Day 01: Arrival in Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti Ceremony
Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport or Railway Station, our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the spiritual capital of India.
In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat. The grand rituals performed with lamps, devotional chants, and sacred hymns on the banks of the River Ganges create an unforgettable spiritual experience. Explore the vibrant culture and religious traditions of Varanasi before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 02: Varanasi Sunrise Boat Ride – Sarnath Excursion
Early morning, enjoy the divine charm of Subah-e-Banaras with a sunrise boat ride on the holy River Ganges. Watch pilgrims performing rituals along the ghats while passing famous riverfronts of Varanasi, each carrying centuries of history and spiritual significance.
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, the sacred Buddhist 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, Deer Park, and the Archaeological Museum.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Varanasi.
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, explore the sacred Mahabodhi Temple Complex and the revered Bodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts Buddhist pilgrims from across the globe. You may also visit nearby monasteries representing different Buddhist traditions.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.
Day 04: Bodhgaya – Dungeshwari Caves – Sujata Village – Meditation Session
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to the famous Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as Mahakala Caves. These caves are believed to be the place where Lord Buddha practiced severe penance and meditation before attaining enlightenment.
Later, visit Sujata Village, where Sujata offered rice pudding (kheer) to Lord Buddha before his enlightenment journey.
Return to Bodhgaya and participate in a peaceful half-day meditation session at one of the Buddhist monasteries or meditation centers. Experience the calm spiritual environment of this sacred destination.
Dinner and overnight stay 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 center. Visit the beautiful Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) located on Ratnagiri Hill, along with Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture’s Peak), where Lord Buddha preached many important teachings.
Also explore Venu Vana Monastery and the historic Bimbisara Jail.
Later, continue to Nalanda to visit the world-famous Nalanda University Archaeological Complex, once among the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in ancient India. Explore the ruins, monasteries, temples, and the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall dedicated to the Chinese Buddhist scholar.
After sightseeing, drive to Patna and check in to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06: Patna – Vaishali – Kesaria Stupa – Kushinagar
After breakfast, begin your journey towards Kushinagar via Vaishali, the sacred place where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon. Visit major attractions including the Ashokan Pillar, Buddha Stupas, Ananda Stupa, Abhishek Pushkarni, and Kutagarshala Vihara.
Later, continue to Kesaria to explore the magnificent Kesaria Stupa, considered one of the tallest and largest 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. Dinner and overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 07: Kushinagar Sightseeing – Lumbini Transfer
After breakfast, visit the important 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 Lord Buddha. Guests are advised to carry a valid Nepal visa or required travel documents for border crossing.
Upon arrival in Lumbini, check in to the hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight stay in Lumbini.
Day 08: Lumbini Sightseeing – Kapilvastu – Shravasti
After breakfast, explore the sacred sites of Lumbini including Maya Devi Temple, Eternal Peace Flame, Lumbini Museum, Thai Buddhist Monastery, and Myanmar Golden Temple.
Later, proceed towards Kapilvastu, the childhood kingdom of Prince Siddhartha. Visit Tilaurakot ruins, Kapilvastu Palace Complex, museum sites, and other historical remains connected to Buddha’s early life.
Continue your drive to Shravasti, an important Buddhist destination where Lord Buddha spent many monsoon seasons teaching his disciples. Check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 09: Shravasti Sightseeing – Departure to Varanasi or Lucknow
After breakfast, visit the sacred Buddhist sites of Shravasti including Saheth & Maheth, Jetavana Monastery, Ananda Bodhi Tree, Angulimala Stupa, and Anathapindika Stupa.
After completing the sightseeing tour, drive to either Varanasi or Lucknow Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey.
Return home with unforgettable memories of your spiritual Buddhist pilgrimage across India and Nepal.
