Griddhakuta Peak (Vulture's Peak)

Griddhakuta Peak, meaning Vulture's Peak for its silhouette from certain angles, is where Buddha is believed to have delivered the Lotus Sutra and other major discourses over many seasons of retreat. A path branching off the route to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa passes three caves associated with the disciples Rahula and Sariputta before reaching a small hilltop shrine on the spot where Buddha is said to have sat. The climb is modest in length but steep in places, and the quiet at the top draws meditators as much as sightseers.