9 Days - Buddhist Circuit Tour

Arrive at Varanasi Airport, where our representative will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of India’s most important spiritual destinations. In the evening, visit the banks of the River Ganges to witness the Ganga Aarti. During this atmospheric ceremony, priests perform traditional rituals with oil lamps, incense, flowers and devotional chants.

Return to the hotel after the ceremony.

Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Begin the morning with a peaceful boat ride on the River Ganges. From the boat, observe pilgrims performing their morning rituals along the historic ghats as the city slowly awakens.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and later drive to Sarnath. It was here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion.

Visit Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara and other archaeological remains connected with the early development of Buddhism. After exploring Sarnath, continue by road to Bodhgaya.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax.

Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Spend the day exploring Bodhgaya, the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destination in India. It was here that Prince Siddhartha meditated beneath a Bodhi tree, attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.

Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, an outstanding example of ancient Buddhist architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be a descendant of the original tree beneath which Buddha attained enlightenment. You will also visit Vajrasana, or the Diamond Throne, marking the place of Buddha’s meditation.

Continue to the Great Buddha Statue and visit monasteries established by Buddhist communities from different countries. Their varied architectural styles reflect the worldwide influence of Buddhism.

The evening is available for meditation, personal prayer or another visit to the Mahabodhi Temple.

Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, drive to Rajgir, an ancient city surrounded by hills and closely associated with the life and teachings of Buddha.

Visit Gridhakuta Hill, also known as Vulture Peak, where Buddha delivered several important discourses. Depending on local arrangements, visitors may reach the hill by walking or ropeway. Also visit Venuvana, the bamboo grove presented to Buddha and his followers by King Bimbisara.

Continue to Nalanda, once one of the greatest centres of Buddhist education in the ancient world. Explore the extensive remains of monasteries, temples, classrooms and meditation halls that attracted scholars from across Asia.

After visiting Nalanda, proceed to Patna and check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Patna.

After breakfast, leave for Vaishali, an important destination in Buddhist history. Buddha visited Vaishali on several occasions, delivered significant teachings here and announced that his Mahaparinirvana was approaching.

See the impressive Ashokan Pillar, distinguished by its beautifully preserved lion capital. Explore the ancient stupas and archaeological remains that recall Vaishali’s religious and historical importance.

Continue the journey to Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha entered Mahaparinirvana after delivering his final teachings.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Begin the day with a visit to the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses a reclining statue of Buddha representing his final moments. Continue to Ramabhar Stupa, traditionally identified as the place where Buddha’s mortal remains were cremated.

You may also visit monasteries built by Buddhist communities from different parts of Asia.

Later, drive towards the India–Nepal border. After completing immigration and border formalities, continue to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Check in at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight stay in Lumbini.

After breakfast, explore the Sacred Garden of Lumbini. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, which marks the traditional birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. Nearby attractions include the Ashokan Pillar, the sacred Puskarini Pond and the remains of ancient Buddhist structures.

The Lumbini monastic zone contains monasteries and meditation centres constructed by Buddhist communities from around the world, creating a peaceful environment for reflection.

Later, proceed towards Kapilavastu, the ancient kingdom where Prince Siddhartha spent his childhood and early adult life before renouncing royal comforts in search of spiritual truth.

After the visit, continue towards Sravasti, completing the necessary border formalities while re-entering India.

Overnight stay in Sravasti.

After breakfast, explore the ancient Buddhist sites of Sravasti. Lord Buddha spent many monsoon retreats here and delivered a large number of sermons to his followers.

Visit Jetavana Monastery, one of the most important monasteries associated with Buddha. See the Ananda Bodhi Tree, Gandhakuti and the archaeological remains of ancient stupas, shrines and monastic buildings.

Following the visit, drive to Lucknow. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax.

Overnight stay in Lucknow.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel. At the appropriate time, transfer to Lucknow Airport or railway station for your onward journey.

Your Buddhist pilgrimage concludes with spiritual memories and a deeper understanding of the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of Lord Buddha.