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Grand Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

0/5
Duration

11 Nights / 12 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

English

Overview

Trace the spiritual footsteps of Lord Buddha on this immersive pilgrimage across India and Nepal, visiting some of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Begin your journey on the banks of the holy Ganges in Varanasi, experience the enlightenment of Bodhgaya, and witness the serenity of Kushinagar and Lumbini. Walk through ancient learning centers like Nalanda and Rajgir, and absorb the meditative calm of Sravasti. Complement your spiritual journey with visits to the timeless Taj Mahal in Agra and the vibrant historical capital of Delhi. This thoughtfully designed itinerary offers a blend of spiritual discovery, ancient history, and cultural richness for an unforgettable experience.

Highlights

  • Spiritual journey to all major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal.
  • Sunrise boat ride & evening Ganga Aarti at Varanasi’s ghats.
  • In-depth exploration of Mahabodhi Temple, Nalanda ruins, and Rajgir.
  • Visit to Kushinagar, Lumbini & Sravasti — sacred sites of Buddha’s last days.
  • Iconic Mughal monuments: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort plus vibrant Delhi city tour.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 42.8%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 45.6%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 51.3%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 51.2%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 56.2%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 55.4%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.1%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Varanasi – The Spiritual City on the Ganges

• Meet & greet upon arrival at Varanasi airport; private transfer to hotel.
• Visit Banaras Hindu University, one of Asia’s oldest learning institutions.
• Explore Bharat Mata Temple with its unique marble relief map of India.
• Visit Tulsi Manas Temple, where the epic Ramcharitmanas was written.
• Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
• In the evening, attend the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 2: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (255 km, ~6 hours)

• Early morning boat ride along the Ganges witnessing rituals at the ghats.
• Short walk through narrow lanes to experience daily Varanasi life.
• Drive to Bodhgaya, check in at hotel upon arrival.
• Evening at leisure for personal reflection or optional meditation.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Bodhgaya.

Day 3: Bodhgaya – Center of Enlightenment

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Mahabodhi Temple, UNESCO World Heritage site, marking Buddha’s enlightenment.
• Walk around the sacred Bodhi Tree and Vajrasana (the Diamond Throne).
• Visit Great Buddha Statue (80-feet tall), a symbol of peace and serenity.
• Explore international monasteries: Tibetan, Thai, Burmese, Chinese, Bhutanese.
• Visit Gaya town: Vishnupad Temple, Mangla Gauri Temple, Brahma Kund.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Bodhgaya.

Day 4: Bodhgaya – Patna via Rajgir & Nalanda (170 km, ~5 hours)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Rajgir; visit Vulture’s Peak where Buddha delivered key teachings.
• Visit Gridhakuta Hill, Saptaparni Cave (site of 1st Buddhist Council).
• Continue to Nalanda to explore its ancient university ruins and archaeological museum.
• Drive to Patna; check-in at hotel.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Patna.

Day 5: Patna – Kushinagar via Vaishali (225 km, ~6 hours)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Vaishali Stupa & Ashoka Pillar, significant for Buddha’s last sermon.
• Continue drive to Kushinagar; check in at hotel.
• Visit Maha Parinirvana Temple (Buddha’s final resting place).
• Explore Rambhar Stupa (cremation site) and Japan Temple.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Kushinagar.

Day 6: Kushinagar – Lumbini (180 km, ~5 hours)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Sonauli border; complete immigration formalities.
• Nepal vehicle transfer to Lumbini; check in at hotel.
• Visit Maya Devi Temple (birthplace of Buddha).
• Explore Ashoka Pillar, Chinese Maitreya Temple, Myanmar Golden Temple, Shanti Stupa & Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Lumbini.

Day 7: Lumbini – Sravasti (225 km, ~6 hours)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Cross Sonauli border; transfer to Sravasti via Indian vehicle.
• Evening at leisure; check in at hotel.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Sravasti.

Day 8: Sravasti – Lucknow (170 km, ~4 hours)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Jetavana Monastery (site where Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats).
• Visit Ananda Bodhi Tree, Saheth, Shobhnath Temple & Balrampur ruins.
• Drive to Lucknow, check in at hotel.
• Evening free for leisure walk at Hazratganj market.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Lucknow.

Day 9:Lucknow – Agra via Sankasiya (350 km, ~7 hours)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza & British Residency.
• Drive via Sankasiya Stupa and Ashokan Pillar.
• Continue to Agra; check in at hotel.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

Day 10: Agra – Delhi (210 km, ~4 hours)

• Early sunrise visit to Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage).
• Return to hotel for breakfast.
• Visit Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb (Baby Taj).
• Drive to Delhi; check in at hotel.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 11: Delhi Sightseeing – The Capital City

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Explore Red Fort (outside view), Jama Masjid & Raj Ghat.
• Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk & visit Khari Baoli spice market.
• Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple.
• Drive past India Gate, President’s House & Parliament.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 12: Delhi – Departure

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Timely transfer to airport for onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 6 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Aurangabad - Mumbai flight fare approx. INR 5,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels as part of the tour package. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, quality service, and prime locations to enhance your overall travel experience. In remote or pilgrimage destinations where luxury options may be limited, the best available quality properties, boutique retreats, or heritage hotels are provided. If a listed hotel is unavailable, a similar standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 11 nights accommodation:
5 Star Hotels / Best Available
Varanasi – 1 Night: Ramada JHV OR Radisson Hotel
Bodhgaya – 2 Nights: Marasa Sarovar Premiere OR The Royal Residency (Best Available)
Patna – 1 Night: Maurya Hotel OR The Panache (Best Available)
Kushinagar – 1 Night: Marasa Sarovar Premiere OR The Royal Residency (Best Available)
Lumbini – 1 Night: Buddha Maya Hotel OR Lumbini Hokke Hotel (Best Available)
Shravasti – 1 Night: Lotus Nikko Hotel OR Hotel Platinum (Best Available)
Lucknow – 1 Night: The Centrum OR Renaissance Lucknow
Agra – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott OR Trident Hotel
Delhi – 2 Nights: Le Meridien OR The Grand New Delhi

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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