Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit Tour - 11 Nights / 12 Days

2N Delhi 2N Varanasi 2N Bodhgaya 1N Kushinagar 1N Lumbini 1N Balrampur 1N Lucknow 1N Agra

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

The Buddhist Circuit Tour by Cholan Tours is a deeply spiritual and culturally immersive journey tracing the life, teachings, and enlightenment of Lord Buddha across India and Nepal.

Carefully curated for pilgrims, scholars, and spiritually inclined travellers, this 12-day itinerary connects the most revered Buddhist destinations with India’s historical and cultural landmarks.

Beginning in Delhi, the journey gradually unfolds toward the sacred city of Varanasi, where timeless rituals on the Ganges resonate with profound spiritual significance.

From Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, the route continues to Bodhgaya, the place of enlightenment, offering moments of reflection beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree. Excursions to Rajgir and Nalanda reveal ancient monastic traditions and one of the world’s earliest residential universities.

The journey then moves to Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, followed by a cross-border pilgrimage to Lumbini, his birthplace in Nepal.

The final stretch introduces Balrampur, Lucknow, and Agra, seamlessly blending Buddhist heritage with India’s architectural
and cultural treasures.

With balanced travel days, expert guidance, and thoughtfully paced sightseeing, this itinerary offers more than a tour; it is a transformative pilgrimage.

Whether undertaken for faith, learning, or inner exploration, this journey provides meaningful connections to Buddhism’s timeless philosophy while ensuring comfort and smooth logistics throughout.

Itinerary

Delhi, Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Lucknow, and Agra come together in a sacred circuit covering enlightenment sites, ancient monasteries, living rituals, Mughal architecture, and India’s most iconic spiritual landmarks.

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi−

Arrive in Delhi, where you are received by a Cholan Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. The day is kept free to rest after your journey. You may relax at the hotel or take a short walk nearby to prepare yourself for the spiritually enriching journey ahead.

Overnight Stay: Delhi

Day 2: Delhi to Varanasi+

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or railway station for
your onward journey to Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in at your
hotel and take time to relax. In the evening, experience the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where chants, lamps, and rituals create a powerful spiritual atmosphere along the sacred river.

Overnight Stay: Varanasi

Day 3: Varanasi Sightseeing & Sarnath Excursion+

Begin the day with sightseeing in Varanasi, visiting the revered Vishwanath Temple and witnessing daily life along the ghats of the Ganges. Later, proceed to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Sarnath Museum, deepening your understanding of early Buddhism.

Overnight Stay: Varanasi

Day 4: Varanasi to Bodhgaya+

After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya, one of the most sacred Buddhist destinations in the world. On arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the evening in quiet contemplation. The serene atmosphere of Bodhgaya offers the perfect setting for reflection and meditation.

Overnight Stay: Bodhgaya

Day 5: Bodhgaya, Rajgir & Nalanda Excursion+

Today is dedicated to exploring Bodhgaya and its surroundings. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree, and various international monasteries. Later, proceed to Rajgir, where Buddha spent many years teaching, followed by Nalanda, home to the ruins of the ancient Buddhist university. Return to Bodhgaya by evening.

Overnight Stay: Bodhgaya

Day 6: Bodhgaya to Kushinagar+

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kushinagar. Upon arrival, visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa, marking the place where Lord Buddha attained final liberation. The peaceful surroundings make this a deeply moving experience for pilgrims.

Overnight Stay: Kushinagar

Day 7: Kushinagar to Lumbini+

After breakfast, drive to Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Complete border formalities and proceed to your hotel. Later, visit the Maya Devi Temple and the sacred garden area, surrounded by monasteries built by Buddhist nations from across the world.

Overnight Stay: Lumbini

Day 8: Lumbini to Balrampur+

Spend the morning exploring additional monasteries in Lumbini before driving to Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening, reflecting on the sacred sites experienced so far.

Overnight Stay: Balrampur

Day 9: Balrampur to Lucknow+

After breakfast, depart for Lucknow, the city of Nawabs. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Later, enjoy a guided visit to Bara Imambara and the surrounding heritage areas, experiencing Lucknow’s refined cultural and architectural legacy.

Overnight Stay: Lucknow

Day 10: Lucknow to Agra+

Following breakfast, drive to Agra. On arrival, check in at your hotel before visiting the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting Mughal grandeur. The evening is free for rest or exploring local handicraft markets.

Overnight Stay: Agra

Day 11: Agra to Delhi+

Begin the day with a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most celebrated monuments. After sightseeing, drive back to Delhi. On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxed final evening.

Overnight Stay: Delhi

Day 12: Departure from Delhi+

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, bringing this spiritually enriching Buddhist Circuit Tour to a meaningful close.

End of Tour

FAQs on Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit Tour

Why is the Buddhist Circuit considered spiritually significant?

The Buddhist Circuit connects the most important locations from Lord Buddha’s life, including his enlightenment, first sermon, teachings, and Mahaparinirvana. Visiting these sites allows pilgrims to deeply connect with Buddhist philosophy, meditation practices, and historical context.

Is this tour suitable for senior pilgrims?

Yes, the itinerary is paced with adequate rest, comfortable travel durations, and minimal physical strain. Assistance can be arranged at temples and monuments, making it suitable for senior travellers and spiritual groups.

What documents are required for visiting Lumbini in Nepal?

Indian travellers generally require a valid government-issued identification, while international travellers need a passport and a Nepal visa. Cholan Tours provides guidance on border formalities before travel.

Can meditation or prayer time be arranged during the tour?

Absolutely. Several sites like Bodhgaya, Rajgir, and Lumbini naturally allow time for meditation and prayer, and the itinerary can be customised to include extended spiritual sessions if requested.

How is this tour different from standard religious tours?

This itinerary combines pilgrimage with historical depth, visiting ancient universities, museums, and cultural landmarks while maintaining a reflective and respectful pace rather than rushed sightseeing.

What is the best time to take the Buddhist Circuit Tour?

The ideal period is from October to March, when weather conditions across North India and Nepal are comfortable for travel and temple visits.

Can this tour be customised for Buddhist groups or monasteries?

Yes, Cholan Tours specialises in group and monastery-based travel, offering customised itineraries, special prayer arrangements, and scholar-led experiences upon request.