Footsteps of Buddha Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Mumbai Arrival
Arrive in Mumbai, where you will receive a warm welcome from our NTP representative. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay. In the evening, you may explore the vibrant city of Mumbai at your own pace and experience its lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Mumbai Excursions
After breakfast, enjoy an exciting excursion to the famous Elephanta Caves, located on Elephanta Island. Take a scenic boat ride to explore these ancient 8th-century rock-cut caves, known for their impressive sculptures, temples, and historic artwork. Later, return to Mumbai and begin a city sightseeing tour covering the iconic Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Colaba Causeway, Dhobi Ghat, Malabar Hill, and the beautiful Hanging Gardens. Visit Mani Bhavan, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work, before exploring the vibrant Crawford Market and the historic Fort area for shopping and local experiences. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board the morning train to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and freshen up before starting a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the historic Daulatabad Fort, the ancient Aurangabad Caves, and the magnificent Bibi Ka Maqbara, also known as the "Mini Taj Mahal." Spend the evening at leisure exploring the local markets and charm of Aurangabad. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Ellora Caves 
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to the magnificent Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the remarkable blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain architecture. Explore the 34 rock-cut caves, ancient monasteries, and temples carved into the mountainside. The highlight of the visit is the spectacular Kailasa Temple, one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut architecture. After a memorable day of exploration, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5:  Jalgaon – Bhopal
After breakfast, visit the historic Aurangabad Caves, a remarkable group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating from the 2nd century BC to the 7th century AD. Explore the beautifully carved sculptures, Buddhist paintings, and architectural marvels that reflect the rich heritage of Buddhism. After the sightseeing tour, proceed to Jalgaon Railway Station to board the train to Bhopal. Arrive late at night and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Bhopal – Agra
After breakfast, explore the significant Buddhist heritage sites around Bhopal, beginning with the magnificent Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on a hilltop, Sanchi is home to ancient stupas, monasteries, and temples dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. Built by Emperor Ashoka, the Great Stupa is one of India's oldest stone structures and an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination.

Later in the afternoon, board a train to Agra. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the evening exploring the vibrant local markets, tasting delicious street food, and experiencing the charm of the city.

Day 7: Agra – Varanasi
After breakfast, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the world's most beautiful monuments and a symbol of eternal love. Continue your sightseeing with a visit to the historic Agra Fort, known for its impressive architecture, royal courtyards, palaces, and gardens. Later, check out from the hotel and board a train to Varanasi, one of India's oldest spiritual cities and an important destination on the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. Overnight journey to Varanasi.

Day 8: Varanasi Excursions
After breakfast, explore Varanasi, one of India's oldest spiritual cities and an important destination on the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. Visit Sarnath, the sacred place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Experience the peaceful atmosphere of this historic Buddhist site and explore landmarks such as the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and other ancient monuments.

Later, continue with a city tour of Varanasi, visiting famous temples including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti on the banks of the River Ganges, where thousands of glowing diyas create a divine and unforgettable spectacle. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Varanasi – Bodh Gaya
Begin the day with a visit to the sacred Ganga Ghats of Varanasi, where you can witness traditional rituals, prayers, and devotees taking holy baths along the river. After this spiritual experience, proceed by road to Bodh Gaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Bodh Gaya is revered as the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. Overnight stay in Bodh Gaya.

Day 10: Bodh Gaya Excursions
After breakfast, explore Bodh Gaya, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world. Visit the revered Mahabodhi Temple, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree, which continues to be a major spiritual attraction for Buddhist devotees. Continue your visit to the Bodh Gaya Archaeological Museum, home to ancient Buddhist relics, sculptures, and artifacts dating back centuries. On the way back, visit the Jagannath Temple and experience the spiritual charm of this historic region. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Bodh Gaya.

Day 11: Bodh Gaya – Rajgir – Patna
After breakfast, drive to Patna via the historic Buddhist destinations of Rajgir and Nalanda. En route, visit Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture’s Peak), where Lord Buddha delivered many important sermons, and explore the sacred sites of Rajgir, including Venuvan Vihar, gifted by King Bimbisara, and the famous Shanti Stupa.

Continue to Nalanda, the ancient center of Buddhist learning and home to one of the world's oldest universities. Explore the impressive ruins and learn about its glorious past as a hub of knowledge and spirituality. Later, proceed to Patna for lunch and sightseeing, including Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Har Mandir Sahib), Golghar, and the Patna Museum, renowned for its valuable collection of Buddhist and Mauryan sculptures. Overnight stay in Patna.

Day 12: Patna – Kushinagar
After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destinations associated with the life of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival, visit the revered Mahaparinirvana Temple, where you can admire the magnificent reclining statue of Lord Buddha symbolizing his final journey to Mahaparinirvana. Explore the peaceful surroundings and important Buddhist landmarks before returning to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Day 13: Kushinagar – Shravasti (Balrampur)
After breakfast, proceed to Shravasti (Balrampur) by road, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations associated with Lord Buddha. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and later visit the ancient ruins of Sahet Mahet, a significant archaeological site featuring stupas, monasteries, and temples. Shravasti is the place where Lord Buddha spent 24 Chaturmas (rainy seasons) and delivered many important teachings. Explore the peaceful surroundings and rich Buddhist heritage before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Shravasti – Lumbini (Nepal)
After breakfast, drive to Lumbini, Nepal, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. In the evening, explore the peaceful surroundings of Lumbini and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an important destination on the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

Day 15: Lumbini – Kathmandu
After breakfast, explore the sacred sites of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Visit the peaceful Sacred Garden, the revered Maya Devi Temple marking the exact birthplace of Buddha, the holy Pushkarini Pond, and the beautifully designed Myanmar Temple and China Temple. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, explore the charming streets of Nepal’s capital city and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 16: Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, exploring its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by a visit to the Tibetan Handicraft Centre at Jawalakhel, where you can witness traditional carpet weaving by skilled artisans. Later, explore Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), one of Nepal’s oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic royal palace area, and visit the ancient Kasthamandap Temple, believed to have been built from the wood of a single tree. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 17 :Kathmandu Departure

Breakfast over our tour guide assists you with the onward departure. 

Inclusion & Exclusion

Tips for Travellers for Planning their Tour