India’s Sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites 36-41: Complete Destination Guide
Unique Ashokan Edict With the Name ‘Ashoka’ — Key to Deciphering History
Maski in the Raichur district of Karnataka holds a special and unique place in the history of Indian epigraphy and Buddhist studies. The Maski Minor Rock Edict, discovered in 1915, is the only inscription among all of Emperor Ashoka’s edicts that explicitly mentions the name ‘Ashoka’ — all other edicts use the title ‘Devanampiya Piyadassi’ (Beloved of the Gods, of Gracious Mien). It was this discovery that finally proved, beyond all doubt, that the Devanampiya Piyadassi of the edicts and the historical Emperor Ashoka were the same person — a breakthrough that transformed the understanding of early Indian and Buddhist history. The edict is inscribed on a boulder in the Maski river valley and is well preserved. It contains Ashoka’s message urging his subjects to give up animal sacrifice and embrace the Dhamma (Buddhist teachings). The site itself is scenic and peaceful, surrounded by the Deccan plateau landscape of granite boulders and scrubland. The Maski edict, along with other nearby Ashokan inscriptions (Nittur, Udegolam), forms an important cluster of Buddhist heritage in the Raichur district.
Maski is located 75 km from Raichur in Karnataka. The nearest railway station is Maski Station on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru rail line. Raichur is connected by train to Hyderabad (200 km) and Bengaluru (380 km). The Maski edict site is 3 km from Maski town; auto-rickshaws are available. Hyderabad is the most practical base for visiting the Raichur–Maski area.
October to February is the best time, with comfortable temperatures (15°C–30°C). Avoid March–June (very hot Deccan summer, up to 42°C) and July–September (monsoon). Maski is an off-the-beaten-path destination primarily of interest to serious Buddhist history enthusiasts and scholars. It is best visited as part of an extended Deccan Buddhist Heritage tour.
South India’s Ancient Buddhist City — Home of Dharmapal and Acharya Bodhi
Kanchipuram — one of the seven sacred cities of India (Sapta Puri) — was an important centre of Buddhist learning and culture in South India for over a millennium. In the 4th–8th centuries AD, Kanchipuram was home to several important Buddhist monasteries and scholars. The great Buddhist teacher Dharmapal — one of the successors of Dignaga and master of the Yogachara school — was born in Kanchipuram. Buddhist Acharyas from Kanchipuram played important roles in the development of Buddhist philosophy and its transmission to Southeast Asia and China. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang visited Kanchipuram in the 7th century and described it as having over 100 Buddhist monasteries with 10,000 monks — a remarkable testimony to its Buddhist glory. Today, Kanchipuram is primarily known as a Hindu temple city (with magnificent Pallava-period temples), but archaeological evidence of its Buddhist past is visible in the Jina Kanchi area and through inscriptions and sculptures in the local museum. The Buddhist connection between Kanchipuram and early Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand makes it historically significant for Southeast Asian Buddhist traditions — the doctrinal transmission that shaped Theravada Buddhism across Asia passed through this city.
Kanchipuram is 75 km from Chennai (Madras) in Tamil Nadu. Chennai International Airport (MAA) is well connected to Bangkok, Singapore, Colombo, and all major Indian cities. Direct trains from Chennai to Kanchipuram take about 2 hours. Buses run frequently from Chennai’s Koyambedu Bus Terminal. Taxis from Chennai take 2 hours. Kanchipuram is usually combined with Mahabalipuram (32 km) on a heritage day trip.
October to February is the most comfortable period, with temperatures of 22°C–32°C. The Tamil Nadu summer (March–June) can be very hot and humid. Monsoon (October–December) is the northeast monsoon season here — rain is possible but usually manageable. The temple city of Kanchipuram is best explored in the early morning (6–10 AM) before the heat builds up.
A Hidden Heritage Gem
The Bagh Buddhist Caves, located in Madhya Pradesh, India, are a group of nine ancient rock-cut caves dating back to the 5th–6th century AD. These caves were built by Buddhist monks and are renowned for their exquisite murals, which reflect influences similar to the famous Ajanta Caves. The caves served as monasteries and meditation halls, showcasing rich Indian art, culture, and religious history. Though some paintings have faded over time, their beauty and historical significance remain remarkable.
Bagh Caves are situated about 97 km from Dhar district. The nearest airport is Indore Airport, approximately 150 km away. Visitors can hire taxis or use local transport from Indore or Dhar. The nearest railway station is also in Indore, making it the most convenient transit point.
The ideal time to explore Bagh Caves is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. Summers can be extremely hot, while monsoons may make travel slightly challenging.
Plan your visit with Prime Value Tours for a seamless and enriching travel experience to this historic destination.
A Sacred Buddhist Heritage Site
At Prime Value Tours, we proudly present The Bharhut Stupa, one of India’s most significant ancient Buddhist monuments. Located in Madhya Pradesh, the Bharhut Stupa dates back to the 2nd century BCE and is believed to have been originally commissioned during the Mauryan period and later expanded under the Shunga dynasty. The site is renowned for its intricately carved railings and gateways, depicting Jataka tales and early Buddhist symbolism, offering deep insights into India’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage.
The Bharhut Stupa is situated near Satna district in Madhya Pradesh. The nearest railway station is Satna, approximately 20 km away, well connected to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The closest airport is Khajuraho Airport, around 130 km from the site. Visitors can hire taxis or use local transport to reach the monument comfortably.
The best time to explore The Bharhut Stupa is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be quite hot, while monsoons may affect travel plans.
Lauriya Nandangarh located in West Champaran district of Bihar, is one of the most significant yet lesser-explored Buddhist heritage sites in India. This sacred destination is closely associated with Emperor Ashoka, who erected a magnificent polished sandstone pillar here during the 3rd century BCE. The site also features ancient stupas believed to be burial mounds of revered Buddhist monks, making it an important archaeological and spiritual landmark for Buddhist pilgrims.
For travelers seeking authentic Buddhist tours in India, Lauriya Nandangarh offers a peaceful and uncrowded experience, far from the commercialized circuits. The Ashokan Pillar, with its perfectly preserved inscriptions and lion capital, stands as a testimony to the spread of Buddhism across ancient India.
The nearest railway station is Narkatiaganj Junction (approx. 20 km), while the closest airport is Patna Airport (around 240 km). From there, travelers can hire private vehicles or join organized Buddhist pilgrimage tours like those offered by Prime Value Tours.
October to March is ideal, with pleasant weather perfect for exploration and spiritual reflection.