Buddhist Pilgrimage

Bodhi Pilgrimage Tour
(Walking with The Buddha – 14 Nights / 15 Days)

Destinations Covered: Kolkata – Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Sravasti – Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir – Delhi – Dharamshala – Delhi

Day 01: Arrive Kolkata
Meeting & greetings at Kolkata Airport, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Kolkata – Patna
Morning sightseeing covering Victoria Memorial, Birla Planetarium, Fort William. Afternoon board Train #12033 Jan Shatabdi Exp. (14:05–22:15 hrs) to Patna. Overnight in Patna.

Day 03: Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar (253 km / 6 hrs)
Drive to Kushinagar en route visiting Vaishali. Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 04: Kushinagar – Lumbini (160 km / 4 hrs)
Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and stupas at Kushinagar, then drive to Lumbini. Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 05: Lumbini – Sravasti (150 km / 4 hrs)
Morning sightseeing of Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha, with Ashokan Pillar. Later drive to Sravasti. Overnight stay.

Day 06: Sravasti – Varanasi (330 km / 6 hrs)
Drive to Varanasi. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 07: Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on River Ganges to see bathing ghats. After breakfast, city tour including temples and Banaras Hindu University. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath – site of Buddha’s first sermon. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 08: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (275 km / 7 hrs)
Drive to Bodhgaya. Transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 09: Bodhgaya
Sightseeing of Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum, and Jagannath Temple. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 10: Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir – Delhi (by train)
Morning excursion to Nalanda University ruins and Rajgir (Gridhakuta Hill, site of Buddha’s teachings and first Buddhist Council). Evening transfer to Gaya Railway Station for Train #12301 Cal Rajdhani Exp. (22:39 hrs). Overnight onboard.

Day 11: Delhi
Arrive at 09:55 hrs. Sightseeing of Old Delhi – Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Raj Ghat. Afternoon explore New Delhi – President’s House, Parliament House, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 12: Delhi – Dharamshala (by train)
Day free. Evening transfer to station for Train #11077 Jhelum Exp. (21:05 hrs). Overnight onboard.

Day 13: Dharamshala
Arrive 06:50 hrs. Sightseeing includes Dal Lake, Bhagsu Nath Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Dalai Lama Palace. Overnight in Dharamshala.

Day 14: Dharamshala – Delhi (by train)
Day free for religious functions at the temple. Evening board Train #12426 Jammu Rajdhani Exp. (21:30 hrs). Overnight onboard.

Day 15: Delhi – Departure
Arrive Delhi at 05:00 hrs. Transfer to hotel for freshen up and later to airport for onward flight.

Buddha Tour

Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi or Kolkata – Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir – Bodhgaya – Varanasi – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Balrampur – Lucknow – Delhi – Agra

Siddharth Gautam, born a prince in Kapilvastu, renounced worldly life at 29 to seek the truth. After years of meditation and penance, he attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, becoming the Buddha. At Sarnath, he delivered his first sermon, setting the “Wheel of Dharma” in motion. He spent his life spreading peace and compassion before attaining Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar. Today, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sravasti, Vaishali, and Kapilvastu stand as sacred pilgrim sites where one can truly walk in the footsteps of “The Enlightened One.”

Tour Highlights

·         Lumbini – birthplace of Buddha

·         Bodhgaya – site of Enlightenment

·         Sarnath – first sermon

·         Kushinagar – Mahaparinirvana

·         Delhi sightseeing & Agra, home of the Taj Mahal

Day 01: Arrive Delhi or Kolkata
Half-day sightseeing of the city. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi/Kolkata – Patna – Bodhgaya
Fly to Patna, then drive to Bodhgaya (125 km / 3 hrs). En route visit Nalanda, an ancient Buddhist university, and Rajgir, once the Magadha capital and site of Buddha’s sermons. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 03: Bodhgaya
Full-day sightseeing: Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple, and River Niranjana where Buddha bathed after Enlightenment. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 04: Bodhgaya – Varanasi
Drive to Varanasi (275 km / 7–8 hrs). Evening excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 05: Varanasi – Kushinagar
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to witness sunrise rituals at the ghats. Later, drive to Kushinagar (250 km / 7–8 hrs). Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 06: Kushinagar – Lumbini – Balrampur
Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa in Kushinagar. Drive to Lumbini (170 km / 4 hrs) to see the Ashokan Pillar and sacred garden at Buddha’s birthplace. Continue to Balrampur (197 km / 6 hrs). Overnight in Balrampur.

Day 07: Balrampur – Sravasti – Lucknow
Morning visit to Sravasti (Sahet-Mahet), once capital of Kosala and an important Buddhist center. Proceed to Lucknow. Overnight in Lucknow.

Day 08: Lucknow – Delhi
Fly to Delhi. Half-day sightseeing of Old & New Delhi including Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, and Secretariat Buildings. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 09: Delhi – Agra – Delhi
Full-day excursion to Agra (208 km / 4 hrs). Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Sikandra. Return to Delhi for overnight stay.

Day 10: Delhi
Day free for leisure, shopping, or optional tours. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 11: Delhi – Departure
Transfer to airport for onward journey.

Other Suggested Buddhist Sites:
Kapilvastu, Sankasya, Kaushambi, Sanchi, Ajanta & Ellora, Nagarjunakonda & Amaravati, Vaishali

Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Places Covered: New Delhi – Lucknow – Sravasti – Kushinagar – Patna – Rajgir – Bodhgaya – Varanasi

Day 01 : Flight to India (New Delhi)
Arrival in Delhi by international flight. After a traditional welcome, our representative assists with hotel check-in. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 : New Delhi – Lucknow (by train)
Morning city tour covering Old and New Delhi. Afternoon transfer to railway station for train to Lucknow. Overnight onboard train.

Day 03 : Lucknow – Sravasti (170 km)
On arrival in Lucknow, proceed by road to Sravasti (ancient Savatthi), capital of Kosala Mahajanapada and one of the largest towns in the Gangetic plains during Buddha’s lifetime. Buddha spent 25 years here during annual vassavasa (rain retreat). Visit the famous monastery where he preached for 24 seasons. Overnight stay.

Day 04 : Sravasti – Kushinagar (380 km)
Morning drive to Kushinagar, the site of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana. Once the capital of the Malla Republic, Kushinagar houses many temples and monasteries. Overnight stay.

Day 05 : Kushinagar – Patna (253 km)
After breakfast, proceed to Patna, the ancient city of Pataliputra, a thriving township during Buddha’s time. Situated on the banks of the Ganga, Patna is the gateway for pilgrims tracing the footsteps of the Buddha. Overnight in Patna.

Day 06 : Patna
Breakfast followed by sightseeing in Patna. Visit Takht Sri Patna Sahib (birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh), the British-built Golghar, and Patna Museum, established in 1917, housing over 50,000 rare antiquities and art treasures. Overnight stay.

Day 07 : Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir (100 km)
Drive to Rajgir via Nalanda. Nalanda was one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in ancient times. Rajgir, once the capital of Magadha under King Bimbisara, is closely associated with Buddha, who preached at Gridhrakuta Hill. Overnight in Rajgir.

Day 08 : Rajgir – Bodhgaya (70 km)
Morning drive to Bodhgaya, the place where Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha. Today Bodhgaya is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide. Overnight stay.

Day 09 : Bodhgaya – Varanasi (242 km)
After breakfast, drive to Varanasi, India’s holiest city also known as Kashi or Benaras. One of the world’s oldest inhabited cities, Varanasi has been a center of learning and spirituality for centuries. Buddha first visited here around 500 BC. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 10 : Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to witness sunrise over the ghats, where pilgrims perform rituals on the riverbanks. Rest of the day free for exploring the spiritual essence of the city. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 11 : Varanasi – New Delhi (by air)
Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Rest of the day at leisure. Later transfer for onward journey.

Service Details:

Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days 
Places Covered : Delhi - Agra - Varanasi - Sarnath - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar - Lumbini - Balrampur - Sravasti - Lucknow - Delhi 

The land of the Buddha, India bridges the material world to the spiritual. The birthplace of Buddhism, our Buddha Tour is designed for those seeking peace of mind and rejuvenation. The various destinations covered by this programe takes you to the world-renowned holy site like Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Balrampur, Sravasti, and Lucknow. All the sacred sites have been associated with Lord Buddha right from his birth to the rise of Buddhism in India. All in all the tour package offers the best of the Buddhist circuit in India. So get ready to walk on the footprints of Lord Buddha with the Buddha Tour. 

Day 0I : Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India. You will be received and transferred to your hotel. You have the remaining day to brace up for the excitement ahead. 

Day 02 : Delhi
Daylong sightseeing tour of Old Delhi (Shahajahanabad) and New Delhi (Lutyen's Delhi). The tour covers the rich monumental and cultural heritage that the capital of India is proud of. Overnight at hotel. 

Day 03 : Delhi - Agra - Varanasi
Leave Delhi for Agra by road (203 kms / 4 Hrs). Afternoon sightseeing tour of Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. Evening leave Agra for Varanasi by overnight train. 

Day 04 : Varanasi - Sarnath
Arrive Varanasi early in the morning. On arrival check-in at hotel and refresh for a visit to Sarnath -the place where Lord Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visiting Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvyapi Mosque, Durga Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Ram Nagar, Fort and Museum. Overnight at hotel. 

Day 05 : Varanasi - Bodhgaya 
Early morning boat-ride on the River Ganges. Thereafter, leave Varanasi by road for Bodhgaya (242 kms / 6-7 Hrs) one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the state of Bihar. It was here that Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the "Bodhi" tree Satabodhi Temple. Overnight at hotel. 

Day 06 : Bodhgaya 
Morning visit temples in Bodhgaya. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel. 

Day 07 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna
Leave Bodhgaya for Patna (229 kms / 6-7 Hrs) en-route visiting Rajgir Nalanda. Patna is 2500 year old capital city of Bihar. Rajgir was capital of 6th century Magadha Empire and was revered site of Buddha's discourses. Buddha spent many years here. Nalanda is world's oldest university founded in the 5th century. Overnight at hotel in Patna. 

Day 08 : Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar
Morning leave Patna for Kushinagar (253 kms / 8 hrs) en-route visiting Vaishali -located 60 kms from Patna and holds special significance for Buddhist devotees. Kushinagar is the place where Buddha passed into Maha-Parinirvana. Afternoon visit Kushinagar the various stupas and temples. Overnight at hotel. 

Day 09 : Kushinagar - Lumbini - Sravasti
Leave Kushinagar by road for Lumbini (170 kms / 4-5 Hrs) - the birthplace of Buddha and is located just a few kilometres inside Nepal. 

Day l0 : Balarampur - Sahet Mahet - Lucknow - Delhi
Morning visit to Sahet Mahet -15 kms from Balrampur and the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kosala. Sravasti has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Vihar and has the famous Anand Bodhi tree, age-old stupas

Day 11 : Day at leisure
Transfer to international airport for flight to onward destination (Hotel Checkout 12:00 Hrs). 

Dharamshala Tour
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Places Covered: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Pathankot – Dharamshala – Amritsar – Delhi

This enriching journey blends the essence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh traditions. From the sacred Ganga ghats of Rishikesh to the Tibetan monasteries of Dharamshala and the spiritual heart of Sikhism at Amritsar, the tour offers a harmonious mix of peace, culture, and devotion.

Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh
Drive to Haridwar (222 km / 6 hrs), the gateway to the gods on the banks of the holy Ganga. Continue to Rishikesh (24 km) for overnight stay.

Day 02: Rishikesh – Deoprayag – Rishikesh
Morning excursion to Deoprayag, where rivers Bhagirathi & Alaknanda merge to form the Ganga. Return to Rishikesh for evening Sandhya Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Overnight stay.

Day 03: Rishikesh – Overnight Train
Morning sightseeing of Rishikesh, renowned for its yoga centers and spiritual heritage. Evening drive to Saharanpur Railway Station (2.5 hrs) to board an overnight train to Pathankot.

Day 04: Pathankot – Dharamshala
Early arrival at Pathankot. Transfer by car to Dharamshala (91 km / 3 hrs). Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 05: Dharamshala – McLeodganj
Morning visit to McLeodganj, also known as “Little Tibet.” Explore Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan markets, and the seat of the exiled Government of Tibet led by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Overnight stay.

Day 06: Dharamshala – Amritsar (200 km / 5 hrs)
Drive to Amritsar. Evening visit the Golden Temple, the spiritual nerve center of Sikhism, and witness the Palki Sahib ceremony (placing the holy book in its resting place). Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07: Amritsar – Delhi
Morning sightseeing of Amritsar including Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. Afternoon transfer to Railway Station for Shatabdi Express to Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel / airport for onward journey.