The Ministry of Tourism is actively promoting Buddhist Tourism in India through the Swadesh Darshan (SD) Scheme and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme.

About Buddhist Circuit

• The Buddhist Circuit refers to the sacred sites associated with Lord Buddha’s life, including the places where he was born, taught, preached, attained Enlightenment, and achieved Nirvana.
• The Buddhist Circuit has been recognized as a thematic circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to promote Buddhist heritage sites across India.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) ensures the conservation, maintenance, and development of public amenities at Buddhist sites.
• Key Buddhist Sites:
• • Lumbini (Nepal) : Recognized as Buddha’s birthplace, it is closely linked to Indian Buddhist sites.
  • Bodh Gaya (Bihar): The site of Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
  • Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh): The location where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
  • Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh): The place of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana (final passing away).
  • Rajgir and Nalanda (Bihar): Renowned centers of Buddhist learning and ancient monasteries.
  • Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh): Home to ancient stupas and Buddhist monuments, showcasing Buddhist architecture and heritage.

Projects Under Thematic Buddhist Circuit

About Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SD)

• The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched in 2014-15 with the aim of developing integrated thematic tourist circuits across India.
• It includes various theme-based tourist circuits such as the Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Northeast Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Sufi Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Tirthankar Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, and Tribal Circuit to promote tourism across India.
• The scheme is 100% centrally funded.
• The Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of the developed projects is the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory Administration.

PRASHAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive)

• The PRASHAD Scheme was launched in 2014-15 to promote religious tourism through the development of pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
• The scheme focuses on enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and tourism facilities at important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.