Varanasi - Sarnath - Ganga Aarti.

Sarnath - Welcome to Varanasi. We hope you have a safe and pleasant journey. We will pick you up from the Airport or Railway station. After picking you up, we will head straight to the hotel for check-in. Once you are refreshed, you will proceed to Sarnath.

Sarnath is located 20 km from the city of Varanasi. It is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples, marking the beginning of Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka later built several stupas and monuments here to promote Buddhism. Sarnath is also home to various animals and birds, with Deer Park being a notable attraction. The Sarnath Museum houses remnants of monasteries and the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka. After visiting these sites, we will return to the hotel for rest.

Ganga Aarti - In the evening, you will experience one of the most memorable moments of your life at the River Ganges. You will witness the Ganga Aarti, a grand evening event that starts at 5:00 PM. People from around the world gather to be part of this event. The Aarti ceremony, held at Dashaswamedh Ghat, features young priests dressed in silky saffron and white robes. Each priest takes a specific spot on the Ghat and begins the rituals by offering flowers to the river Ganga. The ceremony includes the synchronized waving of oil lamps on snake hood lamps while chanting mantras. Thousands of small oil lamps floating on the river create a mesmerizing sight, resembling countless stars on the water. After the ceremony, we will return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Varanasi - Bodhgaya

Bodh Gaya - In the morning, we will depart for Bodhgaya, which is about 247 km from Varanasi and takes approximately 7 hours to reach. Bodhgaya is the place where Gautama Buddha attained supreme enlightenment. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and, after lunch, enjoy sightseeing in Bodhgaya. It is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Explore the beauty of Buddhist culture and lifestyle with a stroll around this place. Visit the Great Buddha Statue, Niranjana River, and Sujata Temple. See the Maha Bodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree, and visit the Chinese Temple. Also, visit the school for the destitute. After sightseeing, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Great Buddha Statue - The Great Buddha Statue was unveiled and consecrated on November 18, 1989, in a ceremony attended by His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, who blessed the 25-meter statue. This statue, the first great Buddha ever built in India, is now a symbol of Bodhgaya, located near the Mahabodhi Temple, a World Heritage site. It attracts pilgrims from all over the world and is locally known as the “80-foot Buddha Statue.”

Sujata Kuti - Visit Sujata Kuti.

Mahabodhi Temple - The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the oldest brick temples in India. The original structure, later replaced, was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (died c. 238 BCE) to commemorate the Buddha’s Enlightenment. The temple stands 55 meters (180 feet) tall, with a pyramidal shikhara (tower) featuring several layers of niches, arch motifs, and fine engravings. Four smaller towers, each identical to the central one but smaller in size and topped with an umbrella-like dome, adorn the corners of the two-story structure. Inside the temple, a shrine holds a yellow sandstone statue of the Buddha encased in glass.

Bodhi Tree - The Bodhi Tree is the main tree in the Mahabodhi Temple.

Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna

Rajgir - In the morning, after checking out from the hotel, we will head to Patna via Rajgir and Nalanda, a journey of about 182 km that takes approximately 8 hours. On the way, we will visit Rajgir, a site of great significance for Buddhists. Rajgir is a wonderful place for Buddhist pilgrimage, as Buddha spent 12 years here and the first Buddhist council was hosted here at the Saptaparni caves. In the afternoon, visit Gridhakuta Hill and Bimbisara Jail.

Bimbisar Jail - Bimbisara Jail, where King Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son Ajatshatru, is located in Rajgir, Bihar. The jail’s northern side also features the beautiful Maniyar Math. It is said that King Bimbisara chose to spend the rest of his life in this jail, which provided him with a perfect view of Griddhakuta Hill, where he could see Lord Buddha meditating.

Nalanda University Ruins - After visiting Rajgir, we will drive to Nalanda, home to one of the oldest universities in the world and an international center for Buddhist studies. We will then continue to Patna, where we will check into the hotel for an overnight stay.

Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar

Vaishali - In the morning, after checking out from the hotel, we will head to Kushinagar via Vaishali, a journey of about 256 km that takes approximately 7 hours. On the way, we will visit Vaishali, where Buddha announced his approach to Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site and the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. It is said that Buddha visited this place three times and spent a considerable amount of time here. He also delivered his last sermon and announced his Nirvana in Vaishali. After his death, the Second Buddhist Council was held here.

Kushinagar - Lumbini

Lumbini - In the morning, after checking out from the hotel, we will head to Lumbini, a journey of about 180 km that takes approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival in Lumbini, we will transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the birthplace of Buddha at the Maya Devi Temple. This place is blessed with tranquility and natural beauty, fitting the perception of the birthplace of a legend. Overnight stay at the Lumbini hotel.

Maya Devi Temple - The Maya Devi Temple is located next to the sacred pool called Pushkarini and a sacred garden. This temple marks the spot where Maya Devi gave birth to Gautam Buddha, with archaeological remains dating back to the time of Ashoka, around the 3rd century BCE. Gautam Buddha is said to have been born in 563 BC. The temple was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange in 1978, and the work is ongoing, including landscaped lakes and several monasteries built by architects from around the world. Fortunately, none of the monuments or temples were affected by the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

Lumbini - Kapilavastu - Shravasti

Shravasti – Lucknow Departure

Lucknow - In the morning, after checking out from the hotel, we will head to Lucknow, a journey of about 154 km that takes approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival in Lucknow, we will visit Imam Bara, Rumi Darwaza, and other historical monuments. In the evening, we will transfer directly to Lucknow Airport for your flight to New Delhi, where you will catch your flight home with a book of memories.

• Private transportation
• Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Professional English speaking Guide at Varanasi - Sarnath- Bodhgaya - Kushinagar - Lumbini
• Breakfast
• 4 star Hotels with Private Room for 6 nights

• Lunch & Dinner
• Gratuities

Initiating from Varanasi and concluding in Lucknow, this package will bring you to all key sites associated with Gautama Buddha. You’ll visit his birthplace, Lumbini, which is presently in Nepal. Discover where he gained his teachings in Bodhgaya, and learn about his aspiration to impart these teachings to five worthy disciples, ensuring the preservation and dissemination to future generations. You will also journey to Kushinagar, where Buddha spent his last moments. This week-long travel program will lead you to Varanasi, India, along with 8 additional Asian locations. The Buddhist Tour is designed for small groups and covers hotel stays, professional tour guidance, meals, and transportation.

• Fully Covered Clothes at maximum religious spots

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.