Buddhist monasteries in India are assumed to have been into existence since 4th century B.C. Monasteries are also known as the gompas that are visited by tourists from across the world. Buddhist heritage has been preserved, reworked as well as restored for ages. One gets charmed to witness the Buddhist architecture as well as various Buddha statues that together form an interesting sight for the visitors. For the past 2,500 years, we have been witnessing the spread of Buddhist beliefs and teachings.

The location of most of the monasteries is usually hill tops, barren lands, green surroundings and well as the places close to the streams. One can also spot various monks that acquaint us with loads of information and knowledge about Buddhism as well as the various Buddhist monasteries related to it.

There are various schools of Buddhism that are associated with the Buddhist monasteries. One can know about the Mahayana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Western Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Tantric Buddhism, as well as Thervada Buddhism. Some of the important monasteries relate to Buddhism are listed below:

Bomdila Monastery in India - This monastery came into existence in the year 1965 and its foundation was laid by the efforts of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. Here, one finds the shrine of Lord Buddha and one can also see the preservation of Lamaistic faith related to the Mahayana Buddhism.

Tobo Monastery in Himachal Pradash - One can spot this monastery in Dharamshala and is home to the fourteenth Dalai Lama. One gets amused to witness the sight of amazing wall paintings as well as mud statues.

Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim - The well known Buddhist monk named as XVIth Gyawla Karmapa is the head of this monastery, which has led to the spread of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery is also referred as the Dharma Chakra Centre. This monastery is much frequented by a number of Buddhist devotees who get allured by it.

Alchi Monastery in Leh - One also calls this monastery as Hermit Kingdom. Here, you get acquainted with Buddhist preaching and can also bag Buddhist artifacts belonging to the 11th and 12th centuries. You also find 12 other monasteries at this place.

Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya - The significance of this small town is associated with Lord Buddha as well as Ashoka. The temple is beautiful and sacred and being situated in a Buddhist pilgrimage where Buddha attained enlightenment, the charm of this temple ameliorates.