Buddhist Tour India and Nepal - Journey of Buddha

In the morning, you will be transferred to IGI Airport in New Delhi to board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After freshening up, proceed to Sarnath, a site of immense significance for Buddhists. Here, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, laying the foundation for Buddhism. 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. In the evening, head to the banks of the Sacred Ganges River to partake in the Aarti ceremony for a truly unforgettable experience. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.

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 embark on drive to Bodh Gaya, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha achieved enlightenment under the revered Bodhi Tree. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind. After freshening up, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where you’ll explore Muchalinda Lake, the Bodhi Tree, and the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne)—the exact spot where Buddha meditated. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, visit Sujata Kuti, the house of Sujata, who offered Buddha rice pudding—an act that ended his years of asceticism and guided him toward enlightenment. Later, proceed to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha meditated before arriving in Bodhgaya. In the afternoon, visit 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, reflecting their unique architectural styles and cultural traditions. Notable ones include the Thai Monastery, Japanese Temple, and Tibetan Monastery. In the evening, return to the Mahabodhi Temple for meditation. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel 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, 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.