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)
This Ukrainian Pastry Chef Creates Cake Masterpieces
This chef is a shining star in the skies of handmade artisanal pastries. She is so exceptionally creative that she can be defined as a sculptor chef.
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.
The Circular Nature of Olafur Eliasson's Architectural Art
Circular and spherical shapes repeat themselves in Eliasson‘s works, meant to reflect a sense of unity, oneness, and awareness of one’s surroundings.
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.
Paper Cutouts Turn the World Into Small Scale Scenes
15 paper cutouts on world-famous monuments.
15 Incredible Reasons to Visit Breathtaking Chile
These photos will show you just why more than 2 million people come to Chile every year.
Titanic Sub: What Really Caused a 'Catastrophic' Implosion
The Titan sub tragedy has left everyone shaken. But what exactly happened to it?
Scotland Is One of the Most Beautiful Places on Earth
Scotland, as these 16 photos will prove, truly is a place of remarkable beauty.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Croatia's Secret Eden
One of the most incredible nature reserves in the world, Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park is a wondrous place.
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.
25 of China's Hidden Treasures That All Visitors Must See
China is a land of beauty and mystery, filled with countless spots of natural, as well as man-made beauty.
You've Never Seen Switzerland Quite Like This...
Come fly with us above Switzerland, one of the most beautiful countries in all the world.
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.
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.
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 in China's Spectacular Oriental Beauty - from Above
Get ready to fly high over China's most amazing landscapes.
Indonesia is a Must See in This Vivid Video!
The beauty of indoensia in a 4k drone video
Go on an Interactive Tour of Windsor Castle!
This video is no regular video, but an interactive tour of one of the most famous castles in the world - The Windsor Castle
Welcome to the Coldest Town in the Whole World...
You think you know cold? For the people of Oymyakon in Russia, your idea of cold is laughable. When Amos Chappel, a photographer from New Zealand, traveled to this frozen location, he brought back incredible pictures depicting the daily lives of the
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.
Sights to Behold: The Stunning Temples of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a fascinating region of the world, and its religious structures play a big part in giving it its mystique. View its temples in HD here.
Oh Nice, Let Me Count the Reasons I Love Thee...
An amazing coastline, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city of Nice, a pearl of the French Riviera ...
The 10 Best Countries in the World to Grow Old In
The number of elderly people in the world is increasing with each passing year. Here are the top 10 countries in the world to grow old in!
I Watched this Video and Now I’m Planning a Trip to Ghent
Sweet trappist beer, golden Belgian fries and this gorgeous skyline- what else could you ask for?
Interactive Map: 12 Beautiful New Zealand Sights
12 gorgeous sights you will see in New Zealand. Just click on any of the symbols to see a video of that place!
First-Class Travel Looks Very Different on These Airlines
First-class air travel is one of the most luxurious modes of transport you can take, but the experience differs from airline to airline. Take a closer look.
Would You Dare Enter These Haunted Castles?
These castles and mansions will give you the creeps!
Two Weeks of Spanish Magic: The Recommended Itinerary
If you've always wanted to see all that Spain has to offer, this itinerary will make for a true full of opportunities to make good memories!
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
Every City in the World Needs These Futuristic Innovations
We just discovered these amazingly futuristic things from other countries and wanted to share them with you.
21 Things About Australia that Would Scare Me to Death
These 22 pictures are proof that Australia is a terrifying place to visit
19 Timeless Treasures of Our World You Need to See
Uncover the world's most captivating and awe-inspiring creations through the lens of history, archaeology, art, and architecture.
Château d'If: One The Most Infamous Prisons In History
The famous Château d'If began as a formidable fortress, built as a defensive post in 1524 on the small island of If...
These Monasteries Are Hard to Get To, But It's Worth It...
It's not easy to get to these beautiful monasteries, but it's worth it...
These Unusual Beaches Offer a Unique View of Paradise
If you are a beach lover with an eye for the unusual, then you might want to add some of these stunning spots to your bucket list.
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.
16 Happy Facts to Make Your End of the Year Better
Celebrate the end of the year with these illustrated positive facts.
Welcome to the Alluring Ellora Caves, India
Welcome to the biggest cave temple in the world! These caves are more than 1000 years old and are amazing to see.
Open Your Eyes to Spain's 15 Most Cherished Hidden Towns
Spain's gorgeous little towns and villages are rendered all the more spectacular thanks to the amazing surrounding countryside...
8 Secret Rooms in the World’s Most Famous Landmarks
The world's famous landmarks hold some secrets, right there under the noses of the many visitors. Learn about 8 hidden rooms tucked in the most visited places.
Caution! 9 Things You Should Never Do When Flying!
Here are nine things that you should definitely avoid while flying.
Photos Of Yesterday & Today: A Changed World
The world keeps changing around us. And these pictures of different places from the past and the present show us how much that is true.
Thailand Is Home to Some Jaw-Dropping Places to Visit
Thailand is hugely popular with tourists from all over the world, and to be honest, it's not hard to see why. Check out these 12 amazing attractions and places.
Eastern Europe's Jaw-Dropping Beauty Needs to Be Seen
Eastern Europe is often associated with poverty and the remnants of Communism, but it's actually quite exotic and beautiful. View these 20 amazing places.
Austria's Lake District Is Gorgeous Beyond Belief!
I have rarely been as stunned as I was when I saw how beautiful Salzkammergut in Austria is. Visit this amazing lake district in Europe.
Remembering the World’s Long Lost Architectural Gems
There have been countless architectural gems built over centuries. Sadly, many no longer exist. Here’s a look at some of them.
How I'd Love to Visit the Remarkable Mount Fuji...
Get to know the fantastic visuals and the rich history of this astounding mountain.