Buddhist Monastery Tour Package in India

Itinerary Details Expand All [+]

• Day 01: Arrive at Bodh Gaya - Local Sightseeing of famous Buddhist sites like Bodhi Tree & Lord Buddha Temple (Mahabodhi Temple)

  Your Buddhist Monastery Tour will start as you arrive at Bodhgaya which is situated in Bihar and is the place where Siddhartha got enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi Tree and later became known as Buddha. After arriving at Bodhgaya you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel and you’ll savor a delicious lunch. After lunch, you’ll get ready to explore the famous Buddhist sites. You’ll be taken to the Mahabodhi Temple which houses Buddha’s glided statue and is the place where Buddha got enlightenment. The temple attracts devotees from all around the world as it represents the struggle of Siddhartha’s spiritual quest. You’ll then head to the Bodhi Tree under which Siddhartha meditated tirelessly to get enlightenment. The Bodhi Tree is the original tree’s direct descendant. It has been propagated from the original tree’s cutting, to ensure that the sacred lineage continues across centuries. You will also visit the other famous Buddhist monasteries that recite the tale of Siddhartha’s awakening. In the evening you’ll return to your hotel and have a mouth-watering dinner. Post dinner you’ll have a relaxing sleep in your room.

• Day 02: Bodhgaya - Dungeshwari Cave Temples (05 Hrs, 12 KM) - Meditation Session in the well-known Buddhist Monasteries- Bodhgaya

  Savor a delectable breakfast in the morning and then prepare yourself to visit Dungeshwari Cave Temples where Siddhartha undertook rigorous ascetic practices like deprivation and fasting before getting enlightenment. The caves served as a tranquil escape for Siddhartha during his self-mortification period. He stayed here for a brief period while pursuing the path of renunciation. You’ll then visit the monasteries that have been built by different nations. You’ll also have a half-day meditation session at a monastery. You can select any of these monasteries for your meditation session- Indosan Nippon Temple / Tibetan Karma Temple / Thai Monastery /Namgyal Monastery / Bhutanese / Vietnamese /Chinese Burmese /Tamang / Nepali Buddhist and Daijokyo Monastery to experience the transformative power of meditation. If you visit these monasteries from October to March, you will get an opportunity to meditate alongside monks who especially come from Dharmshala to Bodhgaya to meditate and get enlightenment. After a fulfilling day, you will head back to your hotel in Bodhgaya for a lip-smacking dinner. After the dinner, you will have an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Day 03: Bodhgaya- Rajgir (30 Min, 70 KM,) –Nalanda (30 Min, 40 KM,) - Nalanda University – Patna (1.5 Hrs, 80 KM)

  After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Rajgir which served as the Magadh empire’s capital in the ancient era and is closely associated with Buddhism. The Japanese Buddhists built the Vishwa Shanti Stupa which is a sacred site for the followers of Buddhism. The stupa is perched on the Ratnagiri Hill and symbolizes peace and tranquility. It is the ideal site for introspection and meditation and symbolizes the universal aspiration for harmony among all countries. The stupa houses massive statues of Buddha depicting his four life stages - enlightenment, teaching, birth, and death. Next, you will visit the Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak) where Lord Buddha delivered many of his important sermons. This place provides visitors with a conducive ambiance for spiritual rejuvenation and cultural immersion. You will also visit Bimbisara Prison and Venuvanaram. Bimbisar Prison has a close association with King Bimbisara, who ruled the Magadha Empire during the sixth century BCE. Ajatashatru, the son of King Bimbisara imprisoned him over here. Venuvanaram is another popular Buddhist site considered to be a bamboo grove where Buddha stayed during his visit to Rajgir. You will then visit a local Buddhist monastery and spend some time meditating and searching for inner wisdom.

  You’ll then have a delectable lunch and then you will head to Nalanda to visit the Nalanda University Archaeological Complex. Nalanda University was the first residential university in the world, dating back to the ancient Gupta period. It was an important learning center and attracted students and scholars from different parts of the world. The next destination covered in the tour is the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall which is dedicated to the Chinese Buddhist scholar and monk, Xuan Zang, who traveled during the seventh century to India. After that, you will head to Patna and you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Have an overnight stay at your hotel. Have an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Day 04: Patna –Vaishali (1 Hrs, 50 KM) + Local Sites –Kushinagar (5 Hrs, 250 KM), Kesaria Stupa (2.5 Hrs, 130 KM)

  On the fourth day, you will embark on a picturesque drive to Kushinagar from Patna. En route, you will stop by to visit the popular attractions of Vaishali like the Last Sermon Palace of Lord Buddha. Vaishali holds immense importance in Buddhist history. This ancient city is the place where Buddha delivered his last sermon before he attained Nirvana. Immerse yourself in this place’s profound spirituality while exploring famous attractions like the Ananda Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, Buddha Stupas, Abhishek Pushkaran, and Kutagarshala Vihara. These sites offer an insight into the illustrious past of Vaishali and its association with the teachings of Lord Buddha.

  Next, you will visit Kesaria which houses the Kesaria Stupa, one of the world’s largest ancient Buddhist stupas. This magnificent structure testifies to the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and offers visitors an insight into the architectural grandeur of the region. After witnessing the Kesaria Stupa, you will head to Kushinagar, Lord Buddha’s final resting place. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel, and in the evening you will visit the local monasteries. You can meditate and immerse yourself in the teachings of Buddhism. As the day comes to an end you will have a luscious dinner and you will have a restful sleep at your hotel and then you will have an overnight stay at your hotel or monastery.

• Day 05: Kushinagar – Ramabhar Stupa - Mahaparinirvana Temple-Varanasi (06Hrs, 300 Km)

  Relish a delectable breakfast and then you will visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. It is one of the holiest Buddhist sites with serene surroundings and a spiritually uplifting ambiance. The architecture, inscriptions, and sculptures of the temple are aesthetically impressive and testify to Buddhism’s enduring legacy in the region. Buddha took his last breath at this site. Next, you will visit Ramabhar Stupa’s ruins also known as Mukutbandhan Maha Chaitya. These ruins are the remnants of a monumental structure that was built to honor the cremation site of Lord Buddha. It is the place where the body of Lord Buddha was cremated after his passing away. You will then see the Reclining Buddha statue which is a symbol of Mahaparinirvana. It is a place of devotion and deep reverence. You can seek blessings and offer your prayers. Later, you will enjoy a scenic drive to Varanasi and once you reach the holy destination you will be transferred to your hotel. Have an overnight stay at your hotel.

• Day 06: Varanasi -Morning Boat Ride-Sarnath (30 Min, 12 KM)- Lord Buddha’s first sermon place- Evening Ganga Arti Ceremony

  Wake up early in the morning and get ready for the Subah-e-Banaras experience in Varanasi. You will enjoy a boat ride in the morning on the River Ganges. During the boat ride you can see the different Ghats of Varanasi which are known for their rich history and spiritual vibes. As the boat glides you can see the devotees performing their morning rituals and meditating to cleanse their souls of all impurities. After the boat ride you’ll return to your hotel and have a luscious breakfast. After breakfast, you will head to Sarnath where Buddha taught the Dharma to his disciples for the first time after attaining enlightenment. It is known as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for those interested in the teachings of the Buddha. Once you arrive at Sarnath you will first visit the Dhamekha Stupa, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. It is one of the oldest stupas in India holding immense religious and cultural significance for Buddhists. It symbolizes the Buddha's teachings and the Sangha community’s establishment. Next, you will visit Chaukhandi Stupa which marks the spot where Buddha met his first disciples. It is perched atop a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. You will also visit the Archaeological Museum and Mulagandha Kuti Vihara. The last attraction included in the tour is the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple where you will enjoy evening rituals. Alternatively, you can also undertake a meditation session at any of the Buddhist monasteries. After the sightseeing tour, you will return to Varanasi and have a delectable dinner at your hotel. Post dinner you will have a soothing sleep.

• Day 07 – Varanasi – Drop to Railways station/Airport

  Enjoy a lip-smacking breakfast and then you will check out from your hotel as the tour finally comes to an end. You will be transferred to Varanasi Cantt. Railway Station/ Lal Bahadur Shastri, Varanasi Airport to catch a train or flight for your onward journey.