Experience the sacred Buddhist heritage of India and Nepal with our carefully designed 12 Days India Buddhist Circuit Tour Package. This extended Buddhist pilgrimage journey covers the major destinations associated with the life, teachings, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha.
The journey covers Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Kapilavastu and Shravasti. These destinations provide an opportunity to explore important Buddhist sites connected with Buddha's enlightenment, teachings, monastic traditions, birthplace and Mahaparinirvana.
From the sacred Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya and the first sermon site at Sarnath to the ancient Buddhist learning centre of Nalanda and the Mahaparinirvana site at Kushinagar, this pilgrimage combines spirituality, history, culture and peaceful experiences.
The itinerary also includes Lumbini in Nepal, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, along with Kapilavastu and Shravasti, two important destinations associated with the early life and teachings of Buddha.
This tour is suitable for Buddhist pilgrims, spiritual travellers, families, private groups, senior travellers and international visitors. The itinerary can be customized according to travel dates, hotel category, transportation and sightseeing requirements.
Arrive in Varanasi, one of India's most important spiritual cities. Our representative will meet you at the airport or railway station and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, you may explore the nearby area or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Varanasi. In the evening, you may attend the famous Ganga Aarti at the Ganges Ghats. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Sarnath. Visit Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Site, Sarnath Museum and important Buddhist monasteries. Sarnath is traditionally regarded as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Spend peaceful time exploring the ancient Buddhist heritage of Sarnath. Return to Varanasi in the evening. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed towards Bodh Gaya in Bihar. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, you may visit the Mahabodhi Temple area and experience the peaceful atmosphere around the sacred Bodhi Tree. Overnight stay in Bodh Gaya.
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day Buddhist sightseeing tour of Bodh Gaya. Visit the sacred Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodhi Tree and Vajrasana. Explore important international Buddhist monasteries and temples representing different Buddhist traditions. You may also visit the Great Buddha Statue and other nearby Buddhist attractions. Spend peaceful time for meditation, prayer and personal reflection. Overnight stay in Bodh Gaya.
After breakfast, depart for Rajgir. Rajgir is an important destination associated with Buddha's teachings and ancient Buddhist traditions. Visit Venuvana, Gridhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak) and other Buddhist heritage attractions. Continue towards Nalanda. Visit the ancient Nalanda Archaeological Site, once a major centre of Buddhist learning. Explore the monastery ruins and archaeological remains. After sightseeing, proceed towards the hotel. Overnight stay in Rajgir / Nalanda region.
After breakfast, continue your Buddhist heritage journey. Visit any remaining important attractions in Rajgir and Nalanda as per the sightseeing schedule. Later proceed towards Vaishali. Vaishali is an important Buddhist heritage destination associated with Buddha's teachings. Visit the Ashokan Pillar, Buddhist Stupa area and other important archaeological attractions, subject to local access and timings. Overnight stay in Vaishali / Muzaffarpur region.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed towards Kushinagar. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing of Mahaparinirvana Temple and the reclining Buddha image. Visit Ramabhar Stupa and other nearby Buddhist sites. Spend peaceful time for prayer and meditation. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
After breakfast, continue exploring the important Buddhist heritage sites of Kushinagar. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa and important international Buddhist monasteries. You may visit Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, Burmese Temple and other monastery complexes subject to local timings. Spend some peaceful time for meditation and personal reflection. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed towards Lumbini in Nepal. Complete the applicable India-Nepal border formalities and continue towards Lumbini. Lumbini is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, Lord Buddha. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may visit the peaceful Lumbini area. Overnight stay in Lumbini.
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day Buddhist pilgrimage tour of Lumbini. Visit Maya Devi Temple, Sacred Garden and Ashokan Pillar. Explore the International Monastic Zone and selected international monasteries representing different Buddhist traditions. Spend peaceful time exploring the sacred surroundings and meditation areas. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Lumbini.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed towards the Kapilavastu region. Explore important Buddhist heritage locations associated with the early life of Siddhartha Gautama. Continue towards Shravasti. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later, visit Jetavana Monastery and nearby Buddhist archaeological remains, subject to local sightseeing timings. Overnight stay in Shravasti.
After breakfast, visit important Buddhist sites of Shravasti. Explore Jetavana Monastery, Angulimala Stupa area, Kachhi Kuti and Pakki Kuti, subject to local timings and access. After sightseeing, proceed towards Varanasi. Depending on your flight or train schedule, our representative will transfer you to Varanasi Airport or Railway Station. Your 12 Days India Buddhist Circuit Tour concludes with beautiful spiritual memories of the sacred Buddhist Circuit of India and Nepal. Proceed for your onward journey.
Tour package includes:
Tour package cost does not include:
The period from October to March is generally a comfortable season for exploring the major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations across northern India and Nepal. During these months, the weather is generally more suitable for sightseeing and long-distance road journeys. Travelers can plan their pilgrimage according to their preferred religious occasions, meditation requirements and local festival schedules.
Our 12 Days India Buddhist Circuit Tour Package is designed for travellers who want more time to explore the important Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage destinations of India and Nepal. The itinerary combines the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi and Sarnath with the enlightenment site of Bodh Gaya, the Buddhist heritage of Rajgir and Nalanda, the historical significance of Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Kapilavastu and Shravasti.
The tour provides a balanced combination of Buddhist pilgrimage, heritage sightseeing, monastery visits, meditation opportunities and comfortable private transportation. The itinerary can be customized for families, Buddhist groups, senior pilgrims, couples, international travellers and private groups.