pilgrimage tours

India is the cradle of Buddhism — the land where Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, attained enlightenment, delivered his first sermon, and entered Mahaparinirvana. Today, the sacred Buddhist circuit in India (and neighboring Lumbini in Nepal) attracts pilgrims from across the world, especially from Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Himalayan belt.

Each location on this path offers a profound spiritual experience, ancient stupas, serene monasteries, and centuries-old relics that bring the Buddha’s journey to life.

1. Lumbini (Nepal) – Birthplace of Prince Siddhartha.
    
2. Bodh Gaya (Bihar) – Site of Buddha’s Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
    
3. Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) – Where Buddha gave his first sermon.
    
4. Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh) – Where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.
    
5. Rajgir (Bihar) – Buddha spent many years meditating and teaching.
    
6. Nalanda (Bihar) – Ancient Buddhist university and center of learning.
    
7. Vaishali (Bihar) – Important site for early Buddhist councils.
    
8. Sravasti (Uttar Pradesh) – Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons teaching here.
    
9. Kapilavastu (India-Nepal border) – Buddha’s childhood home as Prince Siddhartha.
    
10. Kesaria Stupa (Bihar) – One of the tallest and largest stupas in the world.
     
11. Sankisa (Uttar Pradesh) – Believed to be where Buddha descended from Tushita heaven.
     
12. Amaravati & Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh) – Ancient Buddhist art and stupas.
     
13. Ajanta & Ellora Caves (Maharashtra) – Majestic cave temples with exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures.

Theme: Life of Gautama Buddha – Birth, Enlightenment, First Sermon, Parinirvana & Buddhist Legacy
Ideal For: Spiritual seekers, Buddhist pilgrims, culture/history lovers
Best Season: October to March

• Visit: Maya Devi Temple, Sacred Garden, Ashoka Pillar, and World Monastery Zone.
   
• Walk through serene gardens and monasteries built by Buddhist nations.
   
• Overnight in Lumbini.
   

• Visit: Tilaurakot ruins – believed to be Siddhartha's palace.
   
• Cross the Indo-Nepal border; proceed to Sravasti (India).
   
• Overnight in Sravasti.
   

• Visit: Jetavana Monastery, Anathapindika's Stupa, Gandhakuti, and Angulimala's Cave.
   
• Enjoy a quiet walk through monastic ruins.
   
• Overnight in Sravasti.
   

• Drive to Sankisa, where Buddha is believed to have descended from Tushita Heaven.
   
• Visit: Ashokan Pillar, temple, and local monastery.
   
• Overnight in Sankisa or en route to Lucknow.
   

• Drive to Kushinagar.
   
• Visit: Mahaparinirvana Temple, Rambhar Stupa (cremation site), and Mathakuar Shrine.
   
• Participate in evening chanting or meditation.
   
• Overnight in Kushinagar.
   

• Travel to Vaishali via Kesaria Stupa (tallest Buddhist stupa).
   
• Visit: Relic Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and Ananda Stupa.
   
• Overnight in Vaishali or Patna.
   

• Drive to Rajgir.
   
• Visit: Gridhakuta Hill (Vulture Peak) by ropeway, Venuvana Monastery, and Japanese Peace Pagoda.
   
• Overnight in Rajgir.
   

• Visit: Nalanda University ruins, Xuanzang Memorial Hall, and the archaeological museum.
   
• Continue journey to Bodh Gaya in the evening.
   
• Overnight in Bodh Gaya.
   

• Visit: Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodhi Tree, Muchalinda Lake, Animesh Lochana Chaitya.
   
• Explore international monasteries (Thai, Japanese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, etc.).
   
• Overnight in Bodh Gaya.
   

• Spend the day meditating or attending teachings.
   
• Optional excursions: Dungeshwari Caves (where Buddha practiced austerities).
   
• Overnight in Bodh Gaya.
   

• Depart Bodh Gaya for Varanasi.
   
• Evening: Witness Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
   
• Overnight in Varanasi.
   

• Morning visit to Sarnath: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and Sarnath Museum.
   
• Interact with local monks; attend a brief Dharma talk.
   
• Overnight in Varanasi.
   

• Flight or train to Aurangabad.
   
• Rest or explore local culture in the evening.
   
• Overnight in Aurangabad.
   

• Full-day trip to Ajanta Caves: 2nd-century BCE to 6th-century CE Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures.
   
• Explore Buddhist themes: Jataka tales, Bodhisattvas, and monastic life.
   
• Overnight in Aurangabad.
   

• Morning visit to Ellora Caves: Explore Buddhist Caves (1–12) and Kailash Temple.
   
• Conclude your journey with peaceful reflection.
   
• Depart via Aurangabad Airport or continue to Mumbai.
   

1. Lumbini (Nepal) – Birth
    
2. Kapilavastu – Early life
    
3. Sravasti – Rainy retreats, teachings
    
4. Sankisa – Descent from Heaven
    
5. Kushinagar – Death/Mahaparinirvana
    
6. Vaishali – Relics, Buddhist council
    
7. Rajgir – Teachings, Vulture Peak
    
8. Nalanda – University
    
9. Bodh Gaya – Enlightenment
    
10. Sarnath – First sermon
     
11. Ajanta & Ellora – Art, culture, legacy
     

Embark on a spiritually enriching 15-day journey through the most sacred Buddhist sites across India and Nepal, tracing the footsteps of Lord Buddha — from his birth in Lumbini to enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, his teachings in Sarnath and Rajgir, and Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar.

To ensure a smooth, insightful, and meaningful experience, this tour is led by expert Buddhist guides and professional tour coordinators who:

• Are well-versed in Buddhist philosophy and history
   
• Offer deep contextual storytelling at every site
   
• Ensure smooth logistics, including permits, meals, accommodations, and local interactions
   
• Assist with meditation sessions and monastery etiquette
   
• Provide language support for international travelers
   

Our team is committed to creating a respectful, authentic, and deeply personal pilgrimage experience.

Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.