must Experience’Tourism destinations of Incredible India !!
Buddhist Tourism is like a ‘Gold Mine’ for India Tourism in general and for Bihar Tourism ,in particular. Not enough has, however been extracted so far. China , Japan, Srilanka, Thailand, Bhutan,Myanmar, Vietnam, Taiwan and Cambodia are big source markets for attracting Buddhist travellers. The Union Govt , Govt of Bihar and Stakeholders in Tourism Industry, will however have to go the ‘extra mile’ to harness the untapped potential of Buddhist Tourism, by focusing on issues of Connectivity, Ease of Travel, on building World Class Tourism Infrastructure in and around Buddha Circuit and on Integrated promotion.
