Description

Day 1 — Arrival in Bodh Gaya Overnight: Bodh Gaya Pickup from Gaya Airport or Gaya Railway Station. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple and sacred Bodhi Tree. Visit the Great Buddha Statue and selected international monasteries, subject to time. Evening for meditation or personal prayer. Day 2 — Rajgir and Nalanda Overnight: Patna Drive to Rajgir and visit Vishwa Shanti Stupa and other accessible Buddhist sites. Continue to Nalanda Mahavihara archaeological ruins and museum, subject to opening hours. Proceed to Patna for the night. Day 3 — Vaishali to Kushinagar Overnight: Kushinagar Visit selected Buddhist heritage sites in Vaishali, including the Ashokan Pillar area. Continue by road to Kushinagar. This is a long travel day; keep sightseeing limited and allow sufficient driving time. Day 4 — Kushinagar Overnight: Kushinagar Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and the reclining Buddha. Visit Ramabhar Stupa, traditionally associated with the Buddha's cremation. Explore selected Buddhist monasteries and temples. Day 5 — Kushinagar to Lumbini, Nepal Overnight: Lumbini Transfer towards the India–Nepal border and complete the required immigration formalities. Proceed to Lumbini, the traditional birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Visit Maya Devi Temple and the Sacred Garden if time permits. Day 6 — Lumbini and travel towards Shravasti Overnight: Shravasti area Explore the Sacred Garden and selected international monasteries. Travel back into India and continue towards Shravasti. Border formalities and the road journey can make this a long day. Day 7 — Shravasti to Varanasi Overnight: Varanasi Visit Jetavana Monastery and selected Buddhist remains. Drive to Varanasi. This is another substantial road journey, so do not promise extensive sightseeing on arrival. Day 8 — Sarnath and departure Departure: Varanasi Visit Dhamek Stupa, the Deer Park area and Sarnath's Buddhist heritage sites. Visit the archaeological museum if open and time allows. Transfer to Varanasi Airport or Railway Station.