The Buddhist Circuit

The Buddhist Circuit is a Safarnama journey through Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Sarnath and Kushinagar. Each city is a real route between its monuments. Walk, run or ride wherever you are; every kilometre you log moves you along the route, and reaching a monument unlocks its story. Finish every city on the trail to earn its medallion.

Bodh Gaya: Where the Buddha was enlightened

11.4 km · 5 monuments · 7 m climb · from Dungeshwari Cave Temples to Great Buddha Statue

From the caves where the young ascetic meditated, across the Phalgu to the Mahabodhi Temple and the Great Buddha.

Read the Bodh Gaya story →

Rajgir: The first capital of Magadha

7.0 km · 4 monuments · 247 m climb · from Venu Vana to Vishwa Shanti Stupa

Through the bamboo grove to the cave of the first council, then up to Vulture Peak and the Peace Stupa.

Read the Rajgir story →

Nalanda: The great university

5.1 km · 4 monuments · 1 m climb · from Nava Nalanda Mahavihara to Nalanda Mahavihara

From the modern institute that revived the name to the ruins of the ancient university itself.

Read the Nalanda story →

Vaishali: The city of the last sermon

6.9 km · 5 monuments · 3 m climb · from Vaishali Museum to Ashokan Pillar, Kolhua

An early republic's capital: the coronation tank, the earliest known stupa and an Ashokan lion pillar.

Read the Vaishali story →

Sarnath: The first sermon

1.2 km · 4 monuments · 2 m climb · from Chaukhandi Stupa to Dhamek Stupa

A short walk through the Deer Park to the place of the Buddha's first teaching.

Read the Sarnath story →

Kushinagar: The Buddha's final rest

2.8 km · 3 monuments · 2 m climb · from Matha Kuar Shrine to Ramabhar Stupa

The three sites of the Buddha's last days: the shrine, the temple of the reclining Buddha, and the cremation stupa.

Read the Kushinagar story →

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