Day 1: Arrival at Varanasi Airport

1. Arrival: Arrive at Varanasi Airport. Our representative will be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
2. Afternoon: Proceed for a half-day temple tour of Sarnath, located about 10 km from Varanasi, one of the holiest Buddhist sites. Here, Buddha delivered his first sermon in the Deer Park. The site includes:
   1. Dharmarajika Stupa
   2. Chaukhandi Stupa
   3. Dhamek Stupa
   4. The Lion Capital of Ashoka (beautifully polished stone)
   5. Ruins of a monastery and several other important structures
3. Sarnath is a place of significant religious importance, and its archaeological remains reflect the rich history of Buddhism.
4. Return to Hotel: After the tour, head back to your hotel for overnight stay.

Start Point:

1. Main Entrance, Varanasi Airport, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. Time: 06:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Day 2: Varanasi to Bodhgaya

1. Morning: After breakfast, depart from Varanasi for Bodhgaya, which is approximately 247 km away (a 6-7 hour drive).
2. Arrival in Bodhgaya: Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and relax.
3. Afternoon: After lunch, begin your sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya, one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Bodhgaya is the sacred place where Gautama Buddha attained supreme enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Your tour will include:
   1. Great Buddha Statue: The towering statue of Buddha seated in meditation.
   2. Niranjana River: Visit this river which holds significance in Buddhist history.
   3. Sujata Temple: A temple dedicated to Sujata, a village girl who offered Buddha milk, aiding his enlightenment.
   4. Maha Bodhi Temple: The most famous temple, located near the Bodhi Tree, where Buddha attained enlightenment.
   5. Bodhi Tree: The sacred tree under which Buddha meditated.
   6. Chinese Temple: Explore this unique Buddhist temple, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture.
   7. School for the Destitute: A visit to the local school that helps destitute children.
4. Evening: Return to your hotel after the tour and enjoy an overnight stay.
5. Accommodation:
6. Hotel Taj Darbar, Bodhgaya

Day 3: Bodhgaya to Patna via Rajgir and Nalanda

1. Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Bodhgaya and begin your journey towards Patna (approximately 182 km, a 6-hour drive). Enroute, you will visit the significant Buddhist sites of Rajgir and Nalanda.
2. Rajgir:
3. Gridhakuta Hill: Visit the hill where Buddha preached many of his sermons and meditated. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views.
4. Bimbisara Jail: Explore the historical jail where King Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son.
5. Rajgir is of immense importance in Buddhism as the first Buddhist council was hosted here at the Saptaparni caves after Buddha's death.
6. Nalanda:
7. After Rajgir, drive a short distance (14 km) to Nalanda, which was once one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world and a center for Buddhist learning. Explore the Nalanda ruins, which are a testament to the intellectual and spiritual legacy of this ancient university.
8. Afternoon: Continue your journey to Patna, which is approximately 90 km away, and check into your hotel upon arrival.
9. Evening: Relax and unwind at your hotel after a long day of sightseeing.
10. Accommodation:
11. Hotel Windsor Patna

Day 4: Patna to Kushinagar via Vaishali

1. Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Patna and proceed towards Kushinagar (approximately 256 km, a 7-hour drive). Enroute, you will visit Vaishali, a historically significant site for Buddhists.
2. Vaishali:
3. Vaishali is the place where Buddha announced the approaching of his Mahaparinirvana. This ancient city is famous for its historical importance and is also home to the Vishali Stupa and other sacred sites.
4. Explore the Vaishali Archaeological Museum, which houses important relics from the Buddha's time.
5. Continue your journey to Kushinagar, a significant pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana after his death, marking the end of his earthly journey.
6. Kushinagar:
7. Arrival in Kushinagar: Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.
8. Afternoon: Visit the important Buddhist sites in Kushinagar:
   1. Mahaparinirvana Temple: This temple marks the spot where Buddha took his last breath and attained Parinirvana (the ultimate state of Nirvana).
   2. Rambhar Stupa: The cremation site of Lord Buddha, where his physical remains were cremated after his passing.
9. Evening: After a peaceful and spiritually enriching day, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
10.  
11. Accommodation:
12. Hotel Imperial Kushinagar

Day 5: Kushinagar to Lumbini

1. Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kushinagar and proceed towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha (approximately 180 km, 5 hours drive).
   Lumbini is located in Nepal and is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists around the world.
2. Lumbini:
3. Arrival in Lumbini: Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest.
4. Afternoon: Visit the Mayadevi Temple, which marks the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha, who later became Buddha. The temple is a serene and peaceful place, surrounded by lush greenery, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
   1. Take a walk around the Lumbini Garden, a beautiful area that encompasses the historical and religious importance of the site.
   2. Visit the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to mark the site of Buddha’s birth.
   3. You can also explore the Lumbini Museum, which holds exhibits about the history and teachings of Buddha.
5. Evening: Relax and enjoy the tranquility of Lumbini before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.
6.  
7. Accommodation:
8. Hotel Ananda Inn Lumbini

Day 6: Lumbini to Kapilavastu to Shravasti

1. Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Lumbini and proceed towards Kapilavastu (approx. 120 km, 3 hours drive).
   Kapilavastu is the childhood home of Gautam Buddha and holds great significance in Buddhist history.
2. Kapilavastu:
3. Visit the remains of the ancient palace where Buddha spent his early years as a prince before renouncing worldly pleasures.
4. Explore the ruins that represent the early life of Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha.
5. Later, continue your journey towards Shravasti (approx. 105 km, 2.5-3 hours drive).
   Shravasti is one of the holiest places for Buddhists, as it is here that Buddha is believed to have preached most of his sermons.
6. Shravasti:
7. Visit Sahet Mahet, which consists of two important sites: Sahet, the site of the Jetavana Monastery where Buddha spent a significant amount of time, and Mahet, the site of the ancient city.
8. Explore the Angulimal Caves, linked to the famous story of the notorious robber Angulimal, who was later converted by Buddha.
9. Evening: After sightseeing, relax and return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
10.  
11. Accommodation:
12. Hotel Tulip Inn Shravasti

Day 7: Shravasti to Lucknow

1. Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Shravasti and begin your drive to Lucknow (approx. 170 km, 5 hours drive).
2. Lucknow:
3. Upon arrival, proceed for a city tour of Lucknow, famous for its Mughal and Awadhi architecture.
4. Imambara: Visit the grand Asafi Imambara, also known as Bara Imambara, a significant monument with its intricate design and historical importance.
5. Rumi Darwaza: Admire the beautiful Rumi Darwaza, a massive gateway with Mughal architecture, known for its grandeur.
6. Chota Imambara: Explore this smaller yet beautiful imambara with intricate decorations and designs.
7. Other historical sites: Depending on time, visit other important landmarks like Hazratganj, Shah Najaf Imambara, and Clock Tower.
8. Evening: After your sightseeing, transfer to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow for your flight to New Delhi. From there, catch your flight for your onward journey back home.
9. End Point:
10. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
11. Timing: 06:00 - 23:00