Short Buddhist Tour North India

Duration 8 Days Start and Ends In New Delhi (India)
English +6 More
Operated in
1 - 80 Yrs
Age Group

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our expertly crafted 8 days Short Buddhist Tour North India. The trip includes 4 star hotels, delicious meals, all transfers, Expert Buddhist tour guide, and more. Book now or customize this tour for an incredible holiday!

Key highlights of Short Buddhist Tour North India:

  • Experience the profound serenity of Bodhgaya, the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
  • Meditate at Gridhakuta Hill in Rajgir, where Lord Buddha meditated and delivered key sermons.
  • Explore Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and visit the historic Dhamekha Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum.
  • Experience Varanasi, among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating to 11th century B.C.

Itinerary

Explore the day-to-day Itinerary for a detailed schedule of the Short Buddhist Tour North India to understand your daily activities and travel plans. The tour is fully customizable. Please contact us to tailor the itinerary to your preferences.

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 representative will transfer you to New Delhi airport to board a flight to Bodhgaya. Upon arrival at Bodhgaya airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later in the evening visit Mahabodhi temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodhgaya, marks the sacred location where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Overnight stay at the hotel at Bodhgaya.

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 an early breakfast at the hotel in Bodh Gaya, drive to Rajgir, an important place connected with Lord Buddha. On arrival, visit Vulture’s Peak (Gridhakuta Parvat), where Buddha meditated and gave many important teachings. Next, see Venu Vana (Bamboo Grove), the first monastery gifted to Buddha, followed by Bimbisara’s Prison, which tells an important historical story. Continue to the Cyclopean Wall, an ancient stone wall built without cement, showing the engineering skills of early India. Later, drive to Nalanda to visit the ruins of Ancient Nalanda University, one of the world’s oldest centers of Buddhist learning. In the evening, return to Bodh Gaya. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodh Gaya.

The day is free to meditate at the Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, or to explore Bodh Gaya at your own pace. Our tour guide will assist you in planning your day as per your interests. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodh Gaya.

After breakfast, leave for 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. 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 peaceful morning boat ride on the River Ganges in Varanasi, enjoying the calm atmosphere and spiritual energy of the city. After the boat ride, take a gentle walk along the sacred ghats, where daily rituals and prayers reflect the deep faith of local life. Later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, our driver will transfer you to Varanasi Railway Station to board your express train to New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi Railway Station, our local representative will meet you and assist with a smooth transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in New Delhi.

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.

What is Included in This Tour

Review the Inclusions/Exclusions section to see what's covered in the tour package and what's not, ensuring complete transparency and helping you plan accordingly.

  • One-way domestic flight from New Delhi to Bodhgaya (Economy Class).

Accommodation changes or upgrades are available upon request and subject to availability. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities.

  • 7 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels on twin or double sharing basis.

  • Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotels (Buffet / Fixed Menu).

  • An English speaking Buddhist guide will escort you throughout the tour.

The tour cost includes all transportation expenses, including tolls, parking, driver allowances, and applicable charges.

  • Airport pick-up / drop-off, all sightseeing and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • 1-2 persons - by comfortable sedan car such as Toyota Etios or Suzuki Dzire or similar.
  • 3 persons - by comfortable MUV car such as Toyota Innova Crysta or similar.
  • 4 or more persons - by comfortable mini-van such as Tempo Traveller / Tourist Bus or similar.
  • Express train ticket from Varanasi to New Delhi (Vande Bharat Express).

These thoughtfully included experiences add extra comfort and convenience to your journey, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

  • Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
  • 1 boat ride on river ganges in Varanasi.
  • 1 mineral water bottle per person per day.
  • All applicable taxes.

  • Insurance - It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to India.

The following items are not included in the tour cost, giving you the flexibility to customize your journey based on your preferences.

  • Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Dutch, are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
  • Any International flights are not included.
  • Visa fee (if applicable).
  • Any personal expenses, laundry, telephone charges.
  • Any monument entrance fee, camera fee.
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Accommodation

Hotels are subject to availability. In case any hotel is not available we will provide alternative hotel of similar category. Upgrades to 4-star, 5-star luxury, or your preferred choice of hotels are available upon request. Pre-night and post-night accommodations are also available at an additional cost.

Park Inn by Radisson, New Delhi

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New Delhi, India

Hotel The Imperial Bodhgaya

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Bodhgaya, India

Hotel The Fern Residency, Varanasi

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Varanasi, India

Frequently Asked Questions

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 for exploring spiritual sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, perfect for walking meditation and site exploration. Early winter months also provide clear skies and pleasant temperatures. We recommend avoiding June to September due to monsoon season. Heavy rainfall and high humidity can disrupt travel plans across the circuit during these months.

Bodhgaya holds immense significance in Buddhism as it is the place where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. This transformative moment marked the birth of Buddhism, making Bodhgaya a cornerstone of the religion. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a symbol of this spiritual journey and attracts devotees and travelers from all over the world. Beyond its historical and religious importance, Bodhgaya embodies a timeless message of peace, compassion, and introspection, serving as a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and spiritual seekers alike. Its serene atmosphere and rich heritage continue to inspire and connect people to the teachings of Buddha.

Yes, the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya is still alive and thriving. The current tree is a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Despite facing destruction multiple times in history, it has been carefully preserved and remains a sacred symbol for Buddhists worldwide.

Yes, this tour is suitable for solo travelers. It is safe, well-organized, and operated on a private basis, with personalized support and assistance throughout the journey.

Yes, at Alkof Holidays we can customize your India-Nepal Buddhist journey to suit your specific interests and preferences. We understand that every traveler is unique, and we take pride in crafting personalized itineraries that cater to your needs. Whether you want to spend more time at particular sacred sites, include additional meditation retreats, add cultural experiences, or tailor your journey to align with your schedule, we handle all arrangements. Simply share your preferences with our team, and we will ensure a seamless and enriching travel experience that matches your spiritual goals.

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.

At Alkof Holidays, you get 24x7 personal assistance from your dedicated tour manager over phone, WhatsApp, or Email. Our local support team understands the unique aspects of Buddhist pilgrimage sites and can quickly resolve any issues that may arise during your spiritual journey.

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.

Personalize this adventure

private-adventures
Private Adventures

For Small Groups (FIT's)

  • Special Deals for min 4 up-to 7 travellers.
  • Personalize this tour as you like.
  • Select your own date of travel.
  • Your choice of hotels from deluxe to luxury.
group-adventures
Group Adventures

For Large Private Groups

  • Exclusive Deals for 8 or more travellers.
  • Customize this tour for your group.
  • Select your own date of travel.
  • Your choice of hotels from deluxe to luxury.
private-adventures
Private Adventures

For Everyone

  • Minimum 1 upto 7 travelers
  • Personalize this tour as you like
  • Select your own date of travel
  • Your choice of hotels from deluxe to luxury.
group-adventures
Group Adventures

For Large Groups

  • Minimum 8 upto 50+ travelers
  • Customize this tour for your group
  • Select your own date of travel
  • Your choice of hotels from deluxe to luxury.

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Know Before Your Go


  • If rooms are not available at the mentioned hotels, we will provide alternate hotels of a similar category. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
  • For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India, and Nepal.
  • Transportation is provided according to the itinerary only and is not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis.
  • Any costs arising from natural calamities such as road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
  • India VISA: In most cases, you'll need a visa to visit India. Exceptions include Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizens of a few select countries with visa-free agreements. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

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.


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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USD 2,270 Save 50%
USD 1,135 /Per Person on Twin Sharing Basis
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Customer Testimonials

foreigners-visiting- archaeological-buddhist-remains-of-sarnath-varanasi

Irina

Armenia

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alkofholidays are true professionals of their job!

AlkofHolidays are true professionals of their job, they can meet and exceed the... AlkofHolidays are true professionals of their job, they can meet and exceed the expectations of tourists seeking very different experiences. We preferred Buddist Pilgrimage and visited main 8 destinations connected to Budda's life, including Lumbini, Shravasti, Bodhgaya, Sarnatkh, Sankassa, Vaishali and Kushinagar. Tour assistant Sanjeev Kumar was extremely helpful, trying to fulfill all our requests regarding tour itinerary, and very thoutful and caring throughout our tour. Bus driver Shyambir along with his assistant Pawan were also very pleasant, the bus was always clean and neat. Altoghether the crew was very prepared and they knew every single detail about Buddist pilgrimage itinerary. It is also worth mentioning that they surprised us with greeting and farewell presents. Highly recommend Alkofholidays for India tour as well as their other destinations. Read more

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Steven

USA

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It was an amazing Buddhist Journey!

We love Buddha so we visited all the Buddhist destinations in India and Nepal wi... We love Buddha so we visited all the Buddhist destinations in India and Nepal with Alkof holidays this February, and it was an amazing tour, the driver Mr. Pandey was very experienced and he knew all the routes, and all the key attractions. Our tour guide Avinash was very knowledgeable, and he told many things about each destination we visited. All the hotels provided were very good, staff were very nice, and Sanjeev from there office in Delhi helped us a lot in customizing the tour to our need. He is very experienced in Buddhis tour, even he met us in Lumbini when we arrived, he came there with a group also doing the same tour. I can recommend this tour to anybody looking to visit India. Just 1 thing you should remember is that we spend around 4 to 5 hrs on immigration from India to Nepal, and approx same time coming back, because there were many people before us, but alkof helped us everywhere and it was a very smooth journey. Thank you again. Read more

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Shipra Iyer

Andhra Pradesh, India

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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

Default User

Raymond

USA

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The itinerary was smooth, the guides were fantastic!

Just returned from an unforgettable Bhutan and Northeast India tour, and I could... Just returned from an unforgettable Bhutan and Northeast India tour, and I couldn’t be more impressed. Bhutan was serene and soul-stirring, while Northeast India brought a burst of raw beauty and culture. The itinerary was smooth, the guides were fantastic, and every moment felt thoughtfully curated. Highly recommended. Read more

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