Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Tour Duration: 12 Nights/ 13 Days

Tour Destinations: Delhi – Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Patna – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Sravasti

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour all about the life Lord Buddha.

On an auspicious occasion of Purnima (full moon night) in the month of Vaisakha (May) during 560 BC a young prince “Siddharth” was born in the small princely state of Kapilavastu (in present-day Nepal), who later relinquished his royalty to conquer on the sufferings he saw in the world. Prince Siddharth is the one we know today as the enlightened one or “Buddha”.

In this tour one will follow the trails that are related to the life of Lord Buddha. Visit the places where he was born, where he achieved enlightenment, where he preached his first sermon, where he performed miracles, and the place where he took Parinirvana (lest the world). Also, visit some other destinations that were/ are related to the life of Lord Buddha or Buddhism.

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi

Day 02 – Full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi

Day 03 – Morning fly to Varanasi. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment.

Day 04 – Early morning boat ride on the River Ganges. Later in the morning visit some import sites of Varanasi. Evening witness Ganga Aarti.

Day 05 – Morning drive to Bodhgaya (242 Km) the place where Lord Buddha got enlightened. Afternoon, visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex.

Day 06 – Day to explore Bodhgaya on your own.

Day 07 – Morning drive to Patna (200 Km) visiting Rajgir where first ever Buddhist council convened and Nalanda the world’s first residential university.

Day 08 – Morning drive to Kushinagar visiting Vaishali – 245 Km (an important Buddhist site) en route.

Day 09 – Morning, visit the sites where Lord Buddha took Maha Parinirvana and where he was cremated. Afternoon drive to Lumbini (170 Km).

Day 10 – Morning sightseeing tour of Lumbini visiting sites related to birth of Lord Buddha. Afternoon excursion to Kapilavastu where Lord Buddha spent 29 years of his life as a prince.

Day 11 – Morning drive to Sravasti (210 Km). Afternoon explore the Jetavan visiting sites which is related to Lord Buddha’s life (he spent maximum amount of time here after his enlightenment).

Day 12 – Morning drive to Lucknow airport (165 Km) and fly to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to international airport to board flight for onward destination.

Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive IGI airport Delhi. Met by our representative and transferred to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 – Delhi
Proceed on a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Capital of India where history has seamlessly given space to modernity without losing its presence. One of the largest cities in the world, it is dotted with imposing monuments of the Hindu, Mughal, and Colonial eras.
Visit Jama Masjid, an architectural masterpiece of the Mughal era, it is the largest mosque in India where about 25000 people can offer prayer at a time. Qutab Minar - a 12th-century Indo-Islamic structure and one of the tallest break minarets in the world. Humayun’s Tomb - considered to be one of the forerunners of the Taj Mahal. Drive around Lutyen’s Delhi which is defined by extensive greenery, wide boulevards, gardens, parks, and colonial-era government buildings including the President House, Indian Parliament, and war memorial “India Gate”. A visit to Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial) will be a part of the sightseeing.
Apart from visiting historic buildings, one gets to take a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi which is an experience in itself. Once a flamboyant bazaar (marketplace) for the novels of the Mughal era, it today is the largest wholesale market of Asia.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 – Delhi to Varanasi
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi and transfer to hotel.

Afternoon proceed on an excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath is a very important place for Buddhism. It is here Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining Nirvana in Bodhgaya. It is at Sarnath he taught the Philosophy of the middle way, ‘The Four Noble Truths’ (the causes of suffering), and The Eightfold Path (the way to get out of the suffering). Sarnath also is the place where Lord Buddha got his first disciples and concept of the ‘Sangha’ (community of monks) started. Sarnath also is the place from where the spreading of Buddhist teaching started.

Visit the 500 AD Dhamek Stupa and the complex that marks the site where Lord Buddha preached his sermon. Sarnath Archaeological Museum – it houses an attractive collection of artifacts, including India’s national emblem, the iconic ‘Lion Capital of Ashoka’. The museum boasts of ancient sculptures, inscriptions, and relics excavated from the site. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar - a modern Buddhist temple famous for its frescoes depicting the scenes from the life of Lord Buddha.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 – Varanasi
Early morning transfer to the riverfront for a dawn boat ride on the River Ganges. Observe the morning activities along the ghats that line on the bank of the river. One can see devotees offer their morning prayer venerating water to Sun God seeking blessings for the day after taking a holy dip in the river seeking blessings from Mother Ganges. End your boat ride on the burning ghats and walk around Kashi Vishwanath corridor mending along the narrow alleyways of Varanasi. Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands on the western bank of the Ganges. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most revered temples in the country. This is one of the 12 temples which enshrines Jyotirlinga which has a special significance in the spiritual history of India.

Later in the morning visit Bharat Mata Temple. Bharat Mata Temple is dedicated to Mother India and was built in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 so that the citizens could respect the country in statue form. It is a replica of the map of undivided India built in marble in three dimensions which has the mountains, plains, and oceans depicted in right proportions. Banaras Hindu University – Varanasi is considered one the oldest center for religious and cultural learning. Banaras Hindu University continues its legacy by promoting the study of Hindu Philosophy and Sanskrit Literature, apart from imparting modern education. Bharat Kala Bhavan – located in the Banaras Hindu University complex, it houses a rich collection of over 100,000 artifacts, including miniature paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, textiles, and folk art. Some highlights here include Mughal and Rajasthani paintings and rare Buddhist relics, making it a cultural and historical treasure. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple - this 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman (Monkey God, the remover of obstacles) is one the most revered shrines in Varanasi. It is a very import place to visit those who are in the pilgrimage to Kashi (old name for Varanasi). The temple was established by the saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, who composed the Ramcharitmanas.

Afternoon at leisure.

Evening transfer to the riverfront to witness evening Arati. The Evening Arati at the ghats of the River Ganges is a very vibrant experience. A group of priests offer their evening prayer to the mother Ganges with a big multistory butter lamp beautifully synchronizing their rhythm with roaring sound religious hymns, drums, and symbols creating a surreal sight. Devotees float oil lamps on leaf boats to show their reverence to the river.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 – Varanasi to Bodhgaya
Morning, depart Varanasi for Bodhgaya (242 Km).

Arrive Bodhgaya and check in at the hotel.

Bodhgaya is the most sacred pilgrimage of Buddhism. It was here Gautama the Prince of Kapilvastu attained Nirvana and became Buddha or ‘The Enlightened One’.

Afternoon, explore the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. A ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’, the Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the most sacred site for Buddhists. Construction of the main temple was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashok in the 3rd century BCE the present structure was built in 5th/ 6th- century CE during the reign of Guptas. This makes it one of the earliest brick temples in India, showcasing the architectural genius of the late Gupta period. Approximately 150 feet tall the architecture features a gracefully tapering pyramidal spire that culminates in a stupa at the bottom. The complex also houses other sites that are connected to events of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment and events immediately before and after that – i.e. the Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, Vajrasana or the stone platform where Lord Buddha sat to meditate, Animeshlocha Stupa where he is said to have spent a week (the second week after his enlightenment) gazing at the Bodhi Tree in gratitude without batting his eyes.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 – Bodhgaya
Full-day, explore Bodhgaya on your own.

You can also visit various other monasteries built by devotees from across the world on this day, or an 80 feet tall statue of Lord Buddha, or Sujata Stupa which was built in honor of the woman who offered Lord Buddha rice and milk when he was seriously ill. You can also opt for an excursion to Dungeshwari Cave Temples on the outskirts of Bodhgaya where Lord Buddha spent years meditating in the caves in search of enlightenment.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 – Bodhgaya to Patna
Morning, depart Bodhgaya by road for Patna (200 Km) stopping by en route to visit Rajgir and Nalanda.

Rajgir holds an important place in the history of India apart from being an important landmark in Buddhism. The first ever Buddhist council convened here in 483 BCE at the Sapataparni caves immediately after the Maha Parinirvana of Lord Buddha. However, the Gridhakuta Hill in Rajgir holds more significance as it was here Lord Buddha spent years meditating prior to his enlightenment and spent good amount of time after attaining enlightenment delivering many of his important teachings including Lotus and Heart Sutras which later became instrumental in shaping Mahayana Buddhism. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour’s walk (one way) to reach the top of the hill where one can see what is believed to be the remains of seat where Lord Buddha used to deliver his sermons. Also, visit Venuvan Vihar which was built by king Bimbisara as an offering to Lord Buddha.

Nalanda - Renowned as the world’s first residential university Nalanda was example of ancient learning from the 5th to the 12th century CE. Established under the Gupta Empire in 5th-century CE it flourished as a Buddhist monastic and educational center attracting scholars from far-flung places across Asia. It hosted up to 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. Its vast library housed millions of manuscripts. The architecture of the university featured red-brick monasteries, stupas, and lecture halls arranged in a planned layout. The ruins reveal eight compounds with intricately carved pillars and meditation cells reflecting a blend of functionality and aesthetics of the Gupta and Pala periods. The importance of Nalanda University grew for its role as a hub of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism influencing Asian intellectual traditions.

The Nalanda Archaeological Museum nearby the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara offers an insight into the region’s rich past. Established in 1917, the museum houses artifacts found from the ancient Nalanda University site during excavations. The museum is a treasure trove for those who takes interest history. It showcases items that reflect the cultural, artistic, and academic excellence of ancient Nalanda.

Arrive Patna by evening and check-in at hotel.

Overnight in the hotel.

Day 08 – Patna to Kushinagar
Morning, depart Patna by road for Kushinagar (245 Km) stopping by en route to visit Buddhist Sites at Kolhua in Vaishali.

Vaishali holds a very special place in connection to Buddhism for more than one reasons. It is the place where Lord Buddha visited multiple times during his lifetime, allowed the women to join the monastic order, and announced his Parinirvana. The Second Buddhist Council was held here around 383 BCE, about 100 years after Lord Buddha took Parinirvana.

Visit Kolhua to see the ancient Buddhist site. This complex is dotted with ancient Buddhist stupas belonging to Maurya and Gupta period (500 -300 BCE) along with the one dedicated Ananda (one of the prime disciples of Lord Buddha). The complex also houses an Ashoka pillar (3rd-century BCE) promoting Buddhist principals.

Arrive Kushinagar and check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.

Day 09 – Kushinagar to Lumbini
Visit the site where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. At the place where he left for his heavenly abode Mahaparinirvana Temple is constructed with a large statue of Lord Buddha in Mahaparinirvana (reclining) posture. Also, visit the stupa where his last rites were performed.

Early afternoon, depart Kushinagar by surface for Lumbini (170 Km) in Nepal. En route to Lumbini one will have to complete visa and immigration formalities at Indo-Nepal border at Bhairawa.

Arrive Lumbini and check in at hotel.

Overnight in the hotel.

Day 10 – Lumbini
Morning, visit important Buddhist Sites in Lumbini. Lumbi, a UNESCO World Herite site Lumbini is one the four primary Buddhist sites and holds immense significance as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, a royal and heir to the throne of the kingdom of the Kapilvastu who renounced his royalty for search of truth.

Visit the sacred garden complex which houses Maya Devi Temple which marks the exact location of Lord Buddha’s birth by a marker stone. Nearby the temples is a sacred pond where Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha has believed to have taken bath before his birth and bath him after his birth. Also, adjacent temple is a 250 BEC Ashoka Pillar with inscription confirming the birth places of Lord Buddha.

Afternoon excursion to Kapilavastu (27 Km – one way) to visit the sites where Lord Buddha spent 29 years of his life as prince. The place is marked by ruins and stupas.

Return to Lumbini with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 – Lumbini to Sravasti
Morning, depart Lumbini by road for Sravasti – 210 Km (you need to complete Nepal and India immigration and customs formalities).

Arrive Sravasti and check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit Jetavan complex which has a special place in Buddhism. It is here Lord Buddha spent maximum time (25 rainy seasons) during his life time delivering many important discourses. The complex is marked with historical sites like Gandhakuti where Lord Buddha resided and preached during his visit to Sravasti, Anathapindika Stupa dedicated to the doner, a wealthy merchant who invited Lord Buddha to Sravasti and donated large chunk of land to start Sanga and spread his teachings in region, Angulimala Stupa, that marks the redemption of a bandit who had come to kill Lord Buddha and eventually turned to monk and, Ananda Bodhi Tree which believed to be the descendant of the same Pipal tree planted by Ananda one of the main disciple of Lord Buddha.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 – Sravasti to Lucknow to Delhi and Depart
Morning transfer to Lucknow airport (165 Km) to connect flight for Delhi.

Arrive Delhi and transfer to international airport to connect international flight for onward destination.