Day 1: Arrival in Bodhgaya and Local Exploration
You will arrive in Bodhgaya, where you will check into your hotel or monastery and rest after your journey.
After having lunch, you will start your spiritual journey by visiting:
Mahabodhi Temple, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
Bodhi Tree (Buddha’s Tree)
Both of these temples indicate where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. You can also explore some nearby monasteries that represent various types of Buddhism from around the globe.
You will return to your hotel for dinner and to spend the night.
Day 2: Dungeshwari Caves and Meditate
After breakfast, you will start your tour of the Dungeshwari Caves, where Lord Buddha practiced extreme penance:** :
Dungeshwari Caves
Sujata Temple
You will also stop at different international monasteries in Bodhgaya for a peaceful meditation session. Monasteries include Thai, Tibetan, Japanese, Bhutanese, and others. During winter (October-March), many monks come from Dharamshala to perform seasonal meditation retreats.
You will return to your hotel to enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Day 3: Bodhgaya and Rajgir, then Nalanda and Patna
After breakfast, you will drive to Rajgir.
In Rajgir, you will visit:**
Vishwa Shanti Stupa
Griddhakuta Hill
Venu Vana
Historical Site: Bimbisara Jail
Afterwards, you will meditate at one of the local monasteries.
After this, you will drive to Nalanda to see:
Nalanda University Ruins
Xuanzang Memorial Hall
Finally, you will drive to Patna, where you will spend the night.
Day 04: Patna → Vaishali → Kesaria → Kushinagar
Have breakfast and depart for Kushinagar.
Visit Youndah, where Buddha delivered his last sermon.
Continue to see the following:
– Ashokan Pillar
– Ananda Stupa
– Other Buddhist relics
Continue to:
– Kesaria Stupa
Arrive at Kushinagar, check into your hotel or monastery and relax for the evening. Dinner and overnight.
Day 05: Kushinagar → Varanasi
After breakfast, visit:
– Mahaparinirvana Temple, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana
– Rambhar Stupa
Then drive to Varanasi, check into your hotel or monestary, and relax. Overnight stay.
Day 06: Varanasi → Sarnath & Ganga Aarti
Begin the day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and experience the spiritual charm of the ghats.
After breakfast, visit Sarnath:
– Dhamek Stupa
– Chaukhandi Stupa
– Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
– Sarnath Archaeological Museum
In early evening you may attend rituals at the Buddhist monestary in Sarnath or witness the divine Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Dinner and overnight stay at Varanasi.
Day 07: Varanasi Departure
Enjoy breakfast and check-out from the hotel. You will be taken to:
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or Varanasi Railway Station. Carry beautiful memories of your spiritual exploration of India with you when you leave.
