Day 01: Arrival in Bodhgaya – Mahabodhi Temple & Bodhi Tree
Upon your arrival at Bodhgaya, one of the holiest locations for Buddhists around the world, you will be met by the representative of your travel company, who will assist you in checking into your hotel for the first night of your stay in Bodhgaya. Following lunch, we will begin our journey by going to the Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it is the location of the event known as “the Buddha’s enlightenment,” which occurred at the base of the sacred Bodhi Tree; this is also where some of the world’s largest numbers of dedicated Buddhist monasteries can be found.
After your visit to the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree, you will return to your hotel for dinner and then spend the night in Bodhgaya.
Day 02: Bodhgaya – Kushinagar (450 km / 8 hours)
Following breakfast, proceed to Kushinagar, which is one of the most significant places for the dedicated followers of Buddha, as that is where he achieved Mahaparinirvana. Upon your arrival at Kushinagar, you will check into your hotel.
Later, we will make our way to Mahaparinirvana Temple, which is where the reclining statue of Buddha is displayed as well as Rambhar Stupa (Mukutbandhan Chaitya), which is believed to have been where Buddha was cremated.
You will then return back to your hotel in Kushinagar to spend the night.
Day 03 – Kushinagar to Lumbini – 225 kilometers (140 miles) / 4 hours
Breakfast at the hotel; depart Kushinagar and drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Please make sure you’ve completed all visa requirements before leaving the hotel. Upon arrival in Lumbini, check into your hotel.
You will visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple, which is also the exact point of birth for Siddhartha Gautama, and the Lumbini Garden, as well as all other major sites at the Lumbini complex.
You’ll have dinner and stay overnight in Lumbini.
Day 04 – Lumbini to Varanasi – 400 kilometers (250 miles) / 8 hours – Evening Ganga Aarti
Breakfast at the hotel; you will leave Lumbini and drive to Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, you will transfer to your hotel and relax.
You will then visit Dashashwamedh Ghat, on the banks of the holy river Ganges, to witness the very famous Ganga Aarti. The Ganga Aarti features chanting accompanied by flame lamps, and is considered a divine experience.
You will have dinner and stay overnight in Varanasi.
Day 05: Varanasi – Boat Ride on the Ganges at Dawn – Sarnath & Then Go
Start your day with a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges at dawn, seeing the beauty of ‘Subah-e-Banaras.’ Different life is taking place at each ghat (riverbank), with history/the stories associated with each ghat.
After breakfast, travel to Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Deer Park. While in Sarnath, you will visit several sites, including Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the Archaeological Museum.
After your visits, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your onward travel.
Your time spent in India on the Buddhist circuit has been filled with peace and serenity, and shall serve you well in your spiritual journey.
