Buddhist Spiritual Tour: 6 Days of Enlightenment

After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya and check in at the hotel. Bodhgaya is pivotal in Prince Siddhartha’s life, where he attained enlightenment from a wandering ascetic, marking the beginning of his quest to spread the gospel of peace and nirvana. It is the most significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists globally.

On your Bodhgaya city tour, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage destination. The Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha meditated for a week post-enlightenment, is one of the world’s oldest and most revered trees. The original Bodhi Tree was transported to Sri Lanka by Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta, a descendant of Ashoka, in the 3rd century B.C. It was planted at the Mahavihara temple in Anuradhapura, where it continues to thrive.

Return to the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Drive to Vaishali, the site of Lord Buddha’s Last Sermon. Visit notable locations including the Ashokan Pillar and Ananda Stupa, dedicated to Ananda, Buddha’s prominent follower. The Ananda Stupa, near where Ananda is said to have entered samadhi, contains his mortal remains. Also explore Kutagar Shala Vihara, Buddha Stupas, and Abhishek Pushkaran.

Next, head to Kushinagar, a key pilgrimage site where Buddha gave his final sermon. Once the capital of the Mallas dynasty, Kushinagar has ruins from that era and structures erected by Ashoka the Great at the site of Buddha’s Nirvana. Visit the Nirvana Temple, a monolithic red sandstone structure with a reclining Buddha statue, intricately carved and set on a large brick pedestal.

Continue to Kesariya to see the Kesariya Stupa, the largest ancient Buddhist stupa. Known as the tallest stupa ever excavated, it features a polygonal base and polygonal-shaped bricks, making it a significant historical site in East Champaran.

Return to Kushinagar for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Kushinagar's key sites including the Mahaparinirvana Temple, where Buddha passed away. The main stupa here, standing 19.81 meters tall, was elevated and dome-topped during the 1956 Buddha Jayanti celebration. Visit the Rambhar Stupa, where Buddha was cremated, and the Japanese Temple, constructed by a Japanese organization. The temple’s gilded top and metal or copper idols make it both beautiful and serene.

Proceed to Kapilvastu, Lord Buddha’s childhood home, with stops at the Tilaurakot Museum, the Kapilvastu Kingdom Complex, and the Lumbini Garden.

Continue to Lumbini to visit the Holy Birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Explore the Myanmar Golden Temple, Thai Buddhist Monastery, Eternal Peace Flame, Maya Devi Temple, and Lumbini Museum. The Maya Devi Temple, believed to be Buddha’s birthplace, features the Pushkarini pool and a sacred garden, with archaeological artifacts dating back to Ashoka’s era.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

Early morning, have breakfast in the hotel, transfer to the airport to catch a flight or drive to Varanasi and depart.