Patna: A 28-member delegation from Thailand has arrived in Bihar on a tourism and heritage visit, beginning its journey at Bodh Gaya, where the members visited the Mahabodhi Temple and experienced the spiritual significance of the place associated with Lord Buddha’s enlightenment.
The visit has been organised by the Bihar Tourism Department under the “Fam Tour of Lotus Triangle – Travel to Land of Enlightenment” initiative. The delegation will travel across Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali and Patna, with a meeting with local tourism stakeholders also planned in the state capital.
Mahabodhi Temple Becomes First Stop
The delegation visited the world-famous Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya and offered prayers at the Buddhist pilgrimage site.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabodhi Temple is closely associated with the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. For Buddhist visitors from Thailand, the site holds particular spiritual and cultural significance.
Members of the delegation described their visit to Bodh Gaya as an unforgettable experience. They highlighted the peaceful atmosphere of the Mahabodhi Temple complex and the emotional significance of visiting the place associated with Buddha’s enlightenment.
The visit also gave the delegation an opportunity to experience Bihar’s Buddhist heritage beyond its best-known pilgrimage site.
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Delegation Explores Bodh Gaya’s Wider Heritage
During its stay in Bodh Gaya, the Thai delegation also visited several important religious and heritage attractions.
The itinerary included:
- Dungeshwari Hills
- Sujata Temple
- Sujata Stupa
- Thai Temple
- Archaeological Survey of India Museum
- 80-foot Buddha statue
These sites form part of the wider Buddhist and cultural landscape around Bodh Gaya and provide international visitors with a broader understanding of the region’s historical significance.
The Bihar Tourism Department is using the tour to introduce international visitors to the state’s Buddhist, historical and cultural attractions while showcasing its local culture and hospitality.
Rajgir and Nalanda Next on the Itinerary
The delegation’s Bihar journey will continue beyond Bodh Gaya.
On September 21, the visitors are scheduled to travel to Gehlour, where they will visit the Dashrath Manjhi Memorial, followed by attractions in Rajgir, including the Nature Safari and Glass Bridge.
The delegation will also visit Nalanda Mahavihara, the ancient Nalanda university site recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Rajgir, the planned itinerary includes the World Peace Pagoda, Venuvan and other important attractions.
The combination of Buddhist pilgrimage sites, ancient educational heritage and modern tourism attractions gives the delegation an opportunity to experience different aspects of Bihar’s tourism landscape.
Vaishali and Patna to Complete the Tour
After Bodh Gaya, Rajgir and Nalanda, the delegation will travel to Vaishali, another important site in Bihar’s historical and Buddhist heritage circuit.
The planned visits include the Relic Stupa, World Peace Pagoda and Ashokan Pillar at Kolhua.
The final phase of the tour will take place in Patna, where the delegation is scheduled to meet local tourism stakeholders.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss Bihar’s tourism potential and strengthen engagement with international tourism representatives.
Strengthening India-Thailand Tourism Links
The Bihar Tourism Department sees the visit as an opportunity to promote the state’s Buddhist heritage internationally and deepen tourism and cultural connections between India and Thailand.
Special Secretary-cum-Director of Tourism Udayan Mishra said Bihar is focusing on the development and promotion of destinations connected with the Buddhist circuit and on improving the experience for international tourists.
Thailand’s strong Buddhist cultural connection makes it an important audience for Bihar’s Buddhist tourism circuit, particularly destinations such as Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir and Vaishali.
The delegation’s visit therefore goes beyond a conventional tourism tour. It brings together shared Buddhist heritage, cultural exchange and opportunities to promote Bihar as an international tourism destination.
Bihar’s Buddhist Circuit Gets International Spotlight
Bihar is home to several sites associated with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha as well as ancient centres of learning and Buddhist culture.
The Thai delegation’s itinerary covers a wide range of these destinations, from the spiritual significance of Bodh Gaya to the ancient heritage of Nalanda and Vaishali.
For Bihar Tourism, such international familiarisation tours can help visitors, travel professionals and tourism stakeholders understand the diversity of experiences available across the state.
The visit also highlights the potential of heritage tourism to connect Bihar with international Buddhist communities and strengthen cultural links through shared historical traditions.
As the 28-member Thai delegation continues its journey through Bihar, the tour puts the state’s Buddhist and heritage destinations in the international spotlight while creating another avenue for India-Thailand tourism and cultural engagement.
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