Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour from Kolkata
Explore sacred Buddhist sites from Kolkata to Varanasi, including Bodhgaya, Lumbini, and Kushinagar, on this 11-day spiritual journey.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour from Kolkata
Duration: 10 Nights /11 Days
Destinations Covered: Kolkata – Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna-Vaishali – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Shravasti – Varanasi
Initiate your invigorating Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour from Kolkata, tracing the sacred footsteps of Lord Buddha across India and Nepal. This spiritual journey turns to land the most sacred Buddhist places, including Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Sravasti, and Varanasi. Meditate at Mahabodhi Temple, walk amid the ruins of Nalanda University, pay homage at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar, and visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal. End this pilgrimage in the ancient city of Varanasi, lying on the banks of the Ganges. Crafted for easy transfers, guided tours, and well-planned halts, this itinerary would appeal to all lovers of peace and spirituality and enthusiasts of Buddhist heritage.
Tour Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of Lord Buddha across India & Nepal.
- Meditate under the Bodhi Tree at Bodhgaya.
- Explore the ancient wisdom of Nalanda University.
- Pay homage at Kushinagar, Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana site.
- Visit Lumbini, the holy birthplace of Buddha.
- Discover Sravasti, home to Jetavana Monastery.
- Experience Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.
- Witness a sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges in Varanasi.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kolkata (No Meals)On arrival at Kolkata Airport, you will be greeted by our representative. After meet and assist, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the evening at leisure or take a short walk around the city. Overnight stay in Kolkata.
Day 02: Kolkata to Bodhgaya (B/L/D)
After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya (471 km / approx. 9 hours). Lunch will be provided en route. Upon arrival in Bodhgaya by evening, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, one of the holiest Buddhist shrines where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Spend time meditating under the Bodhi Tree. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Bodhgaya.
Day 03: Bodhgaya Sightseeing (B/L/D)
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Village, Niranjana River, and the impressive 80-feet Buddha Statue. Return to the hotel for lunch and dinner. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 04: Explore Monasteries in Bodhgaya (B/L/D)
Enjoy breakfast and visit the Japanese Temple and several international monasteries built by different Buddhist nations. In the evening, return to the Mahabodhi Temple for evening prayers and meditation. Dinner and overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 05: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna (B/L/D)
After breakfast, drive to Rajgir (65 km), once the capital of the Magadha kingdom. Visit Gridhkutta (Vulture’s Peak), the World Peace Stupa, Venuvanaram, and Bimbisar’s Jail. Enjoy lunch at Rajgir before continuing to Nalanda (12 km), the site of the ancient Nalanda University, a world-renowned centre of Buddhist learning. Later, drive to Patna, check into your hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 06: Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, drive towards Kushinagar (260 km / approx. 7 hrs), with a stop at Vaishali, the place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon. Lunch will be served en route. On arrival in Kushinagar, check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 07: Kushinagar – Lumbini (B/L/D)
After breakfast, visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, marking the site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, the Rambhar Stupa, and the Japanese Temple. After lunch, proceed to Lumbini (170 km / approx. 4 hrs) in Nepal (ensure a valid double-entry visa for India and a single-entry visa for Nepal). On arrival, check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 08: Lumbini Exploration (B/L/D)
Today, after breakfast, spend the day exploring Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, the sacred garden, and monasteries built by various countries. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 09: Lumbini – Kapilvastu – Sravasti (B/L/D)
After breakfast, drive to Sravasti (200 km), with a stop at Kapilvastu (10 km), where Buddha spent his early life. After lunch, visit Saheth (Jetavana Monastery) and Maheth (Angulimal’s Cave). Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Sravasti.
Day 10: Sravasti – Varanasi (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel before driving to Varanasi, the ancient spiritual capital of India. After check-in and lunch, proceed to Sarnath (14 km), where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Deer Park. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Varanasi.
Day 11: Varanasi – Departure to Kolkata (B)
Wake up early for a boat ride on the River Ganges, witnessing the mesmerising sunrise and the spiritual rituals at the ghats. After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight for Kolkata, carrying unforgettable memories of your Buddhist spiritual tour.
