Footsteps of the Buddha

Flight: Delhi → Bodhgaya
Highlights:
• Mahabodhi Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Sacred Bodhi Tree

Program:
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport to board your flight to Bodhgaya, the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destination.
Upon arrival, check in and enjoy lunch. Later visit the Mahabodhi Temple, marking the exact spot where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree, becoming the Buddha.

Overnight: Bodhgaya

Distance & Time: 80 km each way | Approx. 3 hrs per way

Highlights:
• Nalanda University ruins
• Rajgir Buddhist heritage sites
• Peace Pagoda chair-lift ride

Program:
After breakfast, depart for a same-day excursion to Nalanda & Rajgir.
Visit Nalanda, one of the world’s oldest residential universities, followed by Rajgir, where Buddha spent 12 years teaching. Explore Ajatshatru’s Fort, Venuvana, Swarna Bhandar, Cyclopean Wall, and ascend to the Peace Pagoda by chair lift.
Return to Bodhgaya after lunch.

Overnight: Bodhgaya

Distance & Time: 405 km | Approx. 10 hrs

Highlights:
• Vaishali – Buddha’s last sermon site
• Kesariya Stupa – World’s largest Buddhist stupa

Program:
After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar, visiting Vaishali en route. Vaishali holds immense significance as the place of Buddha’s final sermon and Ashoka Pillar.
After lunch at Vaishali, continue to Kesariya Stupa, an extraordinary archaeological marvel and one of the tallest Buddhist stupas in the world.
Proceed onward to Kushinagar for check-in.

Overnight: Kushinagar

Distance & Time: 165 km | Approx. 6 hrs

Highlights:
• Mahaparinirvana Temple
• Muktabandhana Stupa
• Cross-border pilgrimage to Nepal

Program:
After breakfast, explore Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana at the age of 80. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Muktabandhana Stupa housing sacred relics.
Later, drive to Lumbini with lunch en route at Anand Nagar. Upon arrival, check in at hotel.

Overnight: Lumbini

Distance & Time: 180 km | Approx. 6 hrs

Highlights:
• Lumbini – Birthplace of Lord Buddha
• Jetavana Monastery at Sravasti

Program:
After breakfast, visit Lumbini, where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 623 BC under a Sal tree.
Later drive to Sravasti, enjoying lunch en route. Upon arrival, check in and visit Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons delivering sermons.

Overnight: Sravasti

Distance & Time: 300 km | Approx. 10 hrs

Highlights:
• Scenic overland pilgrimage journey
• Arrival in the spiritual capital of India

Program:
After breakfast, drive to Varanasi with packed lunch.
Upon arrival, check in at hotel and rest.

Overnight: Varanasi

Distance: Sarnath 10 km from Varanasi

Highlights:
• Sarnath – Buddha’s first sermon site
• Dhamekha Stupa & Deer Park
• Evening Ganga Aarti by boat

Program:
After breakfast, visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion. Explore Dhamekha Stupa, monastery ruins, and Deer Park.
Return to hotel for lunch.
In the evening, enjoy a private boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a deeply spiritual experience.

Overnight: Varanasi

Flight: Varanasi → Delhi

Highlights:
• Domestic flight transfer
• Final shopping & farewell

Program:
After breakfast, transfer to Varanasi airport for flight to Delhi.
On arrival, meet local representative and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Time for last-minute shopping before transfer to airport for onward international departure.