Buddhist Spiritual Tour: 6 Days of Enlightenment

Embark on a 6-day Buddhist Spiritual Tour covering major sacred sites. Start in Varanasi, then visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment, and continue to Rajgir and Nalanda, key Buddhist landmarks. Journey through Vaishali, Kesariya, and Kushinagar, each pivotal in Buddha’s life. Conclude in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, before returning to Varanasi.

 Highlights:

• Sarnath: Site of Buddha's first sermon.
• Bodhgaya: Location of Buddha's enlightenment.
• Rajgir: Ancient city with significant Buddhist history.
• Nalanda: Renowned ancient university.
• Lumbini: Buddha's birthplace.
• Kushinagar: Place of Buddha's final Nirvana.

Itinerary:

Day 1 : Varanasi-Sarnath-Varanasi

• Upon arrival at Varanasi airport or railway station, transfer to your hotel. Varanasi, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city, is revered as the "city of temples." It’s notable for Buddha’s visit post-Nirvana to seek his disciples who advocated self-mortification for redemption.
• After lunch, we’ll explore Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his First Sermon at Deer Park (Rishipattana). Visit key sites including the Buddha Temple, Dhamekha Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandh Kuti Vihara, and the Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Sarnath site.
• In the evening, experience the Ganga Arti at the Ghats or a Buddhist ritual ceremony at the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple, built with contributions from the AIK World Buddhist Cultural Association Japan and the Sri Lanka Buddhist Foundation. The temple features a domed shrine with a Buddha portrait and ceremonial items, framed by ink paintings on the wall.
• Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 2 : Varanasi-Bodhgaya

• After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya and check in at the hotel. Bodhgaya is pivotal in Prince Siddhartha’s life, where he attained enlightenment from a wandering ascetic, marking the beginning of his quest to spread the gospel of peace and nirvana. It is the most significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists globally.
• On your Bodhgaya city tour, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage destination. The Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha meditated for a week post-enlightenment, is one of the world’s oldest and most revered trees. The original Bodhi Tree was transported to Sri Lanka by Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta, a descendant of Ashoka, in the 3rd century B.C. It was planted at the Mahavihara temple in Anuradhapura, where it continues to thrive.
• Return to the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Day 3 : Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir

• After breakfast, drive to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as the Mahakala Caves, where Lord Buddha spent years performing penance before traveling to Bodhgaya.
• Next, visit the Sujata Village Temple, commemorating the moment Gautam Buddha first ate kheer after renouncing material existence. This small temple marks the beginning of his journey to enlightenment at Bodhgaya.
• Proceed to Nalanda, an ancient city established in the 5th century B.C. Known for its historical Nalanda University, the site includes expansive ruins. Explore the XuanZang Memorial Hall, a Chinese Pagoda commemorating the famous monk.
• Continue to Rajgir and check in at the hotel. Rajgir, the former Magadha Empire capital, is a significant Buddhist site. Buddha frequently visited the Jivkamaravana monastery and meditated on Griddhakuta Hill, where the Mauryan king Bimbisara converted to Buddhism. The Saptaparni cave hosted the first Buddhist council post-Buddha’s "Parinirvana."
• Visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa on Ratnagiri Hill, constructed by Japanese Buddhists, featuring Buddha statues representing various life stages. Explore Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak), Bimbisar Prison, Venuvanam, and the nearby museum.
• Check in at the hotel for an overnight stay and dinner.

Day 4 : Rajgir, Vaishali, Kushinagar

• Drive to Vaishali, the site of Lord Buddha’s Last Sermon. Visit notable locations, including the Ashokan Pillar and Ananda Stupa, dedicated to Ananda, Buddha’s prominent follower. The Ananda Stupa, near where Ananda is said to have entered samadhi, contains his mortal remains. Also explore Kutagar Shala Vihara, Buddha Stupas, and Abhishek Pushkaran.
• Next, head to Kushinagar, a key pilgrimage site where Buddha gave his final sermon. Once the capital of the Mallas dynasty, Kushinagar has ruins from that era and structures erected by Ashoka the Great at the site of Buddha’s Nirvana. Visit the Nirvana Temple, a monolithic red sandstone structure with a reclining Buddha statue, intricately carved and set on a large brick pedestal.
• Continue to Kesariya to see the Kesariya Stupa, the largest ancient Buddhist stupa. Known as the tallest stupa ever excavated, it features a polygonal base and polygonal-shaped bricks, making it a significant historical site in East Champaran.
• Return to Kushinagar for an overnight stay.

Day 5 : Kushinagar, Kapilvastu, Lumbini

• After breakfast, explore Kushinagar's key sites, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple, where Buddha passed away. The main stupa here, standing 19.81 meters tall, was elevated and dome-topped during the 1956 Buddha Jayanti celebration. Visit the Rambhar Stupa, where Buddha was cremated, and the Japanese Temple, constructed by a Japanese organization. The temple’s gilded top and metal or copper idols make it both beautiful and serene.
• Proceed to Kapilvastu, Lord Buddha’s childhood home, with stops at the Tilaurakot Museum, the Kapilvastu Kingdom Complex, and the Lumbini Garden.
• Continue to Lumbini to visit the Holy Birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Explore the Myanmar Golden Temple, Thai Buddhist Monastery, Eternal Peace Flame, Maya Devi Temple, and Lumbini Museum. The Maya Devi Temple, believed to be Buddha’s birthplace, features the Pushkarini pool and a sacred garden, with archaeological artifacts dating back to Ashoka’s era.
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

Day 6 : Lumbini-Varanasi

• Early morning, have breakfast in the hotel, transfer to the airport to catch a flight or drive to Varanasi and depart.