Buddhist Tour India and Nepal - Journey of Buddha

On the day of 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.

In the morning, transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, you will be received and transferred to the hotel. After freshening up, proceed to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, marking the exact spot of the sermon, and see the remains of the Ashoka Pillar, symbolizing Emperor Ashoka’s support for Buddhism. Continue to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, known for its beautiful murals depicting the life of Buddha, followed by the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses important relics and sculptures. Also visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, marking the meeting place of Buddha and his first disciples. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with a boat ride on the Ganges River, experiencing the peaceful morning atmosphere of Varanasi. Walk along the sacred ghats, each reflecting the city’s deep spiritual traditions. Later, drive to Bodh Gaya, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha attained enlightenment. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Bodhi Tree, where Buddha attained enlightenment, the Muchalinda Lake, and the Vajrasana, marking the exact meditation spot. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodh Gaya.

After breakfast, visit Sujata Kuti, associated with Sujata who offered Buddha rice pudding, marking a turning point in his journey to enlightenment. Continue to Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha meditated before arriving in Bodh Gaya. In the afternoon, visit the Great Buddha Statue, an impressive 80-foot statue in a meditative pose. Later, explore international monasteries including the Thai Monastery, Japanese Temple, and Tibetan Monastery, each reflecting unique Buddhist traditions and architecture. In the evening, return to Mahabodhi Temple for meditation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodh Gaya.

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, depart with a packed breakfast for the Sonauli Border to complete immigration formalities, which may take a few hours. After crossing into India, drive towards Shravasti. En route, visit Kapilvastu, an important Buddhist site associated with the Shakya clan and early life of Gautama Buddha, offering a peaceful and historic setting. Continue your journey to Shravasti, the ancient capital of the Kosala kingdom. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Shravasti.

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, continue your drive to Lucknow. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the Bada Imambara Complex in Lucknow, a marvel of Mughal architecture and a treasure trove of historical and cultural experiences. This grand complex, commissioned by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, boasts an impressive central hall, Bhool Bhulaiya (the labyrinth), and the stunning Asfi Mosque. As you wander through its intricately designed corridors and grand courtyards, you'll be transported to an era of opulence and architectural brilliance. The labyrinth, with its maze of interconnected passages, is a highlight that promises a fascinating adventure. The complex also offers panoramic views of the city from its rooftop, making it a perfect spot for capturing beautiful memories. Later in the afternoon, our guide will escort you to Lucknow railway station to board a train to New Delhi. Upon arrival, our local representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for 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.