The Great Buddhist Circuit
10D / 9N
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Lumbini

The Great Buddhist Circuit

Duration 10 Days
Route
Varanasi (1N)Bodhgaya (1N)Rajgir (1N)Vaishali (1N)Kushinagar (1N)Lumbini (1N)Shravasti (2N)Lucknow (1N)
Key Inclusions
Best Time:
Jan Feb Mar Oct Nov Dec

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport or Railway Station, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and some time to relax, prepare to experience the spiritual charm of one of the world's oldest living cities. In the evening, visit Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the magnificent Ganga Aarti, where priests perform synchronized rituals with lamps, chants, and devotional music on the banks of the sacred River Ganga. The vibrant atmosphere of the ghats offers a memorable introduction to the spiritual heritage of India. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Varanasi.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Sarnath, the sacred place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the renowned Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the archaeological remains that reflect the rich Buddhist legacy of the region. After completing the sightseeing tour, continue your journey to Bodh Gaya. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Guests may choose to visit the illuminated Mahabodhi Temple complex for meditation and peaceful reflection. Overnight stay in Bodh Gaya.

Begin the day with a visit to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. Spend time exploring the temple complex, the Vajrasana, Muchalinda Lake, and other important meditation sites. Later, visit the Great Buddha Statue along with several international monasteries representing different Buddhist traditions from Thailand, Japan, Tibet, Bhutan, and China. You may also visit Sujata Village, where Buddha received the offering of kheer before attaining enlightenment. In the afternoon, drive to Rajgir and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Rajgir.

After breakfast, explore Rajgir, one of the most important places associated with Buddha's teachings. Visit Griddhakuta Hill, also known as Vulture Peak, where Buddha delivered many discourses, and enjoy a ropeway ride to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Continue to Bimbisara Jail and the ancient remains of Ajatshatru Fort before proceeding to Nalanda. Here, explore the world-famous ruins of Nalanda University, once a major center of Buddhist learning that attracted scholars from across Asia. After visiting the archaeological museum and Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, continue to Vaishali for an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, visit the important Buddhist monuments of Vaishali, including the Ashokan Pillar, Buddha Relic Stupa, Kutagarasala Vihara, and the sacred sites associated with Buddha's final teachings. Vaishali holds great significance as the place where Lord Buddha announced his approaching Mahaparinirvana. Later, drive to Kushinagar. Upon arrival, visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple housing the reclining statue of Buddha and the sacred Ramabhar Stupa, believed to be the cremation site of Lord Buddha. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

After breakfast, continue exploring the Buddhist heritage of Kushinagar by visiting Matha Kuar Shrine and several international monasteries. Later, proceed towards Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival, visit the revered Maya Devi Temple, the Sacred Garden, the Ashokan Pillar, and the holy Puskarini Pond. The peaceful surroundings of Lumbini provide an ideal environment for meditation and spiritual contemplation. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

Begin the day by exploring the international monastic zone of Lumbini, where various countries have built beautiful monasteries reflecting their unique Buddhist traditions. Later, drive to Kapilvastu, the ancient capital of the Shakya Kingdom and the childhood home of Prince Siddhartha. Explore the archaeological remains, palace complex, and ancient monastic structures that offer insight into Buddha's early life before renunciation. Continue onward to Shravasti and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Shravasti.

Today is dedicated to exploring Shravasti, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Lord Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats here and delivered many significant teachings. Visit Jetavana Monastery, Gandhakuti, Anand Bodhi Tree, Angulimala Stupa, and the ancient archaeological complex of Sahet-Mahet. The peaceful monasteries and meditation sites of Shravasti provide a profound spiritual experience for pilgrims and visitors alike. Overnight stay in Shravasti.

After breakfast, proceed to Sankissa, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site believed to be the place where Lord Buddha descended from the heavenly realm after preaching to his mother. Explore the Ashokan Elephant Pillar, ancient Buddhist mound, temple complex, and archaeological remains associated with this sacred event. After sightseeing, continue to Lucknow. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Lucknow.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Lucknow Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. As your Buddhist pilgrimage comes to an end, take home unforgettable memories of the sacred places associated with the life, teachings, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha.

Tour Overview

Experience the complete Buddhist pilgrimage circuit across India and Nepal, covering the most sacred destinations associated with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. This carefully crafted journey takes you from the holy city of Varanasi and the first sermon site at Sarnath to the enlightenment site at Bodh Gaya, the ancient Buddhist centers of Rajgir, Nalanda and Vaishali, the Mahaparinirvana site at Kushinagar, the birthplace of Buddha at Lumbini, the ancient Shakya capital of Kapilvastu, the monastic retreat of Shravasti, and the sacred site of Sankissa.

This tour offers a complete spiritual experience tracing the life journey of Lord Buddha from birth to enlightenment, teachings, and Mahaparinirvana.

Policy & Details

  • 09 Nights accommodation in selected category hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Private AC vehicle for the entire tour
  • Airport/Railway Station pickup from Varanasi
  • Airport/Railway Station drop at Lucknow
  • All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
  • Nepal border formalities and applicable permit fees
  •  
  • Driver allowance, toll taxes, parking charges, and fuel
  • Hotel taxes and service charges

  • Airfare, train tickets, and visa fees
  • Monument and museum entry tickets
  • Ropeway charges at Rajgir
  • Tour guide services
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Camera fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, tips, and telephone calls
  • GST and any government taxes not mentioned above

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