Buddhist Circuit Tour Package: 8 Days Bodhgaya, Lumbini, Varanasi Trip

Your spiritual journey begins the moment you arrive in Bodhgaya, the most sacred city in the Buddhist world. A Root Indians representative will receive you at the airport or railway station and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in and some rest, the afternoon is devoted to a guided tour of the Mahabodhi Temple Complex — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where Prince Siddhartha attained supreme enlightenment beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree over 2,500 years ago.
Visit the Bodhi Tree, the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), and the surrounding shrines, monasteries, and meditation gardens built by Buddhist communities from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, China, Tibet, and Bhutan.

The evening meditation session at the Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most profound spiritual experiences on this tour. Overnight stay at Bodhgaya.

After an early breakfast, depart for Rajgir, approximately 78 km from Bodhgaya. Rajgir was the ancient capital of the Magadha kingdom and a place deeply associated with the Buddha, who spent many monsoon seasons here. Visit Gridhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak), where Buddha delivered many of his most famous discourses. Explore the Venuvana Vihara (Bamboo Grove Monastery), gifted to Buddha by King Bimbisara, and the Cyclopean Wall.
Proceed to Nalanda, just 12 km from Rajgir, to visit the world-famous ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara — the greatest Buddhist university of the ancient world, which flourished from the 5th to 12th centuries CE and attracted scholars from across Asia. The on-site museum houses priceless artifacts. After a thorough exploration, Root Indians transfers you to Patna for overnight stay.

Depart early from Patna towards Vaishali, approximately 55 km away. Vaishali holds immense significance in Buddhist history as the place where Buddha delivered his final sermon before announcing his imminent Parinirvana. Visit Ashokan Pillar, Relic Stupa, and the Abhishek Pushkarni (Coronation Tank). Vaishali is also renowned as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
Continue onwards to Kushinagar, approximately 250 km from Vaishali. Arrive by late afternoon. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses the iconic 6-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, and the Ramabhar Stupa, the cremation site of the Buddha. The sunset at Ramabhar Stupa is a deeply moving experience. Overnight stay at Kushinagar.

After breakfast, depart for Lumbini in southern Nepal — the birthplace of Lord Buddha — approximately 180 km from Kushinagar, crossing the Sonauli international border. Root Indians handles all necessary border formalities and documentation to ensure a smooth crossing.
Upon arrival in Lumbini, visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple, built at the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha in 623 BCE. The nearby sacred pond (Puskarini) and the famous Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, stand as testaments to Buddhism's royal patronage. Explore the Lumbini Garden, the International Monastic Zone with monasteries from over 30 countries, and the eternal flame of world peace. Overnight at Lumbini.

Begin the day with early morning meditation at the Lumbini Garden before departing for Kapilvastu, approximately 27 km from Lumbini. Kapilvastu (modern-day Piprahwa and Ganwaria) was the capital of the Shakya kingdom and the childhood home of Prince Siddhartha. Visit the archaeological remains of the ancient palace complex, the Eastern and Western gateways, and the Piprahwa Stupa, which is believed to contain original relics of the Buddha.
Continue to Sravasti, approximately 200 km from Kapilvastu. Sravasti was one of the six greatest cities of ancient India and a major seat of Buddhist activity. Buddha reportedly spent 24 rainy seasons at Jetavana Monastery here. Visit the Jetavana Vihara, the Anathapindika Stupa, and the sacred Gandhakuti where Buddha meditated. The stunning Myanmar and Chinese monasteries in the area are also worth visiting. Overnight at Sravasti.

fter breakfast, embark on the longest road journey of the tour — approximately 300 km to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, known as Kashi or Banaras. This journey takes you through the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, offering glimpses of rural India. Arrive by evening and check in to the hotel.
Varanasi is a city of extraordinary spiritual energy. In the evening, Root Indians takes you to the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat for the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony — a centuries-old evening ritual where priests perform fire worship on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, attracting thousands of devotees and travelers each night. Overnight at Varanasi.

Rise early for a tranquil boat ride on the River Ganges at sunrise — one of the most iconic and spiritually uplifting experiences in the world. Witness the ghats come alive with morning prayers, pilgrims, and the golden light of dawn reflecting on the sacred waters.
After breakfast, visit Sarnath — just 10 km from Varanasi city center — the Deer Park where Lord Buddha delivered his very first sermon to five disciples after his enlightenment. This event, known as the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma, is one of the most significant moments in Buddhist history. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Mulagandhakuti Vihara, and the excellent Sarnath Museum housing the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka — India's national emblem. Afterwards, Root Indians transfers you back to Bodhgaya (approximately 242 km). Overnight at Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, enjoy a final peaceful morning at the Mahabodhi Temple or in quiet meditation. Root Indians arranges your transfer to Gaya Airport or Gaya Railway Station for your onward journey. We bid you farewell, wishing you carry the peace, wisdom, and serenity of the Buddhist Circuit Tour in your heart for years to come.