Discover the profound legacy of Buddhism on a comprehensive 9-night, 10-day circuit tour from Delhi. Visitors will explore the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, the site of his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, and other significant destinations across India and Nepal. This expertly guided journey offers a chance to take in the teachings and traditions, from witnessing the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi to visiting the ruins of Nalanda University. With a focus on comfort and convenience, this tour promises an enriching experience for those seeking to deepen their understanding of this influential religion.
Good To Know
- 9-night, 10-day private group tour starting from Delhi, exploring the Buddhist Circuit in India.
- Key destinations include Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sravasti.
- Tour includes visits to significant Buddhist sites like Mahabodhi Temple, Nalanda ruins, and birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini.
- Itinerary covers comprehensive exploration of Buddha’s life and teachings with an English-speaking guide.
- Tour package includes accommodation, daily breakfast, private transportation, and entry tickets to historical sites.
Tour Overview
This Buddhist Circuit Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of some of the holiest sites in Buddhism.
The tour lasts 9 nights and 10 days, with prices starting from $1,795.65 per person. The tour is a private group experience with a live English-speaking guide.
Travelers can book the tour and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The itinerary covers key destinations like Delhi, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sravasti, allowing participants to enjoy the rich Buddhist heritage of India.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nalanda.
Itinerary Highlights
The Buddhist Circuit Tour‘s itinerary highlights key destinations along the path of Buddha’s life.
The tour starts in Bodhgaya, where visitors can explore the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree, and nearby monasteries.
The journey then takes them to Rajgir and Nalanda, home to ancient Buddhist sites like Gridhakuta Hill and the ruins of Nalanda University.
Next, the tour moves to Varanasi, where travelers can witness the Ganga Aarti and visit Sarnath.
The final leg includes Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sravasti, all significant to the life of Buddha.
- Bodhgaya: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, monasteries
- Rajgir and Nalanda: Gridhakuta Hill, Venuvan Vihara, Nalanda ruins
- Varanasi: Ganga Aarti, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath
- Kushinagar, Lumbini, Sravasti: Mahaparinirvana Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Jetavana Monastery
Delhi to Bodhgaya
The tour begins in Delhi, where travelers are picked up and taken for a half-day sightseeing session if time permits.
The next day, they take a flight to Bodhgaya, the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment. Visitors explore the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree, and various monasteries.
On the third day, they continue sightseeing in Bodhgaya, including a trip to Sujata Village and Dungeshwari Caves.
This initial leg of the tour provides an immersive introduction to the Buddhist heritage of the region, setting the stage for the journey ahead.
Bodhgaya to Rajgir and Nalanda
From Bodhgaya, the tour moves on to the historic cities of Rajgir and Nalanda.
Visitors will explore Gridhakuta Hill, where Buddha meditated, and the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, once a renowned center of Buddhist learning.
The tour also includes stops at Venuvan Vihara, an important monastery, and Bimbisara’s Jail, a site associated with an early Buddhist king.
- Gridhakuta Hill: Where Buddha meditated
- Nalanda Ruins: Ancient Buddhist university
- Venuvan Vihara: Significant monastery
- Bimbisara’s Jail: Site associated with early Buddhist king
This leg of the tour provides a deeper understanding of the rich Buddhist heritage in this region.
More Great Tours NearbyBodhgaya to Varanasi
Leaving Bodhgaya, the tour heads to the holy city of Varanasi. On day 5, travelers drive to Varanasi and enjoy the Ganga Aarti, a captivating ritual performed at the river’s edge.
The next day starts with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges, allowing visitors to witness the spiritual atmosphere along the riverbanks.
Afterward, the group visits the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the archaeological site of Sarnath, where Buddha first preached his teachings.
This leg of the tour immerses participants in the rich cultural and religious tapestry of one of India’s most revered destinations.
Varanasi to Kushinagar and Lumbini
Departing Varanasi, the tour journeys to the sacred sites of Kushinagar and Lumbini. In Kushinagar, guests visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, where Buddha attained Parinirvana, and the Ramabhar Stupa, the cremation site.
Next, the tour crosses into Nepal to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Highlights include:
- Sacred Garden, where Buddha was born
- Maya Devi Temple, with the stone carving of Buddha’s first steps
- Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, home to the endangered sarus crane
- Lumbini Museum, showcasing the history and archaeological wonders of the site
From Lumbini, the tour travels to Sravasti, the site of Buddha’s long residence and many discourses.
Lumbini to Sravasti and Departure
After exploring the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, the tour now heads to the ancient city of Sravasti. The group will visit the Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons, and the Anathapindika’s Stupa, a significant Buddhist site. Following the spiritual journey, the tour departs for Lucknow, where participants can explore local sights before their journey’s end.
| Destination | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sravasti | Visit Jetavana Monastery and Anathapindika’s Stupa |
| Lucknow | Explore local sights before departure |
| India-Nepal Border | Cross into Nepal to visit Lumbini |
| Kushinagar | Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa |
| Varanasi | Enjoy Ganga Aarti and explore Sarnath |
Inclusions
The Buddhist Circuit Tour package includes several key amenities to ensure a comfortable and seamless experience.
The tour offers:
- Hotel accommodation on a double-sharing basis, typically in 3-4 star properties.
- Daily breakfast to fuel the day’s adventures.
- Private air-conditioned transportation for the entire tour, including pick-up and drop-off services.
- Monument entry tickets for all the historical sites included in the itinerary.
Plus, all necessary toll taxes and parking fees are covered, so travelers can focus on seeing the spiritual journey without worrying about extra costs.
The Sum Up
This Buddhist Circuit Tour from Delhi offers an enriching 9-night, 10-day journey exploring the profound heritage of Buddhism. Travelers will experience the enlightenment at Mahabodhi Temple, witness the Ganga Aarti, and visit significant sites like Nalanda University and Kushinagar. With comfortable accommodations, daily breakfasts, private transportation, and an English-speaking guide, this comprehensive itinerary immerses visitors in the teachings and legacy of Buddha.
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