Day 01 : Varanasi Arrival – Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport or Railway Station, our representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, relax and prepare for an unforgettable spiritual evening in the holy city of Varanasi.
In the evening, visit the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the sacred River Ganga. Experience the divine atmosphere filled with devotional chants, traditional rituals, and glowing lamps. Guests may also enjoy an optional boat ride during the aarti at their own cost.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 02 : Varanasi Sunrise Boat Ride – Sarnath Excursion – Light & Sound Show
Early in the morning, enjoy the magical experience of Subah-e-Banaras with a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganga. Witness the spiritual beauty of Varanasi Ghats as pilgrims perform rituals and devotees offer prayers to the rising sun. Explore famous ghats, each carrying its own religious and historical importance.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, the sacred Buddhist site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park after attaining enlightenment.
Visit important attractions of Sarnath including Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Buddhist Temples, Archaeological Museum, and the famous Dhamekha Stupa. In the evening, enjoy the Light & Sound Show at Dhamekha Stupa which beautifully narrates the history of Buddhism and Lord Buddha’s teachings.
Return to Varanasi for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 : Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Mahabodhi Temple & Bodhi Tree
After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax.
Later, visit the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built near the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Also explore the revered Bodhi Tree, under which Siddhartha Gautama attained supreme knowledge.
Spend the evening in the peaceful spiritual surroundings of Bodhgaya. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.
Day 04 : Bodhgaya – Dungeshwari Cave Temples – Sujata Village – Meditation Session
After breakfast, visit the famous Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as Mahakala Caves, where Lord Buddha spent years practicing meditation and penance before attaining enlightenment.
Continue to Sujata Village, associated with the story of Sujata offering kheer to Lord Buddha before his enlightenment journey.
Later, return to Bodhgaya and enjoy a half-day meditation session at one of the peaceful Buddhist monasteries. Experience the calm and spiritual atmosphere that attracts pilgrims from around the world.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.
Day 05 : Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna
After breakfast, drive to Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha Kingdom and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Visit the beautiful Vishwa Shanti Stupa built on Ratnagiri Hill by Japanese Buddhists. The stupa symbolizes peace and displays statues representing the four major events of Buddha’s life.
Also explore Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), where Lord Buddha delivered many sermons, along with Venu Vana and the historic Bimbisar Jail.
After lunch, proceed to Nalanda to visit the world-famous Nalanda University Archaeological Complex, one of the oldest residential universities in the world. Also visit the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall built in memory of the Chinese traveler and scholar.
Later, drive to Patna. Check in to the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Patna.
Day 06 : Patna – Vaishali – Kesaria Stupa – Kushinagar
After breakfast, drive towards Kushinagar. En route, visit Vaishali, the place associated with the last sermon of Lord Buddha. Explore important attractions such as Ashokan Pillar, Ananda Stupa, Abhishek Pushkarini, Buddha Stupas, and Kutagarshala Vihara.
Continue your journey to Kesaria to witness the magnificent Kesaria Stupa, considered one of the largest ancient Buddhist stupas in the world.
Later, drive to Kushinagar. On arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 07 : Kushinagar Sightseeing – Lumbini
After breakfast, explore the sacred Buddhist attractions of Kushinagar including Mahaparinirvana Temple, where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, Rambhar Stupa, the cremation site of Buddha, and the Japanese Temple.
Later, proceed towards Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Travelers are advised to carry a valid Nepal visa and double-entry Indian visa if required.
Upon arrival in Lumbini, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Lumbini.
Day 08 : Lumbini – Kapilvastu – Shravasti
After breakfast, visit the holy birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini. Explore important attractions such as Maya Devi Temple, Eternal Peace Flame, Lumbini Museum, Thai Monastery, and Myanmar Golden Temple.
Later, drive towards Shravasti. En route, visit Kapilvastu, the childhood kingdom of Lord Buddha. Explore attractions including Tilaurakot Museum, Kapilvastu Palace Complex, and nearby archaeological sites.
Continue your journey to Shravasti. On arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Shravasti.
Day 09 : Shravasti Sightseeing – Lucknow Departure
After breakfast, explore the sacred Buddhist sites of Shravasti including Saheth (Jetavana Monastery) and Maheth, associated with the ancient city and Angulimala Caves.
Also visit Jetavana Vihara, Ananda Bodhi Tree, Buddhist Monasteries, Angulimala Stupa, and Anathapindika Stupa.
Later, drive to Lucknow and transfer to the Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey with unforgettable memories of the Buddhist pilgrimage tour across India and Nepal.
