Complete Guide to India's Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Circuit Train

The IRCTC, despite being the largest railway network in the world, is constantly adding new trains to meet the travel requirements of Indian citizens and foreign visitors. The Mahaparinirvan Express, also known as the Buddhist Circuit Special Train, is one such initiative to attract Buddhist pilgrims.

It is said that Buddhism originated in North India more than 2,000 years ago. The special train takes its passengers on a spiritual journey across a number of Buddhist sites in India and Nepal, making it an excellent way for the tourists and pilgrims to experience Buddhism at its roots.

Continue reading to know more about the train, its features and more.

About the Mahaparinirvan Express:

The train derives its name from the "Mahaparinirvan Sutra", a Sanskrit text which contains the final teachings of Gautama Buddha. Launched in 2007 by the IRCTC, the train takes you across a number of important Buddhist sites, including Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Lumbini and Kushinagar spread across North India and Nepal.

Features of the Mahaparinirvan Express:

The Indian Railways has modified the carriages of the Rajdhani Express for the Mahaparinirvan Express to offer enhanced comfort and convenience to the passengers. The train is divided into three classes- three tier, two tier, and first class.

It has a clean kitchen carriage for preparing scrumptious meals for the passengers as well as toilets and shower cubicles. Tea/coffee and packaged drinking water is offered to the passengers for free. Luggage assistance, CCTV surveillance, on board library, and security guards are some other facilities available.

The Journey:

The train takes its passengers on an 8-day journey which starts and ends in Delhi. It travels through a number of popular Buddhist sites, like Gaya, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini, Gorakhpur, Gonda, and Agra which is also home to the world-renowned Taj Mahal.

The itinerary is well-planned, and the passengers get adequate time to explore every site. Moreover, an English-speaking guide is also offered at every site. If you have booked the tickets, do check your PNR status if you are on the waiting list!

Departure and Duration:

The train generally runs between October and March, once or twice a month, and departs on Saturdays from Delhi. The total journey duration is 7 nights/8 days. Passengers are also allowed to book for a few selected parts - the minimum reservation is of at least 3 nights.

As the journey also includes a 1-day visit to Nepal, passengers apart from Indian Nationals will also need a Nepal visa for the journey. Only 2 photographs and an ID proof is required to get the visa at India-Nepal border.

Booking the Train Tickets:

IRCTC has an exclusive tour packages portal where passengers can easily book the Mahaparinirvan Express train tickets online. Apart from booking the tickets, passengers can also find detailed information about the journey on the IRCTC portal.

Checking the Live Running Status of Mahaparinirvan Express:

You can now check the train running status online through mobile apps. Apart from offering live status of the Mahaparinirvan Express, you can also check your PNR status, train schedule, seat availability, seat map, fare calculator, order food, and do a lot more to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Also Read:how can apps make your travel experience better in Indian railway?

If you are interested in Buddhism, this is one train journey you should not miss. With affordable prices, excellent facilities, and a journey encompassing several Buddhist sites, all you need to do is get set for a memorable holiday!