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The Classic Buddhist Circuit (India & Nepal)

Embark on a sacred journey tracing the life and teachings of Lord Buddha across India and Nepal. Begin in Delhi, then explore the spiritual aura of Varanasi and Sarnath, where the first sermon was delivered. Walk in the footsteps of Buddha in Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, and Vaishali. Pay homage at the Mahaparinirvana site in Kushinagar, and visit his birthplace at Lumbini. Experience the tranquility of Sravasti’s monastic ruins before concluding with cultural insights in Lucknow. This immersive pilgrimage weaves together history, devotion, and enlightenment.

  • 09 Nights & 10 Days
  • Delhi | Varanasi | Sarnath | Bodhgaya | Rajgir | Nalanda | Vaishali | Kushinagar | Lumbini (Nepal) | Sravasti | Lucknow
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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Delhi – Transfer to Hotel

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

• Meet and assist on arrival, then transfer to your pre-booked hotel
• Rest and relax after your journey
• Overnight stay in Delhi

Day 2
Delhi Flight to Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti

Morning flight to Varanasi – one of the oldest living cities in the world

• Check-in at hotel and freshen up
• In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – a spiritual highlight on the banks of the Ganges
• Stroll through the ancient lanes of Varanasi
• Overnight stay in Varanasi

Day 3
Varanasi – Morning Boat Ride & Sarnath Excursion

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the rituals at sunrise

• Return to hotel for breakfast
• Excursion to Sarnath – where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon
• Visit Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Sarnath Museum
• Return to Varanasi in the evening
• Overnight stay in Varanasi

Day 4
Drive to Bodhgaya – Land of Enlightenment

After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 6–7 hrs)

• Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Offer prayers under the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
• Explore the Great Buddha Statue and various international monasteries
• Overnight stay in Bodhgaya

Day 5
Excursion to Rajgir & Nalanda

Day trip to Rajgir – the site of Vulture's Peak (Gridhakuta), where Buddha preached many sermons

• Ride the ropeway to Shanti Stupa
• Continue to Nalanda to explore the ancient Nalanda University ruins and museum
• Return to Bodhgaya in the evening
• Overnight stay in Bodhgaya

Day 6
Drive to Vaishali & Kushinagar

Morning drive to Vaishali – the place where Lord Buddha gave his last sermon

• Visit Ashokan Pillar, Buddha Stupa, and Ananda Stupa
• Continue to Kushinagar (approx. 5–6 hrs) – the Mahaparinirvana site
• Visit the Parinirvana Stupa, Rambhar Stupa, and Mahaparinirvana Temple
• Overnight stay in Kushinagar

Day 7
Cross Border to Lumbini (Nepal) – Birthplace of Buddha

After breakfast, drive to the India–Nepal border and cross into Lumbini (approx. 4–5 hrs with border formalities)

• Visit the Maya Devi Temple marking the exact birthplace of Lord Buddha
• Explore the Sacred Garden, Ashokan Pillar, and monastic zone
• Overnight stay in Lumbini

Day 8
Drive to Sravasti – Ancient Monastic Capital

Morning drive to Sravasti (approx. 6 hrs) – where Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons

• Visit Jetavana Monastery, Ananda Bodhi Tree, and Angulimala’s Stupa
• Feel the peace and historical depth of this significant monastic site
• Overnight stay in Sravasti

Day 9
Drive to Lucknow – City Tour

After breakfast, drive to Lucknow (approx. 4 hrs)

• Enjoy a city tour covering:
• Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, British Residency    
• Local bazaar walk for traditional Awadhi culture
• Overnight stay in Lucknow

Day 10
Lucknow Flight to Delhi – Departure

Transfer to Lucknow Airport for flight to Delhi

• On arrival in Delhi, connect with your onward international departure
• Tour Ends with Sacred Memories

Plan Your Trip

Journey highlights

  • Delhi – Arrival and relaxation in the capital city; gateway to the Buddhist trail.
  • Varanasi – Witness the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti and take a sacred sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
  • Sarnath – Explore the holy site where Buddha delivered his first sermon – visit Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum.
  • Bodhgaya – Pay homage at the Mahabodhi Temple and meditate under the Bodhi Tree – the site of Buddha’s enlightenment.
  • Rajgir – Ride a ropeway to Shanti Stupa and visit Vulture’s Peak, where Buddha preached.
  • Nalanda – Explore the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, one of the world’s oldest centers of learning.
  • Vaishali – Visit the Ashokan Pillar and Ananda Stupa, where Buddha gave his last sermon.
  • Kushinagar – Experience deep peace at the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Rambhar Stupa, marking Buddha’s passing.
  • Lumbini (Nepal) – Visit the exact birthplace of Buddha at the Maya Devi Temple and explore the monastic zone.
  • Sravasti – Walk through the serene Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats.
  • Lucknow – Discover cultural treasures like the Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, and vibrant Awadhi markets.
Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Travel Consultant ensures seamless arrangements for a hassle-free experience.
  • Private transfers and English-speaking guides ensure a seamless experience.
  • A personalized itinerary tailored to your unique preferences.
  • We always assign experienced drivers for a safe, fully explored journey.
  • We cater to senior citizens' needs with extra care and support.
  • Doctor on call provides immediate medical assistance during your travels.
  • A dedicated 24/7 team offering unwavering support and expert guidance.

When to visit

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Travel Tips

  • Altitude Changes: You’ll be descending significantly, so stay hydrated and take breaks to avoid fatigue.
  • Weather: Carry layers, as mornings and evenings can be chilly, even at lower altitudes.
  • Food: Stick to light vegetarian meals, as they are more easily digestible during mountain travel.
  • Photography: Keep your camera ready to capture the stunning confluences and snow-capped peaks.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on +91 92206 52020 to start planning your holiday.

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