Buddhism: One of the oldest and largest religions globally, which originated approximately 2,500 years ago in India. According to Buddhist beliefs, human life is characterized by suffering, and enlightenment can be attained through spirituality, good behavior, meditation, and hard work. Indian Buddhist Circuit: This tour route is associated with the footsteps of Lord Buddha in India and Nepal. Let’s explore the key pilgrimage sites along this circuit: Lumbini (Nepal): The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini holds immense importance for Buddhists. Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Gautam Buddha, was born in the famous gardens of Lumbini. Pilgrims visit this sacred place to pay homage.

Bodhgaya: Here, under a banyan tree (later known as the Bodhi tree), Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodhgaya remains a must-visit pilgrimage site for Buddhists in India and all over the world. The nearest railway station is Gaya Junction, and the closest airport is Gaya Airport. Sarnath: Located 9 kilometres from Varanasi (another holy city associated with Hinduism), Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first teachings to his disciples. The nearest airport is Varanasi Airport, and the railway station is Varanasi Junction. Shravasti: An important centre for Buddhist studies in India, Shravasti played a significant role in Lord Buddha’s life after his enlightenment. The nearest airport is Lucknow, and the railway station is Gonda Railway Station. Kushinagar: This is where Lord Buddha attained parinirvana, leaving the earthly realm for heavenly abode. It holds deep reverence among Buddhists. These pilgrimage sites connect devotees to the spiritual legacy of Lord Buddha and offer profound insights into Buddhist philosophy and history.

Itinerary at Glance:-
Day 01:- Arrival in Delhi
After arriving in Delhi, and completing immigration formalities, collect your luggage and come to exit gate no. 5. Our drivers will be there to welcome you with placard. They will take you to your designated hotel, where you can relax after a long journey.

Day 02:- City Tour of Delhi (Many monuments are closed on Monday)
On day 2 post breakfast at a hotel, go for a full day Delhi city tour. First you will explore the old charm of Delhi, where you can visit Birla temple, Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial), followed by Red fort and if you are interested then may visit Jama Masjid. If time permits or you are interested then explore Chandni Chowk, spice market etc. Since the alleys of Old Delhi are congested, we suggest our guests use a Rickshaw. Post Lunch, visit Qutub Minar, an UNESCO site followed by Lotus temple. Don’t miss India gate where you can also see huge government buildings like the President’s house and many more. Have dinner and come back to the hotel.

Day 03:- Delhi to Agra (Taj Mahal is Closed on Friday)
Start your day early and have breakfast at the hotel. Check out and our driver will take you to Agra. After arriving, check-in to your hotel. In the afternoon our guide will take you to sightseeing of Agra city starting with Taj Mahal Agra Fort. Taj is amongst the Seven Wonders of the World; it is the emblem of eternal love. If time permits you may visit Mehtab Bagh from where the Taj looks enormous and beautiful. Have dinner and come back to your hotel for a good sleep.

Day 04:-  Agra to Lucknow via Sankassa (350kms/5-6hrs)
Post your delicious breakfast at the hotel, check-out and drive to Lucknow, Lucknow is a historical city and Capital city of Uttar Pradesh, On the way to Lucknow visit – Sankassa which is an important Buddhist site in India- After the Gautama Buddha’s leaving this world or Mahaparinirvana (Nirvana), King Ashoka built this place and Placed one of his famous Pillars of Ashoka in the city. He also Constructed a huge stupa and a temple commemorating the visit of the Buddha to Sankassa. This temple complex exists even today and stupa ruins are also present as a temple of Vishari Devi. It is believed that the name Visahari Devi was given to the mother of the Buddha. Post tour continue your drive to Lucknow on arrival, Check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Lucknow.

Day 05:- Lucknow to Varanasi Ganga aarti Via Sarnath (330/6hrs)
Morning after breakfast, Check-out from the hotel and drive another spiritual city of  Varanasi which is Oldest city in the world, On the way visit Sarnath- one amongst the four most sacred places for the Buddhist, Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his followers after getting enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The entire event is known as Dharma Chakra Pravartana or setting the ‘Wheel of Law’ in motion, In Sarnath visit – Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Wat Thai Sarnath Temple, Museum. On arrival in Varanasi check-in to the hotel and later visit famous ghats of Varanasi:- Harishchandra, Manikarnaka also known as burning ghat (It is believed that a dead human’s soul finds salvation, when cremated here), Dashashwamedh Ghat,etc. In the evening, don’t forget to participate in the world-famous Ganga Aarti. Enjoy your overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 05:- Varanasi to Bodhgaya (270kms/6-7hrs)
Today post breakfast, Check-out from the hotel and drive to Bodhgaya, the most important place on Buddhist Circuit, which is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, On arrival Check-in to the hotel, Overnight in Bodh Gaya

Day 07:- Bodhgaya Local
After breakfast, go for places to see in Bodh Gaya which is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, See China Temple, Japanese Temple, Thai Temple and most famous ancient temple Mahabodhi Temple Complex which is a UNESCO World heritage site in India and sacred Bodhi Tree is inside this temple. Post tour stay overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 08:- Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna (130kms/4-5hrs)
After breakfast, Check-out from hotel drive to another important Buddhist places start with visit to Rajgir was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Magadha, Rajgir is famous for rock-cut caves, forts, Buddhist ruins, shell inscriptions, Hindu and Jain temples, On arrival see Cyclopean Wall- UNESCO world heritage site, Rajgir Ropeway, Vishwa Shanti Stupa-, Maniyar Math- it was also a Yagna site during the Buddhist epoch- Each of the four Buddha sculptures represents a major turning point in the life of the historical Buddha, Later visit Nalanda – famous all over the world for the the ancient International Monastic University established in 5th century BC, Nalanda was an acclaimed Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. Post tour continue your trip to Patna capital city of Bihar, On arrival check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Patna.

Day 09:- Patna to Vaishali – Keshariya – Kushinagar (240kms/6-7hrs)
Today post yummy breakfast, Check-out and drive to another holy city of Kushinagar on the way first visit Vaishali which is a great Buddhist pilgrimage and also the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. It is believed that lord Buddha visited this place thrice and spent quite a long time here. Lord Buddha also gave his last sermon or Lesson at Vaishali and announced his Nirvana here. After his death, Vaishali organised the second Buddhist Council. Then Visit Kesariya stupa also known as Raja Ben ka DEORA which is a Buddhist stupa in Kesariya, Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tshang had visited this site of Stupa as per his diary in the seventh century. Later continue your drive to Khushinagar, On arrival Check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 10:- Kushinagar Local and Khushnagar to Lumbini (180kms/5hrs)
Today post breakfast, go for places to visit in Kushinagar – The ancient city of Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha and thus is considered to be the most important pilgrim spots for the Buddhist followers. From Hieun Tsang to Fa Hein visited here, the city has been an important spot for the Buddhist pilgrim since ancient times. Visit Parinirvana Stupa, Ramabhar Stupa, Matha Kuar Shrine, Royal Thai Temple of Kushinagar, Japanese Temple / Burmese Temple , Post tour drive to Lumbini, On arrival in Lumbini, Check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Lumbini

Day 11:- Lumbini – KapilVastu – Shravasti (160kms/4-5hrs)
After yummy breakfast at hotel, Check-out and see Lumbini city -The Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC in the sacred area of Lumbini located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal, testified by the inscription on the pillar erected by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 249 BC, also see Maya Devi Temple, World Peace Pagoda, Thai Monastery, Museum and many more in Lumbini, Later Continue your drive to Shravasti on the way visit KapilVastu –  is the place where Lord Buddha spent 29 years of his early life. There is a big stupa, from where the relics of Buddha were discovered during excavations. On arrival in Sharavast, Check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Sharavast.

Day 12:- Shravasti Local and Shravasti to Lucknow  (180kms/ 4-5hrs)
Today after breakfast, go for places to see in Shravasti starts with Miracle Stupa, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have spent his time after attaining enlightenment here. His sermons and speeches made Sravasti an important centre for Buddhist learnings. visit Jetavana, Orajhar, Angulimala Stupa, Pakki Kuti, Shobhnath Temple and many more in Shravasti. Post tour drive to Lucknow capital city, On arrival check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Lucknow.

Day 13:- Lucknow local and Lucknow – Delhi (550kms/ 8hrs)
Post tasty breakfast, Check-out from the hotel and first go for Lucknow city tour by visiting the 18th-century Bara Imambara shrine which has a huge arched hall. Upstairs, Don’t forget to see Bhool Bhulaiya which is a web of narrow tunnels with amazing city views from its upper balconies. Nearby to the grand Victorian Husainabad Clock Tower, Post tour continue your drive to Delhi, On arrival in Delhi check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 14:- Delhi Departure
Today post mouth-watering breakfast, you will be transferred back to Delhi airport (as per your return flight tickets) for your onward journey. Return home with sweet memories of Lord Buddha and his life journey, his teaching and his relation with India. Don’t forget to fill the feedback form available with the driver, it helps us in improving our services and if you like our services don’t forget to write a review on Trip Advisor.

Note: This itinerary can be adapted to fit your specific preferences and budget. Ghum India Ghum offers a variety of customizable tour packages to Buddhist Circuit, catering to different interests and travel styles. Visit their website or contact them directly to learn more about their Buddhist Circuit tour packages.

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