Mahaparinirvan Express – Buddhist Circuit Train Tour

07 Nights / 08 Days

Booking Price : ₹12,600.00/- Per Person

Description Tips for Travellers Itinerary FAQs

Description

Mahaparinirvan Express – Buddhist Circuit Train Tour

Delhi – Gaya – Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir – Gaya – Varanasi – Sarnath – Nautanwa – Lumbini – Kushinagar – Gorakhpur – Balrampur – Sravasti – Balrampur – Agra

Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train
The Mahaparinirvan Express is a Buddhist Pilgrim Train that takes you across all the major Buddhist destinations in India and Nepal. The newest initiative of the IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation), its a pan-India, 8 day journey to all those destinations which are considered to be the holiest Buddhist sites. Inaugurated in 2007, it has won the hearts of both Buddhist pilgrims and tourists with its facilities and brilliantly planned itinerary.

The Mahaparinirvan Express Journey is an elaborately, brilliantly planned journey of 8 days that commences and ends at Delhi. It takes you through the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India including Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini and Sravasti. This well-planned itinerary not also takes you to the most important places in Buddhism but also lets you enjoy sightseeing of the places associated with Buddhism.

Inside The Mahaparinirvan Express
The Mahaparinirvan Express has 18 first AC berths, 92 two-tier AC berths and 256 three-tier AC berths. Although not a luxury train per se, the Mahaparinirvan Express still affords great levels of luxury and comfort to its passengers.

The Journey
The Mahaparinirvan Express journey is an elaborate, well planned 8 day tour that begins and ends at Delhi. During its course, the Mahaparinirvan Express travels through prominent Buddhist pilgrim destinations of Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini, Sravasti, besides the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra. All tour highlights are well spaced and nowhere does the itinerary feels rushed.

The Mahaparinirvan Express is a lifetime experience that can be booked at really reasonable prices. Indian Luxury Trains offers comprehensive packages for the train’s upcoming journeys next year. Call us today or drop us an email and we will get back on your tour query.

Dining
Dining in the Mahaparinirvan Express is also a luxurious affair, with the scrumptious meals served in a classy way. Hot and delicious meals are served onboard the hygienic kitchen car.

Toilet facilities
The lavatories onboard come with shower cubicles that supply both hot and cold running water. Further, the western-style toilets are both spacious and comfortable. Excellent cleanliness is maintained throughout the duration of the journey.

About the train
The Mahaparinirvan Express, launched by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited), in 2007, is a Buddhist Pilgrim Train that lets you visit all the major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India. This well-planned 8-day journey takes you to Buddhist pilgrimage sites including Sarnath, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Sravasti and Lumbini.

Accommodation
Travelling in the Mahaparinirvan Express is a luxurious experience, especially as far as the accommodations are concerned. The train boasts three kinds of accommodations – First AC, First AC Coupe and AC two Tier.

First AC comprises of an air-conditioned coach having Deluxe cabins with 2/4 berths each. The AC 2 Tier consists of air-conditioned coaches with berths in two tiers with curtains.

Other facilities
In addition, the travelers are assured completely security and service throughout the journey. Security guard are present onboard the train and at all times, there is CCTV surveillance. There is also a library for travelers who care to read while traveling.

Tips for Travellers for Planning their Tour

Price Table

Package Tariff (Per Person) for Buddhist Train (Season 2024-25)

(For International Travellers)

Class of Travel	Rates (Per Person Per Night)	Tariff for Full Tour (for 07 nights)
AC - FIRST CLASS	USD 175	USD 1,400
AC - SECOND CLASS	USD 145	USD 1,160

(For Indian Nationals Only)

Class of Travel	Rates (Per Person Per Night)	Tariff for Full Tour (for 07 nights)
AC - FIRST CLASS	INR 14,375	INR 1,15,000
AC - SECOND CLASS	INR 11,875	INR 95,000

Surcharge (Per pax):

USD 150 or INR 12,600 for confirmed 2 berth cabin in AC I class of Full/Partial Tour.
USD 200 or INR 16,800 for single occupancy in hotel for entire tour (applicable for AC I and II). Or USD 50 or INR 4200 per stay/fresh up in hotel.
USD 669 or INR 56,200 (full/partial journey) would be applicable for confirmed allocation of one lower berth only in a 2 seater first class cabin. Upper berth would not be allocated to other passenger.
USD 669 or INR 56,200 (full/ partial journey) would be applicable for confirmed allocation of two lower berths in a 4 seater first class cabin. Two upper berths would not be allocated to other passengers.

Schedule

Dates and rates for the season 2025-26 of Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train:

Month	Departure Dates
Not Available

Included/Excluded

Journey by Exclusive Air-conditioned Train as per the Itinerary.
Road transport by AC coaches as per the itinerary.
Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
Accommodation as per the itinerary.
Meals as per the itinerary.
English / Hindi speaking Tour Escort.
Entrance fees of monuments/sightseeing trips as per the itinerary.
Travel Insurance.

India and Nepal visa fees.
Items of personal nature, e.g. Laundry, Medicine, Alcoholic drinks etc.
Road Transfers to and from Delhi-Safdarjung Railway Station.
Hotel stay in Delhi before & after the trip, air ticket, visa charges etc.
Any other services not mentioned in 'Package Price Includes.
Fees for Still/ Flash Video camera at the monuments and other places.

Cancellation Policy

No. of days before commencement of Trip* Total Deductions

45 Days and above(excluding departure date) 10% of the Package cost.

Within a period of 44 to 15 Days (excluding departure date) 25% of the package cost

Within a period of 14 to 7 Days (excluding of Departure Date) 50% of the package cost

Within the period of 7 Days or before the scheduled date of departure 100% of the package cost

*Excluding the day of start of journey.

Note:-

Irrespective of above mentioned cancellation slabs, in case of cancellation of tour / travel/ train services (due to whatsoever reason) by yourself (by client) after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charge would be applicable on total cost of the tour package.

Irrespective of above mentioned cancellation slabs, in case of cancellation of tour / travel/ train services (due to whatsoever reason) by us (by company) after the booking is made by us – Following two options are available:

Client would be provided with Credit Note for the booking amount paid and same can be used anytime in the future by the client for themselves or any of their family members, friends, or anyone else as recommended by them.

In case the client wants the refund – then a minimum 10% service charge would be applicable on the total cost of the tour package and remaining amount (after deducting this 10% service charge) would be refunded.

In above both the situation – the cancellation charges, as applicable for cancellation of services related to flight tickets/ train tickets/ hotel bookings/ travel services / Guide services would also be recovered from the client.

In case you cancel your trip after commencement the refund would be restricted to a limited amount that would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers, airlines, train authorities, transporter and other suppliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, train tickets, flight tickets, transportation, missed meals and any other services etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Cancellation amount is calculated as per total booking amount and not as per advance deposited.

Force Majeure:

Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. (company) and any of its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents or suppliers and their respective successors, heirs and permitted assigns shall not be responsible for, or be deemed to be in default on account of any failure to perform or due to delay in performance of any of its obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, if such performance is rendered impracticable by the occurrence of acts of war, whether declared or undeclared, sabotage, embargo, acts of terrorism, riot or other civil commotion, failure in transportation, act of any government or any court or administrative agency thereof, acts of God, fire, explosion, flood, earthquake, strike, act of government or other catastrophes, pandemic, epidemics, outbreak of disease or quarantine restrictions, or other cause(s) beyond the reasonable control of Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. ("Force Majeure").

Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. (company) and client (you)– both shall use their best efforts to avoid, overcome and offset the effects of any cause or potential cause of an event of Force Majeure. Upon cessation of the cause of the Force Majeure, the Terms and conditions of use given hereunder, shall again become fully operative.

However, a Force Majeure event will not relieve Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. (company) and client (you) of the obligations accrued prior to the occurrence of the Force Majeure.

Jurisdiction Clause:

All the disputes arising out of this agreement or any other subsequent agreement would be subject to Delhi Courts only.

Special Note:

Terms & conditions for Group booking will be separate and same will be advised on case to case basis.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday) : Delhi - Gaya
13:30 hrs: Assemble at the Safdarjung Railway Station, Delhi for the traditional welcome and briefing of the tour. And then board the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train and get ushered to your respective coaches.
14:30 hrs: The train will depart for Gaya. Settle yourself properly and relax in your coaches. You can also explore the amenities of the train.
20:00 hrs: The dinner will be served on board. Savor the delicious delicacies. Overnight stay onboard the train which is headed towards Gaya.

Day 2 (Sunday) : Gaya - Bodhgaya
06:30 hrs: Wake up during the early hours and enjoy the tea onboard while adoring the majestic view from the train. Then freshen yourself up and savor the scrumptious breakfast on-board amid the royal setting.
08:30 hrs: Upon your arrival at Gaya, de-board the train at Gaya Railway Station. Depart to Bodhgaya by coach.
10:00 hrs: Have an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities at the hotel and relax for a while. Savor the scrumptious lunch.
14:30 hrs: Embark on the sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya including Mahabodhi Temple & Niranjana River. Continue sightseeing of Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, and Buddha Statue. Explore these architectural marvels and delve into the majestic beauty of this serene place.
19:30 hrs: Later in the evening, return to the hotel after the sightseeing tour. Enjoy the delicious dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.

Day 3 (Monday) : Bodhgaya - Nalanda - Rajgir - Gaya - Varanasi
05:30 hrs: Enjoy the early morning breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the sightseeing tour.
07:00 hrs: Check-out from the hotel and proceed to Rajgir by coach. 09:30 hrs: Upon your arrival at Rajgir, embark on the sightseeing tour including Bimbisara Jail, Gridhakuta hill & Venuvan.
12:30 hrs: Savor lunch at the hotel.
13:30 hrs: After enjoying the lunch, you will proceed to Nalanda for a sightseeing tour that covers the ruins of the world-famous Nalanda University & Nalanda Museum.
17:00 hrs: After the sightseeing tour, proceed to Gaya Railway Station.
19:30 hrs: Arrival at Gaya Railway Station and board the train for the onward journey.
20:00 hrs: Enjoy the dinner on-board & proceed to Varanasi.

Day 4 (Tuesday) : Varanasi - Sarnath - Gorakhpur
05:00 hrs: Enjoy the early morning tea on-board while gazing at the mesmerizing view from the train. Savor the breakfast onboard.
06:00 hrs: Upon your arrival at Varanasi railway station, disembark the train and proceed to visit Sarnath (10 km) for sightseeing of Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Ashokan Pillar, and Mulgandha Kuti Vihar.
12:30 hrs: Later, check-in at the hotel for lunch. Freshen yourself up for the onward journey and take some rest.
17.00 hrs: Visit River Ganges Ghat and attend the evening Aarti. Delve into the serene aura of this holy place. After this, return to the railway station and board the train.
20:00 hrs: Enjoy the dinner on board & proceed to Nautanwa for a visit to Lumbini, Nepal. Overnight stay onboard.

Day 5 (Wednesday) : Nautanwa – Lumbini
06:00 hrs: Enjoy the early morning tea followed by breakfast on board.
07:00 hrs: Arrival at Nautanwa railway station and then proceed by coach to Lumbini, Nepal. (Tourists keep their passport and Visa ready. In case Nepal visa does not get issued, visa fees to be kept ready also along with passport size photographs).
11:30 hrs: Have an assisted check-in at the hotel and relax for a while. Savor lunch at the hotel.
15:30 hrs: Later, embark on the sightseeing tour of Lumbini including Maya Devi Temple and Ashoka Pillar.
19:30 hrs: Return to the hotel and revel in the scrumptious dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

Day 6 (Thursday) : Lumbini – Kushinagar – Gorakhpur
05:00 hrs: Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
06:15 hrs: Check-out from the hotel and proceed to Kushinagar by coach.
12:30 hrs: On arrival in Kushinagar, you will proceed for lunch at the hotel.
13:30 hrs: After lunch, embark on the sightseeing tour of the city including Mahaparinirvan Temple, Rambhar Stupa, Mata Kutir Temple, and other famous sites.
17:30 hrs: Later in the evening, depart to Gorakhpur by coach.
19:00 hrs: Upon your arrival at Gorakhpur Railway Station, you will board the train and depart for Balrampur.
20:30 hrs: Relish the dinner on board & proceed to Balrampur for a visit to Sravasti.

Day 7 (Friday) : Balrampur – Sravasti – Balrampur – Agra
04:00 hrs: Arrival at Balrampur Railway station during the early morning.
05:30 hrs: Enjoy the early morning tea on-board.
06:30 hrs: Disembark the train and board the coach. Departure by coach to Sravasti (15kms)
07:30 hrs: Arrival at the hotel and savor the delicious breakfast. Freshen yourself up for the upcoming journey.
09:30 hrs: Start your sightseeing journey including Jetvana Vihara, Pakki Kuti & Sehat Mahet.
13:00 hrs: Stopover for lunch at the hotel.
15:00 hrs: In the afternoon, proceed to Balrampur railway station to board the train for onward journey.
16:00 hrs: Upon your arrival at Balrampur railway station, board the train and get escorted to your respective cabins.
16:15 hrs: The train will start its journey and proceed to Agra (450 km). Enjoy the dinner on board.

Day 8 (Saturday) : Agra - Delhi
07:00 hrs: Enjoy the early morning tea and get ready for the sightseeing tour of the day. Savor the scrumptious breakfast onboard. 08:00 hrs: Upon your arrival at the Agra railway station, you will proceed for the sightseeing tour of the city including the Taj Mahal which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an epitome of love. 12:30 hrs: After exploring the majestic beauty of the Taj Mahal, you will proceed to the Agra Cantt. Railway Station for the onward journey. 14:15 hrs: Board the train and it will be departed for New Delhi (220 km). Savor the delicious lunch on board. 16.00 hrs: Enjoy the evening tea on board. 18.00 hrs: Arrival at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station.