India Nepal Buddhist Tour with Chitwan National Park

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, depart for Agra, the city renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. After fresh-n-up, visit the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah, the majestic Agra fort, and the Taj Mahal. Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Lucknow. En route, visit Sankisa, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Upon arrival, first visit the Sri Lanka Sankissa Buddhist Temple. Later, explore the remains of the unique Ashoka Pillar, featuring an elephant instead of the usual lion, which commemorates the Buddha's descent from heaven. Next, visit a small temple dedicated to Mata Mha Maya Prajapati Gautami, the foster mother of Gautama Buddha. This temple holds significant historical and spiritual importance, as it commemorates the maternal figure who played a crucial role in Buddha's early life. According to legend, Gautama Buddha himself brought her back from heaven to Sankisa to help spread Buddhism in the world. Explore the village's archaeological treasures, including impressive Buddhist sculptures from the Mahayana era. 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 famous historical site known for its grand architecture. Explore the large central hall, the Bhool Bhulaiya (labyrinth), and the Asfi Mosque, and enjoy views of the city from the rooftop. After sightseeing, drive to Varanasi. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day early around 5:00 AM with a peaceful boat ride on the River Ganges. Watch the beautiful sunrise and see the morning prayers and spiritual life along the famous ghats. After the boat ride, enjoy a guided walk through the old city of Varanasi, exploring the sacred ghats and lively local atmosphere. Visit the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in India. You will also visit Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, drive to Sarnath, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Visit the Dhamekha Stupa, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the Archaeological Museum with ancient Buddhist relics. Continue to the Chaukhandi Stupa, an important historical monument. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti on the banks of the River Ganges. After the ceremony, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, 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. If time permits, 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, 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.

Early in the morning, get a packed breakfast and leave for the Sonauli Border for the immigration process to enter Nepal from India. 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 to the Indo-Nepal Border for the immigration process, which may take 3 to 4 hours depending on the number of visitors. After completing your immigration formalities, proceed to the hotel in Lumbini. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

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.

In the morning, our driver will transfer you to Bhairawa Airport in Lumbini to board a flight to Kathmandu. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our local representative will greet you and transfer you to Nagarkot, a tranquil hill station renowned for its breath-taking sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. Check-in at a hotel in Nagarkot for an overnight stay.

Start your day with an awe-inspiring sunrise over the Himalayas in Nagarkot. After a hearty breakfast, we will drive to Bhaktapur, a city rich in medieval art and architecture. Explore the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square, marvel at the exquisite temples, and stroll through its quaint streets. Next, head to Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Nepal, where you can soak in the spiritual ambiance and watch monks in prayer. In the late afternoon, we will drive to Kathmandu, where you will check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the city, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set out for an engaging day of exploration, starting with Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Begin your day with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hillock 2 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This ancient Buddhist stupa, estimated to be around 2000 years old, offers breathtaking views over the valley. While the oldest written references date back to the 5th century, local legends suggest it could be much older, possibly forming during the valley’s creation. The stupa is popularly known as the "Monkey Temple" due to the large population of monkeys that roam the site.

Thamel: Next, hop on a rickshaw for a charming 20-minute ride to Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist district. This lively area is filled with narrow streets lined with a diverse range of shops, budget hotels, and eateries. It’s an excellent spot for souvenir shopping, offering everything from clothing and handicrafts to music CDs and paintings. When hunger strikes, you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving delicious local and international dishes.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Continue your tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the city. This historic square is surrounded by a fascinating array of temples, courtyards, and ancient royal palaces. Highlights include the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar (the residence of the Living Goddess), Ashok Vinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and Kal Bhairav, the fearsome deity. Don’t miss the impressive Kasthamandap pagoda, which is said to have been constructed from a single tree and is the namesake of the city.

Patan Durbar Square: Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Patan, situated 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Known as the "City of Artisans," Patan Durbar Square is renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture. The square features ornate palaces, artistic courtyards, and elegant pagoda temples, showcasing the peak of Newari craftsmanship from the Malla kings' era. Admire the intricate wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples spread across the square. Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan, covering approximately 180 km. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Nepalese countryside. Along the way, stop for a visit to the revered Manakamana Temple, one of Nepal's most important Hindu shrines. Accessible by a cable car ride, the temple sits atop a hill, providing panoramic views of the lush hills and the flowing Trishuli River. Dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, the temple is believed to grant the wishes of devotees, making it a significant pilgrimage site.

After your spiritual visit, continue your drive to Chitwan. In the evening, experience the vibrant local culture by attending a Tharu Cultural Dance Show, where the indigenous Tharu people showcase their traditional dances and customs. Dinner and overnight stay at a resort in Chitwan.

Start your day with an exciting array of jungle activities at Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal's premier wildlife reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a thrilling jungle safari, where you'll explore the dense forests and grassy plains, home to diverse wildlife including the rare one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, wild elephants, and various species of deer and birds. As you traverse the park, keep an eye out for the vibrant birdlife that flourishes in the region, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

In the afternoon, enjoy a canoe ride along the Rapti River, where you can observe crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks and spot other aquatic wildlife. Later, take a guided nature walk through the jungle, learning about the rich flora and fauna that make Chitwan a biodiversity hotspot. Your experienced guide will share insights into the park’s ecology and the conservation efforts being made to protect its unique ecosystem. To wrap up the day, visit the Elephant Breeding Center, where you can learn about the center’s efforts to conserve the endangered Asian elephants and see young calves being nurtured. The day will give you a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and wildlife of Chitwan, making it an unforgettable experience. Return to your hotel in Chitwan for an overnight stay.

In the morning, depart for Kathmandu with a stop to explore Bhaktapur. Return to Kathmandu for an overnight stay at your hotel.

In the morning, we will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport, to board a flight to your home or onward destination.