IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train

Distance & Time:
• Gaya – Bodhgaya: 16 km | approx. 30 mins (by coach)

Highlights:
• Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Sacred Bodhi Tree
• Niranjana River
• International Buddhist Monasteries

Program:
Arrive early morning at Gaya Railway Station. Transfer by coach to Bodhgaya, the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Visit the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Continue sightseeing including the Niranjana River, the Great Buddha Statue, and prominent international monasteries.

Overnight: Bodhgaya

Distance & Time:
• Bodhgaya – Rajgir: 75 km | approx. 1.5 hrs
• Rajgir – Nalanda: 35 km | approx. 45 mins
• Gaya – Varanasi: Overnight by train

Highlights:
• Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak)
• Bimbisar Prison
• Nalanda University ruins

Program:
Proceed for excursions to Rajgir, visiting Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), Venuvana, and Bimbisar Prison.
Continue to Nalanda, exploring the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, one of the world’s earliest residential universities.
Later return to Gaya Railway Station and board the train for Varanasi.

Overnight: On board the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train

Distance & Time:
• Varanasi – Sarnath: 10 km | approx. 30 mins

Highlights:
• Sarnath – Buddha’s first sermon site
• Dhamekh Stupa & Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
• Evening Ganga Aarti

Program:
Arrive at Varanasi in the morning. Transfer by coach to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park (Rishipattana).
Visit Dhamekh Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Archaeological Museum.
In the evening, experience the spiritual energy of the River Ganges during the Ganga Aarti.
Later return to the train, which departs toward Nautanwa.

Overnight: On board the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train

Distance & Time:
• Nautanwa – Lumbini: approx. 30 km | 1 hr (by coach)

Highlights:
• Lumbini – birthplace of Lord Buddha
• Maya Devi Temple
• Ashokan Pillar

Program:
Arrive at Nautanwa Railway Station and transfer to Lumbini, Nepal (passport and visa formalities required).
Visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple, marking the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, and the Ashokan Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka.

Overnight: Lumbini

Distance & Time:
• Lumbini – Kushinagar: approx. 180 km | 5–6 hrs

Highlights:
• Mahaparinirvana Temple
• Rambhar Stupa (Cremation Site)

Program:
Depart from Lumbini and drive to Kushinagar, the place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.
Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Rambhar Stupa, and other sacred Buddhist sites.
Later proceed to Gorakhpur Railway Station and board the train.

Overnight: On board the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train

Distance & Time:
• Balrampur – Sravasti: 15 km | approx. 30 mins
• Balrampur – Agra: approx. 450 km (overnight by train)

Highlights:
• Jetavana Monastery
• Pakki Kuti & Saheth–Maheth ruins

Program:
Arrive at Balrampur and proceed to Sravasti, where Lord Buddha spent the maximum number of monastic seasons.
Visit Jetavana Monastery, Pakki Kuti, and the ruins of Saheth & Maheth.
Return to Balrampur and board the train for Agra.

Overnight: On board the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train

Distance & Time:
• Agra – Delhi: approx. 220 km | 4–5 hrs (by train)

Highlights:
• Taj Mahal – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Return to Delhi

Program:
Arrive in Agra early morning and visit the world-famous Taj Mahal, a symbol of timeless love and architectural excellence.
Later board the train back to Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, arriving by evening.

Tour Ends