Buddhist Pilgrimage – 13 Days

Upon arrival in Delhi, the capital of India, you will be met by a guide who will provide a transfer to your hotel. After your journey, you are encouraged to rest. Alternatively, you may explore the local market or enjoy the amenities of your hotel.

Begin the day with breakfast followed by a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Delhi. Visit Rajghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. View important landmarks such as India Gate, President’s House, and Parliament House from the exterior. Proceed to the National Museum, which features a distinguished Buddhist gallery displaying ancient sculptures, coins, and relics associated with Buddha.

Depart Delhi in the morning by flight or train to Lucknow, followed by a drive to Sravasti (approximately 4–5 hours). Sravasti is historically significant as a location where Buddha spent numerous rainy seasons and delivered essential teachings. Key sites include Jetavana Monastery and the Ananda Bodhi Tree.

Following breakfast, travel to Lumbini in Nepal—Buddha’s birthplace. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest.

Dedicate the entire day to exploring Lumbini. Notable sites include the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact location of Buddha’s birth, the Sacred Garden, Ashokan Pillar, and various monasteries built by Buddhist countries such as Thailand, China, and Japan.

After breakfast, proceed to Kushinagar, the site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final salvation). Visits include the Mahaparinirvana Temple and the Ramabhar Stupa, where Buddha was cremated. The tranquil gardens offer an opportunity to reflect on the final days of Buddha’s life.

Depart Kushinagar for Vaishali, an eminent Buddhist destination where Buddha delivered his last sermon. Visits include the Ashokan Pillar, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery. Later, continue to Patna, the capital city of Bihar.

Following an early breakfast, travel to Nalanda to visit the ruins of the historic Nalanda University, once a major centre of Buddhist learning. Proceed to Rajgir, where Buddha often meditated and preached. Take the cable car to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and visit Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture’s Peak). Conclude the day with a transfer to Bodhgaya.

Spend the day visiting prominent sites in Bodhgaya, including the Mahabodhi Temple—where Buddha achieved enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree—Sujata Kuti, the Great Buddha Statue, and several international monasteries. Opportunities for meditation and participation in chanting sessions are available.

After breakfast, depart for Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Upon arrival, relax at your hotel. In the evening, attend the renowned Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges to observe daily life along the ghats. Following breakfast, visit Sarnath, the venue of Buddha’s first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, and Sarnath Museum. Return to Varanasi for leisure activities such as shopping or sampling local cuisine.

After breakfast, check-out from hotel and transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Arrival at Delhi airport. Pickup and transfer to hotel. Check-in at hotel. Overnight stay

After breakfast, check-out from hotel. Pickup and transfer to airport for onward flight