Embark on an unforgettable journey with our expertly crafted 12 days Buddhist Circuit Tour Package. The all inclusive tour includes 1-domestic flight, a mix of 3 star deluxe and 4 star hotels, delicious meals, all transfers, expert tour guide, and more. Experience seamless travel and unique adventures. Book or customize your tour today for an incredible adventure!
Key Highlights of Buddhist Circuit Tour Package:
On arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Early in the morning, our local person will assist you with boarding Vande Bharat Express train from New Delhi Railway Station to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi Railway Station, our local representative will meet you and transfer to your hotel in Varanasi. Rest and relax at the hotel, later in the evening attend Aarti on the bank of River Ganges. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Start your day with a serene boat ride on the River Ganges, basking in the peaceful morning ambiance. Following the boat ride, choose to visit the revered Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple or take a contemplative walk through the various sacred Ghats of Varanasi, each offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual heart of the city.
Later proceed to Sarnath, a place of immense significance among the Buddhists. Here, around 528 BCE, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, laying the foundation for this major world religion. Sarnath brims with historical treasures. First, visit the Sarnath Archaeological Site, home to the Dhamek Stupa and the legendary Ashoka Pillar. Later visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern temple with beautiful murals depicting the life of Buddha. Then visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts from the archaeological site. After that visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, which marks the place where Lord Buddha first met his disciples.
After Sarnath sightseeing, leave for Bodhgaya. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
After an early morning breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, where you'll see Muchalinda Lake, the Bodhi Tree, and the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), the exact spot where Buddha meditated. Continue your tour with a visit to the Great Buddha Statue, an impressive 80-foot tall depiction of Buddha in a meditative pose. Explore the various monasteries and temples in the area, each built by different Buddhist nations and reflecting their unique architectural styles and cultural traditions. Notable ones include the Thai Monastery, the Japanese Temple, and the Tibetan Monastery. In the afternoon, visit Sujata Kuti, the house of Sujata, who offered Buddha rice pudding, ending his years of asceticism and guiding him toward enlightenment. If time permits, proceed to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha meditated before coming to Bodhgaya. After a day filled with spiritual discovery and historical insights, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Rajgir. Upon arrival visit to Vulture's Peak (Griddhakuta Parvat), a sacred site where the Buddha gave many important teachings. Take your time to absorb the spiritual atmosphere and enjoy the panoramic views. Later in the morning, head to Bimbisara's Prison, the historical site where King Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son Ajatashatru. Reflect on its significance and the story behind it.
In the afternoon, visit Venu Vana (Bamboo Grove), a peaceful monastery gifted to Buddha by King Bimbisara. Stroll through the serene bamboo grove and feel the peaceful ambiance. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Cyclopean Wall, an ancient, massive limestone structure believed to be built by the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE. Admire the large, irregularly shaped stones without mortar. Next, head to the Rajgir Glass Bridge, a modern architectural marvel offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Conclude your day with a visit to Ghora Katora Lake, a tranquil spot perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature's beauty. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Rajgir.
Early morning, around 7:00 AM, depart for Vaishali. Along the way, enjoy a fascinating detour to explore the Ruins of Ancient Nalanda University, one of the world’s oldest and most renowned centers of learning. Discover its magnificent architecture and delve into its pivotal role in Buddhist studies.
Continue your journey to Vaishali and, upon arrival, visit the iconic Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to commemorate Buddha's last sermon. Next, marvel at the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda, built in collaboration with the Japanese government to promote global peace and harmony. Proceed to Buddha Stupas I and II, which house the sacred ashes of Lord Buddha, making them significant pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.
Stop by the Abhishek Pushkarini, an ancient tank believed to have been used for coronation rituals by the Licchavi rulers, adding to Vaishali's rich cultural tapestry. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the Vaishali Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient coins, artifacts, and figures. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Vaishali.
After breakfast, leave for Kushinagar. Upon arrival, first visit the Parinirvana Stupa, also known as the Mahaparinirvana Temple, believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana. Later, visit the Matha Kaur Shrine, considered to be the site where Buddha delivered his last sermon before attaining Nirvana. After that, visit the Ramabhar Buddhist Stupa, a significant site believed to mark the place where Lord Buddha was cremated. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kushinagar.
Early in the morning, get a packed breakfast and leave for the Sonauli Border for the immigration process to enter Nepal from India. The process may take 3 to 4 hours, depending on the number of visitors at the immigration department. After completing the immigration process, proceed to Lumbini. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Mayadevi Temple, the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. Inside the temple, visit the Birthplace of Buddha. Later, visit the sacred pond, Puskarini, where Queen Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth to Gautam Buddha. Finally, visit the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to Lumbini in 249 BC.
Later, visit the World Peace Pagoda, a symbol of universal peace and harmony, offering serene surroundings for reflection and meditation. After that, hop on a rickshaw to visit several other temples and monasteries, including the Japanese Temple, the Korean Temple, the Chinese Temple, the Myanmar Golden Temple, the Vietnamese Temple, and more.
After sightseeing in Lumbini, proceed to Kapilvastu, 50 kilometers from Lumbini, inside Nepal. Upon arrival at Kapilvastu, first visit the Gotihawa Stupa and Pillar. Emperor Ashoka visited this site in 249 BC, erected a stone pillar, and built a large stupa dedicated to Krakuchhanda Buddha to mark his birthplace. Later, visit Tilaurakot, the ancient Shakya capital where Siddhartha Gautama spent his early years before becoming the Buddha. Here the Eastern Gate is significant as it marks the departure of the Buddha from Kapilvastu, beginning his journey to enlightenment, renouncing his family and royal lineage at the age of 21. Also, visit the Western Gate, built to control the flow of people in and out of the city and to defend against floods and enemies. After that, visit the Kapilvastu Museum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.
Early in the morning, get a packed breakfast and leave for the Sonauli Border for the immigration process to re-enter India from Nepal. The process may take 3 to 4 hours, depending on the number of visitors at the immigration department. After completing the immigration process, proceed to Shravasti - the former capital of the Kosala kingdom.
On the way, visit Kapilvastu, located near the Sonauli Border in Uttar Pradesh, India. The site holds immense historical significance as it is where the Shakya clan preserved the eighth part of Gautama Buddha's remains after his nirvana. This sacred site offers a serene ambiance and a glimpse into early Buddhist history. Exploring Kapilvastu allows travellers to connect with the profound sense of history and spirituality that envelops this revered place. Later continue your drive to Shravasti for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Jetavana Gardens, a historic site where Anathapindika's generosity enabled the creation of a monastery. Here, the Buddha delivered many profound teachings and resided for 24 rainy seasons, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Inside the Jetavana Gardens, visit the sacred Ananda Bodhi Tree, a site of immense importance for Buddhists. Later, visit the Angulimala Stupa and the Anathapindika Stupa. Next, visit Orajhar, where Buddha performed two miracles. Afterwards, our driver will transfer you to Lucknow airport to board a flight to New Delhi.
Upon arrival at the New Delhi Airport, our local representative will be there to greet you and provide a seamless transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Humayun's Tomb, an architectural gem built in 1562, followed by a stop at the vibrant Tibetan Market in North Delhi for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Drive through Lutyens' Delhi, passing landmarks like the Presidential House and India Gate, pausing for photos. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Qutab Minar, an iconic minaret and historical marvel, before transferring to IGI Airport for your onward journey.
Accommodation changes or upgrades are available upon request and subject to availability. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Entrance Fee to below mentioned specified Monuments.
Our additional services enhance your travel experience with a variety of exclusive offerings. Enjoy a seamless and personalized journey tailored to your needs.
Optional additional services not included in the tour package can be booked separately to enhance your experience.
At Alkof Holidays, we ensure smooth travel planning. Our FAQ covers everything from booking procedures and payment methods to travel itineraries, best times to visit, hotel upgrades, and more. For more assistance, contact us anytime.
The best time to visit the Buddhist Circuit in India and Nepal is between October and March. During these months, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, making it ideal for exploring spiritual sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. Early winter months also provide clear skies and pleasant temperatures, allowing travelers to fully immerse in the serene atmosphere and historical significance of these pilgrimage destinations. It’s advisable to avoid visiting from June to September, as this is the monsoon season, bringing heavy rainfall, high humidity, and potentially disrupting travel plans across the circuit.
Absolutely! We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't suit everyone. That's why we offer the flexibility to customize this tour to your preferences. Whether you'd like to add or remove destinations, include specific activities, or select your desired level of accommodation, we're here to tailor your journey to match your interests. Contact our team to create your dream vacation today!
Yes, the tour is suitable for solo travelers.
You might be interest in 10 Best Destinations to Visit in India for Solo Travelers.
Yes of-course, you can book this tour on private basis just for your family or group. Please email us your group details to book the tour on private basis.
Yes, we can provide you with a variety of hotels to choose from, based on your preferences and budget. We have a wide network of hotel partners, from mid-range to premium and luxury hotels, so we are confident that we can find the perfect hotel for you. If you have already chosen any particular hotel(s) to stay, we can also provide that hotel(s) to you on request basis. Hotels are suject to availability. Cost may vary depending on your hotel choice.
Yes, we accept international credit cards. Your payments are highly secure, as we process them through trusted platforms such as CCAvenue and PayPal. This ensures your transaction details are protected with the highest level of security standards.
With Alkof Holidays, you get 24X7 personal assistance from your dedicated tour manager over phone, WhatsApp, or Email.
Yes, your pickup is included in the tour. A representative will meet you at your specified location—whether at the airport, railway station, or your hotel—to ensure a smooth transfer, allowing you to begin your journey comfortably and stress-free. All internal airport pickups and drop-offs are also included in the tour.
For Small Groups (FIT's)
For Large Private Groups
For Everyone
For Large Groups
Important Information
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 30 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 30 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.
Cancellation
If you cancel the tour at least 31 days before the scheduled departure date, there will be no cancellation fee. Kindly read complete details at Cancellation Policy.
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Shipra Iyer
Andhra Pradesh, India
Incredible spiritual experience!
I and my family recently took the Sacred Ganges Tour, and it was an incredible s... I and my family recently took the Sacred Ganges Tour, and it was an incredible spiritual experience! From witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti in Varanasi to visiting the sacred temples in Ayodhya, every moment felt deeply enriching. The blend of history, culture, and spirituality was beautifully woven into the itinerary. Our guides were different at each place but all of them were knowledgeable, and everything was well-organized. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a peaceful and meaningful journey through India’s most sacred places. For a seamless and memorable travel experience, consider booking with Alkof Holidays - they truly deliver exceptional service and expertise! Read more
Lora
USA
Highly recommend!
We arrived in India and graciously met Sachin - the tour manager and transported... We arrived in India and graciously met Sachin - the tour manager and transported to the hotel in New Delhi! We had to alter our plans and extended the tour for 2 more days. From second day we started our sightseeing of Delhi, next day visited Agra, then Fatehpur Sikri and then Jaipur. The driver and the local guides were punctual, polite, and worked very hard to make our trip enjoyable. Sachin made sure we saw everything on our bucket list. I recommend Alkof Holidays, thank you so much. Read more
Andrew & Family
Australia
Our trip was truly amazing!
Our trip was truly amazing! We explored several places including monasteries, Le... Our trip was truly amazing! We explored several places including monasteries, Leh palace, magnetic hill, relished a thrilling camel safari in Nubra Valley, and enjoyed camping by the stunning Pangong Lake. Everything was expertly managed by Alkof Holidays, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. I highly recommend their services for anyone looking to visit Ladakh. Read more
Valerie
Australia
Well organised tour.
Well organised tour. Excellent drivers. Fantastic safaris. Comfortable accommoda... Well organised tour. Excellent drivers. Fantastic safaris. Comfortable accommodation with delicious meals and delightful staff. Thank you. Read more
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