Day 01: Arrival in Bodhgaya; Mahabodhi Temple & Bodhi Tree
Arriving in Bodh Gaya is the first step of a spiritual pilgrimage. Upon arrival at your point of origin (airport or train station), you will be met and taken to your hotel to check in.
Once you’ve had lunch, you will do the first leg of your journey by visiting the Mahabodhi Temple (identified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site) and the place where Gautama Buddha became enlightened. After visiting the temple, you will visit the sacred Bodhi tree and several different countries’ Buddhist monasteries located in the vicinity.
At the end of the day, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation at the hotel in Bodhgaya.
Day 2: Bodhgaya / Dungeshwari Caves / Gaya Excursion
After a hearty breakfast, be prepared for an excursion to Gaya. Stop en route at the historical Dungeshwari Caves, also known as the Mahakala Caves, where Buddha performed arduous penance prior to achieving enlightenment.
As you continue your sightseeing, you will next visit Sujata Village, which is associated with the legend of Sujata feeding Buddha. You will also explore more monasteries and local attractions in Bodhgaya before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Bodhgaya / Rajgir / Nalanda / Patna
After breakfast, leave for Rajgir, which was once the capital of the ancient Magadha Empire. Upon arrival, visit the world-famous Vishwa Shanti Stupa, which is located on Ratnagiri Hill, and Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture Peak), where Buddha gave his sermons. You will also have the opportunity to explore Venu Vana and where Bimbisar was imprisoned.
The next part of your journey includes travelling to Nalanda to see the ruins of the famous Nalanda University and visit the Xuanzang Memorial Hall.
Your last stop is Patna, where you will check into your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Patna – Vaishali – Kesaria – Kushinagar
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Vaishali, where the Buddha delivered his final sermon. Visit some of the most important sites in Vaishali, including the Ashokan Pillar, Ananda Stupa, Abhishek Pushkarini, and Kutagar Shala Vihara.
After Vaishali, continue on to Kesaria Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. In the evening, drive to Kushinagar, where you will check into your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 5: Kushinagar – Lumbini
After breakfast at your hotel, visit Kushinagar, where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Rambhar Stupa, and various temples. After your visit to Kushinagar, depart for Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha (make sure you have completed the necessary visa requirements). Once you arrive in Lumbini, check into your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 6: Lumbini – Kapilvastu – Shravasti
After breakfast at your hotel, visit many of the important sites in Lumbini, including the Maya Devi Temple, Eternal Peace Flame, monasteries, and museum. After your visit to Lumbini, depart for Kapilvastu, the Buddha’s childhood home. Visit Tilaurakot and other historical sites. After your visit to Kapilvastu, continue on to Shravasti, where you will stay in a hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 07: From Shravasti to Varanasi with Evening Ganga Aarti
After breakfast, you will explore Shravasti, including Jetavana Monastery, Ananda Bodhi Tree, and other important sites in the area, such as Saheth and Maheth.
Later, you will drive to Varanasi (approximately 6 hours). After checking into your hotel, you will enjoy the divine Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat along the Ganges River. You’ll enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Varanasi.
Day 08: Varanasi with Sunrise Boat Ride and Sarnath Excursion
Start your day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and experience the spiritual charm of Varanasi’s ghats.
Following breakfast, you will proceed to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. You will visit Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the Archaeological Museum.
After visiting Sarnath you will return to Varanasi for dinner and to stay overnight in Varanasi.
Day 09: Depart Varanasi
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or the railway station for your ongoing journey. We hope you leave with fond memories of your Buddhist circuit and spiritual journey through India!
