Lexicographically pilgrimages are supposed to be rigorous religious journeys meant to be taken in order to attain spiritual elevation. However, they can also be referred to as trips embarked on to visit a certain sacred shrine of particular significance to a person�s faith. Buddhism, a religion born in India, over the years, has become a popular religious belief among several people around the world. The Buddhist pilgrimage tours, thereby, are some of the major touring options amongst numerous religious followers all over the globe.

The Buddhist pilgrimage tours, just like the other holiday packages, come in various categories, depending on your desires, needs and capabilities. You can avail of the itinerary that takes you through Mumbai, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Agra, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Patna and Delhi. Start your tour with a visit to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves at Aurangabad � the UNESCO site denoting the Mahayana and Hinayana sects of Buddhism. In fact, there are 34 cave temples out of which 12 are Mahayana Buddhist caves, 17 are Hindu caves and 5 are Jain caves.

After a thorough study of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, you can head to the Jalgaon railway station to board a connecting train to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. The major attraction in Bhopal is the Sanchi stupas. The intricately carved toranas (gateways) are exclusive instance of rich Buddhist architecture.

A train to Agra from Bhopal will let you explore the wonderful tourist sites like the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Agra Fort. A connecting flight will take you to Varanasi where you will enjoy the boat ride on the Ganges. Next you leave for Bodhgaya and on the way to Sarnath as well. The Mahabodhi Tree and the Mahabodhi Temple are the main attractions in Bodhgaya, perhaps the most important section of a Buddhist pilgrimage.

The next day you can leave for Patna, a city that offers excursion options to Nalanda and Rajgir. Visit to the Nalanda University will give you an idea as to how rich India�s past has been in terms of education and architecture as well. The then capital of the mighty Magadha Empire during the period of Lord Buddha�s lifetime, Rajgir was visited by the Buddha during the reign of Bimbisara. Also, the place is significant to Hindus as well as Jains.

Board a connecting flight to Delhi, where you can visit the fine tourist places like India Gate, Humayun�s Tomb and Red Fort. At the end of the Buddhist pilgrimage tours you will feel spiritually stronger and richer.

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information about Buddhist Pilgrimage Tours, and booking for India travel tours on your tour to India.