Day 01: Arrival in Bodhgaya – Mahabodhi Temple & Bodhi Tree Darshan
Upon arrival at Bodhgaya Airport or Railway Station, our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, begin your spiritual journey with a visit to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
You will also visit the revered Bodhi Tree, believed to be the direct descendant of the original tree under which Siddhartha Gautama meditated and achieved enlightenment. Explore nearby international Buddhist monasteries and soak in the peaceful spiritual atmosphere of Bodhgaya.
The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 02: Bodhgaya – Dungeshwari Caves & Gaya Excursion
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Gaya and the famous Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as Mahakala Caves. These caves are closely associated with Lord Buddha’s years of intense meditation and penance before he chose the Middle Path and moved towards Bodhgaya.
Later, visit Sujata Village, where Sujata offered kheer (rice pudding) to Lord Buddha before his enlightenment. You may also explore additional Buddhist monasteries and meditation centers around Bodhgaya.
After completing the sightseeing tour, return to Bodhgaya for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 03: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna
After breakfast, drive to Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha Empire and an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination. Visit the famous Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) situated atop Ratnagiri Hill, along with Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture’s Peak), where Lord Buddha delivered many sermons.
You will also explore Venu Vana Monastery and the historic Bimbisara Jail.
Later, continue your journey to Nalanda to visit the world-renowned Nalanda University Archaeological Complex, one of the oldest centers of Buddhist learning in the world. Explore the ruins, monasteries, temples, and the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall dedicated to the famous Chinese traveler and scholar.
After sightseeing, drive to Patna and check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Patna.
Day 04: Patna – Vaishali – Kesaria Stupa – Kushinagar
After breakfast, drive towards Vaishali, the sacred place where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon. Visit important attractions including the Ashokan Pillar, Buddha Stupas, Ananda Stupa, Abhishek Pushkarni (Coronation Tank), and Kutagarshala Vihara.
Later, continue to Kesaria to visit the magnificent Kesaria Stupa, considered one of the largest and tallest Buddhist stupas in the world.
After sightseeing, proceed to Kushinagar, the holy site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 05: Kushinagar Sightseeing – Lumbini Transfer
After breakfast, explore the major Buddhist attractions of Kushinagar including the Mahaparinirvana Temple, housing the reclining statue of Lord Buddha, Rambhar Stupa (cremation site of Buddha), and the Japanese Temple.
Later, drive towards Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. (Guests are advised to carry a double-entry visa for India and a valid Nepal entry permit if required.)
Upon arrival in Lumbini, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Lumbini.
Day 06: Lumbini Sightseeing – Kapilvastu – Shravasti
After breakfast, begin sightseeing in Lumbini by visiting the sacred Maya Devi Temple, Eternal Peace Flame, Lumbini Museum, Thai Monastery, and Myanmar Golden Temple.
Later, continue to Kapilvastu, the childhood kingdom of Prince Siddhartha. Visit important attractions such as Tilaurakot, Kapilvastu Palace ruins, and museum sites connected with Buddha’s early life.
After sightseeing, drive to Shravasti, one of the most important Buddhist destinations where Lord Buddha spent many monsoon seasons preaching Buddhism. Check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 07: Shravasti Sightseeing – Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti
After breakfast, explore the sacred sites of Shravasti including Saheth & Maheth, Jetavana Monastery, Ananda Bodhi Tree, Angulimala Stupa, and Anathapindika Stupa.
Later, drive to the spiritual city of Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where devotional chants, lamps, and rituals create a truly divine atmosphere on the banks of the River Ganges.
Dinner and overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 08: Varanasi Sunrise Boat Ride – Sarnath Excursion
Early morning, enjoy the spiritual charm of Subah-e-Banaras with a sunrise boat ride on the holy River Ganges. Witness the ancient ghats of Varanasi and observe the rituals and traditions that make the city one of the oldest living civilizations in the world.
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park (Rishipattana). Visit important attractions including Dhamekha Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Buddhist Temples, and the Archaeological Museum.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 09: Departure from Varanasi
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or Varanasi Railway Station for your onward journey.
Return home with unforgettable memories of the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage tour across India and Nepal.
