The Classic Buddhist Circuit (India & Nepal)

Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Destination Covered: Delhi – Varanasi – Sarnath – Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Vaishali – Kushinagar – Lumbini (Nepal) – Sravasti – Lucknow

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi – Transfer to Hotel
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

• Meet and assist on arrival, then transfer to your pre-booked hotel
• Rest and relax after your journey

Overnight stay in Delhi

Day 2: Delhi Flight to Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti
Morning flight to Varanasi – one of the oldest living cities in the world

• Check-in at hotel and freshen up
• In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – a spiritual highlight on the banks of the Ganges
• Stroll through the ancient lanes of Varanasi

Overnight stay in Varanasi

Day 3: Varanasi – Morning Boat Ride & Sarnath Excursion
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the rituals at sunrise

• Return to hotel for breakfast
• Excursion to Sarnath – where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon
• Visit Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Sarnath Museum
• Return to Varanasi in the evening

Overnight stay in Varanasi

Day 4: Drive to Bodhgaya – Land of Enlightenment
After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 6–7 hrs)

• Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Offer prayers under the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
• Explore the Great Buddha Statue and various international monasteries

Overnight stay in Bodhgaya

Day 5: Excursion to Rajgir & Nalanda
Day trip to Rajgir – the site of Vulture's Peak (Gridhakuta), where Buddha preached many sermons

• Ride the ropeway to Shanti Stupa
• Continue to Nalanda to explore the ancient Nalanda University ruins and museum
• Return to Bodhgaya in the evening

Overnight stay in Bodhgaya

Day 6: Drive to Vaishali & Kushinagar
Morning drive to Vaishali – the place where Lord Buddha gave his last sermon

• Visit Ashokan Pillar, Buddha Stupa, and Ananda Stupa
• Continue to Kushinagar (approx. 5–6 hrs) – the Mahaparinirvana site
• Visit the Parinirvana Stupa, Rambhar Stupa, and Mahaparinirvana Temple

Overnight stay in Kushinagar

Day 7: Cross Border to Lumbini (Nepal) – Birthplace of Buddha
After breakfast, drive to the India–Nepal border and cross into Lumbini (approx. 4–5 hrs with border formalities)

• Visit the Maya Devi Temple marking the exact birthplace of Lord Buddha
• Explore the Sacred Garden, Ashokan Pillar, and monastic zone

Overnight stay in Lumbini

Day 8: Drive to Sravasti – Ancient Monastic Capital
Morning drive to Sravasti (approx. 6 hrs) – where Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons

• Visit Jetavana Monastery, Ananda Bodhi Tree, and Angulimala’s Stupa
• Feel the peace and historical depth of this significant monastic site

Overnight stay in Sravasti

Day 9: Drive to Lucknow – City Tour
After breakfast, drive to Lucknow (approx. 4 hrs)

• Enjoy a city tour covering:
• Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, British Residency
• Local bazaar walk for traditional Awadhi culture

Overnight stay in Lucknow

Day 10: Lucknow Flight to Delhi – Departure
Transfer to Lucknow Airport for flight to Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, connect with your onward international departure
Tour Ends with Sacred Memories