The Buddhist Trail Tour is a great way to learn about Buddhism and see some of the most important Buddhist sites in India. The tour takes you to Bodhgaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon; and Kushinagar, where he attained nirvana. You'll also visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, the world's oldest Buddhist temple, and the Dhamekh Stupa, one of the most important Buddhist monuments in India. The tour is a great way to learn about Buddhism and its history and to see some of the most important Buddhist sites in India.

Tour Itinerary

01 Day 01 : Delhi Arrival
Upon arrival at Airport / Railway station Delhi, Company representative will meet you at Airport for welcome and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Delhi.

02 Day 02 : Delhi - Agra - Varanasi
Early morning transfer to railway station to board the air conditioned suparfast train for Agra , Breakfast in train , Arrive Agra in approx. 2 Hours, You will Meet our representative at railway station and drive to Taj Mahal, the world famous Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. 20,000 men laboured for over 22 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. Also visit the Agra fort - the red-sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-I-Am, a colonnaded hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid marble at the back, Evening transfer to railway station to board the air conditioned sleeper train to Varanasi.

03 Day 03 : Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi, our representative will meet you at the railway station and transfer to hotel. Later excursion to Sarnath and Deer Park, also visit modern temple. Overnight at Varanasi.

04 Day 04 : Varanasi - Bodhgaya
After breakfast drive to Bodhgaya and check in Hotel. Bodhgaya - visit Mahabodhi Temple, Niranjana River, Sujata Village, also see holy tree. Overnight at Bodhgaya.

05 Day 05 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna
After Breakfast drive to Patna on the way sightseeing of Nalanda and Rajgir. Rajgir -The picturesque Rajgir, or Rajagriha as it was known in the past is surrounded by the meandering river Banganga and hills. During the lifetime of the Buddha this was the capital of the powerful Magadhan kingdom, Nalanda -Nalanda was the most renowned university in ancient India. It derived its name from Naalamda, one of the names by which the Lord Buddha was known. Arrive Patna and tranfer to hotel . Overnight at Patna.

06 Day 06 : Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar
After breakfast drive to Kushinagar, Kushinagar this is place where the Buddha finally Mahaparmirvana. the Mukutbandhan Stupa and a beautiful statue of the reclining Buddha on the way visiting Vaishali. Arrive Kushinagar and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Kushinagar.

07 Day 07 : Kushinagar- Lumbini
Breakfast visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Stupas , later drive to Lumbini and transfer to hotel. Lumbini - the birthplace of the Buddha, was located in 1890 after being untraced for 1,500 years. In the Evening sightseeing tour of Lumbini including a visit to the birth Place of Lord Buddha. Overnight at Lumbini.

08 Day 08 : Lumbini Shravasti
Breakfast drive to Lucknow on the way Sravasti - In Sravasti visit Saheth - Maheth and Jetvan. Overnight at Sravasti.

09 Day 09 : Shravasti - Lucknow - Delhi
Breakfast drive to Lucknow and transfer to railway station to board the air conditioned train for Delhi. Arrive Delhi, pickup from railway station and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Delhi.

10 Day 10 : Delhi Departure
After breakfast start for sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi : OLD DELHI - visit Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Jama Masjid, Red fort. NEW DELHI - visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence. Evening transfer to airport to board the onward flight.

The above itinerary is a suggested one only. It can be customised as per your interests and choices. Other cities can be added or removed from the tour itinerary as per your preference.

Buddhist Temples in India

Mahabodhi Temple
The most iconic Buddhist site in the world, Mahabodhi Temple is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning example of ancient Indian architecture and a global center for Buddhist pilgrimage.
Highlights: Bodhi Tree (descendant of the original) | Sacred Vajrasana (diamond throne) | Meditation gardens | International Buddhist monasteries

Sarnath - Varanasi

Dhamek Stupa
Located just 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa marks that very spot, and the entire site exudes tranquility.
Highlights: Ashoka Pillar with lion capital | Sarnath Museum) | Mulagandha Kuti Vihara | Deer Park

Kushinagar

Mahaparinirvana Temple
This is where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final salvation). The temple houses a serene reclining statue of Buddha and is surrounded by stupas and ancient ruins from the 3rd century BCE.
Highlights: Reclining Buddha statue (6.1 meters long) | Ramabhar Stupa (cremation site of Buddha) | Wat Thai Temple | Meditation centers

Sravasti

Jetavana Monastery
Sravasti was one of the most beloved cities of Lord Buddha, where he spent 24 rainy seasons preaching and meditating. The Jetavana Monastery, gifted by the wealthy merchant Anathapindika, became a key spiritual retreat for the Buddha and his followers.
Highlights:
Ananda Bodhi Tree – A sapling from the original Bodhi tree planted by Ananda
Ruins of Jetavana Monastery – Meditation huts, assembly halls, and ancient stupas
Gandhakuti – The residence hut of Lord Buddha
Peaceful Environment – Ideal for meditation and introspection

Lumbini

Maya Devi Temple
Though located in modern-day Nepal, Lumbini is just across the Indian border and is an integral part of the Buddhist Circuit in India. It is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. The Maya Devi Temple marks the exact spot where Queen Maya gave birth to the Buddha.
Highlights:
Maya Devi Temple – Houses the marker stone of Buddha’s birth
Sacred Garden and Ashoka Pillar – The pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage
Puskarini Pond – Where Buddha is believed to have had his first bath
Lumbini Monastic Zone – With beautiful temples built by various Buddhist countries

Vaishali – Bihar

Ashokan Pillar and Relic Stupa
Vaishali was the place where Lord Buddha gave his last sermon before traveling to Kushinagar. It was also where he accepted women into the monastic order, making it historically important for gender equality in Buddhism. Vaishali was a vibrant center for both Buddhism and Jainism.
Highlights:
Ashokan Pillar – Topped with a single lion, one of the best-preserved Ashokan pillars
Relic Stupa – Believed to house part of the Buddha's ashes
Abhishek Pushkarini – Sacred coronation tank used by Lichchhavi kings
Buddha Stupa I & II – Ancient stupas housing relics of the Buddha