Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour of North India

Day 01:- Arrive at Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport)

Your trip will begin upon arrival at the New Delhi airport, where our company representatives will welcome you. From there, you will be taken directly to your hotel in the capital city. After a brief overview of your itinerary, you can relax and enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02:- Delhi Sightseeing Tour

This day is completely dedicated to visiting the historical and cultural sites of the capital city. Your tour starts with the sights of Old Delhi like Jama Masjid, the largest mosque of India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and the famous spice market in Chandni Chowk, the famous market of Delhi city. Then you will go straight to New Delhi which was organized by British commission officer Edward Lutyens in 1931.

Here you can see the iconic monument India Gate, Sansad Marg and the Indian President's House. Now comes the time to visit some world heritage sites like Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Later you will return to the hotel and overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 03:- Delhi – Agra (220 Kms)

After a delicious breakfast, you will head straight to the historic city of Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra is home to magnificent structures dating back to the 16th century.

Your first stop will be the Agra Fort, an imposing red sandstone fort built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Its palaces and courtyards are remarkable examples of Mughal architecture.

Next, you will visit Mehtab Bagh, where you can see the remains of the black Taj Mahal, a proposed replica of the iconic white marble Taj Mahal conceived by Emperor Shah Jahan. In the evening, explore Agra's famous handicraft bazaars, known for their intricate Mughal-inspired designs. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04:- Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (250 Kms)

As the first rays of the sun touch the earth, witness the majestic Taj Mahal, the ultimate symbol of love, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. This unparalleled monument is a must-see, and no trip to India would be complete without experiencing its beauty.

After breakfast, you will head to Jaipur, stopping along the way to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the "City of Victory" built by Emperor Akbar.

Here, you will marvel at the Buland Darwaza, the palace of Jodha Bai (the emperor's Hindu queen), and the Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas. After your visit, continue your journey to the Pink City, Jaipur. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Jaipur.

Day 05:- Jaipur (Pink City)

After breakfast, you will head to the magnificent Amer Fort, built in the 16th century, which is located on a hilltop with spectacular views of the old city. You will have to ride an elephant to reach the fort, which will provide a unique experience.

Once at the top, you will be mesmerized by the panoramic views and explore various palaces, including the Sheesh Mahal, Temples, Jharokhas, courtyards, and stepwells, each of which adds to the fort's fascinating history.

Next, visit the grand City Palace, where you can admire historical artifacts, royal weapons, and traditional dress. Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of the Winds", will be your next stop.

This beautiful structure was designed to allow royal women to observe public events and processions.

Continue your exploration with a visit to Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by the king for astrological purposes.

In the evening, enjoy the vibrant Jaipur markets, known for their stunning gold and silver jewelry, clothing, blue pottery, and wooden handicrafts. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 06:- Jaipur Varanasi by (Flight)

After breakfast, catch a morning flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in India with a history dating back over 6,000 years. Formerly known as Kashi, Varanasi is considered the spiritual heart of Hinduism.

Every evening, devotees gather on the Western Ghats of the Ganges River to pray during the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti (light offering ceremony). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and taken to your hotel.

In the evening, you will be taken to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. This experience will undoubtedly leave you spellbound. After that, return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07:- Varanasi & Sarnath Sightseeing

Wake up early in the morning and take a boat ride along the Ganges River, where you will witness the spiritual rituals, ceremonies, and daily life of Hindu India.

As you pass by Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, you will witness the contrasting aspects of life and death, including the ongoing funeral ceremonies.

It is said that the funeral pyre at Manikarnika Ghat. Take a holy dip in the Ganges, believed to free you from the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and grant you moksha or immortality.

Next, visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The golden spire of the temple is a breathtaking sight, and the visit is believed to bring happiness and prosperity to your life.

Next, enjoy a local varanasi city tour, which includes stops at several other important temples like the Sankat Mochan Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and Durga Temple, as well as the iconic Banaras Hindu University.

Your journey will continue with a visit to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples. Visit the Sarnath Museum which houses ancient sculptures, texts and artifacts dating back to the 3rd century BC. Return to your hotel in the evening for an overnight stay.

Day 08:- Varanasi – Bodhgaya

After breakfast, you will travel to Bodh Gaya, the sacred city where Prince Siddhārtha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha. This site holds great significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. On arrival, check in to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 09:- Bodhgaya Sightseeing

After breakfast you will proceed to exloring the spiritual sites of Bodh Gaya. Visit the revered Mahabodhi Temple, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, and the sacred Bodhi Tree. You'll also see Chinese temples and monasteries, each of which offer a unique glimpse into the Buddhist tradition.

Finally, visit the School of the Destitute, a place that provides education and care to underprivileged children. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 10:- Bodhgaya to Patna via Nalanda & Rajgir

After breakfast, you will proceed to Patna, the capital of Bihar, once known as Viharaya. Along the way, stop to visit Nalanda, home to the world's oldest residential university, where over 10,000 scholars and 2,000 teachers once lived and studied. You'll also pass through Rajgir, a small town where the Buddha gave some of his most important sermons.

The ancient ruins, temples, and rich history of these sites make them a must-see for any traveler. Upon arrival in Patna (or Pataliputra, as it was known during Emperor Ashoka's reign), check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11:- Patna to Kushinagar via Vaishali

This day you will be leaving to Kushinagar and you will be visiting en-route Vaishali where the founder of Jainism lord Mahavir was born here in 6000 BC. Also the Buddha preached his last sermon in Vaishali.

Here visit the Relic stupas, Japanese International peace pagods and the Ashokan Pillar erected by emperor Ashoka 2000 years ago to commemorate the Buddha’s lesson. Continue your drive towards the Kushinagar.

It is believed that Buddh took his last breath in Kushinagar located in Uttar Pradesh state of India. This site is also known as the place of mahaparinirvana where buddha finally liberated from the death and rebirth cycle.

In Kushinagar you will see Parinirvana stupa, Thai Temple, Japanese temple buddhist museum and monasteries. Night stay at Kushinagar.

Day 12:- Kushinagar- Lumbini

After breakfast, you will proceed directly to Lumbini located in Nepal. Please ensure that you have a Nepal visa to cross the India-Nepal border. Lumbini is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, marking the birthplace of Buddha as well as the places of his enlightenment, teachings and death.

In Lumbini, visit the famous Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini Museum, Myanmar Temple and Royal Thai Monastery. After a day of exploring, return back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 13:- Lumbini- Shravasti

After breakfast, you will head to Sravasti, located in India, where Buddha spent about 25 years of his life in Jetavana monasteries. Sravasti is home to two villages, Sahet and Mahet, which have ancient ruins, monasteries and artifacts related to Buddha's life.

You will also visit the Jain Tirthankara Temple, Swetambara, which is an important site for Jainism. After a day of exploring, return to your hotel and relax in the room for an overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 14:- Shravasti – Lucknow

Today you will arrive in Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, which is famous for its grandeur, lifestyle, traditions and rich cultural heritage. The city is famous for its historical sites like - the Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Chattar Manzil. Lucknow is also a shopper's paradise, offering a wide variety of traditional crafts and textiles. After a day of exploring, enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Lucknow.

After your exploration, drive towards Delhi, enjoying the scenic journey along the way. Upon reaching Delhi, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Delhi's vibrant energy and rich history will welcome you as you prepare for your next adventue.

Stay comfortably overnight at your hotel in Delhi. The day offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation in the capital.

Day 15:- Lucknow – Delhi by (Flight)

On the last day of North India Tour package and Buddhism pilgrimage tour, you will be taken to Lucknow Airport to flight return to Delhi. This is the end of your unforgettable journey through India and its spiritual heritage.

We hope you leave with lasting memories and a deep connection to the culture and history.