buddhist pilgrimage tour packages – Buddhist Tourism Circuit
Buddhism, among the oldest world religions, traces its roots back 2,500 years to ancient India, under Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. With a global following of over 350 million, its teachings center on the four noble truths and the eightfold path. Our meticulously designed Buddhist tour packages & Buddhist Circuit Tour offer immersive journeys across India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, tailored to individual interests. Experience the rich history, culture, and spirituality of Buddhism through customizable itineraries. Celebrate significant festivals such as Buddha Purnima, honoring Lord Gautam Buddha’s birth; Hemis Festival, a vibrant two-day celebration at Hemis Monastery in Ladakh; Asalha Puja Day, marking Buddha’s first teaching at Sarnath; Ullambana, known as the Ghost Festival, where Buddhists honor departed spirits; Losar, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, particularly celebrated by Tibetan and Buddhist communities; Magha Puja, commemorating a significant full moon day in the lunar calendar. Experience the cultural richness at Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, where the annual Rumtek Chaam pays homage to Guru Padmasambhava, who propagated Buddhism in the region in the 8th century. Join us to explore these vibrant facets of Buddhist traditions and celebrations.Buddhist Tourism India.
Buddhist Temple Travel with East India Tour
DAY 1 – Kolkata – Gaya
Assistance on arrival and overnight drive to Bodhgaya (500 Kms / 10 Hrs). Overnight transfer in the coach.Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour India
DAY 2 – Bodhgaya
After the early Breakfast, full day city tour of Bodhgaya, visit Sujata Village, Niranjana River & various International monasteries. Later in the evening, visit Mahabodhi Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.Buddha Footsteps Tour
DAY 3 – Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Bodhgaya
Breakfast at the hotel later excursion to Rajgir (102 km), Rajgir is a site of great Sanctity and significance for Buddhists. Afternoon visit Gridhkutta Hill, Bimbisar jail & Ajatashatru’s Fort. Post lunch, a quick drive to Nalanda (12 km). It was one of the oldest Universities of the World & International Centre for Buddist Studies. Nalanda was one of the most excellent monastic universities of the ancient world University established in the 5th century B.C. Lord Buddha and also the founder of Jainism religion Lord Mahavir taught at this university for years. There is even a monument to facilitate Chinese traveller monk and writer Hiuen Tsang who studied at this university in the 7th century A.D. After the excursion, transfer back to Bodhgaya. Overnight stay at the hotel.Buddhist Heritage India
DAY 4 – Bodhgaya / Varanasi
After early Breakfast, we will depart to Varanasi by surface (250 km / 7 hrs). Varanasi is a significant place for both Hindus and Buddhists as its proximity to Sarnath. rrival checks in to the hotel and then proceed to Sarnath (14 km).During the transfer, we would also visit Dhamekha Stupa and Deer park.Later Back to Varanasi, for the overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 5 – Varanasi / Kushinagar
Early morning boat excursion on the river Ganges, a ferry pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer prayers to the rising sun. Come back to the hotel for Breakfast. Transfer to Kushinagar (260 km. / 7 hrs). Lunch in a motel en route. On arrival at Kushinagar, checks in to the hotel for the overnight stay.
DAY 6 – Kushinagar – Lumbini
After the early Breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit Mahaparinirvana Temple (where Buddha took his last breath) and Rambhar Stupa (cremation site of Lord Buddha). Lunch at the hotel. Post lunch transfers toward Lumbini, Nepal*(170 km. / 04 hrs drive).On arrival, check-in at the hotel for the overnight stay.Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites
*(Kindly obtain a double entry visa for India & a single entry visa for Nepal)- Not applicable to Indian Passport holders.
DAY 7 – Lumbini – Sravasti
After Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to visit the Holy Birthplace of Lord Buddha. After the visit back to the hotel for lunch. Drive to Sravasti (200 km/ 5 hrs.). On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 8 – Sravasti – Lucknow – Delhi Departure
After Breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit Saheth (Jetvanaram) & Maheth (AngulimalCaves). After Lunch drive to Lucknow (170 Kms./04 Hrs.). On arrival, transfer to the railway station to connect the train for Delhi. On arrival Delhi transfer to airport to connect the flight for onward destination.
buddhist pilgrimage sites in india – Buddhist Tourist Destinations
India boasts numerous renowned Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, each steeped in rich history and spiritual significance:
- Lumbini: Revered as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini in Nepal draws pilgrims worldwide to its sacred grounds, including the Ashokan Pillar and Maya Devi Temple.
- Vaishali: This picturesque city in Bihar, believed to be where Buddha delivered his final sermon, holds deep significance for Buddhists, also serving as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira.
- Rajgir: An ancient city of the Magadha kingdom, Rajgir is revered for its association with Buddha’s teachings, notably the Gridhakuta Hill, his favored meditation spot.
- Kapilavastu: Located in Nepal’s Lumbini district, Kapilavastu is revered as Buddha’s childhood home and where he renounced worldly life, marked by the Ashoka Pillar.
- Nalanda: A center of Buddhist learning, Nalanda’s ancient university and ruins offer insights into the religion’s cultural and intellectual legacy.
- Diamond Triangle, Odisha: Comprising Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, and Lalitgiri, this trio of sites showcases the relics of Vajrayana Buddhism, emphasizing tantric practices.
- Sanchi Stupa: Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh boasts the iconic Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by stupas and monasteries symbolizing Buddhism’s prominence.
- Bodh Gaya: The site of Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya in Bihar attracts devotees seeking spiritual transformation and blessings.
- Sarnath: Where Buddha delivered his first sermon, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is revered for its Dhamek Stupa and other ancient relics.
- Kaushambi: Known for its ancient monuments and Buddha’s teachings, Kaushambi in Uttar Pradesh was a significant trade center during the Buddhist era.
- Kushinagar: This pilgrimage site marks Buddha’s nirvana and cremation, featuring the Rambhar Stupa and Mahaparinirvana Temple.
- Shravasti: Famed for Buddha’s discourses, Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh houses relics like Gautam Buddha’s hut at Jetavana Monastery.
- Leh Ladakh: With its monasteries and Buddhist heritage, Leh Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir offers a serene retreat for spiritual seekers influenced by Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.
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