Sankasya, Agra Bodhgaya, & Khajuraho Buddhist Tour Package

Itinerary Details Expand All [+]

• Day 01: Arrival –Delhi – Half day local sightseeing

  On the first day you will arrive at Delhi, the capital of India, and meet our courteous representative who will put all his efforts possible to make your trip hassle-free. He will transfer you to your pre-reserved hotel and after completing the check-in formalities you will have a delightful stay. In the afternoon you will savor a delicious lunch and then you’ll get ready for a sightseeing tour. You will first visit Raj Ghat which offers an insight into the legacy and life of Mahatma Gandhi who is one of the greatest leaders of India. It houses Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial and houses cremation spots of many famous leaders. Next, you will visit Red Fort, a historic monument where Mughal emperors resided in the ancient era. It is an impressive historic fort where you can see the thick fortifications and defenses of the fort and the royal palace part of the complex. After appreciating the beauty of Red Fort, you will head to the Jama Masjid Mosque. From the courtyard of Jama Masjid, more than twenty-five thousand people can pray at one time. After the sightseeing tour, you will drive past the President’s House, Parliament House, and India Gate. In the evening you will have an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Day 02: Delhi – Agra (4 Hrs, 200 km) -Wonder of World Taj Mahal- Agra Fort

  After a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Agra. After reaching Agra you will check in to your pre-reserved hotel. Later, you will visit the Taj Mahal which remains closed on Friday. The monument was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum and the entire complex around the Taj Mahal it is a classic example of the Mughal architectural style with the prominent feature being the Islamic tomb. After appreciating the architectural grandeur of this grand monument, you will visit the Agra Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the Mughal Dynasty’s Royal Residential Palaces. You will then visit Halls of Private Audiences, Halls of Public, and beautiful gardens. After the exploration of the Agra Fort, you will return to your hotel and have a delicious dinner. Post dinner you will have an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Day 03: Agra - Sankasya (4 Hrs, 200 KM) -Local Visit to Ashokan Elephant Pillar -Lucknow (5 Hrs-250 KM-By road)

  On the third day, you will embark on a scenic drive to Lucknow. En route, you will stop by Sankasya which is one of the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites around two hundred kilometers away from Agra. During the four-hour journey, you will enjoy the panoramic views of the Indian countryside and have a breathtaking view of quaint villages and verdant fields dotting the landscape. You will explore famous sites like the Ashokan Elephant Pillar that Emperor Ashoka erected during the third century BCE. It testifies to Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism and commemorates the descent of Buddha to Sankasya from the Tushita Heaven. The Ashokan Elephant Pillar serves as a link to the ancient past of India with its ornate carvings depicting motifs and elephants. After immersing yourself in Sankasya’s spiritual aura and seeing the historic monument you will head to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. During the picturesque drive, you will soak in the panoramic beauty of the landscape. After arriving in Lucknow, you will check in to your hotel and have a luscious dinner. Post dinner you will have a relaxing stay at your hotel.

• Day 04: Lucknow – Shravasti (4 Hrs, 200km) - Local Tour to Saheth & Maheth –Lumbini (5 Hrs, 250 KM)

  On the fourth day, you will savor a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Lucknow and then you will get ready for a scenic drive to Shravasti which is located around 200 kilometers away from Lucknow. After reaching Shravasti, you will first visit Saheth and Maheth, the twin cities that give an insight into Lord Buddha's teachings and life. Saheth is also called Jetavanarama known for its Jetavana Vihara, where Buddha spent a large amount of his life. You will pay homage to this site and see the Ananda Bodhi Tree that was planted by Ananda, Lord Buddha’s disciple. Maheth is also known as Angulimal Caves and is a popular destination where pilgrims explore stupas, ancient monasteries, and the legendary Stupa that has a close association with the reformed disciple of Buddha. The spiritual ambiance and scenic aura of these sites will offer you an opportunity for reverence and introspection. After exploring this site you’ll have a lip-smacking lunch and then you will embark on the trip to Lumbini.

  After a fulfilling morning of exploration, pilgrims enjoy a leisurely lunch before embarking on the next leg of their journey to Lumbini, located approximately 250 kilometers away. Lumbini is Lord Buddha’s birthplace. After arriving at Lumbini you’ll check in to your pre-booked hotel and have a delicious dinner. Post dinner, you will have an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Day 05: Lumbini - Lord Buddha’s Birthplace - Kushinagar (4 Hrs, 180 KM)

  On the fifth day, you will have a delicious breakfast in Lumbini and then you will embark on a profound spiritual exploration of the famous attractions of the city. You will first visit Siddhartha Gautama’s sacred birthplace which is considered the symbol of compassion and enlightenment. Later you will explore the other famous destinations of Lumbini such as Maya Devi Temple which houses the ruins of the castle where Buddha grew up. It is a UNESCO world heritage site considered to be the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. You will then visit the Eternal Peace Flame which symbolizes goodwill and harmony among all beings. After that, you will visit the Lumbini Museum where you can see various exhibits showcasing relics and artifacts related to Buddhism. You will also visit the Myanmar Golden Temple and Thai Buddhist Monastery where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural heritage of Buddhist communities. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a picturesque drive to Kushinagar which is situated around 180 kilometers away from Lumbini. After arriving at Kushinagar, you will check into your pre-booked hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner. Post dinner you will have a restful sleep at your hotel.

• Day 06: Kushinagar - Mahaparinirvana Temple’s local tour - Ramabhar Stupa - Kesariya (2 Hrs, 150 KM)-Vaishali (3 Hrs, 120 KM) -Patna (1 Hr, 50 KM)

  On the sixth day, you will have a tasty breakfast in Kushinagar and then you will visit the sacred sites that are closely associated with Lord Buddha's life. You will first visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, a sacred site where Buddha attained final liberation or Mahaparinirvana, and took his last breath. The temple is the ideal place to reflect on the impermanence of life. Next, you’ll head to the Ramabhar Stupa, which is known to be Lord Buddha’s cremation site. Here you will offer prayers and contemplate the significance of Lord Buddha's passing. The stupa’s tranquil surroundings offer the perfect setting for meditation and introspection.

  The next destination included in the tour is the Japan Temple which symbolizes the friendship between India and Japan and testifies to the reverence for Buddha's teachings. Once you have explored the famous sites of Kushinagar you’ll embark on a picturesque drive to Vaishali. En route, you will make a brief stop at Kesaria and visit the Kesaria Stupa which is one of the world’s largest ancient Buddhist stupas. The monumental structure gives an insight into India's rich Buddhist heritage and reminds you about the ancient pilgrims' devotion. After reaching Vaishali, you will head to the Last Sermon Place of Lord Buddha. It is the site where Lord Buddha gave his final teachings to his disciples. Other destinations that you will visit during the tour include the Ananda Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, Abhishek Pushkaran, Kutagar Shala Vihara, and Buddha Stupas which help you understand the significance of Buddhist history. As the day comes to an end you will head to Patna. Check in to your hotel and have a lip-smacking dinner. Post dinner you have an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Day 07: Patna – Nalanda (2 Hrs, 80 KM) - Local visit to Nalanda University - Rajgir (30 Min, 80 KM) –Bodhgaya (2 Hrs, 35 KM)

  Enjoy a tasty breakfast at your hotel in Patna and then you will head to Bodhgaya, the site where Buddha attained enlightenment. En route, you will stop by Nalanda which is situated around eighty kilometers away from Patna. You will visit the Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex, a thriving monastic university between the fifth to the twelfth centuries. The complex houses a wide array of ancient structures, including lecture halls, temples, monasteries, and libraries. The ruins testify to the ancient Indian craftsmen’s architectural prowess and the grandeur of this educational institution. You will then visit the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall, which was built in honor of the traveler and monk Xuan Zang, who visited India searching for Buddhist scriptures in the seventh century CE. Next, you will visit Rajgir, the Magadha Empire’s ancient capital and a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site. The first destination that you will visit in Rajgir is the Vishwa Shanti Stupa which symbolizes non-violence and peace. It commemorates the teachings of Buddha on compassion and peace, and its construction seems to be inspired by Buddhist philosophy. You will experience a sense of inner harmony and tranquility while exploring the stupa.

  You will also visit Griddhakuta, Venuvanaram and Bimbisar Prison. Griddhakuta is the place where Buddha gave many important teachings to his disciples. As the day comes to an end you will head to Bodhgaya. After arriving at Bodhgaya you’ll be transferred to your pre-reserved hotel where you will have a luscious dinner. Post dinner you will have a relaxing sleep at your hotel.

• Day 08: Bodhgaya - Place of Siddhartha’s enlightenment - Dungeshwari Caves -(30 Min, 12 KM)-Bodhgaya

  On the eighth day of your pilgrimage, you will have a delicious breakfast and then you’ll prepare yourself to explore the local attractions. You will visit the sacred destinations associated with Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment. The first destination is the Mahabodhi Temple, a sacred destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and grand architecture. When at Mahabodhi Temple you should definitely pay homage to the revered Bodhi Tree. It is considered to be the original tree’s direct descendant under which Buddha meditated until he achieved enlightenment. Explore the scenic surroundings of this temple and learn about Buddha’s life.

  Next, you will head to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples which are situated at a distance of around twelve kilometers from Bodhgaya. Here Buddha underwent ascetic practices and intense meditation for years before attaining enlightenment. Visiting these caves will allow you to retrace Gautama Buddha’s footsteps and reflect on the triumphs and challenges of his spiritual journey. You will then head to the Sujata Village Temple which has been built in honor of Sujata, a kind woman who offered kheer to Buddha. This temple provides insight into the legends, local traditions, and customs that have been passed down through generations. As the day progresses you will head back to Bodhgaya and have a delicious dinner at your hotel. Post dinner you will retire in your room.

• Day 09: Bodhgaya –Varanasi (6 Hrs, 300 KM)-Evening Ganga Ceremony

  On the ninth day, you will say goodbye to Bodhgaya and get ready for a picturesque drive to Varanasi. After covering around 300 kilometers you will reach Varanasi. After arriving at Varanasi, you will check into your hotel and rest and unwind for some time. In the evening you will head to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to partake in the Ganga Aarti. This breathtaking ritual is performed by priests daily along the sacred Ganges River banks. As mantras are chanted and lamps are lit the entire environment becomes very devotional and mesmerizing. The Ganga Aarti offers an insight into the vibrant Varanasi’s vibrant religious life. You will gather around the ghat to pay homage to the Ganges and partake in various rituals. Against the backdrop of the flow of the Ganges and Ganga Aarti, you will witness a profound expression of reverence and faith that will leave a lasting impression on your mind and heart. After the aarti, you will return to your hotel and have a tasty dinner. Post dinner you will have an overnight stay in your hotel.

• Day 10: Varanasi - Boat Ride in the morning during Subah-e-Banaras – Sarnath (30 Min,15 km)- First Sermon Place of Lord Buddha at Deer Park

  Early morning you will head out from your hotel to experience Subah-e-Banaras spirituality. You will enjoy a scenic boat ride in the morning and experience the beauty of Varanasi. Explore the famous ghats and witness the city come alive with hues of sunlight. From the Dashashwamedh Ghat to the Assi Ghat, you will pass through many iconic Ghats that form an important part of Varanasi’s rich heritage. After the boat ride you will return to your hotel and savor a delicious breakfast. Post breakfast you will head out for an excursion of Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Deer Park. You will visit the Archaeological Museum where Buddhist antiquities were moved from the place where Buddha gave his first lecture. This is a sandstone museum dating back to the early twentieth century. You will also visit Chaukhandi Stupa, an inherent part of the architectural legacy of India. It signifies the spiritual diversity of India and boasts a rich history. The next destination included in the tour is the Dhamekh Stupa, a cylindrical-shaped Stupa where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon to his disciples. The stupa has been built with red stones and bricks. You will also visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihara and Buddhist Temples. Alternatively, you can also perform the evening ritual ceremony at the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple. After the sightseeing tour, you will return to your hotel and have a delicious dinner. After dinner, you will have a relaxing sleep.

• Day 11: Varanasi – Khajuraho (By Flight) – Western & Eastern Group of Temples – Drop to Khajuraho Airport

  On the eleventh day, you will head to Varanasi for Khajuraho and explore the temple complexes that are located at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relish a lip-smacking breakfast and then you will dropped at the airport to board a flight to Khajuraho. Once you reach Khajuraho, our representative will transport you to your hotel and you will complete your check-in formalities and then relax for some time. You will then visit the Western Group of Temples which houses the most well-preserved and iconic Hindu temples in India. Marvel at the architectural splendor and intricate carvings of temples such as the Chausath Yogini Temple which has been built to honor the sixty-four yoginis. Next, you will visit the Varaha Mandap which is beautifully adorned with sculptures depicting Lord Vishnu’s divine boar incarnation. The Western Group’s main highlight is the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, known for its exquisite sculptures and towering spire that celebrate the union of Parvati and Shiva. You will then visit the Devi Jagadambi Temple, Vishwanatha Temple, and Chitragupta Temple. Each of these temples offers an insight into the artistic and religious traditions of ancient India.

  After the spiritual exploration, you will savor your lunch and then visit the Eastern Group of Temples. Here you can see various architectural gems such as the Vamana Temple, Chitragupta Temple, and Javari Temple. Amidst the peaceful and vibrant surroundings of these sites, you will experience tranquility and peace. Next, you’ll visit the Jain Temples, such as the Adinath Temple, Parshvanath Temple, and Ghantai Temple. As you visit these temples marvel at the timeless beauty and intricate carvings of Jain architecture and gain an insight into the cultural diversity of India. In the evening you can attend the sound and light show at the Khajuraho temples where legends and history of the region are intertwined through multimedia storytelling. After the show, you will head back to your hotel and have a lip-smacking dinner. After the dinner, you will have a restful sleep in your room.

• Day 12 – Khajuraho - drop to Railway Station/Airport

  Savor a tasty breakfast and then you will check out from your hotel as the spiritual sojourn finally comes to an end. You will be transferred to the airport or railway station to continue your onward journey.