Buddhist Circuit

Embark on a profound spiritual journey tracing the footsteps of Lord Gautama Buddha. This meticulously crafted tour takes you through the most significant sites in India and Nepal, offering deep insights into the life and teachings of Buddha. Perfect for those seeking spiritual enrichment and historical understanding.

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Welcome to India! Our Vibrant Journeys representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Relax and prepare for the spiritual adventure ahead.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Explore the Wonders of Delhi
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before exploring the historical and modern sights of Delhi. Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, and take a drive past the majestic Red Fort. Navigate through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw. In the afternoon, visit Humayun’s Tomb and the towering Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Delhi to Lucknow by Train
Experience India like a local with an early morning train ride on the Shatabdi Express to Lucknow. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, delve into the Nawabi culture with a guided tour, visiting the grand Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Kaiserbagh Heritage Zone, and The Residency.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Lucknow to Shravasti (260 Kms/6 Hrs)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Shravasti, an ancient city closely tied to the life of Gautama Buddha. Shravasti is where Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons preaching his teachings. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before heading out for a guided tour, visiting the serene Jetavana Monastery and Angulimala’s Stupa.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Shravasti to Lumbini via Kapilavastu (250 Kms/6 Hrs)
Journey onwards to Lumbini, Nepal, with an insightful stop at Kapilavastu, the ancient capital of the Sakya Clan and Buddha’s childhood home. Learn about the young prince Siddhartha who left his royal life in search of enlightenment. Cross the Sunauli Border and proceed to your hotel in Lumbini.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Explore Lumbini and Travel to Kushinagar (170 Kms/5 ½ Hrs)
Begin your day with a visit to the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lumbini Garden, and the sacred Mayadevi Temple. Later, drive to Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, or final liberation. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple with its poignant reclining Buddha statue.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Kushinagar to Vaishali (193 Kms/5 Hrs)
After breakfast, set off for Vaishali, a place of immense significance in Buddhist history. Vaishali is where Buddha gave his last sermon and announced his approaching Mahaparinirvana. Check into your hotel, then explore Vaishali with a guided tour, visiting the Pillar of Ashoka and the museum, which houses remarkable archaeological remains.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Vaishali to Bodhgaya via Rajgir (258 Kms/7 ½ Hrs)
Travel to Bodhgaya via Rajgir, stopping to visit the ancient and esteemed Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nalanda was a renowned center of learning and a monastery where Buddha himself taught. On arrival in Bodhgaya, check into your hotel and prepare for a deep dive into Buddhist heritage the next day.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Discover Bodhgaya and Travel to Varanasi
Explore the sacred grounds of Bodhgaya, where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Visit the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Understand the significance of this place as the cradle of Buddhist philosophy. In the afternoon, board a train to the spiritual city of Varanasi.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Varanasi and Sarnath
Start your day with a serene boat ride on the River Ganges, observing the rituals along the ghats. After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Varanasi and Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the Archaeological Museum and witness the evening Aarti ceremony on the Ganges, a mesmerizing spiritual experience.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Varanasi to Delhi
Conclude your journey with a flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival, remain in transit for your onward flight, carrying with you the serene and profound memories of the Buddhist Circuit.