Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Footsteps of Buddha
A pilgrimage through the sacred Buddhist sites of India and Nepal, from Enlightenment at Bodhgaya to the First Sermon at Sarnath.
9Days
8Nights
8Destinations
HindiLocal language
Highlights
Why travellers choose this tour
Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and Sarnath
BodhgayaRajgirNalandaVaishaliKushinagarLumbiniSravastiVaranasi
Day by day
Itinerary
- 01
On arrival, our representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Later, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, the “Great Awakening Temple”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the place where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Dinner and overnight in Bodhgaya.
- 02
After breakfast, visit Sujata Village, where Prince Siddhartha is believed to have been offered a bowl of kheer (rice pudding), and the River Niranjana (Lilajan in Pali), where his first bath is one of the most striking events on his path to becoming the Buddha. Also visit the international Buddhist monasteries. Dinner and overnight in Bodhgaya.
- 03
After breakfast, drive to Rajgir and Nalanda (70 km · about 2 hrs). At Rajgir, visit Gridhakuta Hill, where the Buddha meditated and gave many sermons to his disciples, and Venuvan. At Nalanda, see the Black Buddha and the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University. Drive back to Bodhgaya for dinner and overnight.
- 04
After breakfast, drive to Vaishali (150 km · about 4 hrs) to see the Ashoka Pillar, crowned with a single lion capital, beside the site of a Buddhist monastery and a sacred coronation tank. After lunch, continue to Kushinagar (215 km · about 5 hrs), visiting Kesariya Stupa en route. Dinner and overnight in Kushinagar.
- 05
After an early breakfast, explore Kushinagar, where Buddhists believe the Buddha attained Parinirvana. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, the Ramabhar Stupa and the international monasteries. After lunch, drive to Lumbini in Nepal (185 km · about 5 hrs). Dinner and overnight in Lumbini.
- 06
After breakfast, visit the Maya Devi Temple, traditionally considered the birthplace of the Buddha, and the international Buddhist monasteries. After lunch, drive to Sravasti (265 km · about 7 hrs), near the West Rapti River, where the Buddha is believed to have spent 24 rainy-season retreats. Dinner and overnight in Sravasti.
- 07
After breakfast, visit Sahet Mahet, a site of great Buddhist and Jain significance; the Angulimala Cave, identified with the stupa seen by Chinese pilgrims around 500 AD; and the Jetavana Mahavihara. After lunch, drive to Varanasi (320 km · about 8 hrs). Dinner and overnight in Varanasi.
- 08
Begin with a sunrise boat ride along the ghats of the Ganges. After breakfast, visit Sarnath: the Dhamek Stupa, Wat Thai and the Sarnath Museum, the oldest site museum of the Archaeological Survey of India. After lunch, drive to Bodhgaya (255 km · about 7 hrs). Dinner and overnight in Bodhgaya.
- 09
After breakfast, a final visit to the Mahabodhi Temple. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Important information
Travel essentials
CurrencyIndian Rupee (₹ INR)
Time zoneGMT + 5:30
Driving sideLeft
Drinking waterBottled or filtered only
EmergencyPolice 100 · Fire 101 · Ambulance 102 · Traffic 103
Voltage220 V, 50 Hz
Power socketsTypes C, D and M
VisaIndian e-Visa (indianvisaonline.gov.in) plus a Nepal visa for Lumbini; Nepal uses NPR, GMT + 5:45
Basic Hindi
A few useful phrases
Namasteनमस्तेHello / goodbye
Shukriyaशुक्रियाThank you
KripyaकृपयाPlease
Yeh kahan hai?यह कहाँ है?Where is this?
Kitna door hai?कितना दूर है?How far is it?
Kitna paisa?कितना पैसा?How much does it cost?
Pani doपानी दोWater, please
Madad kijiyeमदद कीजिएPlease help me
Taste of the region
Local cuisine
Bodhgaya, Bihar
Litti chokha: roasted wheat balls with mashed potato, brinjal and tomato.
Rajgir & Nalanda
Sattu paratha, a flatbread stuffed with roasted gram flour.
Vaishali
Khichdi of lentils and rice, served with curd and papad.
Kushinagar
Puri sabzi, the classic breakfast of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Lumbini, Nepal
Dal bhat: lentil soup, rice and vegetable curry with pickles.
Varanasi
Kachori sabzi, crisp lentil pastries with spicy potato curry.
Did you know
Fun facts
Bodhgaya
The Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple descends from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Nalanda
Nalanda University was a global centre of learning in the 5th century, with over 10,000 students.
Lumbini
The Buddha’s birthplace is marked by a pillar raised by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE.
Sarnath
The Buddha gave his first sermon here, setting the “Wheel of Dharma” in motion.
Let us know how we can help
Enquire about Footsteps of Buddha
Tell us your dates and group size. We’ll tailor this 9-day route and send you a quote.
Call or WhatsApp+91 98102 03502
Mobile+91 95559 62990
Emailunitoptours@gmail.com