Arrive Chennai — Depart New Delhi
Specially curated for international pilgrims and travelers from Sri Lanka, this expansive 17-day itinerary covers the diverse spiritual and cultural heritage of India. Starting in the vibrant south with Chennai, Kochi, and Tirupati, the journey moves centrally to Bhopal before embarking on a deeply moving exploration of the complete Buddhist Circuit (Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, Nepal, and Sravasti). The tour concludes with the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra and departure from New Delhi.
Welcome to India! Upon your arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our APS Tour & Travels representative. You will be transferred to your hotel to relax and recover from your flight. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.
After an early breakfast, proceed on a scenic drive to the sacred hill town of Tirupati. Visit the world-renowned Sri Venkateswara Temple on Tirumala Hill for divine blessings. After completing the holy Darshan, check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Tirupati.
After breakfast, travel back to Chennai airport to board your domestic flight to Kochi, the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" in Kerala. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Enjoy the evening exploring the historic Fort Kochi area and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight stay in Kochi.
After breakfast, transfer to Kochi Airport for your flight to the heart of India: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Known as the City of Lakes, Bhopal offers a rich blend of history and nature. Arrive, transfer to your hotel, and spend a relaxing evening by the Upper Lake. Overnight stay in Bhopal.
In the morning, take a short excursion to the magnificent Sanchi Stupa, one of the oldest stone structures in India and an incredibly important Buddhist monument commissioned by Emperor Ashoka. Return to Bhopal in the late afternoon. In the evening, board your comfortable overnight sleeper bus heading towards the holy city of Varanasi.
Arrive in Varanasi in the morning. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and take some well-deserved rest after the overnight journey. In the evening, head to the sacred Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the mesmerizing, world-famous Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the river Ganges. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Wake up early for a serene sunrise boat ride on the holy River Ganges, observing the ancient rituals on the bathing ghats. After breakfast at the hotel, embark on an excursion to Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the massive Dhamek Stupa, the Buddhist temple, and the Archaeological Museum. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Bodhgaya, the most revered site in the Buddhist world, where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the evening to rest and soak in the peaceful spiritual atmosphere. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Devote this entire day to exploring Bodhgaya. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple complex and meditate under the sacred Bodhi Tree. Later, visit Sujata Village (where Buddha was offered rice milk), the Niranjana River, and the majestic 80-foot Giant Buddha statue. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Your third day in Bodhgaya allows for an unhurried, deep spiritual connection. Spend your time visiting the various beautiful international monasteries (Thai, Japanese, Bhutanese, Tibetan) or simply enjoy quiet meditation on the temple grounds. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
After an early breakfast, commence your drive to Kushinagar. This is the highly venerated site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple housing the reclining Buddha statue, and the Ramabhar Stupa (the cremation site). Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
After breakfast, drive towards the India-Nepal border crossing. Enter Nepal and proceed to Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. Visit the beautiful Maya Devi Temple, the exact birth spot, the Ashokan Pillar, and the surrounding monastic zone. Overnight stay in Lumbini, Nepal.
After breakfast, cross the border back into India and drive to Sravasti. Sravasti is intimately associated with the life of Lord Buddha, as he spent 24 monsoons here. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Sravasti.
Spend the day exploring the historical significance of Sravasti. Visit the sprawling Jetavana Monastery complex, the Anandabodhi Tree, and the remains of ancient stupas. This is a day for deep reflection in the groves where Buddha spent much of his teaching life. Overnight stay in Sravasti.
After breakfast, begin the long journey to the historic Mughal city of Agra (transfer via road or train connections). Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel. If time permits, enjoy a brief evening view of the city. Overnight stay in Agra.
Start your morning with a spectacular visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of eternal love. Return to the hotel for breakfast, check out, and then drive to New Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway. Upon arrival in India's capital, check in to your hotel. Overnight stay in New Delhi.
Enjoy your final breakfast in India. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or quick sightseeing in Delhi (India Gate, Parliament House). You will be safely transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to board your flight homeward to Sri Lanka. The tour ends with sweet, everlasting memories!