Buddhist India Tour : 10 Days of Sacred Exploration

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Delhi.
1 stop
1
New Delhi
Arrive at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and proceed to your designated hotel. After a brief respite, embark on a guided tour of Old Delhi, immersing yourself in its historical landmarks and vibrant bazaars. Over night stay in Delhi Hotel.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Delhi To Lucknow (By Train). Then Drive To Sravasti (180 Km, 4 Hours)
2 stops
2
Lucknow
Early morning transfer to railway station to board a train to Lucknow. Arrive at Lucknow station and immediately leave for Sravasti. Lucknow To Sravasti (180 Km, 4 Hours).
5 hours • Admission ticket free
3
Sravasti is where Buddha delivered many of his important sermons. Sravasti is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. Lord Buddha bewildered his sermons with a million fold expression of himself, seated on a thousand-petaled lotus, as fire and water sprung from his body. After arrival check in at hotel for overnight stay in Sravasti.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Sravasti To Lumbini (190 KM/ 5 Hours).
3 stops
4
In the morning visit Saheth in Sravasti. It has a number of Buddhist Stupas and monasteries. The main attractions here are two chambers; Gandhakuti and Kosambakuti, which were used by Buddha. Gandhakuti or fragrant chamber is the most sacred place as it was used as personal chamber by Lord Buddha and devotees offer large amount of flowers to the Lord.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Then drive to Kapilvastu. Kapilvastu is one of the most important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Lord Buddha had spent his childhood and youth in this town. Once the capital of the Shakya kingdom; the place will unfold the story of birth of Buddhist religion. Mystic charm and magic of the village can be felt with spirituality and devotion. The village is sprinkled with many Stupas that were built by Ashoka and Gupta kings.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
6
Lumbini
Finally, proceed to Lumbini, which is famous in the world for being the sacred site of Lord Buddha’s birth. Upon arrival, check in at hotel for overnight stay.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Lumbini To Kushinagar (145 Km/ 5 Hours).
3 stops
7
Maya Devi Temple
After Breakfast, Visit Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563BC. The temple is enclosed by the brick foundations of monasteries and ancient temples. The ground floor of the temple still has remains of the ruins of the ancient Maya Devi Temple dating back to 3rd century BC. In the adjoining sacred garden you’ll find the pillar of Ashoka, ancient ruins of stupas, and maroon- and saffron-robed monks congregating under a sprawling Bodhi (pipal) tree decorated with prayer flags. There is a sacred pond beside the temple which is believed to be the birth spot where Maya Devi bathed before giving birth to the Buddha.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
8
Leave for Kushinagar which is also a must visit for all Buddhist Pilgrims because it was here that Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon. It was the center of the Mallas dynasty who ruled over the place, however, only few ruins remain today associated with that period. Ashoka the Great had also built many structures in this place where Buddha attained Nirvana. Arrive and check in at Kushingar Hotel.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
9
In the afternoon visit Nirvana Temple, perched high on a plinth, the temple houses reclining Nirvana statue of Lord Buddha and is made of monolithic red sandstone. The statue is placed over huge brick-pedestal with stone-posts at the four ends. Inscriptions are beautifully engraved on the statue which dates back to the 5th century. Ramabhar Stupa is the cremation site of Lord Buddha and is also called as Mukutbandhan-Chaitya. Overnight stay at Kushnagar Hotel.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Kushinagar – Keshariya – Vaishali – Patna (265 Km/ 7 Hours).
3 stops
10
In the early morning, Leave for Patna, en route visit Keshariya which was known as Kesaputta and was dominated by Kalamas, which was later annexed by its monarchical neighbour Kosala. Alara Kalama, the teacher of Buddha before enlightenment, is said to belong to Kesaputta. Buddha is also said to have had direct connection with Kesaputta. According to Jataka Buddha ruled this place as a Chakravartin Raja in his previous birth. Similarly during one of his visits to Kesaputta that Buddha gave one of his most important discourses, the celebrated Kessaputtiya Sutta, popularly known as Kalama Sutta. Kesariya stupa built to honour the place where Buddha spent the last days of his journey, before attaining Nirvana.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Continue drive to visit Vaishali were, the lord Buddha preached his last sermon before his death in Vaishali. It is significantly associated with Buddhism. It is believed that Lord Buddha visited Vaishali many times after he attained enlightenment. It was the Capital of one of the first Republican states in entire world. Buddha asked Ananada, his disciple to assemble all bhikshus (monks) there and told them about his Mahaparinirvana (final departure) advising them to spread Dharma to bring happiness in the world.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
12
Finally, proceed to Patna. On arrival Check-In at hotel for overnight stay.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir – Bodhgaya (180 Km, 5 Hour).
3 stops
13
Nalanda
Morning leave for Bodhgaya enroute visit Nalanda which was founded in 5th century B.C. It is one of the world’s oldest living cities. Buddha visited this place number of times. It is most famous for The Nalanda University which was established in 5th century B.C. The ruins of the university are spread over 14 hectares of land. Nalanda All the buildings are made with red bricks built in Kushana style of architecture. The most imposing structure is the Sariputra stupa at the extreme south of the University. There are 9 monasteries. Each monastery was provided one shrine which contained the colossal image of Buddha. Also visit Museum here which possesses the treasure antiquities found during the excavations in Nalanda.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Rajgir
Continue drive to Rajgir which was once the ancient capital of the Magadha Kings. Buddha often visited this place, seeking the solitude and tranquillity of the Jivkamaravana monastery and preaching and meditating at the Griddhakuta hill (hill of vultures). It was also here, that his teachings were penned down for the very first time. Visit Venture’s peak where Lord Buddha set in motion His second wheel of law and preached sermons to his disciples for three months in the rainy season. The peak also houses a massive modern Stupa, the Shanti Stupa, built by the Buddhist Sangha of Japan.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
15
Bodh Gaya
Finally, proceed to Bodhgaya.The city of Bodhgaya witnessed the turning point in the life of Prince Siddhartha. From a wandering ascetic, here he attained supreme knowledge or enlightenment. Bodhgaya is the place where Buddha began his journey to spread the message of peace and nirvana. Bodh Gaya is considered the most important pilgrimage for all sects of Buddhists throughout the world. Check in at Bodhgaya hotel for night stay.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Bodhgaya Sight Seen.
2 stops
16
Mahabodhi Temple
Visit Mahabodhi Temple which is believed to be built by Great Ashoka who visited this site 250 years after the enlightenment of Buddha. The Temple was rebuilt in 7th century A.D. and it has a long history that has seen periods of invasions and destruction. Muslim invaders destroyed the temple in the 12th century but the Burmese kings restored the temple in the 14th century. However, the temple complex was severely flooded and remained buried under silt till 1811. The main attraction of the temple is Bodhi Tree under which Buddha spent one week after enlightenment. The Tree is considered to be among the oldest and the most venerated tree in the world. The present tree is considered only as the descendant of the original tree. Daughter of Ashoka, Bhikkhuni Sangamitta, took a shoot of the original Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century B.C. where the Lankan king Devanampiya Tissa planted it at the Mahavihara monastery in Anuradhapura where it still flourishes today.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
17
Bodh Gaya
Over night stay in Bodhgaya hotel.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Bodhgaya – Sarnath – Varanasi (250 Km, 6 Hours).
3 stops
18
In the morning leave for Varanasi with stop en-route at Sarnath. Sarnath is located near Varanasi is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Dharma). The site includes the Dhamek Stupa, dating back to 500 CE, and various monasteries and temples built by Buddhist communities worldwide. The Ashoka Pillar, originally erected by Emperor Ashoka, once stood here, symbolizing the spread of Buddhism. Sarnath is a UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site and an important destination for those exploring India's Buddhist heritage.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
19
Varanasi
Finally, proceed to Varanasi, It is the oldest living city of the world and is famous as the city of temples. Varanasi or Kashi as it is popularly known is the most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus and the sight of devout praying standing water deep in Ganges. Buddha had reached here after he attained Nirvana to look for five Hindus Ascetics who he had met earlier before enlightenment and who had insisted that the only path to salvation was through self-mortification. Buddha gave them the precious gift of spiritual knowledge thus they became his followers and the first members of the Sangha. On arrival check in at hotel for overnight stay.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
20
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a daily evening ritual on the banks of the Ganges, where priests perform prayers with lamps, fire, and chants. Over night stay in Varanasi hotel.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Experience the vibrant city of Varanasi and then embark on an overnight train adventure to Delhi."
5 stops
21
Assi Ghat, located at the southern end of Varanasi, is one of the city's most serene and significant ghats. It is where the Ganges and Assi rivers meet, making it a sacred spot for pilgrims. Assi Ghat is known for its peaceful atmosphere, and it's a popular place for meditation, yoga, and sunrise views. The ghat becomes vibrant during the early morning Ganga Aarti, which draws both locals and tourists. Unlike the bustling central ghats, Assi Ghat offers a more relaxed and reflective experience, making it a favorite among those seeking spiritual tranquility.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
22
Manikarnika Ghat becomes a powerful symbol of life and death, with ongoing cremation ceremonies, fire rituals, and sacred chants. While visiting, it's essential to approach with respect for the solemnity of the rituals. The sight of funeral pyres burning against the backdrop of the ancient city offers a deep reflection on the cycle of life. While tourists are allowed to witness the rituals from a distance, it is important to maintain respectful silence and discretion during visits.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
23
A prestigious educational institution with a beautiful campus and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
24
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, is one of the most revered Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It stands near the western bank of the Ganges and is considered a major center of worship, especially for devotees of Shiva. The temple's golden spire, donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, is a prominent feature. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, symbolizing the resilience of faith. Pilgrims believe that a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and a dip in the Ganges can lead to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
25
Night time drop to Varanasi Railway Station for catch the Delhi Train.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Departure from Varanasi, marking the conclusion of this tour.
1 stop
26
In the morning time Pick up the Guest and transfer to their desire place with marking the end of this tour.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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