Day 01: Arrival in Delhi – Leisure Evening
Welcome to Delhi, the capital city of India. Upon your arrival at the airport or railway station, our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, relax and unwind after your journey. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure or explore nearby markets and local surroundings on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi to Agra – Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Excursion (220 KM / 4 Hrs)
After breakfast, begin your journey towards Agra, the historic Mughal city known for its magnificent monuments. On arrival, check in to the hotel and relax for a while.
Later, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a timeless symbol of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. (Please note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.)
Continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the grand Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing stunning Mughal architecture, royal palaces, audience halls, and beautiful courtyards including the Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Agra.
Day 03: Agra – Sankasya – Lucknow (450 KM Approx.)
After breakfast, drive towards Sankasya, an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination believed to be the place where Lord Buddha descended from heaven after preaching Abhidhamma to his mother.
Explore the major attractions of Sankasya including the ancient Ashokan Elephant Pillar, Lord Buddha Temple, Maya Devi Temple, and the Sri Lankan Buddhist Monastery. The elephant pillar is considered a sacred symbol associated with Queen Maya’s divine dream before Buddha’s birth.
After lunch, continue your drive to Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Lucknow.
Day 04: Lucknow – Shravasti – Lumbini
Following breakfast, drive to Shravasti, one of the most significant Buddhist sites where Lord Buddha spent several monsoon seasons and performed many miracles.
Visit renowned attractions including Saheth (Jetavana Monastery), Maheth, Angulimala Caves, Ananda Bodhi Tree, Anathapindika Stupa, and ancient Buddhist monasteries.
Later, proceed towards Lumbini in Nepal, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. (Guests are advised to carry a double-entry Indian visa and a single-entry Nepal visa.) Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Lumbini.
Day 05: Lumbini – Birthplace of Buddha – Kushinagar
After breakfast, explore the holy birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, Eternal Peace Flame, Lumbini Museum, Thai Monastery, Myanmar Golden Temple, and other international monasteries built by Buddhist communities from around the world.
Later, drive to Kushinagar, the sacred place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 06: Kushinagar – Vaishali – Kesariya – Patna
After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Kushinagar. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple housing the reclining Buddha statue, Rambhar Stupa (the cremation site of Lord Buddha), and the beautiful Japanese Temple.
Later, drive towards Patna with en-route visits to Kesariya Stupa, considered one of the tallest and largest ancient Buddhist stupas in the world, and Vaishali, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his final sermon.
At Vaishali, explore the Ashokan Pillar, Ananda Stupa, Abhishek Pushkarini, Buddha Stupas, and Kutagarshala Vihara.
Continue to Patna and check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 07: Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir – Bodhgaya
After breakfast, drive to Nalanda, home to the world-famous ancient Nalanda University, once a major center of Buddhist learning attracting scholars from across Asia.
Explore the archaeological ruins of Nalanda University and visit the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall, a beautiful Chinese-style pagoda dedicated to the famous Chinese traveler and scholar.
Later, continue to Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha Kingdom and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda), Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), Venuvanaram, and Bimbisar Jail.
After sightseeing, proceed to Bodhgaya and check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 08: Bodhgaya – Mahabodhi Temple – Dungeshwari Caves
After breakfast, visit the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built near the spot where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree.
Explore other important Buddhist monasteries and meditation centers in Bodhgaya. Later, drive to Gaya to visit the Dungeshwari Cave Temples (Mahakala Caves), where Lord Buddha practiced severe penance before attaining enlightenment.
Also visit Sujata Village, where Sujata offered kheer to Siddhartha Gautama before his enlightenment journey.
Return to Bodhgaya for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 09: Bodhgaya – Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti (300 KM / 6 Hrs)
After breakfast, drive to the spiritual city of Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. On arrival, check in to the hotel and relax.
In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Experience the spiritual atmosphere as priests perform synchronized rituals with lamps, chants, and devotional music along the holy River Ganga.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Day 10: Varanasi – Sunrise Boat Ride – Sarnath Excursion
Early morning, enjoy the magical experience of Subah-e-Banaras with a peaceful boat ride on the River Ganga during sunrise. Witness the spiritual life unfolding along the famous ghats of Varanasi.
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, the sacred place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.
Visit major attractions including Dhamekha Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Buddhist temples, and the Archaeological Museum.
You may also attend evening prayers and rituals at the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple if interested.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 11: Varanasi Departure
After breakfast, enjoy some free time for personal activities or shopping. Later, transfer to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or Varanasi Railway Station for your onward journey with unforgettable memories of your Buddhist pilgrimage tour across India and Nepal.
