ABOUT THE
Attraction
In West Bengal's Malda district is Jagjivanpur: the site of an ancient Buddhist mahavihara —the Nandadirghika-Udranga Mahavihara, which is widely considered to be one of the first monasteries from the Pala period to have been excavated in West Bengal. Dating back to the 9th century, this Buddhist monastery was discovered with its inscription-lined copper plates in place. These inscriptions are in the Siddhamartika script. The plates have a royal seal at their top which flaunts a dharmachakra flanked by deer and a Sanskrit inscription bearing the word “Srimahendrapaldevah”. There were also some terracotta seals that were excavated at this site. Apart from this, five mounds were excavated. These are the Tula Bhita (or, Salai Danga), Akhari Danga, Nim Danga, Mai Bhita and Lakshmi Dhipi. Smaller mounds were found, too, and all of these collectively showcase the Buddhist influence on this region. Jagjivanpur can be reached by private taxi or car from Malda (about 35km), Siliguri (about 252km), and Kolkata (about 397km).
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Alchi Monastery
Dating back to nearly one thousand years, the monastery has strong Tibetan influence in its art and architecture.
Thiksey Monastery
Sitting on a hilltop and offering stunning views of the Indus valley, the oft-photographed Thiksey monastery is one of most recognisable monasteries in Ladakh.
Leh
Leh town in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, is a scenic cosmopolitan of Indian and international tourists, hard-core adventure enthusiasts and Buddhist pilgrims.