Day 1: New Delhi – Varanasi (By Flight)

1. Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a brief rest, embark on a half-day temple tour of the city, where you'll experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi:
2. Bharat Mata (Mother India) Mandir – Dedicated to Mother India, this unique temple features a relief map of the country.
3. Durga Temple – Also known as the Monkey Temple, devoted to Goddess Durga.
4. Tulsi Manas Temple – A revered temple where the Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas was written.
5. Sankat Mochan Temple – Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, protector from all troubles.
6. New Vishwanath Temple – Located within the Banaras Hindu University, this temple is a modern tribute to Lord Shiva.
7. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat. This sacred ritual on the banks of the Ganges will be an unforgettable spiritual experience. Afterward, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Varanasi.
8. Start Point
9. Arrival Gate, Varanasi Airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
10. Timings: 06:00 - 23:00

Day 2: Varanasi – Sarnath Excursion

1. After a refreshing breakfast, set out for a half-day city tour of Sarnath, located about 10 km from Varanasi. This sacred site holds immense significance in Buddhism, as it is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon in the Deer Park.
2. Key highlights of Sarnath include:
3. Dharmarajika Stupa – A notable relic where Buddha’s teachings began.
4. Chaukhandi Stupa – Commemorating the site where Buddha met his first disciples.
5. Dhamek Stupa – One of the most revered Buddhist stupas, marking the location of the first sermon.
6. Ashoka’s Lion Capital – The beautifully polished sandstone pillar, a symbol of India’s national emblem, commemorates Emperor Ashoka’s support for Buddhism.
7. Ancient Monastery Ruins – Remains of an ancient monastery where monks lived and studied.
8. After exploring these revered sites, return to your hotel in Varanasi for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Varanasi – Bodhgaya

1. Begin your morning with a drive to Bodhgaya, approximately 247 km away (a 6-7 hour journey). Bodhgaya is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites, as it is here under the Bodhi Tree that Gautama Buddha achieved Enlightenment, attaining the ultimate spiritual knowledge.
2. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to unwind or explore the area. In the evening, you can choose to visit the Mahabodhi Temple to attend the evening prayer, absorbing the tranquil and sacred ambiance of this holy site.
3. Afterward, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Day 4: Bodhgaya – Rajgir

1. After breakfast, embark on a scenic 70 km (approximately 2-hour) journey to Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha kingdom and a significant pilgrimage site for both Jains and Hindus.
2. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare for a fascinating day of exploration. Visit the Vishwashanti Stupa, a magnificent peace pagoda built by Japanese Buddhists, located atop Ratnagiri Hill. You can access this site by a chairlift to experience breathtaking views and to see the four Buddha statues depicting the key stages of his life—birth, enlightenment, teaching, and death.
3. From the hilltop, you’ll also catch views of Jain shrines dotted across 26 hills, an impressive sight in this spiritual landscape. Continue to Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), another important site on Ratnagiri Hill where Buddha delivered sermons to his followers.
4. After a day filled with spiritual insights, return to the hotel in Rajgir for a restful overnight stay.

Day 5: Rajgir – Patna

1. After breakfast, depart from Rajgir and travel 80 km by road to Patna, the capital city of Bihar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
2. Patna serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby Buddhist sites such as Vaishali and Kesariya. After lunch, embark on a local sightseeing tour of Patna, featuring several culturally rich and historical sites:
3. Golghar – An iconic, dome-shaped structure built as a granary in the late 18th century.
4. Gandhi Museum – A museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, showcasing various artifacts and memorabilia.
5. Patna Museum – Houses a rich collection of artifacts from ancient and medieval India.
6. Har Mandir Takht – A revered Sikh shrine, also known as Takht Sri Patna Sahib, marking the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
7. Qila House (Jalan Museum) – A private museum displaying rare artifacts, including Napoleon's bed and Marie Antoinette's porcelain collection.
8. Ruins of Pataliputra – The ancient city of Pataliputra, once the grand capital of the Mauryan Empire, with impressive ruins reflecting its historic glory.
9. After a day of exploring Patna’s history and heritage, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar

1. In the morning, depart from Patna and head toward Kushinagar, covering approximately 256 km (around a 7-hour drive). En route, stop at Vaishali, a significant Buddhist site where Buddha announced his approaching Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana).
2. After visiting Vaishali, continue the journey to Kushinagar, a sacred place where Lord Buddha left the physical world and achieved Mahaparinirvana, imparting a profound legacy to humanity through Buddhism.
3. Upon arrival in Kushinagar, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit two major sites:
4. Mahaparinirvana Temple – The revered site where Buddha took his last breath, housing a 6-meter-long statue of the reclining Buddha.
5. Rambhar Stupa – The cremation site of Lord Buddha, marked by a significant stupa representing his final rites.
6. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Day 7: Kushinagar – Lumbini

1. After breakfast, depart from Kushinagar and head toward Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, covering approximately 180 km (around a 5-hour drive). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
2. In the afternoon, visit the Mayadevi Temple, a revered site marking Buddha’s birthplace. The tranquil surroundings and natural beauty of Lumbini align harmoniously with the spiritual significance of this site.
3. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.
4. Maha Parinirvana Day: Parinirvana Day, or Nirvana Day, is a Mahayana Buddhist holiday commemorating the Buddha's attainment of Parinirvana (complete Nirvana) upon the death of his physical body. In East Asia, it is typically celebrated on February 8th or February 15th, particularly in Kushinagar, the place of Buddha's death, to honor this pivotal moment in Buddhist tradition.

Day 8: Lumbini – Kapilavastu

1. In the morning, depart from Lumbini and travel to Kapilavastu, the childhood home of Gautam Buddha. Upon arrival, explore the historical ruins of the palaces where Buddha spent his early years and gain insight into the royal life he left behind in search of enlightenment.
2. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kapilavastu.

Day 9: Kapilavastu – Sravasti

1. After breakfast, proceed to Sravasti, where Buddha is said to have preached the majority of his sermons and performed many miracles, including levitation. During the monsoon, Buddha resided at the Jetavana Monastery on the outskirts of the town.
2. On arrival, visit the following important sites:
3. Anand Bodhi Tree: A sacred tree where Buddha meditated.
4. Ruins of Jetavana Monastery: The historical monastery where Buddha spent a significant amount of time.
5. Age-old Stupas: Ancient stupas that mark the presence of Buddha's teachings.
6. Sahet Mahet: A site with archaeological significance, containing ancient ruins.
7. Angulimal Caves: The famous caves linked to the legend of Angulimal, a former bandit who was transformed by Buddha's teachings.
8. After a day of exploring, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Sravasti.

Day 10: Sravasti – Lucknow – (By Flight) Delhi

1. Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Sravasti.
2. Drive: After breakfast, embark on a drive to Lucknow (approximately 190 kms, around 5.5 hours).
3. Upon arrival in Lucknow, head to the Lucknow Airport to board a flight for New Delhi.
4. Arrival in Delhi: After landing in Delhi, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel.
5. Hotel Check-in: Our representative will assist you with the check-in process at the hotel.
6. Evening at Leisure: Relax and unwind for the evening. You can explore the local area or simply enjoy the amenities of the hotel.
7. Overnight: Stay at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 11: Delhi Sightseeing

1. Morning: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
2. City Tour: Enjoy a guided city tour of Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks.
3. Jama Masjid: Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
4. Chandni Chowk: Explore Chandni Chowk, the oldest and largest street market of Old Delhi.
5. Fatehpuri Masjid: Walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid, an important historical mosque in the area.
6. Rickshaw Ride: Experience a traditional rickshaw ride around the streets of Old Delhi and the majestic Red Fort.
7. Rajghat: Visit Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
8. Humayun Tomb: Explore Humayun Tomb, India’s first garden-style tomb, which inspired Persian architecture.
9. Rashtrapati Bhawan: Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India.
10. India Gate: Stop at India Gate, a war memorial dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.
11. Qutub Minar: Visit the Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
12. Evening: Return to your hotel to relax and unwind.
13. Overnight: Stay at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 12: Departure from Delhi

1. Morning: Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel.
2. Transfer to Airport: After breakfast, proceed with your activities and get assistance for transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
3. Departure: Board your flight back home.

End of the Tour: This concludes your Buddhist Circuit Excursion Tour with wonderful memories. We hope you have enjoyed this spiritual journey through India's rich Buddhist heritage. Safe travels!