Sacred Buddhist Sites of India
New
Begin in Patna or Gaya and finish in Varanasi on a nine day journey through the Buddhist circuit. You’ll explore Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree, ride past Rajgir’s hills to the Peace Pagoda, and wander Nalanda’s ancient university. Cross into Nepal for Lumbini – birthplace of the Buddha – and Kapilavastu’s evocative ruins. Continue to Kushinagar’s Mahaparinirvana Temple and the quiet monasteries of Shravasti. In Varanasi, drift along the Ganges at dawn and join the spellbinding Ganga Aarti, then visit Sarnath where the first sermon was given. Expect insightful guiding, atmospheric rituals and a steady pace between sacred cities.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
PatnaEnds
VaranasiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
R 39 765,00
R 9 999,00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Patna
Bodhgaya
Gaya
Bodh Gaya
Rajgir
Nalanda
Vaishali
Kesariya
Kushinagar
Gorakhpur Division
Lumbini
Kapilvastu
Shravasti
Devipatan Division
Varanasi
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Patna - Bodhgaya - Gaya - Bodh Gaya
Arrive at Patna or Gaya airport, where we meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Bodh Gaya – the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site – is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, the present tree being a descendant of the original. Key sites include the Vajrasana, or diamond seat, believed to have been erected by Ashoka, and the Mahabodhi Temple with its 52 metre spire. The Mahabodhi Temple Compound – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – also contains shrines marking the seven weeks after the Buddha’s enlightenment and draws pilgrims from around the world. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna - Bodh Gaya
After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Mahabodhi Temple.In the afternoon we drive to Patna – 180 km, around 4 hours – stopping at Rajgir to see the 400 m high Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Rajgir was the largest city in Majjhimadesa during the Buddha’s time and is associated with Vulture’s Peak and the Sattapanni Cave, where the First Council was held. We continue to Nalanda, a renowned centre of learning established in the 5th century. Its celebrated Buddhist monastic university thrived until the late 12th century – today the area also includes Nava Nalanda University and a memorial to the 7th‑century Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang.After sightseeing we continue to Patna and check in at the hotel – overnight in Patna.
Day 3 - Bodhgaya - Vaishali - Kesariya - Kushinagar
After breakfast, we drive from Bodhgaya to Kushinagar – about 260 km, taking approximately 6–7 hours by road – with visits en route to Vaishali and Kesariya. In Vaishali, a city of major importance in Buddhist history, we visit sites linked to the Buddha’s admission of women into the monastic order at Kutagarasala Vihara and to the delivery of the Ratana Sutta during a period of drought, famine and plague. The stupa here began as a mud structure and took its present form through the Maurya, Sunga and Kushana periods, dated roughly between 200 AD and 750 AD and possibly associated with the 4th–century ruler Raja Chakravarti. We continue to Kesariya to see the stupa, 104 feet high and noted by the Chinese pilgrim Huien Tsang as deserted and overgrown, rediscovered in 1958 during excavation. On arrival in Kushinagar, we check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free – you can relax or visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Kushinagar - Lumbini
Kushinagar to Lumbini – 160 km – around 4 hours. After breakfast we visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, home to a superb 1,500‑year‑old red sandstone statue of the reclining Buddha, and the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, raised over the spot where the Buddha is said to have passed away beneath twin sal trees at the age of 80. His final words are remembered here – All compounded things are subject to decay; strive with diligence – and the site remains a place of quiet homage. In the afternoon we drive to Lumbini and check in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 - Lumbini - Kapilvastu
Breakfast at the hotel, then a full day to explore Lumbini – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gautama. We visit the Maya Devi Temple, where a stone slab marks the spot of his birth and a sculpture shows Queen Maya Devi holding a sala tree branch as the newborn stands on a lotus pedestal. We see the Ashoka Pillar – the oldest monument here – and the spring‑fed Puskarni pond just to the south. We continue through the Sacred Garden, home to around 40 monasteries built by Buddhist communities from across Asia, and follow the canal and tree lined avenue to the World Peace Pagoda (Vishwa Shanti Stupa), built by the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order. We also visit Kapilavastu, the ancient capital of the Sakya clan where Prince Siddhartha spent his first 29 years – today preserved as evocative ruins and relics. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 - Shravasti - Devipatan Division
Lumbini – Shravasti (160 km – 3 hours approx). After breakfast, we drive to Shravasti and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, we explore the key Buddhist sites: Jetavana Vihara – where the Buddha spent 25 rains retreats and delivered many discourses, including the Karaniya Metta Sutta – and the ruins at Saheth and Maheth, believed to be the ancient city and monastic area. Within the old city walls we see the remains of Angulimala’s stupa, Anathapindika’s stupa and a Jain temple, and outside the city we visit the stupa marking the site of the Twin Miracle. At Jetavana, the Gandhakuti (Buddha’s hut) and the Anandabodhi tree are the main focus for meditation and chanting. Shravasti today also hosts monasteries built by Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tibet and China. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 - Shravasti - Varanasi
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive from Shravasti to Varanasi – about 315 km, taking roughly six hours – and check in on arrival. In the evening, we set out on a walking tour of the ghats, visiting temples and the mosque along the river steps. We then attend the Holy Ganga Aarti at Dasashwamedh Ghat at sunset – by boat, we pause by the steps for the best view. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 - Varanasi - Sarnath
Varanasi – After breakfast at the hotel, we spend the day exploring Sarnath and the city. We drive to Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first discourse – the Dhammacakka Pavattana Sutta – setting out the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, and where he appointed his first disciples to spread the teaching. We visit the Dhamek Stupa, originally built by Ashoka, and the Ashoka Pillar, whose inscription stresses unity within the sangha. The ruins of stupas and monasteries here reflect a monastic tradition that flourished for more than 1,500 years, and among the newer temples we see the Mulaghandhakuti Vihara, built in 1922 by Anagarika Dharmapala – each evening hundreds of pilgrims gather there to chant the first discourse.We then return to Varanasi for a city tour, visiting the renowned Banaras Hindu University, the Ramnagar Fort Palace and a number of temples. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 - Varanasi
Early morning, we take a boat ride on the River Ganges and visit the ghats – witnessing devotees bathing and offering prayers. We return to the hotel for breakfast, then, as per your flight schedule, we transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in India to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?