Discover Buddhism & Culture

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, our representative will welcome you and assist with a private transfer to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Mumbai, India’s financial capital, offers a vibrant mix of colonial heritage and modern skyline. The remainder of the day is free to explore nearby areas or enjoy hotel facilities. You may opt for a short walk around the city to get a first impression. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing (Elephanta Excursion & South Mumbai Tour)

After breakfast, begin the city tour with a visit to the Gateway of India followed by a ferry ride to Elephanta Caves (closed Monday). Explore the ancient rock-cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for their impressive sculptures and carvings. Return to Mumbai and continue the tour visiting Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Crawford Market, and Dhobi Ghat. Drive along Marine Drive enjoying scenic coastal views and colonial architecture. Later, visit Mani Bhavan associated with Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, begin with a transfer to your hotel and check in. Later, begin the city tour visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Mini Taj Mahal.” Continue to Aurangabad Caves showcasing early Buddhist influence and rock-cut architecture. The city reflects a blend of Mughal and Deccan heritage. Evening at leisure to relax or explore local surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 4: Aurangabad – Ajanta – Aurangabad (210 km round / approx. 5 hrs)

After early breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Ajanta Caves (closed Monday). These UNESCO-listed caves feature exquisite Buddhist paintings and sculptures depicting Jataka tales. Spend time exploring the caves nestled in a scenic gorge surrounded by hills. Later, drive back to Aurangabad enjoying countryside views en route. The evening is free for relaxation or personal activities. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 5: Aurangabad – Ellora – Delhi (36 km + Flight)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Ellora Caves (closed Tuesday), known for rock-cut temples of three religions. Visit the magnificent Kailasa Temple, an architectural masterpiece carved from a single rock. Continue to Grishneshwar Temple and Daulatabad Fort en route. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 6: Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Delhi covering both Old and New Delhi highlights. Visit Jama Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk’s vibrant lanes. Continue to Raj Ghat followed by Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Drive past India Gate, Parliament House, and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Later, visit Lotus Temple (closed Monday) for a peaceful experience. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 7: Delhi – Bodhgaya (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Gaya. Upon arrival, drive to Bodhgaya and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha attained enlightenment. Explore nearby monasteries built by different Buddhist nations. The serene surroundings offer a deeply spiritual experience. Evening at leisure for meditation or relaxation. Overnight at hotel in Bodhgaya.

Day 8: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna (180 km / approx. 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Patna with en route visits to Rajgir and Nalanda. Explore Rajgir, associated with Buddha’s teachings and ancient monasteries. Continue to Nalanda University ruins, one of the world’s oldest learning centers. Later, proceed to Patna and check in at the hotel. The evening is free for relaxation or a short city walk. Overnight at hotel in Patna.

Day 9: Patna – Vaishali – Kesariya – Kushinagar (260 km / approx. 6–7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar with visits to Vaishali and Kesariya Stupa en route. Vaishali is an important Buddhist site where Buddha delivered his last sermon. Visit Kesariya, one of the tallest stupas in the world. Continue the scenic drive to Kushinagar and check in at the hotel. This town marks Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana site. Overnight at hotel in Kushinagar.

Day 10: Kushinagar – Lumbini (160 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa in Kushinagar. Later, drive to the India–Nepal border at Sonauli and continue to Lumbini. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a major pilgrimage site. The peaceful surroundings create a spiritual atmosphere. Overnight at hotel in Lumbini.

Day 11: Lumbini Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Lumbini’s sacred sites. Visit Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and the sacred pond. Explore monasteries built by different countries reflecting Buddhist architecture. Walk through the peaceful monastic zone and gardens. The day offers deep spiritual insight and tranquility. Overnight at hotel in Lumbini.

Day 12: Lumbini – Shravasti (160 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive back to India via Sonauli border and continue to Shravasti. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Visit Jetavana Monastery and Anandabodhi Tree associated with Buddha. Shravasti was one of Buddha’s main monsoon retreats. The peaceful town offers a reflective experience. Overnight at hotel in Shravasti.

Day 13: Shravasti – Varanasi (315 km / approx. 7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti on the ghats. The spiritual rituals and chanting create a unique cultural experience. The city’s energy is deeply spiritual and vibrant. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 14: Varanasi & Sarnath

Early morning, enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges witnessing sunrise rituals. After breakfast, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other important temples. Later, drive to Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit Dhamek Stupa and museum showcasing Buddhist heritage. Return to Varanasi for leisure time. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 15: Varanasi – Khajuraho (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Later, begin the city tour visiting Khajuraho Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These temples are famous for their intricate carvings and architectural brilliance. Evening at leisure to explore surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Khajuraho.

Day 16: Khajuraho – Bhopal (380 km / approx. 8 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Bhopal with en route visits to Sagar Jain Temples. Continue to Sanchi Stupa and Udayagiri Caves reflecting Buddhist and Gupta heritage. Later, proceed to Bhopal and check in at the hotel. The journey offers scenic rural landscapes and historical insights. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Bhopal.

Day 17: Bhopal Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit Bhimbetka Rock Shelters showcasing prehistoric cave paintings. Continue to Bhojpur Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, explore Bhopal city including lakes and local markets. The city offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Evening at leisure for relaxation. Overnight at hotel in Bhopal.

Day 18: Bhopal – Departure (Flight)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport. Board your flight to Delhi or Mumbai for onward journey. The tour concludes with unforgettable memories of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Reflect on the diverse experiences across cities and sacred sites. End of services.

• Assistance on arrival at airport
• 17 Nights accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private AC vehicle for transfers & sightseeing
• English-speaking local guides
• Monument entrance fees
• Bottled water in vehicle
• Government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 17 nights accommodation

Mumbai x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

Aurangabad x 2 nights
3* - Keys Hotel The Aures/ Aurangabad Gymkhana Club
4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Bodhgaya x 1 night
3* - Hotel Taj Darbar/ Hotel Mahamaya
4* & 5* - The Royal Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hotel

Patna x 1 night
3* - Hotel Patliputra Ashok/ Patliputra Exotica
4* - Lemon Tree Premier/ Hotel Gargee Grand
5* - Maurya Hotel/ The Panache

Kushinagar x 1 nights
3* - Hotel The Ideal/ Hotel Adelphi Grande
4* & 5* - The Royal Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hotel

Lumbini x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Nirvana/ Lumbini Bamboo Resort
4* & 5* - Buddha Maya Hotel/ Lumbini Hokke Hotel

Sravasti x 1 night
3* - Hotel Pawan Palace/ the sravasti residency
4* & 5* - Lotus Nikko Hotel/ Hotel PlatinumBodhgaya x 1 night
3* - Hotel Taj Darbar/ Hotel Mahamaya
4* & 5* - The Royal Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hotel

Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

Khajuraho x 1 night
3* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
4* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela

Bhopal x 2 nights
3* - Lake View Ashok/ Hotel Grand Ashirwad
4* - Noor Us Sabha Palace/ Graces Resort
5* - Jehan Numa Palace/ Courtyard by Marriott

• Domestic flight tickets 
• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks, etc.)
• Meals other than mentioned
• Camera/video fees at monuments
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions