Follow the Sacred Footsteps of Buddha

Arrive in Delhi – Welcome to India

On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, meet our representative in the arrivals area and transfer to your hotel. After check-in and time to unwind, enjoy a short introduction to Delhi if your arrival time permits. Discover a glimpse of the capital's historic landmarks and vibrant city life before returning to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay in Delhi.

Delhi – Lucknow – Sravasti

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lucknow. On arrival, meet your local representative and drive to Sravasti, an important city of the ancient Kosala kingdom. Buddhist tradition remembers Sravasti as a place where Buddha spent many rainy-season retreats and delivered important teachings.

After checking in and freshening up, visit the peaceful remains of Jetavana Monastery, one of the most significant places associated with Buddha's teaching life, and the Ananda Bodhi Tree, traditionally connected with his close disciple Ananda. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Sravasti – Lumbini, Nepal

After an early breakfast, travel to Lumbini in Nepal's Terai region, traditionally recognised as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini is one of the most revered destinations for Buddhists from around the world.

Visit Maya Devi Temple and the sacred garden, then see the historic Ashoka Pillar, which records Emperor Ashoka's visit to the birthplace of Buddha. Explore the international monastic zone, where monasteries built by Buddhist communities from different countries reflect a rich variety of architectural styles and traditions.

Check in at your hotel, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Lumbini – Kushinagar

Begin the day with a visit to Maya Devi Temple, the central sacred monument within the Lumbini complex. Explore the archaeological remains and tranquil gardens before departing for Kushinagar in India. Complete the required India–Nepal border formalities en route.

On arrival in Kushinagar, check in at the hotel. Later, visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, known for its reclining Buddha image, and Ramabhar Stupa, traditionally associated with Buddha's cremation. Enjoy the reflective atmosphere of this important pilgrimage destination.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Kushinagar – Vaishali – Nalanda – Rajgir

After breakfast, depart for Rajgir with visits to Vaishali and Nalanda along the way. Vaishali has an important place in Buddhist tradition and is associated with Buddha's visits and the Second Buddhist Council. Explore the Ashoka Pillar, Buddhist archaeological remains and the Shanti Stupa, subject to local access and available time.

Continue to Nalanda Mahavihara, the UNESCO-listed remains of a celebrated ancient Buddhist monastic and learning centre. Once a destination for scholars and students from across Asia, Nalanda offers a remarkable glimpse into India's intellectual heritage. After sightseeing, drive to Rajgir and check in at your hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay in Rajgir.

Rajgir – Bodhgaya

After breakfast, explore Rajgir, an ancient city closely connected with Buddha's life and teachings. Visit Venuvana Vihar, traditionally remembered as a bamboo grove offered to Buddha by King Bimbisara, and Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak), associated with several important discourses.

Later, drive to Bodhgaya, the sacred place where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. On arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Dinner and overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Bodhgaya – A day at the place of enlightenment

Spend the day discovering Bodhgaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the sacred Bodhi Tree, traditionally associated with Buddha's enlightenment. See the Vajrasana or Diamond Throne, marking the revered meditation location.

Other places of interest include the Great Buddha Statue, Sujata Temple and the Niranjana River. Depending on time, explore international monasteries established by Buddhist communities from across Asia. Take time to appreciate the prayers, meditation and calm atmosphere of this remarkable town.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Bodhgaya – Sarnath – Varanasi

After breakfast, drive towards Varanasi, stopping at Sarnath, where Buddha is traditionally believed to have delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. This event is remembered as the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha and the sharing of his teaching.

Explore Dhamek Stupa, the remains of Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara and the archaeological area associated with the Ashokan pillar. Continue to Varanasi and check in at your hotel.

In the evening, visit the River Ganges ghats to witness the celebrated Ganga Aarti, a vibrant ceremony of lamps, devotional music and prayer. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Varanasi – Delhi – Departure

Start early with a boat ride on the River Ganges, weather and river conditions permitting. Watch the city awaken along its historic ghats and observe the morning rituals that make Varanasi such a distinctive cultural destination.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. Transfer to Varanasi Airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, connect to your international departure flight with assistance from our representative, subject to the confirmed flight schedule.

Your Buddhist Circuit journey concludes with memories of sacred places, ancient heritage and the enduring message of compassion and wisdom.