Buddhist Enlightenment Circuit

After breakfast, transfer from Delhi to Varanasi by your scheduled flight or train and continue to your accommodation. The day is dedicated to holy darshans, participation in sacred rituals, a holy dip in the Ganga where applicable, and guided historical and spiritual monument tours in Varanasi, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the riverside ghats. The evening is kept for a spiritual discourse or the Ganga aarti and a stroll through the local bazaar. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Embark on the long journey as you travel from Varanasi to Gaya. This day offers a transition from the spiritual depths of Varanasi to the revered grounds of Gaya. Known for its significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism, Gaya is a city of profound religious importance. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to explore its sacred sites, including the iconic Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. As you settle in for the night, reflect on the spiritual journey that has brought you from the ghats of the Ganges to the hallowed grounds of Gaya. Night stay in Gaya. - Vishnupad Temple Vishnupad Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located in Gaya, on the bank of the river Phalgu, marked by a footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila, incised into a block of basalt. - Sita Kund It is located on the opposite side of the Vishnu pad temple, on the other banks of the Falgu River. It is believed to be the spot where Sita Devi performed the ritual of pinda-daan for king Dashratha, her father-in law and a small temple stands there now. This is also the spot where the goddess took a bath before going into exile for 14 years with her husband, Lord Rama, and brother-in-law, Lord Lakshmana. Tourists can also visit nearby shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Sita and Goddess Durga and pay obeisance to the deities. - Bodh Gaya It is situated west of the Phalgu River, in southwest Bihar. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is the location where Gautama Buddha (Prince Siddharth) attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. Main attractions include the Bodhi tree, also called Bo tree, under which the Buddha sat when he attained Enlightenment (Bodhi). Mahabodhi Temple, one of the holiest sites of Buddhism, marks the spot of the Buddha's Enlightenment. A shrine inside the temple holds a yellow sandstone statue of the Buddha encased in glass.

Breakfast at the hotel/ashram, then drive out of Bodhgaya through open Bihar farmland to Rajgir. On arrival, check in. The full day is dedicated to holy darshans, participation in sacred rituals, holy dips where applicable at the warm springs, and guided tours of the historical and spiritual monuments of Rajgir, including Griddhakuta Hill, Venuvana and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. The evening is kept free for a spiritual discourse or a stroll through the local bazaar. Overnight stay in Rajgir.

Breakfast at the hotel/ashram, followed by the short drive from Rajgir to Nalanda. Check in on arrival. The full day is given to holy darshans, sacred ritual participation, holy dips where applicable, and guided historical and spiritual monument tours in Nalanda, covering the excavated ruins of the ancient university, the Great Stupa of Sariputta, the archaeological museum and the Xuanzang Memorial Hall. Evening free for a spiritual discourse or a walk through the local bazaar. Overnight stay in Nalanda.

Breakfast at the hotel/ashram, then drive from Nalanda to Vaishali, crossing the Ganga plains. Check in on arrival. The full day is dedicated to holy darshans, sacred ritual participation, holy dips where applicable, and guided historical and spiritual monument tours in Vaishali, including the Ashokan Pillar at Kolhua, the Relic Stupa, Abhishek Pushkarni tank and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. The evening is free for a spiritual discourse or a stroll in the local bazaar. Overnight stay in Vaishali.

Breakfast at the hotel/ashram, then a long drive from Vaishali to Kushinagar via Muzaffarpur and Gorakhpur. Check in on arrival. The day is dedicated to holy darshans, sacred ritual participation, holy dips where applicable, and guided historical and spiritual monument tours in Kushinagar, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple with its reclining Buddha, Ramabhar Stupa and Matha Kuar Shrine. Evening free for a spiritual discourse or a walk through the local bazaar. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Breakfast at the hotel/ashram, then drive from Kushinagar across the Nepal border at Sonauli to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Check in on arrival. The day is dedicated to holy darshans, sacred ritual participation, holy dips where applicable, and guided historical and spiritual monument tours in Lumbini, including the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashokan Pillar, the sacred pond and the monastic zone. Evening free for a spiritual discourse or a local bazaar stroll. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

After morning prayers and breakfast, check out from the hotel in Lumbini. There is time to complete any final souvenir or religious artifact shopping near the sacred garden before you proceed on your return transfer to the airport or railway station for your journey home. The route runs through the flat Terai farmland and small market towns. Our representative assists with the departure formalities.