Day 01: Arrival in Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti Experience
Welcome to Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth. When you arrive at either the airport or railway station you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
After checking in, take some time to relax and refresh before heading out to see one of Varanasi’s famous landmarks. Every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat there is an ongoing, beautiful ceremony called Ganga Aarti or Worship of the Ganges River.
The ceremony includes chanting, prayers, and rituals that create an incredible atmosphere full of spirituality and devotion. After experiencing the ceremony, you will return to your hotel for an evening meal and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02: Sunrise Boat Ride – Varanasi Ghats – Sarnath Excursion
Your early morning should start with the wonderful experience of “Subah-e-Banaras.” You will take a boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise to see beautiful views of the ghats and daily life along the riverbank.
You will return to your hotel for breakfast and leave for an excursion to Sarnath, which is approximately 12 km away. This is the location where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon.
While in Sarnath, you will visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara and the Archaeological Museum. After you are finished exploring these places, you will return to Varanasi for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 03: Varanasi to Bodhgaya – Journey to Enlightenment
Following breakfast, leave on a road trip to Bodhgaya (approximately 300 km / six hours) before checking into a hotel for rest.
In the afternoon, include a visit to Mahabodhi Temple, a historical site and religious place protected by the United Nations and the Bodhi tree, where the Buddha received his enlightenment. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the calmness of this holy place; Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 04: Bodhgaya – Dungeshwari Caves & Meditation Experience
Following your morning meal, visit Mahakala Caves (also called Dungeshwari Cave temples), where the Buddha meditated in great depth prior to attaining enlightenment. Proceed to Sujata Village, which plays a role in the tale of Sujata feeding the Buddha.
Return to Bodhgaya and spend your afternoon participating in a guided meditation session at a quiet monastery. Return for dinner and spend the night in Bodhgaya.
Day 05: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna
After breakfast, head out to Rajgir, which was once the capital of the Magadha Empire. Check out the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture’s Peak), Venu Vana, and Bimbisar Jail while you’re there.
After Rajgir, your next stop is Nalanda, where you can see the ruins of Nalanda University (the first-ever degree-granting university) as well as the memorial hall for Xuanzang (the famous Chinese monk).
Finally, drive to Patna and check in to your hotel for the night.
Day 06: Patna – Vaishali – Kesaria – Kushinagar
Following your breakfast, travel to Vaishali, the locale of where Buddhha gave his final sermon. Locate the important sites of the Ashokan Pillar Vaishali, Ananda Stupa, Abhishek Pushkarini, and Kutagar Shala Vihara.
After doing, continue your trip to the Kesaria Stupa (the largest of all Buddhist stupas worldwide). Upon arrival in Kushinagar, check-in for dinner and overnight stay at your accommodation.
Day 07: Kushinagar – Lumbini
Following your breakfast in Kushinagar; Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Rambhar Stupa, & other temples.
Then drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha (check that your visa requirements are fulfilled). Check into your hotel upon arrival & have dinner within Lumbini before spending the night there.
Day 08: Lumbini – Kapilvastu – Shravasti
Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll be able to explore Lumbini, including the sacred Maya Devi Temple, the Eternal Peace Flame, and the monasteries which have been built around them, along with many other sites such as museums.
Then continue on to Kapilvastu, which was Lord Buddha’s childhood home. First visit Tilaurakot, then move on to see other important historical sites (some major ruins) around there.
Finally, travel on to Shravasti where you’ll arrive at your hotel, have dinner, and spend the night.
Day 09: Shravasti – Return to Varanasi / Lucknow
You will depart from Shravasti after visiting the sacred sites of Shravasti – including Jetavana Monastery, Ananda Bodhi Tree and other monasteries.
You will return to Varanasi or Lucknow by car for your next leg of the journey and will be dropped off at the airport or railway station, having created a great deal of memories that you will forever carry with you about this amazing spiritual trip.
