Buddhist Circuit · Varanasi to Delhi
7 Nights / 8 Days across India & Nepal, following the footsteps of the Buddha with curated hotels,
smooth transfers and thoughtful pacing for modern pilgrims.
Duration
7 Nights / 8 Days
Route
Varanasi · Bodhgaya · Rajgir · Nalanda · Kushinagar · Lumbini · Shravasti · Agra · Delhi
Travel Style
Private · Comfortable · Spiritual
Quick Snapshot
- Countries: India & Nepal
- Ideal for: Pilgrim groups, cultural travellers
- Best Season: Oct – Mar
- Customisable: Hotels · Meals · Pace
Tell us your dates and group size and we’ll send a personalised quote within 24 hours.
Arrive in Varanasi and transfer to your hotel. Later, visit Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, exploring the Dhamekh Stupa and monastic ruins.
As the sun sets, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats – lamps, chanting and river rituals that set the spiritual tone of your journey.
- Sightseeing: Sarnath, Dhamekh Stupa, Varanasi ghats
- Highlight: Evening Ganga Aarti
Activities
- Visit Sarnath and walk around the Dhamekh Stupa and monastic ruins
- Explore the Sarnath Archaeological Museum
- Evening walk along the Varanasi ghats
- Attend the Ganga Aarti lamp ceremony on the riverfront
- Short stop at a riverside temple
- Tea and light vegetarian street food tasting
- Free time for personal photos and quiet reflection
- Drive-by or brief stop at a local bazaar
City Highlights
Sarnath Stupa Walk
Gentle walk around the main stupa and ruins.
Ganga Aarti Ritual
Experience the evening lamp ceremony on the ghats.
Museum Visit
Optional visit to the archaeological museum.
Riverfront Stroll
Short walk along selected ghats for photos.
Local Snacks Stop
Tea and light vegetarian street food tasting.
Photography Time
Free time for personal photos and quiet reflection.
Temple Darshan
Short visit to a selected riverside temple.
Market Glimpse
Drive-by or brief stop at a local bazaar.
Evening Wind-down
Return to hotel for rest and dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel Eco Xpress Satva (3 Hotel)
Meal Plan
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time
Arrival Day
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)
Drive from Varanasi to Bodhgaya. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Spend time near the Bodhi Tree, in a calm atmosphere shared with monks and pilgrims from across the world.
- Road Trip: Varanasi to Bodhgaya
- Sightseeing: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree
Activities
- Drive from Varanasi to Bodhgaya (approx. 5 hours)
- Guided visit to the Mahabodhi Temple complex
- Quiet sitting and reflection under the Bodhi Tree
- Optional visits to international monasteries in the area
- Evening chanting session in the temple precinct
- Simple shopping for prayer items and books
- Free time for photos around key viewpoints
- Short drive through nearby villages (time-permitting)
City Highlights
Mahabodhi Complex
Time for prayers, photos and quiet sitting.
Bodhi Tree Meditation
Short guided silence under the sacred tree.
Monastery Visits
Optional visits to international monasteries.
Local Market Stop
Simple shopping for prayer items and books.
Evening Chanting
Hear monks chanting in the temple precinct.
Village Glimpse
Short drive through nearby villages (time-permitting).
Tea Break
Simple tea and snack stop near the complex.
Photo Moments
Free time for photos around key viewpoints.
Hotel Relaxation
Evening at leisure at the hotel.
Accommodation
Hotel Mahabodhi Resort (3 Hotel)
Meal Plan
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time
5 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)
Stop at Sujata Village, where Sujata’s offering helped Siddhartha regain strength. Continue to Rajgir, an ancient capital city linked to the Buddha’s teaching years.
Visit Vulture’s Peak, a favourite retreat of the Buddha with beautiful valley views.
- Sightseeing: Sujata Village, Vulture’s Peak
Activities
- Brief stop at Sujata Village and the Sujata statue and shrine
- Walk or take the cable car up to Vulture’s Peak
- Quiet time for chanting or reflection at the hilltop
- Short photo stop overlooking the valley
- Optional visit to Rajgir hot springs area
- Simple restaurant lunch recommended for the group
- Orientation drive around old Rajgir streets
- Evening at leisure at your Rajgir hotel
City Highlights
Sujata Story Stop
Brief stop at Sujata statue and shrine.
Vulture’s Peak Climb
Walk or cable ride up to the hill viewpoint.
Chanting on the Hill
Quiet time for chants or reflection at the top.
Valley View Photos
Short photo stop overlooking the valley.
Village Scenes
Drive through nearby countryside landscapes.
Local Lunch Stop
Simple restaurant recommended for the group.
Hot Springs Option
Optional visit to Rajgir hot springs area.
City Drive-Through
Orientation drive around old Rajgir streets.
Hotel Check-in
Evening at leisure at your Rajgir hotel.
Accommodation
Hotel Kripanidhi Retreat (3 Hotel)
Meal Plan
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time
2 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)
Explore the Nalanda University ruins, once one of the world’s greatest centres of Buddhist learning.
Later, drive to Kushinagar, the quiet town where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.
- Sightseeing: Nalanda University ruins
- Road Trip: Nalanda to Kushinagar
Activities
- Guided walk through Nalanda monastery and classroom ruins
- Guide shares stories about Nalanda as a global centre of study
- Optional stop at the Nalanda Museum
- Scenic drive through the Bihar countryside
- Simple chai break en route to Kushinagar
- Short halts for landscape and village photos
- Short orientation drive around Kushinagar on arrival
- Evening at leisure at the hotel
City Highlights
Nalanda Campus Walk
Guided walk through monastery and classroom ruins.
Site Interpretation
Stories about Nalanda as a global study hub.
Museum Option
Optional stop at the Nalanda museum.
Country Drive
Scenic drive through Bihar countryside.
Roadside Tea
Simple chai break en route to Kushinagar.
Photo Stops
Short halts for landscape and village shots.
Arrival Orientation
Short orientation drive around Kushinagar.
Evening Walk
Optional short walk near the hotel.
Dinner & Rest
Relax and prepare for the next day’s visits.
Accommodation
Hotel Imperial (3 Hotel)
Meal Plan
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time
6 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)
Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple, with its reclining Buddha statue marking his final passing.
Walk around Ramabhar Stupa, believed to be the cremation place, in a peaceful garden setting.
- Sightseeing: Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa
Activities
- Guided visit inside the Mahaparinirvana Temple
- Slow loop walk around the Ramabhar Stupa gardens
- Visit nearby monasteries and meditation halls
- Guided or personal silent time in the temple grounds
- Optional sunset viewpoint visit, weather permitting
- Tea and snacks at a simple local cafe
- Optional small souvenir stalls near the temple
- Free time back at the hotel in the evening
City Highlights
Temple Visit
Time inside Mahaparinirvana Temple.
Ramabhar Walk
Slow loop around Ramabhar Stupa gardens.
Monastic Zone
Visit nearby monasteries and meditation halls.
Quiet Reflection
Guided or personal silent time in the grounds.
Village Edge Drive
Short drive near village outskirts.
Sunset View
Optional sunset viewpoint, weather permitting.
Local Cafe Stop
Tea and snacks at a simple local cafe.
Souvenir Shopping
Optional small souvenir stalls near temple.
Evening Rest
Free time back at the hotel.
Accommodation
Hotel Imperial (3 Hotel)
Meal Plan
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time
Local Sightseeing
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)
Cross into Nepal and continue to Lumbini. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, which marks the exact birthplace of the Buddha.
Walk the sacred garden and monastic zone, a calm area with ponds and prayer flags.
- Road Trip: Kushinagar to Lumbini
- Sightseeing: Maya Devi Temple & sacred garden
Activities
- Cross Nepal border and transfer to Lumbini
- Guided visit to the Maya Devi Temple and the exact birthplace marker
- Stroll through the sacred garden with ponds, lawns and prayer flags
- Drive past international monasteries in the monastic zone
- Quiet sitting time near the holy pond
- Optional rickshaw ride within the garden zone
- Simple flower or lamp offerings at the temple (optional)
- Photos at key flag and monastery viewpoints
City Highlights
Maya Devi Temple
Guided visit to the exact birthplace marker.
Sacred Garden Walk
Stroll through ponds, lawns and prayer flags.
Monastic Zone Drive
Drive past international monasteries.
Reflection Time
Time to sit quietly near the holy pond.
Short Rickshaw Ride
Optional rickshaw ride within the zone.
Photo Corners
Photos at key flag and monastery viewpoints.
Temple Offerings
Simple flower or lamp offerings (optional).
Village Edge Drive
Look at borderside landscapes and homes.
Hotel Evening
Relax at the hotel after sightseeing.
Accommodation
Hotel Mourya (3 Hotel)
Meal Plan
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time
2 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)
Stop at Kapilavastu, the Shakya capital where Siddhartha spent his early years, and explore the ruins.
Continue to Shravasti and visit Jetavana Monastery, one of the most revered monastic sites.
- Sightseeing: Kapilavastu ruins, Jetavana Monastery
Activities
- Walk around the remains of the ancient Kapilavastu royal city
- Visit Jetavana Monastery and park where Buddha spent many rains retreats
- Explore ancient stupas and meditation platforms in Shravasti
- Guide shares Jataka tales and Jetavana stories
- Seated meditation time in the Jetavana park
- Short drive through nearby villages
- Optional stop at a local market for simple shopping
- Tea and snack refreshment break in Shravasti
City Highlights
Kapilavastu Ruins
Walk around the remains of the royal city.
Jetavana Monastery
Visit the park where Buddha spent many rains.
Ancient Stupas
Explore stupas and meditation platforms.
Storytelling Session
Guide shares Jataka and Jetavana stories.
Quiet Sitting
Time for seated meditation in Jetavana park.
Village Glimpse
Short drive through nearby villages.
Local Market
Optional stop for simple shopping.
Tea & Snacks
Refreshment break in Shravasti.
Evening at Hotel
Time to rest and prepare for departure day.
Accommodation
Hotel Tulip Inn (3 Hotel)
Meal Plan
Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time
4 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)
Drive towards Agra and, if schedule permits, visit the Taj Mahal.
Continue to Delhi for a brief city shopping orientation before your onward flight.
- Sightseeing (time permitting): Taj Mahal, Delhi highlights
- Suggested: Extra night at Hotel Regent Grand Delhi
Activities
- Drive from Shravasti towards Agra (approx. 7 hours)
- Guided visit to the Taj Mahal, time-permitting
- Classic photo stop from the main Taj Mahal viewpoints
- Short orientation drive around Agra city
- Continue to Delhi and quick look at key landmarks if time permits
- Optional stop at a curated shopping area in Delhi
- Suggested dinner in Delhi before your onward flight
- Private transfer to the airport for departure
City Highlights
Taj Mahal Visit
Guided visit to the Taj, time-permitting.
Photo Time
Classic shots from the main Taj viewpoints.
Agra Drive-Through
Short orientation drive around Agra city.
Delhi Highlights
Quick look at key Delhi landmarks if time.
Shopping Stop
Optional stop at a curated shopping area.
Dinner in Delhi
Suggested dinner before your onward flight.
Extra Night Option
Optional stay in Delhi for rest and shopping.
Airport Transfer
Private transfer to the airport.
End of Tour
Depart with blessings from the Buddhist circuit.
Accommodation
Hotel Regent Grand Delhi (Optional)
Meal Plan
Breakfast
Travel Time
7 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodation in listed or similar hotels
- Private AC vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
- English-speaking guide escort as per program
- Daily breakfast & other meals as per final quote
- All applicable local taxes & service charges
Not Included
- International & domestic flights & visas
- Travel insurance, tips & personal expenses
- Entrance fees not specified as included
- Optional activities & additional meals
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