Day 01: Arrival in Delhi – Evening Visit to Akshardham Temple
Welcome to Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. Upon arrival at Delhi Airport or Railway Station, our representative will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, enjoy an evening visit to the magnificent Akshardham Temple, renowned as one of the world’s largest Hindu temple complexes. If time permits, witness the spectacular Light and Sound Show that beautifully showcases India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi to Agra – Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour (250 KM / 3.5 Hrs)
After breakfast, proceed towards Agra, the historic Mughal city famous for its architectural marvels. Upon arrival, begin your sightseeing with a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Later, explore the majestic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its grand palaces, courtyards, and audience halls including the Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas.
Return to the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Agra.
Day 03: Agra – Sankisa – Lucknow
Early in the morning after breakfast, drive to Sankisa, an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination where Lord Buddha is believed to have descended from heaven after delivering teachings of Abhidhamma.
Visit major attractions including the Buddha Temple, Ashokan Elephant Pillar, Sri Lankan Buddhist Monastery, and Buddhist educational centers.
After lunch, continue your journey to Lucknow. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Lucknow.
Day 04: Lucknow – Shravasti – Lumbini
After breakfast, drive to Shravasti, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites where Lord Buddha spent many monsoon seasons preaching Buddhism.
Explore the famous Saheth (Jetavana Monastery), Maheth, and Angulimala Caves along with other ancient Buddhist remains.
Later, continue your drive to Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. (Guests are advised to carry a double-entry Indian visa and single-entry Nepal visa.) Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Lumbini.
Day 05: Lumbini Sightseeing – Kushinagar
After breakfast, visit the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha at Lumbini. Explore the Maya Devi Temple, Eternal Peace Flame, monasteries, and other spiritual landmarks within the Lumbini Garden complex.
Later, drive towards Kushinagar, the place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 06: Kushinagar – Vaishali – Patna
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Kushinagar covering the Mahaparinirvana Temple, home to the reclining statue of Lord Buddha, Rambhar Stupa (also known as Mukutbandhan Chaitya), and the Japanese Temple.
Later, proceed to Vaishali, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon. Visit the Ashokan Pillar at Kolhua, Buddha Stupa-I, and the historic Coronation Tank (Abhishek Pushkarni).
Continue your drive to Patna. On arrival, check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 07: Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir – Bodhgaya
After breakfast, drive to Nalanda to explore the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, once one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in the world. Also visit the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall and Chinese Pagoda.
Later, continue to Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha Empire. Visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa situated atop Ratnagiri Hill, Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), Bimbisar Prison, Venuvana, and the famous hot springs.
After sightseeing, proceed to Bodhgaya. Check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 08: Bodhgaya – Dungeshwari Caves Excursion
After breakfast, visit the sacred Mahabodhi Temple and the revered Bodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Later, drive towards Gaya to visit the famous Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as Mahakala Caves, where Lord Buddha practiced deep penance before attaining enlightenment.
Return to Bodhgaya for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 09: Bodhgaya – Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti
After breakfast, drive to the holy city of Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax.
In the evening, experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Witness the spiritual rituals, devotional chants, and illuminated ghats that create an unforgettable atmosphere along the sacred River Ganga.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Day 10: Varanasi – Sunrise Boat Ride – Sarnath – Flight to Kolkata
Early morning, enjoy the divine experience of Subah-e-Banaras with a peaceful boat ride on the River Ganga during sunrise. Observe the ancient ghats and spiritual life of Varanasi unfolding along the riverbanks.
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park after attaining enlightenment.
Visit important Buddhist attractions including Dhamekha Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Buddhist temples, and the Archaeological Museum.
Later, transfer to Varanasi Airport for your flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax overnight in Kolkata.
Day 11: Kolkata City Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Kolkata, the cultural capital of India.
Visit the magnificent Victoria Memorial, the historic Indian Museum, and Tagore House, the ancestral residence of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Kolkata.
Day 12: Kolkata – Buddhist Centre Visit – Departure
After breakfast, visit the Fo Guang Shan Kolkata Buddhist Centre, Mother Teresa Home, Mullik Ghat Flower Market, and the iconic Howrah Bridge.
Later in the evening, transfer to Kolkata Airport for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of your spiritual Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tour across India and Nepal.
