Buddhist Circuit Tour: Bodhgaya to Varanasi (6 Days Detailed Tour Plan)

Main Attractions:

• Mahabodhi Temple: Where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Bodhi Tree: A branch of the same tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

• Other Indigenous Monasteries: Explore Thai, Japanese, Tibetan, Burmese, Bhutanese, and Sri Lankan monasteries—each with its own architectural style.

• Maha Buddha Statue: The towering 80-foot-tall Buddha statue is a great photo spot.

Evening: Wander through the Bodh Gaya market, shop for local handicrafts, and participate in a quiet meditation session.

Overnight: Bodh Gaya

Morning:

• Bodhgaya to Nalanda (approximately 90 km, 2.5 hours).

o Ruins of Nalanda University: An ancient center of learning, where thousands of students studied.

o Nalanda Museum: See Buddhist sculptures, inscriptions, and Buddhist texts.

Afternoon:

• Rajgir (15 km from Nalanda):

o Gridhakūta Mountain: Where the Buddha delivered many sermons.

o Shanti Stupa: Built by Japanese devotees; take the cable car to the top.

o See also monastery ruins and hot springs.

Evening:

• Departure for Vaishali (approximately 120 km, 3 hours).

o Where the Buddha delivered his last sermon and founded the order of nuns. Overnight: Vaishali

Morning:

• Major sites in Vaishali:

o Ashoka Pillar, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Buddha Stupa I and II.

o Amrapali Garden (where Buddha rested).

Afternoon:

• Departure for Kushinagar (approximately 280 km, 6-7 hours).

Evening:

• Rest upon arrival in Kushinagar.

Overnight: Kushinagar

Morning:

• Mahaparinirvana Temple: Where Lord Buddha breathed his last.

• Rambhar Stupa: The site of Buddha's cremation.

• Japanese and Chinese temples: Distinctive architecture and a serene atmosphere.

Afternoon:

• Cross the Nepal border and depart for Lumbini (approximately 160 km, 4-5 hours).

o Bring your passport and permit for border formalities.

Evening:

• Arrive in Lumbini and visit the Mayadevi Temple—the site where Buddha was born. Overnight: Lumbini

Morning:

• Tour the Buddhist monastery area of ​​Lumbini:

o Thai, German, Myanmar, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean monasteries.

o Ashoka Pillar and Lumbini Gardens.

Afternoon:

• Depart for Sravasti (approximately 190 km, 5–6 hours).

Evening:

• Arrive in Sravasti and visit Jetavana Monastery—where the Buddha spent most of his years during the rainy season.

• Also see the Ananda Bodhi Tree, Suvati Stupa, and Angulimala Stupa.

Overnight: Sravasti

Morning:

• Depart from Sravasti for Varanasi (approximately 320 km, 6–7 hours).

Afternoon:

• Rest upon arrival, then visit Sarnath—where the Buddha gave his first sermon ("Pravartana of the Dharmachakra").

Of course, visit the Dhamekh Stupa, the Mulagandhakuti Vihara, and the Sarnath Museum.

Evening:

• Attend the Ganga Aarti at the Varanasi Ghats—a truly spiritual experience. Overnight: Varanasi