Sacred Steps of Lord Buddha

Journey Through Lord Buddha’s Life

 

Tour Overview

Begin your spiritual journey and travel through some of the most significant Buddhist destinations across India and Nepal. This immersive 8-day cultural tour traces the life of Lord Buddha—from enlightenment to Mahaparinirvana—covering sacred sites, ancient universities, monasteries, and heritage landmarks. The tour includes comfortable accommodation, guided sightseeing, meals, and transportation, offering a deeply enriching and seamless travel experience.

Hotel

Great Savings

Flights

Transfers

trustpilot trustpilotratings TrustScore 4.9 | 4K reviews
iata excellence atol

Tour Details

Day 01: Arrival in Varanasi

Arrive in Varanasi and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, spend time discovering the spiritual charm of one of the world’s oldest living cities. In the evening, visit the ghats along the Ganges River to witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony, a powerful ritual filled with chants, lights, and devotion. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 02: Varanasi – Sarnath – Varanasi

Begin your day with a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, observing morning rituals along the ghats. After breakfast, travel to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore key attractions including the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Museum (closed on Fridays). Return to Varanasi for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Varanasi – Bodhgaya

After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya, the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin exploring the area. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the revered Bodhi Tree. Also explore the Great Buddha Statue, Thai Monastery, and the Archaeological Museum. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Day 04: Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir – Patna

After breakfast, proceed towards Patna with stops at Nalanda and Rajgir. Visit the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, once a renowned center of Buddhist learning. Continue to Rajgir to explore Gridhakuta Hill (Vulture’s Peak), Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and Ajatshatru Fort. Later, drive to Patna and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 05: Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar

After breakfast, travel to Kushinagar with a stop at Vaishali, a place of great religious importance. Visit the Ashoka Pillar and Buddha Stupa, reflecting the region’s rich history. Continue to Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Day 06: Kushinagar – Lumbini (Nepal)

After breakfast, drive to Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact birth site, and explore the Sacred Garden with its monasteries and ancient ruins. You may also visit the Lumbini Museum. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in Lumbini.

Day 07: Lumbini – Kapilvastu – Shravasti

After breakfast, journey towards Shravasti with a visit to Kapilvastu, the childhood home of Buddha. Explore the Tilaurakot ruins, believed to be the ancient capital. Continue to Shravasti and check in to your hotel. Visit Jetavana Monastery and the Anandabodhi Tree, both important Buddhist sites. Overnight stay in Shravasti.

Day 08: Shravasti – Lucknow – Departure

After breakfast, drive to Lucknow. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Destination. Conclude your spiritual journey with lasting memories of the sacred Buddhist circuit.

Accommodation

4★ / Deluxe Hotel Options

  • Varanasi: HHI Varanasi

  • Bodhgaya: Mahabodhi Hotel

  • Patna: Hotel Patliputra Continental

  • Kushinagar: Lotus Nikko Hotel

  • Lumbini: Five Elements Hotel

  • Shravasti: Lotus Nikko Hotel


5★ / Premium Hotel Options

  • Varanasi: Radisson Hotel Varanasi

  • Bodhgaya: Marasa Sarovar Premiere

  • Patna: Hotel Patliputra Continental

  • Kushinagar: The Imperial Kushinagar

  • Lumbini: Five Elements Hotel

  • Shravasti: Hotel Platinum Shravasti

Additional Details

Tour Inclusions

  • Return international flights from the UK to India 

  • 7 nights accommodation in air-conditioned hotels on a twin/double sharing basis at the proposed hotels or similar category.

  • Daily breakfast at the hotel.

  • Airport meet and greet service on arrival and assistance on departure.

  • All airport transfers and intercity travel in a private air-conditioned chauffeur-driven vehicle as per the itinerary.

  • Guided sightseeing tours and excursions according to the program.

  • Early morning boat ride on the River Ganges in Varanasi.

  • Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony experience in Varanasi.

  • All parking fees, road tolls, fuel charges, government taxes, and driver allowances.

  • Dedicated tour assistance and on-ground support throughout the journey.

  • All currently applicable government taxes.


Tour Exclusions

  • Any domestic or international airfare not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.

  • Monument entrance fees and camera/video fees at sightseeing locations.

  • Optional tours, activities, or additional sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • English-speaking accompanying guide service (available at an additional cost).

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary (lunches and dinners).

  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry, beverages, room service, tips, etc.

  • Porterage services at airports, railway stations, or hotels.

  • Travel insurance, visa fees, and any documentation costs.

  • Any expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, natural events, or itinerary changes.

  • Any other services not specifically mentioned in the “Tour Inclusions” section

 

Important Information

Important Information

  • This information and price is provided for guidance only and no services are confirmed until booking is completed.

  • Prices are based on entry-level or standard room categories unless otherwise specified.

  • All itineraries can be fully customised to suit your travel preferences, interests, and budget.

  • All services, including hotels and transport, are subject to availability at the time of booking.

  • In the unlikely event that listed hotels are unavailable, similar alternatives of the same standard will be arranged.

  • Flight and train schedules are subject to change without prior notice and are outside our control.

  • In certain regions, particularly mountainous areas, air conditioning may not be available and some hotels may require short walks or local transfers to access.

  • Transport is arranged based on the number of travellers and standard luggage allowance. Additional luggage may require a larger vehicle at an extra cost.

  • Standard hotel check-in times are typically between 12:00 and 14:00. Early check-in requests can be made but are subject to availability.

  • Travel times between destinations are approximate and may vary depending on road, traffic, and weather conditions, as well as any stops made during the journey.

  • We are not liable for delays, changes, or disruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control, including weather conditions, transport issues, or other unforeseen events.

  • We strongly recommend that all travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations, medical emergencies, and travel disruptions.

  • Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to international departures and 2 hours prior to domestic departures.

support