Overview
This 12-day journey follows the footsteps of Lord Buddha across India and Nepal, while also including Agra’s world wonder – the Taj Mahal. From Delhi’s heritage to the serene landscapes of Bodhgaya, Sravasti, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath, this itinerary connects the most revered Buddhist sites where the Blessed One was born, preached, attained enlightenment, and entered Mahaparinirvana. A perfect blend of spirituality, history, and culture awaits you.
Trip Highlights
- Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of eternal love.
- Explore Sravasti, where Lord Buddha performed miracles and spent 24 monsoon retreats.
- Experience Lumbini (Nepal), the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha.
- Visit Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.
- Discover Vaishali, the site of Buddha’s last sermon.
- Explore Nalanda University and Rajgir, centers of Buddhist learning and philosophy.
- Meditate under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment.
- Walk through Sarnath in Varanasi, where Buddha gave his first sermon.
- Conclude with Delhi’s highlights and final departure.
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.
- Morning drive to Agra (approx. 4 hrs).
- Visit the Taj Mahal, an epitome of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Explore Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Mughal architecture.
- Evening free for local handicrafts shopping.
- Overnight stay in Agra.
- Drive to Lucknow (approx. 335 km / 6-7 hrs).
- On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
- Evening orientation tour of Lucknow covering Residency ruins, Asafi Imambara, and local markets.
- Overnight stay in Lucknow
- Morning drive to Sravasti.
- Visit Jetavana Monastery, where Lord Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats.
- Explore Anathapindika’s Stupa and Angulimala’s Stupa.
- Evening at leisure for meditation.
- Overnight stay in Shravasti.
- Drive to Lumbini (Nepal), the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
- Visit the Maya Devi Temple, Ashokan Pillar, and sacred pond.
- Explore monasteries built by different Buddhist nations.
- Overnight stay in Lumbini.
- Morning drive to Kushinagar.
- Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple where Buddha attained Nirvana.
- Explore Rambhar Stupa (cremation site of Buddha).
- Visit monasteries from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other countries.
- Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
- Drive to Vaishali, where Buddha preached his last sermon.
- Visit Ashokan Pillar, Relic Stupa, and ancient monastery sites.
- Continue to
- Overnight stay in Patna.
- Drive to Nalanda, an ancient Buddhist university and great learning center.
- Visit ruins of monasteries, temples, and Nalanda Museum.
- Proceed to Rajgir—visit Vulture’s Peak (Griddhakuta Hill), Bimbisara Jail, and Japanese Peace Pagoda.
- Continue to Bodhgaya and check in at hotel.
- Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
- Morning visit Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, and Vajrasana (Diamond Throne).
- Explore Great Buddha Statue, monasteries, and Sujata Village.
- Afternoon drive to Varanasi.
- Check-in at hotel and rest.
- Overnight stay in Varanasi.
- Visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
- Explore Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum showcasing Buddhist relics.
- Evening boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the illuminated ghats and attend the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Overnight stay in Varanasi.
- Morning free at leisure or optional local exploration.
- Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.
- Overnight stay in Delhi.
- Half-day heritage tour of Delhi:
- Visit India Gate
- Visit Qutub Minar
- Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House
- Last-minute shopping at local markets
- Private transfer to Indira Gandhi 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
The ideal time is October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. Summers (April–June) can be hot, and the monsoon season (July–September) may bring heavy rains.
Yes, since Lumbini is in Nepal, international travelers require a Nepal visa. For many nationalities, visas are available on arrival at the Indo-Nepal border or online via Nepal’s e-visa portal. Indian nationals do not require a visa.
Roads are generally good on most routes, though some stretches between smaller towns may be bumpy. The itinerary ensures manageable driving hours with comfort breaks along the way.
The Buddhist circuit involves some long road drives (5–7 hours on certain days), but each drive is balanced with sightseeing stops and rest breaks. Modern, air-conditioned vehicles are provided for comfort.
Yes, this program covers all major sites associated with Lord Buddha’s life—birth (Lumbini), enlightenment (Bodhgaya), first sermon (Sarnath), Mahaparinirvana (Kushinagar), great teachings (Sravasti, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali), and descent from heaven (Sankisa).
Yes, the tour is designed with comfortable pacing. However, some sites involve light walking or steps (e.g., Rajgir Vulture’s Peak). Wheelchair assistance can be arranged where possible.
The package offers comfortable 3-star or 4-star hotels near pilgrimage sites. Luxury options and monastery guesthouses can also be arranged on request.
Yes, professional English-speaking guides (or other languages if required) will accompany you at each major site, offering deep insights into Buddhist history and teachings.
Yes. At Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar, special meditation or prayer sessions with monks can be arranged upon prior request.
Photography is allowed at most sites. However, inside certain temples (like Mahabodhi Temple sanctum and Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini), photography may be restricted. Always follow local rules.
