Day 01: Arrival in Kolkata – City Sightseeing Tour
Upon arrival in Kolkata, our representative will receive you at the airport or railway station and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, begin your exploration of the cultural capital of India.
Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, one of Kolkata’s most famous landmarks showcasing British-era architecture and historical collections. Continue to the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, known for its rich collection of art, archaeology, and Buddhist relics. Later, visit the ancestral home of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, popularly known as Tagore House.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Kolkata.
Day 02: Kolkata Buddhist & Cultural Sightseeing
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kolkata’s spiritual and cultural attractions.
Visit the Fo Guang Shan Calcutta Buddhist Centre, an important Buddhist center promoting peace and meditation. Continue to Mother Teresa’s Home, dedicated to the life and humanitarian work of Mother Teresa.
Later, explore the colorful Mullik Ghat Flower Market, one of the largest flower markets in Asia, followed by a visit to the famous Kalighat Kali Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Kolkata.
Day 03: Kolkata to Bodhgaya (Approx. 400 KM / 8 Hours)
After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world. Travelers may also choose to reach Bodhgaya by flight or overnight train.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. In the evening, visit the sacred Mahabodhi Temple and the revered Bodhi Tree, the exact place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 04: Bodhgaya – Dungeshwari Caves – Meditation Experience
After breakfast, visit Sujata Village Temple, where Lady Sujata offered kheer to Gautama Buddha before his enlightenment journey.
Continue to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as the Mahakala Caves, where Lord Buddha practiced severe penance and meditation for several years.
Later, enjoy a peaceful half-day meditation session at renowned Buddhist monasteries in Bodhgaya such as the Tibetan Monastery, Japanese Monastery, Burmese Monastery, and others.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 05: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna
After breakfast, drive to Rajgir, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and the ancient capital of the Magadha Kingdom.
Visit Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), where Lord Buddha delivered many teachings, along with the World Peace Stupa, Venuvan Monastery, and Bimbisara Prison.
After lunch, continue to Nalanda to explore the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, one of the oldest universities in the world and a major center for Buddhist learning. Also visit the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall, built in memory of the famous Chinese traveler and scholar.
Later, drive to Patna and check in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Patna.
Day 06: Patna – Vaishali – Kesaria – Kushinagar
After breakfast, proceed to Vaishali, an important Buddhist site associated with Lord Buddha’s final sermon.
Visit the famous Ashokan Pillar at Kolhua, built by Emperor Ashoka, along with the Abhishek Pushkarni (Coronation Tank) and other Buddhist monuments.
Continue to Kesaria to visit the magnificent Kesaria Stupa, regarded as one of the tallest and largest ancient Buddhist stupas in the world.
Later, drive to Kushinagar and check in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 07: Kushinagar Sightseeing – Lumbini
After breakfast, explore the sacred Buddhist sites of Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.
Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Rambhar Stupa (Mukutbandhan Chaitya), believed to be the cremation site of Lord Buddha, and the Japanese Temple.
Later, drive to Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Travelers are advised to carry a double-entry Indian visa and a single-entry Nepal visa.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Lumbini.
Day 08: Lumbini Sightseeing – Kapilvastu – Shravasti
After breakfast, visit the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini. Explore important attractions including Maya Devi Temple, Eternal Peace Flame, and several international Buddhist monasteries.
En route to Shravasti, visit Kapilvastu, the childhood kingdom of Prince Siddhartha Gautama. Explore the ancient Kapilvastu ruins, monasteries, and the Tilaurakot Museum Complex.
Continue your drive to Shravasti. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 09: Shravasti Sightseeing – Drive to Varanasi
After breakfast, visit the major Buddhist attractions of Shravasti including Saheth (Jetavana Monastery) and Maheth, associated with Angulimala Caves.
Also visit the Anand Bodhi Tree and Anathapindika Stupa, both important sites connected with Lord Buddha’s teachings and monastic life.
Later, drive to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. On arrival, check in to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10: Varanasi Sunrise Boat Ride – Sarnath Excursion
Early morning, experience the spiritual charm of Subah-e-Banaras with a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganga. Witness the vibrant ghats of Varanasi and observe the rituals and daily life along the sacred river.
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park after enlightenment.
Visit major attractions including Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Buddhist temples, Deer Park, and the Archaeological Museum.
In the evening, you may attend the ritual ceremony at the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple.
Alternatively, witness the world-famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerizing spiritual ceremony performed on the banks of the River Ganga.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 11: Departure from Varanasi
After breakfast, transfer to Varanasi Railway Station or Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport for your onward journey.
Return home with unforgettable memories of your spiritual Buddhist pilgrimage across India and Nepal.
