Day 01: Arrival in Delhi – Akshardham Temple Visit
Upon your arrival in Delhi, our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, you may proceed for a visit to the magnificent Akshardham Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular Light & Sound Show showcasing India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing – Drive to Agra (233 KM / 3.5 Hrs)
After breakfast, begin a half-day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Visit famous landmarks including Qutub Minar, Red Fort (Lal Quila), India Gate, President’s House, and if time permits, the serene Lotus Temple.
Later, drive to Agra, the historic Mughal city renowned for its architectural wonders. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight stay will be in Agra.
Day 03: Agra – Sankisa Buddhist Tour (150 KM / 3 Hrs)
After breakfast, proceed towards Sankisa, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations where Lord Buddha is believed to have descended from Tushita Heaven after preaching Abhidhamma to his mother.
Explore the sacred attractions of Sankisa including the Buddha Temple, the remains of the Ashokan Elephant Pillar, Maya Devi Temple, and the Sri Lankan Buddhist Monastery.
After the sightseeing tour, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Sankisa.
Day 04: Sankisa – Lucknow – Shravasti (Approx. 450 KM)
Following breakfast, begin your drive towards Shravasti with a stop in Lucknow for lunch. If interested, you may explore some of Lucknow’s iconic monuments such as Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, and the famous Bhool Bhulaiya.
Continue your journey to Shravasti, an important Buddhist destination where Lord Buddha spent many monsoon seasons preaching. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Shravasti.
Day 05: Shravasti Sightseeing – Drive to Lumbini (250 KM / 5 Hrs)
After breakfast, visit the sacred Buddhist sites of Shravasti including Saheth, Maheth, Jetvanaram Monastery, and the Angulimala Caves. These ancient sites hold immense significance in Buddhist history.
Later, drive to Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Kindly ensure you carry a double-entry Indian visa and a valid Nepal visa. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight stay in Lumbini.
Day 06: Lumbini – Kapilvastu Excursion – Return to Lumbini
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Kapilvastu, the childhood kingdom of Prince Siddhartha Gautama before he became the Buddha. Visit the ancient Kapilvastu Kingdom Complex, Tilaurakot Museum, and other archaeological remains associated with Buddha’s early life.
Return to Lumbini in the evening and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07: Lumbini Sightseeing – Drive to Kushinagar (180 KM / 4 Hrs)
This morning, visit the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini. Explore the Maya Devi Temple, the Eternal Peace Flame, and the beautiful Lumbini Garden Complex filled with monasteries built by Buddhist communities from around the world.
After lunch, continue your drive to Kushinagar, the place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Check in to the hotel upon arrival. Dinner and overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 08: Kushinagar – Kesaria – Vaishali – Patna
After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Kushinagar. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Rambhar Stupa (cremation site of Buddha), and the Japanese Temple.
Later, drive to Kesaria to explore the famous Kesaria Stupa, considered one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Continue onward to Vaishali, where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon and offered his begging bowl to the Lichchhavis.
Proceed to Patna in the evening. Check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 09: Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir
After breakfast, drive to Nalanda, home to the ruins of the world-famous Nalanda University, one of the oldest learning centers in the world. Visit the archaeological complex, Xuan Zang Memorial Hall, and the Chinese Pagoda built in honor of the great Chinese traveler.
Continue to Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha Empire and a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Rajgir.
Day 10: Rajgir Sightseeing – Drive to Bodhgaya
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Rajgir including the famous Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda), Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), Bimbisar Prison, and Venuvanaram Monastery.
Later, drive to Bodhgaya, the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destination where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11: Bodhgaya – Dungeshwari Caves Excursion
After breakfast, visit the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Bodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Also explore nearby attractions such as the Niranjana River and Sujata Village.
In the afternoon, drive to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as Mahakala Caves, where Buddha practiced severe penance before attaining enlightenment. Return to Bodhgaya for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 12: Meditation Session in Bodhgaya
After breakfast, spend the day experiencing spiritual peace and mindfulness through meditation sessions at renowned monasteries in Bodhgaya such as the Tibetan Monastery, Chinese Monastery, and Sri Lankan Monastery.
Enjoy a calm and spiritually enriching day followed by an overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 13: Bodhgaya – Varanasi (300 KM / 6 Hrs)
After breakfast, drive to the spiritual city of Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax.
In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform synchronized rituals on the banks of the holy River Ganges. This spiritual experience is one of the highlights of Varanasi. Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Day 14: Sunrise Boat Ride – Sarnath Excursion
Early morning, enjoy the magical “Subah-e-Banaras” experience with a peaceful boat ride on the River Ganges during sunrise. Observe the ancient ghats and spiritual rituals taking place along the riverbanks.
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Buddhist temples, and the Archaeological Museum.
If time permits, attend the evening prayer ceremony at the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 15: Departure from Varanasi
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of your sacred Buddhist pilgrimage tour across India and Nepal.
