Discover Buddhism & Culture Across India & Nepal

Day 1: Arrive in Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or exploring nearby areas at your leisure while getting acquainted with India's vibrant financial capital. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the iconic Gateway of India before taking a ferry to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves (closed Mondays). Continue your city tour with Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Crawford Market, Dhobi Ghat, scenic Marine Drive, and Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Flight)

Fly to Aurangabad after breakfast. Upon arrival, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the "Mini Taj Mahal," followed by the ancient Aurangabad Caves, showcasing early Buddhist rock-cut architecture and sculptures. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 4: Ajanta Excursion

Drive: Approx. 210 km Round Trip | 5 hrs

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves (closed Mondays), renowned for their magnificent Buddhist murals, monasteries, and sculptures illustrating the Jataka Tales. Return to Aurangabad for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Aurangabad – Ellora – Delhi

After breakfast, visit the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves (closed Tuesdays), including the magnificent Kailasa Temple, Grishneshwar Temple, and Daulatabad Fort. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 6: Delhi Sightseeing

Discover the highlights of Old and New Delhi, including Jama Masjid, a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Lotus Temple (closed Mondays). Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 7: Delhi – Bodhgaya (Flight)

Fly to Gaya and continue to Bodhgaya, the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Visit the UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred Bodhi Tree, and several international Buddhist monasteries. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Day 8: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna

Drive: Approx. 180 km | 4–5 hrs

Drive to Patna, stopping at Rajgir, where Buddha spent several monsoon retreats, and the ancient Nalanda University ruins, one of the world's oldest centres of higher learning. Continue to Patna for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Patna – Vaishali – Kesariya – Kushinagar

Drive: Approx. 260 km | 6–7 hrs

Travel to Kushinagar, visiting Vaishali, where Buddha delivered his final sermon, and the impressive Kesariya Stupa, one of the world's tallest Buddhist stupas. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Day 10: Kushinagar – Lumbini

Drive: Approx. 160 km | 4 hrs

Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa before crossing the India–Nepal border at Sonauli to reach Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

Day 11: Lumbini Sightseeing

Explore the sacred Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, Sacred Pond, Peace Park, and numerous international monasteries representing Buddhist traditions from around the world. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

Day 12: Lumbini – Shravasti

Drive: Approx. 160 km | 4 hrs

Cross back into India and continue to Shravasti, one of Buddhism's most significant pilgrimage destinations. Visit Jetavana Monastery and the sacred Anandabodhi Tree before checking into your hotel. Overnight stay in Shravasti.

Day 13: Shravasti – Varanasi

Drive: Approx. 315 km | 7 hrs

Drive to the ancient city of Varanasi. In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of India's most memorable spiritual ceremonies. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 14: Varanasi & Sarnath

Begin with a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges, followed by visits to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the bustling old city. Later, explore Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, visiting the Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Pillar Site, and the Archaeological Museum. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 15: Varanasi – Khajuraho (Flight)

Fly to Khajuraho and visit the UNESCO-listed Western Group of Temples, renowned worldwide for their extraordinary architecture and intricate stone carvings. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 16: Khajuraho – Bhopal

Drive: Approx. 380 km | 8 hrs

Drive to Bhopal, visiting the Sagar Jain Temples, the UNESCO-listed Sanchi Stupa, and the ancient Udayagiri Caves en route. Continue to Bhopal for an overnight stay.

Day 17: Bhopal Sightseeing

Explore the UNESCO-listed Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, famous for prehistoric cave paintings, followed by the monumental Bhojpur Temple. Later, discover Bhopal's lakes and local markets before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Bhopal.

Day 18: Bhopal – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Bhopal Airport for your onward flight to Delhi, Mumbai, or your next destination, concluding your remarkable Buddhist and cultural journey.