The Ministry of Tourism’s 'Dekho Apna Desh Webinar' series titled 'Exploring Buddhist Circuit by Train' on January 16, 2021 focused on experiencing a thoughtful journey by visiting the destinations in India that had a significant role to play in the life of Buddha and his disciples.

Proceeding the series ahead, the Ministry of Tourism recently organised the 'Dekho Apna Desh' webinar on 'Exploring Buddhist Circuit by Train.' The webinar portrayed the rich Buddhist Heritage in India. The webinar also highlighted the destinations across India visited by Buddha and the Buddhist Heritage created by his disciples, including modern monasteries. The webinar also helped the viewers make travel arrangements (Especially by Train) & accommodation to the Buddhist Sites in India.

Initiating the webinar, Arun Srivastava, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of Tourism, talked about Buddhist tourism's potential in India. Being the land where several important incidents took place in Buddha's life, Srivastava stated that India can attract 500 million Buddhists worldwide to 'India -the land of Buddha'.

He further stated that Buddhism has a vital force, an inspiration, and above all, guidance to our traditions and customs. He also mentioned Buddhism's contribution to enriching Indian cultural heritage, apart from adding to the religious diversity of the land.

Presented by Dr. Achyut Singh, Joint General Manager (Tourism & Marketing), Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the webinar was meant to inform about the various IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train envisioned for covering the most sites that had a significant impact on Buddha's life and teachings.  

Singh further discussed Lumbini, lying across the India-Nepal border connected by the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train itinerary. The itinerary enables guests to pay their respects at the holy site in addition to the Mayadevi temple, dedicated to the Enlightened One's mother. The Buddha's moment of enlightenment enshrined for eternity under the Maha Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya is one of the itinerary highlights.

The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train itinerary has been designed to include the site of the Buddha's original sermon, from where sprang all its varied forms, sects, and distinctions. Known as Sarnath, this site is in the proximity of Varanasi, one of the most ancient heritage of Indian culture. The gripping Ganga Aarti, is performed on the banks of the holy Ganges in the evenings. Guests have the opportunity to witness the same on visiting Sarnath.

The itinerary of the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train further contains a trip to the Mahaparinirvan Temple at Kushinagar with its Reclining Buddha depicting the divine soul's last earthly position of rest. Tourists can gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism by accessing the Buddha's sermons at Sravasti; specifically, at the Jetavana monastery.

The final Destination in the itinerary is the TajMahal to complete a soulful journey.