Bodh Gaya to Bodh Gaya
This extensive 15-day itinerary covers the entirety of the sacred Buddhist Circuit, plus iconic Indian landmarks like the Taj Mahal and India Gate. Designed for deep spiritual immersion, you will walk in the footsteps of Lord Buddha across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, returning to the profound peace of Bodhgaya.
On arrival at Gaya airport, you will receive a warm welcome and assistance from the APS Tour & Travels team. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Bodhgaya. Take the rest of the day to relax. Overnight stay in a hotel at Bodhgaya.
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day tour of Bodhgaya. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage MahaBodhi Temple, Sujata Village, Niranjana River, the majestic 80-feet-high Lord Buddha Statue, and various international monasteries. Lunch and dinner will be provided at the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Bodhgaya.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive 65 km to Rajgir. Visit Gridhkutta (Vulture's Peak), the World Peace Stupa, Venuvanaram, and Bimbisara's Prison. After lunch at a hotel in Rajgir, the drive continues to Nalanda (12 km) to visit the ruins of the ancient world university. It was one of the oldest universities in the world and an International Centre for Buddhist Studies. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Rajgir.
Early morning drive to Kushinagar. Enroute, visit Vaishali to see the majestic Ashokan Pillar. Lunch will be served enroute. On arrival in Kushinagar, check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple (where Buddha took his last breath), the Ramabhar Stupa (cremation site of Lord Buddha), and the Japan Temple. Head back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, drive to Lumbini in Nepal (Kindly obtain a double-entry visa for India and a single-entry visa for Nepal). On arrival, check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Lumbini.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning visiting the Holy Birthplace of Lord Buddha. Have an early lunch and then drive to Sravasti. Enroute, visit Kapilavastu (10 km). On arrival in Sravasti, check in at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to visit Saheth (Jetvanaram) and Maheth (Angulimal Caves). Enjoy lunch at the hotel, and then drive to Sankasya. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for a visit to Sankasya, presently located in Basantpur village in the Farrukhabad district of central Uttar Pradesh, lying in the ruins of an ancient fort. In a sacred spot stands a temple dedicated to Bisari Devi atop a stupa. It is believed that Buddha descended on this spot after preaching the Abhidharma (Sermon) to his mother in Trayastrimsa heaven. After sightseeing, proceed to New Delhi for an overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Delhi, including India Gate, Parliament House, and the President's House. After lunch, proceed to Agra. On arrival, transfer to your hotel situated in the center of town. Enjoy a free evening for shopping or personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, visit the world-famous Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his Empress Mumtaz Mahal. Its construction took 22 years with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. Afterwards, visit the magnificent Agra Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. After lunch, proceed to Varanasi. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Varanasi.
Take an early morning boat ride on the Ganga River. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, enjoy a Varanasi sightseeing tour and visit Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Next, visit the massive Dhamekha Stupa, towering 43.6 meters high with delicate floral carvings from the Gupta period. The tour continues to the Deer Park. Evening is free for local shopping. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive back to Bodhgaya. Check-in at the hotel and have lunch. The rest of the day is free for personal activities. In the evening, visit the MahaBodhi temple and the sacred Bodhi tree. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Bodhgaya.
Early morning visit to the MahaBodhi temple to offer Gee Rice Pooja (Kiripidu Dhana). Return to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, visit Sujata Village, the Niranjana River, and various monasteries. The evening is free for shopping or your own activities. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Early morning visit to the Mahabodhi temple to once again offer Gee Rice Pooja (Kiripidu Dhana). Return to the hotel for lunch. Spend the rest of the day completely free for deep meditation and reflection. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a departure transfer from the hotel to Bodhgaya / Gaya Airport or your preferred destination. Your grand 15-day tour ends with sweet, everlasting memories.