Buddhist Tourism in India
India is located in Southern Asia and shares land boundaries with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Nepal and Pakistan. The country is also bordered by the Arabian Sea in the west, the Bay of Bengal in the east and the Indian Ocean in the south. The country covers a total area of 3,166,4141 sqkm and has New Delhi as its capital city.

India has always been a delight for tourists, specially those interested in history, culture and religion. For Buddhist tourists, India is the land of Buddha, for it was here, in a small town of Bodh Gaya, that the great prince Siddharta attained enlightenment and became Buddha. Years later, it was again in India that an ambitious king Asoka renounced everything and took refuge in the preachings of Buddha. He sent his emissaries to different parts of the world so as to spread the message of peace and harmony and the religion of Buddhism.

In brief, it was from India that Buddhism flourished and found its way to the other countries of the world. Hence, a trip to India to know and understand Buddhism comprehensively is extremely important.

Browse through them and pick the destination you wish to start off your trip to India.

Buddhist Tourism in Cambodia
Cambodia or the Kingdom of Cambodia occupies an area of 181,035 sq km in the southwestern part of the Indochina peninsula. It is bordered by Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on the west and the north. The Social Republic of Vietnam is on the east and the southeast. Also, in the southeast is the Gulf of Thailand. Administratively, the country is segregated into 20 provinces and four municipalities. Further subdivisions include districts, communions, great districts and islands. Phnom Penh is the capital city.

The people of Cambodia are primarily ethnic Khmers and followers of Theravada Buddhism. As such there are a number of Buddhist attractions in store for Buddhist tourists to see and enjoy during their trip to the country. This section introduces you to all such sites and monuments, a visit to which will prove extremely rewarding. You will also get to know how Buddhism actually made its foray in the country of Cambodia and influenced the rulers as well as the people alike.

Buddhist Tourism in China
China, located in east Asia, is one of the most important countries of the world. It is one of the earliest centres of human civilisation and also the one that invented independent system of writing. The topography of the country in the west is mostly mountainous while in the east, there are lower lands. The climate is also extremely diverse with the southern portion enjoying the tropical climate and the northern portion enjoying the subarctic climate. The capital of China is Beijing.

Though China is officially atheist, yet the influence of Buddhism and Taoism along with Confucianism is pretty much visible in the country. There are also a number of worthvisiting Buddhist attractions in the country, hence, for a Buddhist tourist like you, there is plenty to see and do in China. You can visit the Buddhist temples, monasteries and caves and learn more about the Buddhism in China. Interacting with monks residing in the temples and monasteries of China can also prove to be a rewarding experience.

So do not delay, for a Buddhist tour to China is going to be one of the most memorable journey of your life.

Buddhist Tourism in Hong Kong
A part of the eastern Asia, Hong Kong lies on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta on the southeastern coast of the People Republic of China. It is bordered by South China Sea in the south and Guangdong Province in the north. Hong Kong comprises Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and over 260 Outlying Island. The Kowloon Peninsula is connected to the New Territories in the north which in turn are again connected to Mainland China across the Sham Chun River. Of all the islands of Hong Kong, Lantau is the largest one followed by Hong Kong Island itself.

Hong Kong has a subtropical and monsoonal climate. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 28.8°C (82°F) while the coldest month is January with an average temperature of 15.8°C (61°F). The best time to visit Hong Kong is between the months of October to March when it is pleasant and rainfall is less.

These are quiet a few basic information about Hong Kong useful for tourists desirous of a visit. For those interested in Buddhist tourism, it is important to know that Hong Kong is not entirely a Buddhist country. Rather, the people of Hong Kong have high degree of religious freedom and the population is a good mix of followers of Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Christainity and Islam. Nonetheless Buddhist tourists have plenty of reasons to make a trip to the country. The prime amongst these is a visit to the world's largest seated bronze statue of the Buddha in the Po Lin Monastery on the Lantau Island. Apart from this, there area a number of other Buddhist monasteries and temples that make for a worthwhile trip to the country.

So, do not delay, for here's is an opportunity for you to see and enjoy the best of Buddhist attractions in Hong Kong.

Buddhist Tourism in Tibet
The country of Tibet is located in central Asia on the Tibetan Plateau, the highest region in the world. The average elevation of the country is 49,00 m and it is due to this that Tibet has earned itself the sobriquet of 'Roof of the World'. The capital city is Lhasa.

Tibet is home to people whose predominant religion is Tibetan Buddhism, a form of Vajrayana Buddhism. It is inetersting to note that Tibetan Buddhism is practiced not just in Tibet but also in other places like in Mongolia, the Buryat Republic, the Tuva Republic, and in the Republic of Kalmykia.

Some of the most revered Buddhist figures of the world, like the Holy Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama and Karmapa, belong to Tibet.

For a Buddhist tourist then, Tibet, becomes one of the major destinations.

So, if you wish to undertake a Buddhist trip and are still undecided about the destination, then you know you are at the right place. Tibet is just the place to be and you should immediately pick it up for your vacations.

Buddhist Tourism in Indonesia
Located in southeast Asia, Indonesia is an archipelago of 17,508 islands that spread between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Out of the total, only 6000 islands are populated and amongst these, the five main islands are Sumatra, Irian Jaya, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Java. The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta. Administratively, Indonesia is segregated into 30 provinces, 2 special regions and 1 special capital city district.

From tourism point of view, Indonesia has been attracting tourists for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is the natural beauty of Indonesia while at other times it is the historic heritage, delightful performing arts and mouthwatering cuisine that draws tourists towards it. If you are interested in Buddhist tourism and are wondering whether Indonesia has anything to offer, then think again. You will be delighted to know that Indonesia, despite its low percentage of Buddhist population, is home to the largest Buddhist monument on this earth. And unquestionably, a visit to this monument is a must for you as a Buddhist tourist. A visit to Indonesia will also allow you to learn how Buddhsim entered and established itself in the country. Also, you will get an opportunity to visit other Buddhist attractions of the country.

Indonesia experiences a tropical climate and is hot and humid throughout the year. However, the inner areas are cooler than the coastal areas. Monsoons bring heavy rain between December to March while the period between April to October is dry and hence the best time to visit Indonesia.

So, plan your Buddhist tour to Indonesia right away. This section will guide you at each step.

Buddhist Tourism in Korea
Located on the Korean peninsula in east Asia, Korea is segregated into North and South Korea. Bordering Korea are the countries of China in the northwest (seperated by Yalu river), Russia in the northeast (seperated by Tumen river) and Japan in the southeast. The Yellow Sea borders it in the west, East China Sea in the south and the Sea of Japan in the east. The name Korea owes its origin to the Goreyo period of Korean history, which itself is drawn from the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo. The North Koreans call the entire Korea Choson while the South Koreans call it Han-guk.

For tourists, Korea has plethora of attractions in form of sightseeing and activities. It is home to a number of beaches, islands, mountains, valleys, national parks and hot springs which are a real treat for lovers of natural beauty. Similarly, for those interested in culture and history, there are palaces, fortresses, gates, temples and and other religious sites.

Buddhist tourists, too, have a great time visiting and exploring the Buddhist treasures of Korea. There are temples and monasteries that tell a great deal about the past and present of the religion in the country. Also, despite the fact that Confucian tradition is dominant in the country, Buddhism, too, has its influence. In South Korea itself, around 25.3% of population follows Buddhism. This means that you will have plenty of opportunity to interact with the Buddhist community of Korea during your trip.

So, if you have not been to Korea till date, pick it up for your next vacation.

Set out on a Buddhist tour to Korea and come back as an enlightened and happy soul.

Buddhist Tourism in Japan
With around 84% of the population following a mix of Buddhism and Shinto religion, Japan makes for a wonderful destination for all those of you who are planning a trip revolving around Buddhism. Presence of a number of Buddhist temples and monuments further enhances the attraction of the country for Buddhist tourists like you.

Introduction to Japan itself is least required, still for the sake of convenience of those who are planning a visit for the first time, let's give you a few basic details about the country. Japan, located in the Eastern Asia, is an island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. It covers a total area of 377,835 sq km, which when compared with California, is only slightly less. The terrain of the country is mostly rugged and mountainous while the climate varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north. The country has its capital in Tokyo and is administratively divided into 47 prefectures.

Buddhist Tourism in Mongolia
With Russia in its north and China in the south, Mongolia is a country in the eastern part of Asia, though sometimes, it is also considered a part of Central Asia. Occupying an area of 1,564,116 sqkm, it is the 19th largest country in the world with its capital at Ulaanbatar. The topography of the country is flat in the central region and mountainous in the northern and western region. The southern part of the country is sandy with the presence of the Gobi desert. The climate in the country is extreme continental with long, cold winters and short summers.

Ulaanbaatar has the coldest average temperature amongst all the national capital in the world. Administratively, Mongolia is segregated into 21 aymguud (provinces) and 1 municipality with provincial status. The aymguuds are further segregated into 315 somon or districts.

Tourists to Mongolia are attracted towards its natural beauty as well as natural and cultural heritage. For Buddhist tourists like you, there are plenty in store too. A number of Buddhist destinations, temples and monasteries dot the land of Mongolia and make for an interesting visit. By visiting these places, you will learn a great deal about Buddhism in the country. Moreover, interacting with the local people, who are the followers of Tibetan Buddhism, is in itself highly rewarding. Actually, approximately 50% of the Mongolian population is Buddhist Lamaist, which means that you will not have to go around a great deal in order to meet and converse with a Buddhist.

So, go through this section and find details that you have been looking for quiet some time now.