Overview
Embark on a spiritual and historical journey across India, exploring the sacred Buddhist sites along with ancient cave complexes. This 21-day tour takes you from the spiritual heart of India in Delhi and Varanasi to the serene monasteries of Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Shravasti, and then onward to the remarkable Ajanta, Ellora, and Mumbai caves. Discover India’s rich Buddhist heritage and architectural marvels in a seamless, immersive experience.
Trip Highlights
- Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
- Explore Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained Enlightenment.
- Discover Sarnath, site of Buddha’s first sermon.
- Pay homage at Kushinagar, Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana site.
- Explore lesser-known Buddhist sites: Sankisa, Kaushambi, Vaishali, Shravasti, Rajgir.
- Walk through the ruins of Nalanda University, a great Buddhist learning center.
- Witness the spiritual Ganga Aarti in Varanasi.
- Visit monasteries & stupas built by different Buddhist nations.
- Explore UNESCO sites: Ajanta, Ellora, Mahabodhi Temple, Nalanda ruins.
- Discover rock-cut caves: Kanheri, Karla, Bhaja, Ajanta & Ellora.
- Experience cultural heritage in Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Patna, and Mumbai.
- Enjoy meditation & reflection at sacred Buddhist sites.
- Travel seamlessly with road, air, and guided transfers.
Itinerary
- Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.
- Warm welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
- Rest and recover from your journey.
- Overnight stay in Delhi
- Drive to Agra.
- Visit the Taj Mahal, the symbol of eternal love.
- Explore Agra Fort, a Mughal architectural marvel.
- Overnight stay in Agra
- Drive to Sankisa, an important Buddhist site.
- Visit Asokan Elephant Pillar and Buddhist remains marking Buddha’s descent from heaven.
- Explore local monasteries and stupas.
- Overnight stay in Sankisa
- Drive to Lucknow.
- Enroute enjoy the countryside landscapes.
- Visit Bara Imambara (time permitting) for cultural immersion.
- Overnight stay in Lucknow
- Drive to Kaushambi, where Buddha delivered several discourses.
- Visit Buddhist ruins, Ghositarama Monastery & Ashokan Pillar.
- Continue to Prayagraj.
- Overnight stay in Prayagraj.
- Morning visit to Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati).
- Transfer to Varanasi by road.
- Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Overnight stay in Varanasi
- Enjoy Full Day Sarnath Sightseeing:
- Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon at Deer Park.
- Explore Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Sarnath Museum.
- Visit local monasteries representing different Buddhist countries.
- Evening boat ride on the Ganges to witness rituals and lights.
- Overnight stay in Varanasi.
- Drive to Bodhgaya, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
- Evening at leisure for meditation near Mahabodhi Temple Complex.
- Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
- Enjoy Full Day Bodhgaya Sightseeing:
- Visit Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree & Vajrasana.
- Explore monasteries built by different Buddhist nations.
- Visit Sujata Village, associated with Sujata’s offering of milk-rice to Buddha.
- Overnight stay in Bodhgaya
- Drive to Rajgir. Visit Vulture’s Peak (Griddhakuta Hill) where Buddha preached.
- See Bimbisara’s Jail & Japanese Peace Pagoda.
- Continue to Nalanda, visit Nalanda University ruins & Archaeological Museum.
- Drive onward to
- Overnight stay in Patna
- Morning drive to Vaishali.
- Visit Ashokan Pillar, Ananda Stupa & relic stupa.
- Continue to Kushinagar.
- Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa (cremation site of Buddha).
- Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
- Drive to Lumbini (Nepal).
- Visit Maya Devi Temple, Ashokan Pillar & sacred garden.
- Explore monasteries built by different nations.
- Overnight stay in Lumbini.
- Drive to Shravasti.
- Visit Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats.
- Explore Anathapindika’s Stupa & Angulimala’s Stupa.
- Overnight stay in Shravasti.
- Morning drive to Lucknow.
- Leisure time for local sightseeing or shopping.
- Overnight stay in Lucknow.
- Board flight to Aurangabad.
- Transfer to hotel and evening at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
- Visit Ellora Caves, the UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut temples and monasteries.
- Explore ancient Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain art and architecture.
- Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
- Visit Ajanta Caves, famous for exquisite Buddhist frescoes and sculptures.
- Return to Aurangabad
- Overnight stay in Aurangabad
- Transfer to Mumbai by flight.
- Evening at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Mumbai
- Explore Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut monasteries.
- Return to Mumbai.
- Overnight stay in Mumbai.
- Visit Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai.
- Explore Buddhist sculptures, stupas, and monastic cells.
- Overnight stay in Mumbai.
- Private transfer to Mumbai International Airport.
- End of services.
Inclusions
- For meal plans, additional destinations, or customizations, please fill out the enquiry form or contact us directly.
- All Transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary by air-conditioned private vehicle for the entire tour
- English Speaking Guide throughout the tour
- 24*7 Support and Assistance
Exclusions
- Airfare / Rail fare
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees or assistance
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, tips, shopping, telephone calls, medical needs, etc.
- Entry fees to monuments (to be paid directly at the entrance)
- Guide is not envisaged
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusions above
- Charges in hotels for additional services
- Adventure activities, rides, or services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Early check-in / late check-out at hotels
- Meals other than those specified in the inclusions
- Gratuities for guide and driver (optional)
- Tuktuk/rickshaw rides (available at additional cost)
- Temporary closures or delays of attractions due to religious holidays or local festivals (guests will be informed of any such changes)
FAQs
This tour covers all four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites (Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar) along with important centers like Nalanda, Rajgir, Vaishali, Shravasti, Sankisa, and ancient Buddhist caves (Ajanta, Ellora, Kanheri, Karla, Bhaja).
The ideal time is October to March for pleasant weather. April–June can be hot, while July–September brings monsoon rains (lush green landscapes but some travel delays).
Most journeys are by private car/coach with air-conditioning. Some routes involve long drives (5–7 hours), but the roads are mostly good, and we ensure breaks along the way.
Yes, all domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary (such as Delhi–Lucknow, Lucknow–Aurangabad, Aurangabad–Mumbai) are part of the package. International flights are not included but can be arranged if required.
Yes, a valid visa/permit is required to enter Nepal. We assist with the border entry formalities. Indian citizens don’t need a visa.
Absolutely! Accommodation can be arranged as per your preference: 3★, 4★, or 5★ hotels. Meals are customizable (vegetarian, vegan, or as per request).
Yes, professional English-speaking guides are included at all major sites. Guides for other languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, etc.) can be arranged on request.
Fill out the enquiry form on the website.
Our team will respond within 24 hours.
For urgent queries, you can contact us directly on WhatsApp: +91 9319065858.
This tour is usually arranged as a private trip (customized for you/your group). Group tours can also be arranged upon request.
