Discover Buddha Tour

Discover Buddha tour is an enlightening journey dedicated to the life of the awakened one, Buddha and his pursuit towards contentment, calm and peace. This ultimate discovery begins from Bodhgaya, the epicenter of Buddhism, and takes the tourist / pilgrim to the journey through the destinations having close connection with the birth, life, preaching and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha.

Day 01 : Arrive Gaya (L/D)

Upon arrival in Gaya Airport, meet Buddhist train representative who will assist your transfers to the hotel. Bodhgaya in Bihar is reckoned as the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centre as the heritage site where Sakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) entered into deep meditation after being moved by the sufferings of mankind and attained enlightenment under the serenity of the Bodhi Tree. Dinner and overnight in Bodhgaya.

Dinner and overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 02 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir- Nalanda - Patna (B/L/D)

After breakfast, drive to Rajgir (125 km). Rajgir is a site of sanctity and significance for Buddhists. After reaching Rajgir, visit Gridhakuta Hill where Lord discoursed enlightening sermons, Bimbisara Jail, Venuvana Vihara, Ajatashatru's Fort and Saptaparni Caves, where the first Buddhist council after Buddha's parinirvana took place. Later, drive to Nalanda (14 km). Presently in ruins, this was one of the oldest universities in the World & International Centre for Buddhist Studies. Continue to Patna. Reach Patna and check in the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 03 : Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar (B/L/D)

After early breakfast, drive to Kushinagar enroute visiting Vaishali (290 km approx. 08 hours drive). The ancient Licchavi republic capital is most notable for its ancient stupa enshrining one of the eight portions of Lord Buddha's mortal relics. This is also the site where lord announced his impending Mahaparinirvana. Also, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka erected a Lion Pillar 2,300 years ago. The modern attraction of Vaishali is the construction of World Peace Pagoda or Shanti Stupa built by Japanese Nichinren Buddhist sect.

Lunch on the way at a local restaurant. Arrive Kushinagar and transfer to the hotel.

Kushinagar is the sacred site place where Lord Buddha entered the state of perfect tranquility through Mahaparinirvana. Continue exploring the city of Mahaparinirvana, Kushinagar through a visit to Mahaparinirvana Temple enshrining the 6.1 m long reclining idol of Buddha and Ramabhar Stupa or Mukut Bandhana Stupa as a part of Kushinagar city tour. Return back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 04 : Kushinagar - Lumbini - Sravasti (B/PL/D)

After breakfast, drive to Lumbini (161 km / approx 4.5 hr drive) with packed lunch. Arrive Lumbini to discover Buddha and his heritage at the place of his birth. Pay respects to Maya Devi Temple. Other attractions at Lumbini include the Pushkarini Pond and Ashokan Pillar showcasing the devotion of Beloved of the Gods, Emperor Ashoka.

Later drive to Sravasti (197 km / approx 5 hr drive). Arrival Sravasti, on arrival check in at hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05 : Sravasti - Varanasi (B/L/D)

After breakfast, visit Sahet Mahet in Sravasti, the capital of ancient kingdom of Kosala where Lord Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats and preached many sutras or sermons. The town is now characterized by numerous ruins of stupas known as Sahet Mahet and Jetvana Buddhist Monastery. After lunch, drive to Varanasi (8/9 hrs approx.). Arrival Varanasi and check in at hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 06 : Varanasi - Bodhgaya (B/L/D)

Early Morning, begin the enchanting boat ride at River Ganga to witness the mystic rituals at Ghats. After breakfast, visit Sarnath, about 10 km away from the holy city of Varanasi is the site where Buddhism owes its origins. After enlightenment, Lord Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon in Sarnath and began Buddhism by turning the wheel of law. Here only, he gave the priceless teachings of Middle Path at Deer Park or Mulagandhakuti Vihara. After lunch drive to Bodhgaya (approx 4 hrs drive). Arrival Bodhgaya. On arrival, check in at hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 07 : Bodhgaya (B/L/D)

Visit Mahabodhi temple complex, dotted with many attractions closely associated with Lord Buddha and his enlightenment. First attraction is Bodhi Tree under whose shade Lord Buddha gained enlightenment. Second is Animesh Lochan Chaitya from where Lord Buddha looked at Bodhi Tree in gratitude without blinking the eye for seven days. Later visit Muchalinda Lake and Chankramana to experience the Buddhist heritage in detail.

Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 08 : Departure (B/L)

Transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.