🛕 12 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
Kolkata – Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir – Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Sravasti – Agra – Delhi
Tour Style: Spiritual Pilgrimage, Guided Cultural Tour
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Departure Countries: India & Nepal
Starts In: Kolkata
Ends In: Delhi
🧭 Tour Overview
Join us on a sacred journey through India and Nepal to retrace the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. This 12-day guided pilgrimage tour connects the most significant sites of Buddhism — from the place of Enlightenment at Bodhgaya to the holy land of Lumbini, His birthplace. Experience spiritual serenity and cultural depth with a blend of ancient monasteries, sacred stupas, UNESCO sites, and expert local guides.
This itinerary is designed for monks, devotees, spiritual seekers, and Buddhist communities worldwide looking to immerse in the profound teachings and history of Lord Buddha.
☀️ Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best Time: October to March
This is the ideal travel window, with cool and pleasant weather across the plains of North India and Nepal.
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Winter (Nov–Feb): Crisp mornings and chilly evenings — perfect for temple visits.
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Spring (Mar): Blooming surroundings and comfortable temperatures.
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Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Rainfall can disrupt road travel; not recommended.
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Summer (Apr–Jun): Hot and humid in most regions.
🏨 Accommodation Options
We offer accommodation in handpicked, top-rated hotels with Buddhist-friendly services. Select from 3-star to super luxury options:
| Destination | 3-Star Hotels | 4-Star Hotels | 5-Star Hotels | Super Luxury / Premium Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | Hotel Sojourn | The Fern Residency | Taj Bengal | ITC Royal Bengal |
| Varanasi | Hotel Hindusthan International | Rivatas by Ideal | Taj Ganges | BrijRama Palace Varanasi |
| Bodhgaya | Hotel Bodhgaya Regency | Royal Residency | Oaks Bodhgaya | The Royal Residency Premium |
| Rajgir/Nalanda | Indo Hokke Hotel | Rajgir Residency | — | — |
| Patna | Hotel Patliputra Ashok | Lemon Tree Premier | Maurya Patna | — |
| Kushinagar | Hotel Lotus Nikko | Imperial Kushinagar | — | — |
| Lumbini | Hotel Ananda Inn | Buddha Maya Garden | Hotel Pawan Palace | Lumbini Hokke Hotel |
| Sravasti | Hotel Lotus Nikko | Heritage Resort | — | — |
| Agra | Royale Residency | Crystal Sarovar Premier | ITC Mughal / Courtyard by Marriott | Oberoi Amarvilas |
| Delhi | Hotel Sunstar Grand | Radisson Blu Dwarka | Le Meridien / The Lalit | The Imperial / Taj Mahal Hotel |
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary
📍 Day 1: Arrive in Kolkata
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Airport pickup and hotel check-in.
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Visit Mahabodhi Society of Kolkata (if time permits).
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Overnight in Kolkata.
📍 Day 2: Kolkata to Varanasi (Flight/Train)
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Morning transfer to airport/station.
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Arrive in Varanasi. Hotel check-in.
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Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
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Overnight in Varanasi.
📍 Day 3: Varanasi – Sarnath – Bodhgaya
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Early morning boat ride on the Ganges.
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Visit Sarnath: Dhamek Stupa, Museum, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
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Drive to Bodhgaya (Approx. 5-6 hrs).
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Check-in and overnight in Bodhgaya.
📍 Day 4: Full Day Bodhgaya Tour
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Visit Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Vajrasana, Animesh Lochan Chaitya.
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Explore Sujata Village and Niranjana River.
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Optional: Meditation session.
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Overnight in Bodhgaya.
📍 Day 5: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna
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Drive to Rajgir: Visit Gridhakuta Hill, Venuvana, Japanese Peace Pagoda.
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Visit Nalanda University ruins and museum.
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Continue to Patna. Overnight in Patna.
📍 Day 6: Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar
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Drive to Vaishali: Ashokan Pillar, Vihar ruins, Buddha Stupa.
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Proceed to Kushinagar (Approx. 6-7 hrs).
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Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa.
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Overnight in Kushinagar.
📍 Day 7: Kushinagar – Lumbini (Nepal)
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Cross India-Nepal border (immigration formalities).
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Arrive in Lumbini. Visit Maya Devi Temple, Sacred Garden, Ashokan Pillar.
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Overnight in Lumbini.
📍 Day 8: Lumbini – Kapilavastu – Sravasti
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Visit Kapilavastu (Tilaurakot ruins).
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Continue to Sravasti. Visit Jetavana Monastery and Ananda Bodhi Tree.
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Overnight in Sravasti.
📍 Day 9: Sravasti – Lucknow – Agra
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Drive to Lucknow. Board train or drive to Agra.
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Arrive in Agra. Hotel check-in.
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Overnight in Agra.
📍 Day 10: Agra Sightseeing – Delhi
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Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort.
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Afternoon drive to Delhi (Approx. 3-4 hrs).
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Overnight in Delhi.
📍 Day 11: Delhi Sightseeing
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Visit India Gate, Raj Ghat, President’s House, Qutub Minar.
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Explore Buddhist sites: Ladakh Buddha Vihara.
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Shopping at local markets.
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Overnight in Delhi.
📍 Day 12: Departure
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Airport transfer for onward journey.
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Tour ends with blessings and spiritual memories.
✅ Inclusions
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11 Nights Hotel Accommodation with breakfast
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All transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle
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Experienced English-speaking Buddhist tour guide
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Monastery/temple entrance fees as per itinerary
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Domestic flights/train (e.g., Kolkata–Varanasi, Lucknow–Agra if applicable)
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Visa assistance for India & Nepal
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All taxes, tolls, and parking charges
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Daily bottled water and wet towels
❌ Exclusions
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International airfare
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Visa fees for India and Nepal
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Lunch and dinner (available on request)
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Personal expenses: laundry, phone calls, etc.
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Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides
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Travel insurance
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Any services not mentioned under “Inclusions”
✈️ Travel Information
Visa Requirements:
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Indian Tourist Visa (e-Visa available for most countries)
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Nepal Visa (can be obtained on arrival at the border)
Health & Safety:
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No special vaccinations required.
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Stay hydrated and carry sun protection.
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Basic medical facilities available throughout the route.
Transport:
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Private A/C vehicles for road journeys.
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Flights and trains for longer intercity travel (as per selected plan).
🙏 Why Choose Us?
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Deep-rooted Buddhist connections with local communities
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24/7 support during the tour
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Multilingual guides with cultural expertise
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Customizable itinerary for groups, Sanghas, and individual pilgrims
