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Best Seller Buddhist Circuit Tour Package

Best Seller Buddhist Circuit Tour Package

Duration: 14 Days

Duration:
14 Days
Person:
Per Person
Location:
indian-pilgrimage
Experiences:
Heritage, Spiritual,

Overview

Buddhism and the Sacred Buddhist Circuit
Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest and most widely practiced religions, originating in India over 2,500 years ago. Founded by Gautam Buddha, it teaches that life is marked by suffering, which can be overcome through spiritual discipline, ethical living, meditation, and wisdom, ultimately leading to enlightenment.The Buddhist Circuit is a revered pilgrimage route that traces the life and teachings of Lord Buddha across India and Nepal. It connects several sacred sites, each holding deep historical and spiritual significance for followers around the world.
Lumbini (Nepal):
The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini is a deeply sacred site where Siddhartha Gautama was born. Set amidst serene gardens, it attracts pilgrims who come to pay homage and reflect on the origins of Buddhism.
Bodhgaya (India):
Bodhgaya is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. It remains one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists globally. The nearest railway station is Gaya Junction, and the closest airport is Gaya Airport.
Sarnath (India):
Located about 9 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Buddha delivered his first sermon, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma. It is a key spiritual center with easy access via Varanasi Airport and Varanasi Junction railway station.
Shravasti (India):
An important hub of Buddhist learning, Shravasti is where Buddha spent a significant part of his life after attaining enlightenment. It is accessible via Lucknow Airport and Gonda Railway Station.
Kushinagar (India):
Kushinagar is the sacred site where Buddha attained Parinirvana, marking his departure from the earthly world. It is a place of deep reverence and spiritual reflection.

Together, these pilgrimage sites offer a profound journey into the life, teachings, and legacy of Lord Buddha, providing spiritual insight and a meaningful connection to the foundations of Buddhism.
 

Day  Highlights  Overnight 
Day 1 Arrival in Delhi  Delhi
Day 2 Sightseeing in Delhi  Delhi 
Day 3 Drive to Agra  Agra 
Day 4 Agra to Lucknow Via Sankassa  Lucknow
Day 5  Lucknow to Varanasi via Sarnath  Varanasi  
Day 6  Varanasi to Bodhgaya  Bodhgaya 
Day 7  Bodhgaya Local Bodhgaya 
Day 8  Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna Patna
Day 9  Patna to Vaishali - Keshariya - Kushinagar Kushinagar
Day 10 Kushinagar Local and Khushnagar to Lumbini  Lumbini
Day 11 Lumbini - KapilVastu - Shravasti Sharavasti 
Day 12  Shravasti Local and Shravasti to Lucknow Lucknow
Day 13  Lucknow local and Lucknow - Delhi Delhi
Day 14  Departure From Delhi  

Itinerary At Glance:

Itinerary at Glance:-
Day 01:- Arrival in Delhi

After arriving in Delhi, and completing immigration formalities, collect your luggage and come to exit gate no. 5. Our drivers will be there to welcome you with placard. They will take you to your designated hotel, where you can relax after a long journey.

Day 02:- City Tour of Delhi (Many monuments are closed on Monday)
On day 2 post breakfast at a hotel, go for a full day Delhi city tour. First you will explore the old charm of Delhi, where you can visit Birla temple, Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial), followed by Red fort and if you are interested then may visit Jama Masjid. If time permits or you are interested then explore Chandni Chowk, spice market etc. Since the alleys of Old Delhi are congested, we suggest our guests use a Rickshaw. Post Lunch, visit Qutub Minar, an UNESCO site followed by Lotus temple. Don’t miss India gate where you can also see huge government buildings like the President's house and many more. Have dinner and come back to the hotel.

Day 03:- Delhi to Agra (Taj Mahal is Closed on Friday)
Start your day early and have breakfast at the hotel. Check out and our driver will take you to Agra. After arriving, check-in to your hotel. In the afternoon our guide will take you to sightseeing of Agra city starting with Taj Mahal Agra Fort. Taj is amongst the Seven Wonders of the World; it is the emblem of eternal love. If time permits you may visit Mehtab Bagh from where the Taj looks enormous and beautiful. Have dinner and come back to your hotel for a good sleep.

Day 04:-  Agra to Lucknow via Sankassa (350kms/5-6hrs)
Post your delicious breakfast at the hotel, check-out and drive to Lucknow, Lucknow is a historical city and Capital city of Uttar Pradesh, On the way to Lucknow visit - Sankassa which is an important Buddhist site in India- After the Gautama Buddha's leaving this world or Mahaparinirvana (Nirvana), King Ashoka built this place and Placed one of his famous Pillars of Ashoka in the city. He also Constructed a huge stupa and a temple commemorating the visit of the Buddha to Sankassa. This temple complex exists even today and stupa ruins are also present as a temple of Vishari Devi. It is believed that the name Visahari Devi was given to the mother of the Buddha. Post tour continue your drive to Lucknow on arrival, Check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Lucknow.

Day 05:- Lucknow to Varanasi Ganga aarti Via Sarnath (330/6hrs)
Morning after breakfast, Check-out from the hotel and drive another spiritual city of  Varanasi which is Oldest city in the world, On the way visit Sarnath- one amongst the four most sacred places for the Buddhist, Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his followers after getting enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The entire event is known as Dharma Chakra Pravartana or setting the 'Wheel of Law' in motion, In Sarnath visit - Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Wat Thai Sarnath Temple, Museum. On arrival in Varanasi check-in to the hotel and later visit famous ghats of Varanasi:- Harishchandra, Manikarnaka also known as burning ghat (It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation, when cremated here), Dashashwamedh Ghat,etc. In the evening, don't forget to participate in the world-famous Ganga Aarti. Enjoy your overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 05:- Varanasi to Bodhgaya (270kms/6-7hrs)
Today post breakfast, Check-out from the hotel and drive to Bodhgaya, the most important place on Buddhist Circuit, which is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, On arrival Check-in to the hotel, Overnight in Bodh Gaya

Day 07:- Bodhgaya Local
After breakfast, go for places to see in Bodh Gaya which is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, See China Temple, Japanese Temple, Thai Temple and most famous ancient temple Mahabodhi Temple Complex which is a UNESCO World heritage site in India and sacred Bodhi Tree is inside this temple. Post tour stay overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 08:- Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna (130kms/4-5hrs)
After breakfast, Check-out from hotel drive to another important Buddhist places start with visit to Rajgir was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Magadha, Rajgir is famous for rock-cut caves, forts, Buddhist ruins, shell inscriptions, Hindu and Jain temples, On arrival see Cyclopean Wall- UNESCO world heritage site, Rajgir Ropeway, Vishwa Shanti Stupa-, Maniyar Math- it was also a Yagna site during the Buddhist epoch- Each of the four Buddha sculptures represents a major turning point in the life of the historical Buddha, Later visit Nalanda - famous all over the world for the the ancient International Monastic University established in 5th century BC, Nalanda was an acclaimed Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. Post tour continue your trip to Patna capital city of Bihar, On arrival check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Patna.

Day 09:- Patna to Vaishali - Keshariya - Kushinagar (240kms/6-7hrs)
Today post yummy breakfast, Check-out and drive to another holy city of Kushinagar on the way first visit Vaishali which is a great Buddhist pilgrimage and also the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. It is believed that lord Buddha visited this place thrice and spent quite a long time here. Lord Buddha also gave his last sermon or Lesson at Vaishali and announced his Nirvana here. After his death, Vaishali organised the second Buddhist Council. Then Visit Kesariya stupa also known as Raja Ben ka DEORA which is a Buddhist stupa in Kesariya, Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tshang had visited this site of Stupa as per his diary in the seventh century. Later continue your drive to Khushinagar, On arrival Check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 10:- Kushinagar Local and Khushnagar to Lumbini (180kms/5hrs)
Today post breakfast, go for places to visit in Kushinagar - The ancient city of Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha and thus is considered to be the most important pilgrim spots for the Buddhist followers. From Hieun Tsang to Fa Hein visited here, the city has been an important spot for the Buddhist pilgrim since ancient times. Visit Parinirvana Stupa, Ramabhar Stupa, Matha Kuar Shrine, Royal Thai Temple of Kushinagar, Japanese Temple / Burmese Temple , Post tour drive to Lumbini, On arrival in Lumbini, Check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Lumbini
Note:- If Guest is of foreign origin need to apply Nepal visa, Need to stamped at entry and exit time in India and Nepal

Day 11:- Lumbini - KapilVastu - Shravasti (160kms/4-5hrs)
After yummy breakfast at hotel, Check-out and see Lumbini city -The Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC in the sacred area of Lumbini located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal, testified by the inscription on the pillar erected by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 249 BC, also see Maya Devi Temple, World Peace Pagoda, Thai Monastery, Museum and many more in Lumbini, Later Continue your drive to Shravasti on the way visit KapilVastu -  is the place where Lord Buddha spent 29 years of his early life. There is a big stupa, from where the relics of Buddha were discovered during excavations. On arrival in Sharavast, Check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Sharavast.

Day 12:- Shravasti Local and Shravasti to Lucknow  (180kms/ 4-5hrs)
Today after breakfast, go for places to see in Shravasti starts with Miracle Stupa, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have spent his time after attaining enlightenment here. His sermons and speeches made Sravasti an important centre for Buddhist learnings. visit Jetavana, Orajhar, Angulimala Stupa, Pakki Kuti, Shobhnath Temple and many more in Shravasti. Post tour drive to Lucknow capital city, On arrival check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Lucknow.

Day 13:- Lucknow local and Lucknow - Delhi (550kms/ 8hrs)
Post tasty breakfast, Check-out from the hotel and first go for Lucknow city tour by visiting the 18th-century Bara Imambara shrine which has a huge arched hall. Upstairs, Don't forget to see Bhool Bhulaiya which is a web of narrow tunnels with amazing city views from its upper balconies. Nearby to the grand Victorian Husainabad Clock Tower, Post tour continue your drive to Delhi, On arrival in Delhi check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 14:- Delhi Departure
Today post mouth-watering breakfast, you will be transferred back to Delhi airport (as per your return flight tickets) for your onward journey. Return home with sweet memories of Lord Buddha and his life journey, his teaching and his relation with India. Don’t forget to fill the feedback form available with the driver, it helps us in improving our services and if you like our services don’t forget to write a review on Trip Advisor.

Note: This itinerary can be adapted to fit your specific preferences and budget. Ghum India Ghum offers a variety of customizable tour packages to Buddhist Circuit, catering to different interests and travel styles. Visit their website or contact them directly to learn more about their Buddhist Circuit tour packages.

Important information

Inclusions

Accommodation On double/ Twin sharing in mentioned/similar hotels
13N stay at hotel
Meal Plan Will Be On MAPAI (Room + Breakfast + Dinner).
All transfer in By Air Conditioned Private car.
All sightseeing As Per The Itinerary
01 Morning boat ride in Varanasi
English speaking local guide at Delhi Agra, Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Lumbini, Shravasti, Kushinagar for a day
Airport Pick -up & Drop
All Parkings,Toll
Inter State Taxes
Driver Allowance
All Hotel Taxes
500ml packaged water daily per person
Package cost as per 02 person travelling together
Website costing as per standard hotels, email us for upgraded hotels packages

For Solo Traveler Paid extra 700 USD Extra

Note:- If Guest is of foreign origin need to apply Nepal visa and Need to stamped at entry and exit time

Exclusions

Tips to driver and guide
Nepal and India visa
travel insurance
Meals Not Mentioned In The Itinerary
Entry Fees To Monuments And Palaces.
Anything Not Mentioned In The Inclusions.
Porterage At Hotels And Airports, Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Liquors, Wine, Etc.
All Items Of Personal Nature.
Any Cost Arising Due To Natural Calamities Like Landslides, Roadblocks, Etc.
Mandatory X- Mas / New Year Eve Supplementary Charges , That Should Be Paid By The Guest Directly To The Hotels Concerned..

Accommodation

City Nights  Budget  Deluxe Premium  Luxury 
Delhi 3N Metro View Florence Inn Golden Grand The Surya
Agra 1N Light House Alleivate   Saura Courtyard By Marriott
Lucknow 2N Sunrise inn Sure Stay Regnant Novotel
Sravasti/Balrampur 1N Nutan Shravasti Residency Paltinum Shravasti Lotus Nikko
Kushinagar 1N Sanpark Adelphi Grande  Royal Residency Lotus Nikko
Patna 1N Surya Vihar Clark inn Patliputra Exotica Hotel Maurya
Bodhgaya 2N Thai International Jataka Inn Bodhgaya Regency Oaks
Varanasi 1N Meadows Square Inn Costa Riveria Madin
Lumbini                   1N         Mirage Inn             Lumbini Garden              LandMark     Tiger Palace By Soaltee

 

Faq's:

1. What is the Buddhist Circuit in India?

The Buddhist Circuit is a sacred pilgrimage route that traces the life of Lord Buddha, encompassing key sites linked to his birth, enlightenment, first teachings, and attainment of nirvana.
 

2. Which are the main destinations in the Buddhist Circuit?

Key destinations on the circuit includes- Sankassa, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Rajgir, Nalanda, Shravasti, and Vaishali.
 

3. What is the best time to visit the Buddhist Circuit?

The ideal time to visit is from ​S​eptember to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.

4. How many days are required for the tour?

A typical Buddhist Circuit tour usually lasts ​8 to ​12 days, depending on the itinerary and the number of destinations included. The duration may vary based on travel pace, starting point, and whether additional sites are added to the journey.
 

5. Where does the Buddhist Circuit tour usually start?

Most tours typically begin from Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Lucknow, or Patna, depending on the chosen itinerary and travel preferences.
 

6. Is the Buddhist Circuit suitable for international travelers?

Yes, it is highly popular among international tourists, particularly visitors from Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka​, Vietnam, Korea and Myanmar, who travel to experience its deep spiritual and cultural significance.
 

7. What kind of accommodation is available?

A variety of accommodation options are available, ranging from budget and mid-range hotels to monastery stays at select destinations.
 

8. Are guided tours available?

Experienced guides are readily available throughout the Buddhist Circuit, offering deep insights into the life of Lord Buddha, Buddhist philosophy, history, and local culture. These guides enhance the travel experience by explaining each site's significance, narrating historical events, and helping visitors better understand Buddhist teachings. Many are multilingual and well-trained, making them especially helpful for international travelers. Hiring a knowledgeable guide ensures a more meaningful, informative, and immersive journey across the sacred destinations.
 

9. Is it safe to travel on the Buddhist Circuit?

Yes, the route is generally safe for tourists, offering good connectivity and well-developed tourist infrastructure.
 

10. What should I pack for the trip?

It is recommended to carry comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, and modest attire, especially when visiting religious sites.

Starting from

On Request
Per Person

Number of travelers

1 adults - 0 childeren
Adults
1
Children
Ages 0 - 17
0

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Registrations/Certifications/Awards

**All tours are organised and managed by government authorised travel agency and guides. Ghum India Ghum is registered with Government of Delhi(India) under act 1932 no. 9 and Also registered under Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India & Tourism Department of India.

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