Buddhist Tour
Buddhist Tour
12 Day Spiritual, Cultural and Buddhist Tour of India
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi and transfer to your pre-booked hotel. Later, explore the capital’s top attractions including the India Gate, Qutub Minar and the vibrant Connaught Place. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi to Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti
Flight to Varanasi and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, experience the enchanting Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat, a vibrant spiritual ritual with synchronized chanting, large lamps and floral offerings on the banks of the river. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Varanasi and Sarnath
Early morning boat cruise on the Ganges followed by visits to the major temples of Varanasi including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Shiva temples in India. Also visit Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga Mandir, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan Mandir and the famous Banaras Hindu University.
After breakfast visit Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Ashokan Pillar and Sarnath Museum. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 4: Varanasi to Bodhgaya (by road)
After breakfast drive to Bodhgaya, the sacred place of Buddha’s enlightenment. Visit Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its iconic spire and Bodhi tree. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 5: Bodhgaya Exploration
Discover the spiritual sites of Bodhgaya: the 80-foot Buddha statue, Lotus tank, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Bhutanese and Tibetan monasteries and the village of Sujata (associated with the life of Buddha). Optional visits to Dungeshwari Hills and Bodhgaya Museum. Overnight in Bodhgaya.
Day 6: Bodhgaya – Rajgir via Nalanda
Drive to Rajgir, stopping at Nalanda to visit the ancient ruins of the university, the archaeological museum and the Hieun Tsang monument. In Rajgir, visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Ghora Katora Lake, Venu Van and take a scenic ride on the Rajgir Cable Car. Overnight in Rajgir.
Day 7: Rajgir to Vaishali (by land)
Travel to Vaishali, the birthplace of Mahavira and the Buddha’s last sermon. Visit the Ashoka Pillar, the ruins of an ancient fort and other important Buddhist relics. Overnight stay in Vaishali.
Day 8: Vaishali to Kushinagar
Transfer to Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Visit the Nirvana Temple with its famous reclining Buddha statue and the Kushinagar Museum, which houses important Buddhist artifacts. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 9: Kushinagar to Lumbini (Nepal)
Drive across the border to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Explore the Maya Devi Temple, the sacred pond and the Ashoka Pillar, a key historical landmark. Overnight stay in Lumbini.
Day 10: Lumbini to Sravasti
Drive to Sravasti, an important place for both Buddhists and Jains. Visit Maheth (ancient ruins of the city), Sobhanath temple (related to Jains) and Saheth, the remains of Jetavana monastery and ancient stupas. Overnight stay in Sravasti.
Day 11: Sravasti to Lucknow
After breakfast drive to Lucknow. Relax or explore local markets and monuments if time permits. Overnight stay in Lucknow.
Day 12: Departure from Lucknow
Transfer to the airport to continue your journey with memories of a rich spiritual and cultural journey through India and Nepal.