Gautama Buddha was a monk, a philosopher and a teacher whose words of peace, kindness, and enlightenment have forever changed the lives of millions. As news of his wisdom spread throughout Ancient India and then the rest of the world, he became the historical religious leader we know him as today. His teachings continue to inspire many, not only in their actions but in their art forms. Buddhist monasteries are spread across the world for those looking to find moments of calmness and serenity and a safe haven. From California to various hills all across southeast Asia, monuments have been built dedicated to honoring this great and virtuous leader of souls. Here are 20 of such monuments from gorgeous locations that are definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a moment of enlightening beauty!
1. Large Gautama Buddha statue in Buddha Park of Ravangla, Sikkim, India
(By Subhrajyoti07, Wikimedia Commons)
2. Statue of Buddha inside Pullahari Monastery (Gumba), Kathmandu
(By Bijay chaurasia, Wikimedia Commons)
3. Buddha Statue as seen from Tank Bund in Hyderabad, India
(By Nikhilb239, Wikimedia Commons)
4. Lord Buddha Statue at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, where Buddha preached his first sermon
(By Kasyap, Wikimedia Commons)
5. Ancient Buddha Statue with the treasure at Thanthrimale, India
(By Wisha.imagination, Wikimedia Commons)
6. Reclining Buddha Statue at Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand, to Commemorate the death of Buddha
(By Michael Gunther, Wikimedia Commons)
7. The sleeping statue of Buddha at Dhauli Shanti Stupa, India
(By Rocky 734, Wikimedia Commons)
8. Buddha Statue at Heidefriedhof Dresden (The Heath Cemetery, Dresden, Germany)
(By Klausronja, Wikimedia Commons)
9. Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong
(By Béria L. Rodríguez, Wikimedia Commons)
10. Phra Buddha Shinnasee (Front) and Phra Suwanakhet (Behind) at the chapel of Wat Bowonniwet, Bangkok, Thailand
(By Supanut Arunoprayote, Wikimedia Commons)
11. Shrine with Buddha and Bodhisattva statues in the Clinton neighborhood, Oakland, California
(By greenkozi, Wikimedia Commons)
12. 100 feet lying statue of Gautama Buddha, Ramu, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
(By RockyMasum, Wikimedia Commons)
13. Buddha Statue near Belum Cave, Andhra Pradesh, India
(By Saisumanth532, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Arttantra, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Arttantra, Wikimedia Commons)
15. Buddha statue in Nanzoin, Japan
(By 20041027 tatsu, Wikimedia Commons)
16. Statue of buddha in Pitak island, Thailand
(By Bell2kim, Wikimedia Commons)
17. Buddha Statue at Varanasi, India
(By Tanmoy1980, Wikimedia Commons)
18. Statue of Buddha in the Atadage in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
(By Nicolas Chadeville, Wikimedia Commons)
19. The "Great Departure" of Siddhartha Gautama, The Guimet Museum, France
20. The gilded "Emaciated Buddha statue" in an Ubosoth in Bangkok representing the stage of his asceticism
(By Chainwit, Wikimedia Commons)
Dive Deep Into the Vast Open Serengeti in 4K
Watching wild animals in their natural habitats is as exciting as nature gets. Enjoy the journey!
Aerial View of World's Largest Airplane Graveyard
Aerial photos show patterns we wouldn't notice otherwise!
Marine Portraits From the Pitch-Black Depths
A self-taught photographer who combined his passion for diving with his photography skills to bring us unique portraits of just-hatched fish.
Between Dream and Reality: Nocturnal Nature Photography
This Chicago-based photographer inserts artificial light into natural environments to create mystifying, ethereal photographs.
Fall Back in Love With Summer in South California
A retired military man has been documenting his travels to South California for the past two years. Enjoy the coast through his lens- you can really see the love.
In Photos: 15 Gorgeous Cities from Around the World
We have curated a collection of 15 stunning photographs that capture the essence of these cities or showcase their breathtaking sights in a single frame.
In the Lap of Nature: 8 Historic National Park Hotels
From lovely cabins to sprawling ranch resorts, these national park hotels and lodges are the perfect way to enjoy nature.
10 Wonderful Places to Go Whale Watching
If you wish to encounter whales, here are the top 10 destinations to do so
I Bet You've Never Heard of These 20 Picturesque Towns
These 20 hidden towns of Europe are beautiful! Almost nobody knows about these stunning locations and I can't figure out why.
These Quotes Will Give You a New Perspective on Life
Some wonderful words about travel that can teach us all about life's great journey.
14 Incredible Experiences in the City of Rio de Janeiro
If you're still on the fence about visiting Rio de Janeiro, here are 14 must-see sites and attractions that will surely convince you.
These Photos Could Only Be Taken in India...
India is an enormous, diverse and complex place. Some of the sites you'll see in this fascinating country are unlike those you'll see anywhere else. Take a look
Kathmandu Looks Exceptionally Stunning in 4K
If you've never been to Kathmandu before, then this is the perfect place to start!
This Isn't Just a Mountain, It's Also An Incredible Temple
This may be the only mountain with so many religious structures on it. Together with the natural beauty of the place, it becomes the sight of a lifetime.
The Most Exclusive and Extraordinary Hotels in the World
Behold a collection of the most unparalleled and exceptional hotels on Earth, like an underwater hotel, or a hotel made completely out of ice
Lofoten, the Most Gorgeous Place You've Never Heard Of
I thought I knew where Europe's most beautiful places were, but then I saw Lofoten. This is simply the most gorgeous part of the world I never knew about.
INTERACTIVE: Visit 11 Stunning Locations in MALTA!
The map you see before you has 11 marked locations. Click on any of these locations and you'll see their name and a beautiful video of each place
15 Fantastic Attractions in Annecy, France
In this article, we'll share 15 must-visit attractions in Annecy, France that you won't want to miss.
Take a Stunning 4K Aerial Tour of Ancient Transylvania
Take an aerial tour of Transylvania, one of Eastern Europe's most captivating regions. You won't regret it!
WATCH: Peniche Is a Must-see Place When Visiting Portugal
Peniche has long been an important fishing harbor on the Atlantic coast. Watch this gorgeous drone video of the Portuguese municipality.
The Australian Island of Tasmania Is Out of This World...
Many choose to visit to Australia at least once in their lifetimes, but the island of Tasmania is much less well-known. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
The Spectacular Story Behind the Creation of Lady Liberty
One of the most iconic creation in all of history, the Statue of Liberty has an interesting story behind it.
9 Small American Towns that Are Prettier than a Postcard
The beauty of rural America is often overlooked, but there are some absolutely breathtaking small towns in the US.
Welcome to Rick Stanley’s World of Inventive Clocks
Rick Stanley’s makes the most inventive clocks, using everything from bottles to bicycles.
Las Vegas Isn't Just About Gambling as These Places Prove
Planning a visit to Las Vegas? If so, you must really visit these stunning places.
Come See the Architectural Wonders of Valencia
We're inviting you to a beautiful tour of one of the most interesting cities in the world, as well as one of the most beautiful.
Britain Has Many Destinations That Prove its Sheer Beauty
There's a lot more to the United Kingdom than just London, as these amazing destinations will prove to you. Take a look at 14 traveler hotspots in the UK.
Take a Walk Among 11 of London's Greatest Sights
Join us on this virtual journey, accompanied by informative explanations, and get a taste of the wonders that London has to offer.
These Pictures Will Make You Desperately Crave the ‘70s
Rediscover the charm of the '70s with these delightful pictures.
The Road to Machu Picchu Makes it Even More Breathtaking
This 5 minute adventure video will make you feel like you're really visiting this amazing Incan temple. The quality is astonishing!
Buffalo is Experiencing the CRAZIEST Winter This Time
Winter in Buffalo, New York, this season has been absolutely crazy.
Norway: Where Living is a Unique Adventure (13 Pics)
You may have seen Norway’s beauty, but today we will introduce you to the how weirdly wonderful life in the Nordic country is.
10 Jaw-Dropping Routes You Need to Add to Your Travel List!
The world is full of scenic landscapes, and trekking along these routes is undoubtedly the best way to let them awe you!
Arabian Nights: The Magic of Saudi Arabia
Come with us to fly above and within the magic of Saudi Arabia.
Set Your Eyes on Burano, an Island Bursting with Color
Every corner of Italy has some hidden beauty. Venetian Lagoon island Burano is a gem of an island bursting with colorful houses and tranquil scenery.
See the History of Paris Unfold Before You in Gorgeous 3D
Paris wasn't always the City of Lights. It started off as a quaint trading post. Watch its amazing evolution here.
Pearl of Southeast Asia: 5 Reasons You Need to Visit Burma
A comprehensive travel guide to Myanmar in Southeast Asia
Malaysia is Quite Possibly Asia's Most Beautiful Country
Malaysia is a fascinating country. This article gives you 10 good reasons why you should visit Malaysia if you are ever in Southeast Asia.
The Best Museums to Visit in the City of London
No trip to London would be complete without visiting some of these well-known Museums, and we have compiled a list of the most recommended ones in this article
Take Yourself on an Hour's Travel to the Whimsical Alps
If you're not particularly fond of hiking but still enjoy a good mountain view, this video should be right up your alley.
WATCH: Visit the Stunning Old Chinese Town of Lijiang
The beautiful Old Town of Lijiang in China's Yunnan province is a truly spectacular place that allows you to step into the past. View it in full high definition
These Amazing Hotels Are the Oldest in the World
The oldest hotels in the world have fascinating histories, and the oldest one of all is well over 1,300 years old. Find out all about them in this guide.
10 Majestic Medieval Castles You Have to See
If you ever wanted to know what it feels like to live like royalty, all you need to do is visit one of these amazing places.
10 Beautiful Castles Literally Built For Romance!
Castles seem to be a supreme statement of true love, built with great hardship and expense, to serve as a romantic home taken out of a fairy tale, and to live in it happily ever after...
15 Photos That Show Why Japan is an Amazing Place to Live
Take a look at these pictures which show why Japan is light-years ahead of the rest of the world.
Incredible Northern India Is Packed with Spectacular Sites
Filmed in high definition, this beautiful video will take you through some of the most spellbinding views of this land.
Experience These 20 Incredible Cities in Just 90 Seconds!
I didn’t know which city I should visit next, so I was blown away by these stunning and informative videos of the world’s 20 top places.