Varanasi - Sarnath - Ganga Aarti.

Sarnath - Welcome to Varanasi! Wishing you a pleasant and safe journey. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport or railway station and taken directly to your hotel for check-in. After refreshing, you will proceed to Sarnath.

Sarnath is located 20 km from Varanasi. It is the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples, marking the beginning of Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka later built numerous stupas and monuments here to promote Buddhism. Sarnath is also home to various animals and birds, particularly in the Deer Park, which attracts many visitors. The Sarnath Museum houses the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka and remnants of ancient monasteries. After exploring, you will return to the hotel for some rest.

Ganga Aarti - In the evening, prepare for an unforgettable experience at the River Ganges. You will witness the Ganga Aarti, a grand evening event starting at 5:00 PM, attracting people from around the world. The Aarti is a mesmerizing ritual performed by young priests dressed in elegant saffron and white robes at Dashaswamedh Ghat. Each priest takes a designated spot and begins the ceremony by offering flowers to the river. The ritual involves synchronized movements with oil lamps on snake hood lamps, accompanied by chanting mantras. Thousands of small oil lamps float on the river, resembling countless stars on the water. The ceremony is beautifully choreographed and a sight to behold. After the event, you will return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Varanasi - Bodhgaya

Bodh Gaya - In the morning, you will head to Bodhgaya, approximately 247 km from Varanasi, taking about 7 hours to reach. Bodhgaya is where Gautama Buddha attained unparalleled, supreme wisdom. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy lunch before exploring Bodhgaya’s sights. It is one of the four most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Discover the beauty of Buddhist culture and lifestyle as you stroll around. Visit the Great Buddha Statue, Niranjana River, and Sujata Temple. Explore the Maha Bodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree, and visit the Chinese Temple and 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, with His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama blessing the 25-meter statue, the first of its kind in India. The statue is a symbol of Bodhgaya, located near the Mahabodhi Temple, a World Heritage site frequented by pilgrims worldwide. Locally, it is known as the “80-foot (25-meter) Buddha Statue.”

Sujata Kuti - Visit Sujata Kuti.

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

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

Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna

Rajgir - In the morning, check out from the hotel and proceed to Patna via Rajgir and Nalanda, approximately 182 km from Bodhgaya, taking about 8 hours to reach Patna. En route, visit Rajgir, a site of great significance for Buddhists. Rajgir is a remarkable place for Buddhist pilgrimage, as Buddha spent 12 years here, and the first Buddhist council was held at the Saptaparni caves. In the afternoon, visit Gridhakuta Hill and Bimbisara Jail.

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

Nalanda University Ruins - Continue to Nalanda, home to one of the world’s oldest universities and an international center for Buddhist studies. Then, proceed to Patna. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar

Vaishali - In the morning, check out from the hotel and head to Kushinagar via Vaishali, approximately 256 km from Patna, taking about 7 hours to reach Kushinagar. En route, visit Vaishali, where Buddha announced his approach to Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site and the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. Buddha visited this place thrice, spending considerable time here. He delivered his last sermon and announced his Nirvana at Vaishali. After his passing, Vaishali hosted the Second Buddhist Council.

Parinirvana Stupa - Excavated in 1867, the Parinirvana Stupa is a large brick structure with a Brahmi inscription and a reclining Nirvana statue of Buddha inside. The statue rests on a brick pedestal, with Buddha’s face facing west. According to the inscription, Buddha’s cremated remains are buried here, making it a vital religious site for Buddhists. Excavations also revealed a large copper vessel. The Parinirvana Temple, carved from Chunar sandstone, is a sacred place for Buddhist devotees.

Kushinagar - Lumbini

Lumbini - In the morning, check out from the hotel and proceed to Lumbini, approximately 180 km from Kushinagar, taking about 5 hours to reach. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the birthplace of Buddha, the Maya Devi Temple. This serene and naturally beautiful place aligns with the perception of where the legend was born. Enjoy an overnight stay at the Lumbini hotel.

Maya Devi Temple - The Maya Devi Temple is situated next to the sacred pool, Pushkarini, and a sacred garden. This temple marks the spot where Maya Devi gave birth to Gautam Buddha, with archaeological remains dating back to Ashoka’s time, around the 3rd century BCE. Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC. The temple, designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange in 1978, is still under development, featuring landscaped lakes and various monasteries by architects worldwide. Fortunately, the Nepal earthquake in 2015 did not affect any monuments or temples.

Lumbini - Kapilavastu - Shravasti

Kapilvastu - In the morning, check out from the hotel and proceed to Shravasti via Kapilavastu, approximately 225 km from Lumbini, taking about 6 hours to reach Shravasti. En route, visit Kapilavastu, the childhood home of Gautama Buddha.

Angulimala Stupa - Sahet-Mahet were villages in the ancient city of Sravasti, the capital of the Kosala Kingdom in the 6th century. Geographically, it was central to eastern, western, and northern India, with roads converging here. The site holds immense Buddhist and Jain significance. In Sahet, explore numerous stupas, temples, and monasteries linked to Buddha’s life. In Mahet, discover Buddhist, Brahmanical, and Jaina structures, along with medieval tombs. Lord Buddha is said to have rested here during the annual Cassava.

Shravasti – Lucknow Departure

Lucknow - In the morning, check out from the hotel and proceed to Lucknow, approximately 154 km from Shravasti, taking about 4 hours to reach. Upon arrival, explore Imam Bara, Rumi Darwaza, and other historical monuments. In the evening, transfer directly to Lucknow Airport for your onward journey to New Delhi, where you will catch your flight home, carrying a book of cherished 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.