But NRIs may be missing out on some of India's most unique and timeless attractions, tourism officials said here Feb. 6 -- Buddhist sites such as the towering Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, the archaeological wonder that is the ancient university of Nalanda, and the tallest and largest Buddhist stupa in the world at Motihari -- all sites with a deep connection to Siddhartha Gautama, and all located right here in Bihar.

In an effort to promote travel along the Buddhist Circuit, the country's highest tourism official, Kumari Selja, India's minister of tourism, spoke at the two-day Nalanda Conclave, which drew over 100 monks, nuns and tour operators from 16 countries as well as nearly 200 delegates from India.

Seated in a grand yellow and white tent on the verdant, eucalyptus-lined grounds of the Xuanzang Memorial Museum here, Selja said, "We do believe the Buddhist sites can attract visitors from only our country but from the rest of the world ... But we have to improve infrastructure, and we are in the process of doing so."

A push is on to promote Buddhist sacred sites as memorable tourist destinations. Even Indian Railways has launched an exclusive eight-day Buddhist train journey; and the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, in an effort to promote ecotourism, recently announced a unique 12-day cruise from Kolkata to Varanasi that travels 300 miles along the Ganga, visiting sacred sites in Bihar.

Source: www.indiawest.com By LISA TSERING Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha in Bihar

• Bihar's Law and Order Challenge

• Religious Tourism on the Rise

• Indian Railways Steps In

• Looking Forward

Places to visit

Gateway of India

This 26 metres high stone archway is the first landmark of Bombay a visitor sees when arriving by ship. Designed by Writtet in the 16th century Gujarat style, it was built to commen morate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Indfia in 1911.

This crypto Moresque archway welcomed numerous viceroys, governors and top civil servants as they disembarked by launch from their p&O steamers. An equestrain staue of Chhatrapatin Shivaji and statue of Swami Vivekhanda have been installed here.

Chowpatty Beach

A popular beach where celebration of festivals such as Coconut Day and the Ganesh Chaturthi immersions take place. Besides little kiosks selling Bombay's special snacks, Bhelpuri & Kulfi (local ice cream) one can find professional massesurs, pony leaders, beebee gun shooting galleries, contortionists, snake charmers, monkey-trainers, balloon sellers, flower-girls and lots more.

On the beach are statues of india's freedom fighters, Lokmanya Tilak and Vithalbhai Patel who symbolise the freedom struggle. Chowpatty occupies a special place in the life of Bombay, having been the venue of mass political meetings in the pre-independence era.

Malabar Hill

The poshest area of Mumbai, Malabar Hill has attractive residences, including the Chief Minister's house and a palatial state guest house. Here also, are the ruins of Walkeshwar temple build sometime between 810 and 1260 AD. It is believed that lord Rama on his way to rescue his sita, stopped here and made a lingam (phallic totem) out of sand to worship Lord Shiva.

Flora Fountain

The Flora Fountain erected in 1869 in honour of Sir Bartle Frere (Governor of Mumbai in 1862-67), now bustles with busy life and is the many business centre housing many major banks and offices. Gerald Aungier began the Cathedral of St. Thomas  in 1672, which was formally opened in 1718 to the fountain.

Running along the shoreline of Backbay, extending from Nariman Point around by Chowpatty beach upto Malabar Hills, is the most popular strolling pavement of Mumbai, built on land reclaimed during 1920. One of the most popular spots for evening outs is Chowpatty beach which also is famous for its junk food. The lively atmosphere during Ganesh Chaturthi Festival is worth a visit. One of the most fascinating landmark of Mumbai is the VT or Victoria Terminus designed by F.W. Stevens in Italian Gothic. In 1853 the first train ran from here to Thane.

Juhu

Nicknamed as the uptown bourgeois paradise, Juhu Beach is a place that attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. Characterised by walkers, screaming children and courting couples, the beach covers an area of about 5 kilometres. Juhu beach is attractively studded with many five star hotels offering the customers a splendid view of the coast. The beach remains noticeably crowded on weekends. Moreover, the beach activities like camel rides, pony rides, acrobats, performing monkeys and entertainers will keep you enthralled all the time. Keep away from hawkers.

Marine Drive
On Marine Drive also lies the Taraporewala Aquarium which houses fresh water as well as saltwater fishes. A fantastic view of Mumbai can be seen from the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, set on the top of Malabar. The famous Mahalaxmi Temple,  is the oldest temple in Mumbai, dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth which lies some distance away from Malabar Hills. A little further away is a long causeway which leads to Haji Ali tomb and mosque, accessible during low tide. In Prabhadevi comes the exquisite temple of Siddhivinayak dedicated to Lord Ganesha always bustling with devotees. Juhu Beach, Nehru Planetarium and Nehru Science Centre are other tourist attractions.

Elephanta Caves

Mumbai's major tourist attractions are the rock cut temples on peaceful Elephanta Island, 10km ( 6miles ) north-east of the Gateway of India. Thought to have been carved between 450 and 750 AD, the temples survived Portuguese vandalism (one cave was reputedly used by a Portuguese battalion as a shooting gallery) and remain equal in size, beauty and power to the caves at Ajanta and Ellora. The main cave contains large sculpted panels relating to Siva, including the astonishing 6mt ( 20 feet ) high triple headed Trimurti in which Siva embodies the roles of creator, preserver and destroyer. Boats run daily from Mumbai's Apollo Bunder every hour until early afternoon, although it's best to make the trip during the week.