10-Day Buddhist Tour of India: Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Lumbini, Kushinagar

Journey Story

A richer way to experience this itinerary

Delve into the heart of Buddhist history and spirituality with this 10-day tour that takes you through the most revered sites associated with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.

Your journey begins in Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, where this momentous event took place, and explore the Sarnath Museum, home to a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts, including the iconic Ashoka Pillar.

Next, travel to Bodhgaya, the site of Lord Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and meditate at the sacred Bodhi Tree. Explore the various monasteries and temples built by Buddhist communities from around the world, each reflecting the unique architectural styles of their respective cultures.

Continue to Rajgir, a place where Buddha spent several years meditating and teaching. Visit Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak), where he delivered many important sermons, and explore the Venuvana Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery donated by King Bimbisara.

Proceed to Nalanda, the ancient seat of learning and one of the oldest universities in the world. Visit the ruins of Nalanda University, where scholars from around the globe came to study Buddhist philosophy, astronomy, and other disciplines. Explore the Nalanda Archaeological Museum to see artifacts and relics from this glorious era.

Visit Vaishali, an important place in Buddhist history where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his approaching Nirvana. Explore the Ashoka Pillar and the ancient relic stupa that enshrines the Buddha’s ashes.

Cross the border into Nepal to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Explore the Maya Devi Temple, which marks the exact spot where Buddha was born, and stroll through the Lumbini Garden, a serene and sacred space filled with monasteries from various Buddhist countries.

Return to India to visit Kushinagar, the place where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Explore the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses the reclining statue of Buddha, and visit the Ramabhar Stupa, the site of Buddha’s cremation.

This tour offers a deeply spiritual experience, connecting you with the places where Lord Buddha lived, taught, and attained Nirvana, providing a profound understanding of Buddhist history, teachings, and traditions.

Destinations Covered

Delhi, Rajgir, Nalanda, Lumbini, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, Vaishali, Bihar

Best For

Religious, Culture, Historic

Trip Rhythm

Comfortable paced itinerary

Why This Works

Highlights that define the trip

Kushinagar: Explore the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses the reclining statue of Buddha at the site of his passing. Visit the Ramabhar Stupa, the cremation site of Lord Buddha. Experience the peaceful atmosphere of Kushinagar, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world.

Lumbini (Nepal): Visit the Maya Devi Temple, marking the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Stroll through the sacred Lumbini Garden, home to numerous monasteries from various Buddhist countries. See the Ashokan Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate his visit to Lumbini.

Vaishali: Visit the Ashoka Pillar, a symbol of peace and an important landmark in Buddhist history. Explore the ancient relic stupa, which enshrines the ashes of Lord Buddha. Discover the ruins of the ancient city of Vaishali, where Buddha delivered his last sermon.

Nalanda: Discover the ancient ruins of Nalanda University, one of the oldest and most prestigious centers of learning in the ancient world. Visit the Nalanda Archaeological Museum to see artifacts, sculptures, and relics from the university’s heyday. Explore the Nalanda Mahavihara, an ancient Buddhist monastery with a rich history of scholarly pursuits.

Rajgir: Explore Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak), where Buddha delivered many significant sermons. Visit the Venuvana Monastery, the first monastery donated to Buddha by King Bimbisara. Take a peaceful walk in the Japanese Shanti Stupa, which offers panoramic views of Rajgir.

Bodhgaya: Experience the serenity of the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Buddha attained enlightenment. Meditate under the sacred Bodhi Tree, a direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha meditated. Visit the various international monasteries, each reflecting unique architectural styles and cultural influences.

Sarnath: Visit the Dhamek Stupa, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the Sarnath Museum, home to the famous Ashoka Pillar and numerous Buddhist artifacts. Walk through the Deer Park, where Buddha set the wheel of Dharma in motion.

This tour highlights the most significant sites in the life of Lord Buddha, offering a deep connection to Buddhist spirituality and history, making it a profound journey for those seeking insight into Buddhism's origins and teachings.

Day By Day

The route unfolds like this

Meeting on arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Morning after breakfast at the hotel visit New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar – 234 feet high tower. The Qutab Minar itself is a soaring tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. It is nearly 73m(243ft) high and tapers from a 15m(50ft) diameter base to just 2.5m(9ft) at the top. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and the fifth of marble & sandstone. Also visit the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. Built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, the Persian-born senior wife of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, this is a wonderful early example of Mughal architecture. The elements in its design – a squat building, high arched entrances that let in light, topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens – were to be refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Drive past India Gate (War Memorial), President’s House, which was once the Viceroy’s Palace, Parliament House and Secretariat buildings. Afternoon tour of Old Delhi visiting Red Fort - The red sand stone walls of Lal Quila, the Red Fort extend for 2 km and vary in height from 18m on the river side to 33m on the city side. Shah Jahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. The Red Fort dates from the peak of Mughal power. The Mughal reign from Delhi was a short one. Aurangzeb was the first and the last emperor to rule from here. Jama Masjid- the Great Mosque of Old Delhi was both the largest and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644, the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m (133ft) high constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. The courtyard of the mosque can hold 25,000 people. Take a rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk - the main street of Old Delhi - the colourful shopping bazaar just opposite the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi after his assassination in 1948.

Included

What’s part of the trip

✓Accommodation on twin sharing basis
✓Daily breakfast
✓Sightseeing tours with English speaking or language speeking local guide.
✓Entrance fee to visiting places
✓Air-conditioned transport inclusive of driver, fuel, road taxes, toll taxes, parking charges etc
✓All taxes

Excluded

Things to plan separately

✕Personal expenses
✕Lunch
✕Indian visa, medical or travel insurance
✕Internal or international air fares.

10 Days Buddhist Tour of India

A richer way to experience this itinerary

Highlights that define the trip

The route unfolds like this

Arrive Delhi

In Delhi

Delhi to Lucknow by Flight - drive to Sravasti

Sravasti – Kapilavastu - Lumbini

Lumbini to Kushinagar by car

Kushinagar to Vaishali by car

Vaishali - Rajgir - Nalanda - Bodhgaya

At Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya to Varanasi by car

Varanasi to Delhi by flight

What’s part of the trip

Things to plan separately