Itinerary
- Day 1
Varanasi
You'll arrive at Varanasi Airport and get transferred to your hotel to settle in. After lunch, head out on a half-day temple tour to Sarnath, which sits about 10 km away. This is where Buddha gave his first sermon, so there's real historical significance here. You'll walk through the Dharmarajika Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Dhamek Stupa, then check out what's left of the ancient monasteries and see the Lion Capital of Ashoka before heading back to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Half-day temple tour to Sarnath
- Visit Dharmarajika Stupa
- Visit Chaukhandi Stupa
- Visit Dhamek Stupa
- Explore ancient monastery remains
- View Lion Capital of Ashoka
Landmarks/POIs Sarnath Dharmarajika Stupa Dhamek Stupa Chaukhandi Stupa Lion Capital of Ashoka - Day 2
Varanasi to Bodhgaya
The drive to Bodhgaya takes around 6 to 7 hours covering roughly 247 km, so you'll spend most of the morning and early afternoon on the road. Once you arrive, drop your bags at the hotel and grab lunch. Then you're off to see the Great Buddha Statue, the Niranjana River, Sujata Temple, and the Maha Bodhi Temple with its sacred Bodhi Tree. You'll also pop over to the Chinese Temple and spend some time at a school for the destitute before returning to rest at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Great Buddha Statue
- Visit Niranjana River
- Visit Sujata Temple
- Visit Maha Bodhi Temple
- Visit sacred Bodhi Tree
- Visit Chinese Temple
- Visit school for the destitute
Landmarks/POIs Great Buddha Statue Maha Bodhi Temple Bodhi Tree Sujata Temple Niranjana River Chinese Temple - Day 3
Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna
Early start for the drive to Patna, about 182 km away and roughly 6 hours of driving. On the way, you'll stop at Rajgir where Buddha spent 12 years of his life. There, you can go up Gridhakuta Hill (also called Vulture's Peak) where Buddha taught, and see Bimbisara Jail. From there, continue about 14 km further to Nalanda to explore one of the world's oldest universities and an important Buddhist studies center. The final leg to Patna is around 90 km, and you'll check into your hotel once you arrive.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Gridhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak)
- Visit Bimbisara Jail
- Explore Saptaparni Caves
- Explore Nalanda ruins
Landmarks/POIs Gridhakuta Hill Saptaparni Caves Bimbisara Jail Nalanda University ruins - Day 4
Patna to Kushinagar
You've got a 7-hour drive ahead to Kushinagar, covering approximately 256 km. During the journey, make a stop at Vaishali, the place where Buddha announced his approaching Mahaparinirvana. After checking in at your Kushinagar hotel, spend the afternoon visiting the Mahaparinirvana Temple where Buddha took his final breath, and then go to the Rambhar Stupa, which is Buddha's cremation site. Head back to your hotel for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Vaishali
- Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple
- Visit Rambhar Stupa
Landmarks/POIs Vaishali Mahaparinirvana Temple Rambhar Stupa - Day 5
Kushinagar to Lumbini
Today you're driving to Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, which is around 180 km away and takes about 5 hours. Check in at your hotel, then in the afternoon head to the Mayadevi Temple, the sacred spot where Buddha was born. Spend time there and in the quiet natural surroundings for some reflection before returning to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Mayadevi Temple
Landmarks/POIs Mayadevi Temple - Day 6
Kapilavastu - Sravasti
The drive to Sravasti covers approximately 225 km and takes around 5.5 hours. Along the way, stop at Kapilavastu, which was Gautama Buddha's childhood home. Once you reach Sravasti, you'll visit the Sahet Mahet ruins and Angulimal Caves. This area is significant because Buddha spent considerable time here preaching and is said to have performed many miracles, including levitation. End the day back at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Kapilavastu
- Visit Sahet Mahet ruins
- Visit Angulimal Caves
Landmarks/POIs Kapilavastu Sahet Mahet ruins Angulimal Caves Jetavana Monastery - Day 7
Sravasti to Lucknow
Leave Sravasti and head to Lucknow to see some important historical sites. Walk through the grand Imambara, check out the elegant Rumi Darwaza, and explore other monuments that show off Lucknow's rich cultural past. As evening comes, you'll head to Lucknow Airport for your onward flight, finishing up your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Imambara
- Explore Rumi Darwaza
- Explore historical monuments
Landmarks/POIs Imambara Rumi Darwaza
