SACRED BUDDHIST CIRCUIT
Experience India’s spiritual heart through its most revered Buddhist sites, combined with the timeless heritage of Agra and Varanasi. This exclusive luxury tour offers a profound journey across Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Sarnath, and the world-famous Taj Mahal, blending spiritual depth with cultural grandeur, personalized services, and ultimate comfort.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi – Gateway to India
Meals: No
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. Warm welcome and private luxury transfer to your hotel: The Leela Palace New Delhi or The Imperial New Delhi. Evening at leisure. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private heritage walk and food tasting experience in Connaught Place.
Overnight stay: The Leela Palace / The Imperial New Delhi
Day 2: Delhi – Full-Day Private Sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast
Private guided tour of Delhi’s iconic landmarks: Qutub Minar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)- Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site)- India Gate and Parliament House (photo stop)- Jama Masjid & Chandni Chowk (with rickshaw ride)- Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial). Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Exclusive dinner at an award-winning fine-dining restaurant.
Overnight stay: The Leela Palace / The Imperial New Delhi
Day 3: Delhi – Drive to Agra (approx. 3.5 hours)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, private drive to Agra. Check-in to luxury hotel: The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra (Taj View Room). Afternoon visit to: Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)- Mehtab Bagh for sunset views of the Taj Mahal. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private Mughal-themed dinner at the hotel or Kalakriti cultural show.
Overnight stay: The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra
Day 4: Agra – Sunrise Taj Mahal Visit & Drive to Lucknow (approx. 4.5 hours)
Meals: Breakfast
Early morning sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, an unforgettable moment. Return for breakfast, then private drive to Lucknow. Check-in to luxury hotel: Taj Mahal Lucknow or Hyatt Regency Lucknow. Evening at leisure or explore the colonial heritage of Lucknow.
Overnight stay: Taj Mahal / Hyatt Regency Lucknow
Day 5: Lucknow – Full-Day City Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Private guided sightseeing includes: Bara Imambara & Bhool Bhulaiya- Chota Imambara- Rumi Darwaza- British Residency. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private Lucknowi Tunday kebab culinary experience or exclusive chikankari embroidery workshop.
Overnight stay: Taj Mahal / Hyatt Regency Lucknow
Day 6: Lucknow – Drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 8 hours)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, scenic drive to Bodhgaya, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. Check-in to your luxury hotel: The Royal Residency Bodhgaya or Hotel Taj Darbar Bodhgaya. Evening at leisure to soak in the spiritual ambiance.
Overnight stay: The Royal Residency / Taj Darbar Bodhgaya
Day 7: Bodhgaya – Full-Day Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Private guided pilgrimage includes: Mahabodhi Temple Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site)- Bodhi Tree (site of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment)- Great Buddha Statue- Japanese Temple, Thai Temple, and other international monasteries. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private meditation session with a senior Buddhist monk.
Overnight stay: The Royal Residency / Taj Darbar Bodhgaya
Day 8: Bodhgaya – Excursion to Nalanda & Rajgir (approx. 2.5 hours round trip)
Meals: Breakfast
Private day excursion: Nalanda University Ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Nalanda Archaeological Museum –Rajgir: Vulture’s Peak, Gridhakuta Hill, Bamboo Grove, and Japanese Peace Pagoda. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private cable car ride at Ratnagiri Hill in Rajgir.
Overnight stay: The Royal Residency / Taj Darbar Bodhgaya
Day 9: Bodhgaya – Drive to Kushinagar (approx. 7 hours)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final enlightenment). Check-in to your hotel: The Royal Residency Kushinagar or Lotus Nikko Hotel Kushinagar. Evening visit to: Mahaparinirvana Temple Rambhar Stupa. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private guided prayer session with Buddhist monks.
Overnight stay: The Royal Residency / Lotus Nikko Hotel Kushinagar
Day 10: Kushinagar – Drive to Lumbini (approx. 4 hours)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, cross into Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha (visa required). Check-in to your luxury hotel: Buddha Maya Garden Hotel & Resort or Lumbini Hokke Hotel. Visit: Maya Devi Temple Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site)- Ashoka Pillar- Sacred Pond- International Monastic Zone. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private spiritual session with resident monks.
Overnight stay: Buddha Maya Garden / Lumbini Hokke Hotel
Day 11: Lumbini – Drive to Varanasi (approx. 8 hours)
Meals: Breakfast
Scenic drive back to India and onwards to Varanasi, India’s holiest living city. Check-in to your luxury hotel: Taj Nadesar Palace Varanasi or BrijRama Palace Varanasi. Evening private boat ride on the Ganges to witness Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Overnight stay: Taj Nadesar Palace / BrijRama Palace Varanasi
Day 12: Varanasi – Sarnath Visit & Fly to Delhi – Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Early morning sunrise boat ride on the Ganges witnessing ancient rituals. Visit: Sarnath (site of Buddha’s first sermon)- Dhamek Stupa- Sarnath Museum. Later private transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi to connect with your international departure or extend your stay.
TOUR ENDS
Exclusive Inclusions:
Stay at India’s finest luxury palace hotels, spiritual retreats, and 5-star hotels
Private chauffeur-driven luxury transportation throughout
Domestic flight Varanasi–Delhi included
Private expert guides at every Buddhist site and historical monument
Seamless sightseeing, transfers, border crossings, and VIP service
Daily breakfast and personalized cultural experiences
Optional private meditation, spiritual, and cultural activities for deeper immersion
100% Customizable:
This “Sacred Buddhist Circuit” is fully customizable based on your travel dates, interests, spiritual goals, and luxury preferences. Contact us to design your perfect tailor-made Buddhist pilgrimage experience.