Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour of India

Arrival in Delhi

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where our representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Delhi is an ideal starting point for an international Buddhist pilgrimage because of its excellent air connectivity. After check-in and some rest, begin a short sightseeing tour of Buddhist and historical attractions (depending on arrival time).

• National Museum – its Buddhist collection of ancient Indian sculptures and artefacts
• India Gate
• Humayun's Tomb
• Qutub Minar, depending on arrival time

Evening at leisure.

Overnight stay: Delhi

Delhi – Lucknow – Sravasti

After an early breakfast, transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight to Lucknow. On arrival, meet your driver and proceed towards Sravasti, an important ancient city of the Kosala kingdom, traditionally associated with a significant period of Buddha's teaching career.

• Jetavana Monastery – archaeological remains of one of the most important monastic complexes associated with Buddha, where he is believed to have spent several rainy seasons and delivered many teachings
• Anathapindika Stupa – site associated with Anathapindika, a prominent lay disciple and benefactor of Jetavana
• Angulimala Stupa – site associated with Angulimala, whose story is an important part of Buddhist tradition
• Anandabodhi Tree – the sacred Bodhi tree at Jetavana

Spend the evening in peaceful surroundings and, if desired, join meditation or prayers.

Overnight stay: Sravasti

Sravasti – Lumbini, Nepal

After breakfast, depart for Lumbini in Nepal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha as identified by the Nepal Tourism Board. Complete the border formalities, continue to Lumbini and check in, then proceed for an afternoon / evening visit.

• Lumbini Sacred Garden – the peaceful sacred precinct
• Maya Devi Temple – marking the sacred birthplace, with the marker stone and surroundings described in Buddhist tradition
• Ashoka Pillar – erected during Emperor Ashoka's pilgrimage to Lumbini
• Puskarini Pond – the sacred pond traditionally associated with Queen Maya Devi

Later return to the hotel.

Overnight stay: Lumbini

Lumbini – Kushinagar

After breakfast, continue your pilgrimage towards Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, traditionally revered as the place where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Complete the border formalities, continue to Kushinagar and check in at the hotel.

• Mahaparinirvana Temple – the famous reclining Buddha image
• Parinirvana Stupa – the sacred stupa behind the temple
• Ramabhar Stupa – traditionally associated with Buddha's cremation
• Japanese Temple
• Thai Temple / Wat Thai – a beautiful Thai Buddhist temple complex
• Burmese Temple – the Burmese Buddhist monastery

Spend the evening in peaceful surroundings and join meditation or prayers if desired.

Overnight stay: Kushinagar

Kushinagar – Bodh Gaya

After breakfast, begin the journey towards Bodh Gaya in Bihar, one of the most sacred destinations in the Buddhist world, associated with Buddha's attainment of enlightenment. On arrival, check in to your hotel and, after some rest, make your first visit to the Mahabodhi Temple Complex.

• Mahabodhi Temple – the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, directly associated with Buddha's enlightenment; the complex also holds the Vajrasana, the sacred Bodhi Tree and other important sites
• Bodhi Tree – peaceful time near the tree where tradition associates Buddha's enlightenment
• Vajrasana – the Diamond Throne, traditionally marking Buddha's meditation seat

Depending on the temple schedule, participate in evening prayers or meditation.

Overnight stay: Bodh Gaya

Full Day in Bodh Gaya

After breakfast, continue exploring the important Buddhist sites of Bodh Gaya. UNESCO describes Bodh Gaya as one of the four holy sites directly related to the life of Buddha.

• Mahabodhi Temple Complex – additional time at its archaeological remains and sacred monuments
• Thai Monastery
• Japanese Temple
• Royal Bhutan Monastery – distinctive Bhutanese architecture
• Tibetan Monastery
• Great Buddha Statue – one of Bodh Gaya's prominent modern landmarks
• Sujata Village & Sujata Stupa – traditionally associated with Sujata, who is believed to have offered food to Siddhartha before his enlightenment

Return to Bodh Gaya. Evening free for meditation, prayers and personal spiritual activities.

Overnight stay: Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Bodh Gaya

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Rajgir, an important ancient city of Magadha closely associated with Buddha's life and teachings, and to Nalanda, one of the great centres of ancient learning.

• Rajgir – Gridhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak), traditionally associated with Buddha's teachings and meditation
• Rajgir – Venu Van, traditionally associated with Buddha's stay in Rajgir
• Rajgir – Bimbisara Jail, the historical site associated with King Bimbisara
• Rajgir – Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the World Peace Pagoda on Ratnagiri Hill (Rajgir Ropeway, if operating and available)
• Nalanda Mahavihara – extensive ruins of the ancient university and monastic complex
• Nalanda Archaeological Museum – sculptures and discoveries from the site
• Hiuen Tsang Memorial – dedicated to the Chinese scholar and traveller Xuanzang, who studied at Nalanda

After sightseeing, return to Bodh Gaya.

Overnight stay: Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya – Varanasi

After breakfast, check out and proceed towards Varanasi, one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities and the gateway to the Buddhist site of Sarnath. On arrival, check in to the hotel.

• Ganga Ghats – evening visit
• Boat ride on the River Ganges, subject to weather and local operating conditions
• Evening Ganga Aarti at the ghats

Although Varanasi is primarily a Hindu pilgrimage destination, it offers an important cultural contrast to the Buddhist sites visited on this tour. Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay: Varanasi

Varanasi – Sarnath – Delhi

After breakfast, proceed to Sarnath, about 10 km from Varanasi. One of the four major places associated with Buddha's life, it is traditionally recognised as where Buddha delivered his first sermon, setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion, and is a key site on the India Buddhist circuit.

• Dhamek Stupa – one of the most important monuments in Sarnath
• Chaukhandi Stupa – associated with the meeting of Buddha and his first disciples
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum – Buddhist sculptures, and the Lion Capital of Ashoka, basis of India's State Emblem
• Mulagandha Kuti Vihara – an important modern Buddhist temple and monastery
• International Buddhist Monasteries representing different countries and traditions

Later, return to Varanasi Airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay: Delhi

Delhi – Departure

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time for shopping or a short Delhi sightseeing excursion, then transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward journey.

End of the Buddhist pilgrimage tour – with peaceful memories of Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sravasti, Rajgir and Nalanda.