India Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

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.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will transfer you to New Delhi airport to board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport, our local driver will receive you and transfer you to your hotel in Varanasi. After settling in and freshening up, proceed to Sarnath, a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Discover the historic Dhamekha Stupa and delve into the region's rich heritage at the Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts. Conclude your visit to Sarnath with a stop at the Chaukhandi Stupa, an important historical landmark. Later in the evening, experience the enchanting Aarti ceremony along the serene banks of the River Ganges. After this memorable experience, return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Early morning, embark on a peaceful boat ride along the River Ganges, where you can witness the sunrise and observe the spiritual rituals unfolding along the ghats. Following this tranquil experience, begin a guided city tour of Varanasi, exploring the sacred ghats and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Visit visit the iconic Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. For foreign tourists, this visit is limited to viewing the temple from outside. Continue to the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. Later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, depart for Bodhgaya. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for dinner and an 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, drive to Rajgir, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. On arrival, visit Vulture’s Peak (Griddhakuta Parvat), where Lord Buddha gave many of his teachings, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views. Later, visit Bimbisara’s Prison, the historic site linked to King Bimbisara. In the afternoon, explore Venu Vana (Bamboo Grove), a calm monastery gifted to Buddha, followed by a visit to the ancient Cyclopean Wall. Continue to the Rajgir Glass Bridge for panoramic views of the surrounding hills, and end the day at the serene Ghora Katora Lake. 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.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Shravasti - the former capital of the Kosala kingdom. Upon arrival, 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. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Shravasti.

After breakfast, leave for Lucknow railway station to board an Express train to New Delhi. Upon arrival at Nizamuddin Railway Station, New Delhi - our local representative will receive you and transfer you to the 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.