Buddhism was founded in India in the 5th century BCE. Not long after its establishment by the Buddha and his monks, Buddhism spread throughout Southeast Asia and the Far East.

As Buddhistm came into contact with the cultures and religions in these new lands and was developed by people of different backgrounds, many new interpretations and schools were formed.

Today, Buddhism continues to exercise a major inflauence in the countries of the Far East and Southeast Asia. For many western travelers to China, Japan, Korea, or Southeast Asia, a visit to at least one Buddhist temple or shrine is an indispensable part of the trip.

For Buddhists, pilgrimage remains an important aspect of religious practice. Buddhists travel to the sites where important events in the Buddha's life took place, especially his birth and his enlightenment, to be inspired and encouraged and to earn religious merit.

This website explores these Buddha Circuit places and other sites of Buddhist importance throughout the world. It also provides an overview of the history and nature of Buddhism in the various countries to which it has spread, and useful travel and tourist information.