9N10D Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

DAY 1 ARRIVE DELHI 

Upon arrival to New Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to hotel. Our representative will assist you in hotel check in. Overnight Delhi. 

Day 2 DELHI – VARANASI (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you will transfer to the Domestic Airport to catch your flight to Varanasi. Upon your arrival in Varanasi, you will be warmly greeted and provided with assistance. Our team will transfer you to hotel for check-in. After lunch, we will embark on a visit to Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon; visit the Sarnath Museum and the majestic Dammika Stupa. Conclude the day with dinner. Overnight Varanasi. 

Sarnath - After the Buddha attained enlightenment, he came here and taught the Four Noble Truths to his five disciples, namely Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama and Assaji. 

Sarnath Museum - Built in 1910, the museum houses some treasures of Indian Buddhist art, including more than 300 paintings.

Dammika Stupa - All the buildings in Sarnath were completely destroyed by the Turks, but the Dammika Stupa was preserved in the ruins. 

Day 3 VARANASI - BODHGAYA (254 KM/5.5 HRS) (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we will drive you to Bodhgaya. Upon arrival, check in hotel. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon, we will explore the tranquil Dungeshwari Caves and Sujatha Village. Conclude the day with dinner. Overnight at Bodhgaya. 

Dungeshwari Caves - The Dungeshwari Cave Temple (also called Mahakala Caves) at Pragbodhi Hills is where Gautama is said to have spent 6-7 years (according to varying accounts) meditating in extreme asceticism. At least one point during this experience, he had starved himself to the edge of death. His only relief came when a local woman, Sujatha came to offer him a modicum of sustenance.

Sujatha Village - On the other side of the Niranjana River is Sujatha Village. In order to commemorate Sujatha offering milk to the Buddha, later generations built a memorial tower for the shepherdess in this village.

Day 4 BODHGAYA (B,L,D)

Start your day with a morning visit to the iconic Mahabodhi Temple, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Admire the magnificence of the Great Buddha Statue. After lunch, you will have free time to engage in personal activities. Conclude the day with dinner. Overnight at Bodhgaya. 

Mahabodhi Temple - Legend has it that Sakyamuni became enlightened and became a Buddha after meditating for forty-nine days under the Mahabodhi tree here. In 250 BC, King Asoka of the Maurya Dynasty built a temple near this tree to commemorate the exact location of Buddha's enlightenment. It truly became a temple during the Gupta Dynasty.

Day 5 BODHGAYA - RAJGIR – NALANDA- VAISHALI – PATNA (223 KMS/5-7 HRS) (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we will drive you to Patna making captivating stops at Nalanda, Rajgir and Vaishali along the way. In Rajgir, marvel at the scenic Griddhakuta Hilland visit the awe-inspiring World Peace Stupa. Explore the ancient ruins of Bimbisar Jail. After lunch, proceed to Nalanda, en-route  visit Vaishali Stupa and Pillar. Continue drive to Patna. On arrival, you will check in hotel then dinner. Overnight at Patna.

Griddhakuta Hill - It is one of the places where Buddha lived and preached for many years. The peak is called Vulture Peak because it is shaped like a vulture, and vultures are often seen.

World Peace Stupa - It is located at the highest point of Ratnagiri Hill in Rajgir, 400 meters above sea level, and its serene charm is nothing short of divine. Made entirely of marble, the stupa consists of four golden statues of the Buddha, each representing his birth, enlightenment, sermons, and death throughout his life.

Bimbisar Jail - It is believed to be the place where King Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son Ajatashatru Kunika. Legend has it that King Bimbisara was detained and imprisoned by his son King Ajāsāra in the last days of his life. It is said that King Bimbisara decided to live in this small room in the prison during his last days because he could see the Buddha who was living in the fort at that time and went to Girddhkuta Parvat/Vulture Peak to give sermons every morning. 

Nalanda - The birthplace of Shariputra (a disciple of Buddha). It is one of the earliest areas where Buddhism spread. Faxian and Xuanzang were here to obtain and translate the scriptures.

Vaishali Stupa and Pillar – The place of Buddha’s last sermon was preached and announced in advanced of his  Mahaparinirvana. Hundred years later the Second Buddhist Congregation was held.

Day 6 PATNA-KUSHINAGAR (208 KM/5 HRS) (B,L,D)

After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar. En route, immerse yourself in the beauty of Keshariya Stupa. After lunch, pay homage to the Maha Parinirvana Temple, the sacred site where Lord Buddha attained final nirvana. Explore the Rambhar Stupa, the cremation site of Lord Buddha, and visit the serene Japan Temple.  Dinner and overnight stay at Kushinagar.  

Keshariya Stupa - Buddha left Vaishali as he approached Nirvana. The people of Vaishali followed him on his journey to Kushinagar. In order to convince them to leave, Buddha gave them his alms bowl when they reached Keshariya. Locals believe that the stupa was built to house this bowl and to worship the Buddha.

Maha Parinirvana Temple - The present temple was built by the Indian Government in 1956 as part of the commemoration of the 2,500th year of the Mahaparinivana . 

Rambhar Stupa - This is the place where Buddha was cremated after his nirvana.

Day 7 KUSHINAGAR - LUMBINI (180 KMS/05 HRS) (B,L,D)

After a delightful breakfast, we will drive you to Lumbini in Nepal. Along the way, we will make a stop at the India/Nepal border for Immigration formalities. Upon arrival, check-in hotel. After lunch, immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Visit the revered Maya Devi Temple and the historic Ashokan Pillar. Dinner and overnight at Lumbini.

Maya Devi Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage site, the main temple at Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

Ashokan Pillar - The Ashokan Pillar itself was mentioned in these ancient texts, and was positioned where Buddha was born.

Day 8 LUMBINI - SRAVASTI (225 KMS/06 HRS) (B,L,D)

After breakfast, check-out and we will drive to Sravasti. Enroute, visit Kapilavastu, where you can explore the Nigrodarama and the intriguing Ruins of Palaces. Continue the drive to Sravasti, check-in hotel. After lunch, discover the places where Buddha spent 24 monsoons, including the renowned 

Jetavana Monastery and the sacred Ananda Bodhi Tree. Dinner and overnight at Sravasti.

Kapilavastu – Buddha’s hometown.

Nigrodarama - a city Buddha visited in the first year after enlightenment.

Jetavana Monastery – the place where the Buddha gave the majority of his teachings and discourses

Day 9 SRAVASTI – LUCKNOW (164KMS/2.5HRS) – DELHI (B,L,D)

After breakfast, drive to Lucknow. Lunch at restaurant in Lucknow. Transfer to domestic airport and fly to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in hotel. Dinner and overnight Delhi.

Day 10 Delhi City Tour and departure (B,L,D)

After breakfast we have a full day Delhi city sightseeing tour visiting Qutub Minar & Humayun Tomb and Lotus Temple. We will drive past old Delhi, Red Fort, India Gate (pass by Parliament House) and etc. You will transfer to airport for onward destination after an early dinner. 

Qutub Minar & Humayun Tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. Built in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak,  marking the arrival of Muslim rulers in the country.

Lotus Temple - It is one of the seven major Bahai’s temples in the world.