Embark on an enriching 14-day journey uniting the majestic monuments of the Golden Triangle with the most revered pilgrimage sites of Buddhism across India and Nepal. Experience royal Rajput forts in Jaipur, the ancient stepwell of Abhaneri, and the eternal beauty of Agra's Taj Mahal before setting out on the sacred path of the Buddha.
From holy Varanasi and the First Sermon site at Sarnath to the Enlightenment shrine of Bodhgaya, the ancient seats of learning in Rajgir and Nalanda, and the Mahaparinirvana sanctum in Kushinagar, this pilgrimage carries you onward to Buddha's birthplace in Lumbini (Nepal) and the sacred sermon groves of Sravasti before concluding via Lucknow and Delhi.
Upon arrival at Delhi airport, meet your assistance and transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.
After breakfast, start sightseeing tour of Delhi.
Morning visit Old Delhi: a 17th-century walled city with splendid gates, narrow alleys, and enormous bazaars; visit Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat.
Afternoon tour of New Delhi with wide tree-lined avenues, parks, and imposing government buildings; visit Humayun's Tomb and Qutab Minar.
Later, return to your hotel via drive-past of India Gate and President House.
Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival, check in into the hotel.
Afternoon free for leisure or visit the colorful local markets.
Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.
After breakfast, visit Amber Fort (12 km from Jaipur, built in 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II) with elephant ride up to the Fort.
Afternoon city tour visiting The City Palace museum with rare manuscripts, Rajput/Mughal paintings, and armory.
Drive-past Hawa Mahal and tour Jantar Mantar observatory built in 1726.
Drive past Albert Hall, Ram Niwas, and Birla Temple complex.
Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.
After breakfast, drive to Agra via Abhaneri en route to visit the famous Chand Baori stepwell.
On arrival in Agra, check in at hotel.
Evening visit of Agra Fort, built by Akbar in 1565 standing like a crescent along the Yamuna River.
Later in the evening, visit local markets in the city.
Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.
Early morning sunrise visit to the world-renowned Taj Mahal.
Return to hotel for breakfast and check out.
Drive to Delhi Airport to board flight to Varanasi.
Arrival in Varanasi and transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges to see sunrise and bathing ghats.
Visit Bharat Mata Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and Kashi Vishwanath Temple; return to hotel for breakfast.
Later visit Sarnath (about 10 km from Varanasi), the blessed locale where more than 2,500 years ago Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon.
Overnight stay in Varanasi.
After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya (247 km / 6 hrs).
Arrive Bodhgaya and transfer to hotel.
In the evening, attend the prayer ceremony at the Mahabodhi Temple.
Overnight stay at hotel in Bodhgaya.
After breakfast, spend the entire day exploring various Buddhist temples.
Visit the Great Buddha Statue, Niranjana River, Sujata Temple, etc.
Overnight stay at hotel in Bodhgaya.
After breakfast, head to Patna visiting Rajgir & Nalanda en route.
Visit Rajgir: Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta), World Peace Stupa, and Bamboo's Garden (Venuvana).
Continue to Nalanda (18 km) to visit the ruins of the world's oldest university and International Centre for Buddhist Studies.
Drive to Patna (76 km / 2 hrs); on arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel in Patna.
Early this morning, drive to Kushinagar (approx. 253 km / 7 hrs) with packed lunch, visiting Vaishali en route.
On arrival check-in at hotel.
Afternoon visit Mahaparinirvana Temple (where Buddha took his last breath), Rambhar Stupa (cremation site of Lord Buddha), and Japan Temple.
Overnight stay at hotel in Kushinagar.
After breakfast, drive to Lumbini in Nepal, stopping at India/Nepal border for visa and immigration formalities.
Check-in at Hotel.
Visit Lumbini sacred garden and Mayadevi Temple, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Overnight stay at hotel in Lumbini.
Morning after breakfast, drive to Kapilvastu (10 km) and continue to Sravasti (150 km).
On arrival, check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit Sahet Mahet (capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kosala), Jetavana Gardens, and Buddhist temples.
Overnight stay in Sravasti.
After breakfast, drive to Lucknow airport to board your flight to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and transfer to international airport to connect flight for onward destination.
Tour concludes with sacred enlightenment blessings and cherished memories.
