Exploring the rich Buddhist heritage of Northern India, the 9-Day Complete Buddha Tour from Delhi offers an immersive journey through some of the most significant sites associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha. From the revered Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya to the sacred Bodhi Tree, this private group tour promises a comprehensive experience, complete with knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and flexible scheduling. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply seeking a deeper connection with the Buddhist faith, this tour promises to captivate and inspire, leaving you with a profound understanding of the Buddha’s enduring legacy.
Key Points
- This 9-day tour from Delhi covers significant Buddhist sites across northern India, including Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Varanasi.
- The tour is priced at €653.75 per person and includes daily breakfast, air-conditioned transportation, 3-star accommodations, and a live English/Hindi-speaking guide.
- Participants can choose their preferred tour dates, and the tour offers a private group experience with flexible scheduling.
- Highlights include visiting the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, exploring Nalanda University ruins, and attending the Ganga Arati ritual in Varanasi.
- The tour includes domestic flights, local transportation, and a Nepal visa charge, while entrance fees and some meals are excluded, allowing for customizable spending.
Tour Overview and Booking Information
This 9-day Complete Buddha Tour from Delhi offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of some of Buddhism’s most sacred and historically significant sites.
The tour is priced at €653.75 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as a convenient ‘reserve now & pay later’ option.
Guests will enjoy the services of a live tour guide fluent in English and Hindi, as well as a private group experience.
The tour includes daily breakfast, air-conditioned transportation, and 3-star accommodations, while entrance fees, flights, and meals are excluded.
Participants can select their preferred date for the tour, making it a flexible and customizable experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lumbini.
Itinerary Highlights
The 9-day Complete Buddha Tour begins with arrivals in Delhi, where travelers take a traditional rickshaw ride through the vibrant Chandni Chowk district before overnighting at a hotel.
The next day, they’ll fly to Bodhgaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment, and visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Over the following days, they’ll:
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Explore Bodhgaya, including the Bodhi Tree and monasteries.
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Travel to Rajgir and Nalanda, visiting the Griddhakuta Peak and the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University.
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Visit Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, and Lumbini, his birthplace, before continuing on to Varanasi and Sarnath.
Throughout the journey, travelers will discover the rich cultural and historical significance of these important Buddhist sites.
Cultural and Historical Sites
The tour immerses travelers in the rich cultural and historical significance of several renowned Buddhist sites across India.
Key destinations include the ancient Nalanda University, founded in the 5th century BC and once one of the world’s great centers of learning, as well as the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks the location of Buddha’s enlightenment.
Visitors can also explore Kushinagar, an important pilgrimage site where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, featuring significant temples and shrines.
In Varanasi, travelers will witness the Ganga Arati ritual and visit Sarnath, the location of Buddha’s first teachings, including the iconic Dhamek Stupa.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the tour package are daily breakfasts, air-conditioned private transportation, toll and parking fees, 3-star hotel accommodations, and guide services. The Nepal visa charge is also covered.
However, the tour doesn’t include:
- Entrance fees to the cultural and historical sites visited.
- Airfare to and from Delhi.
- Lunch, dinner, drinks, and laundry services.
The tour is designed to provide a comprehensive Buddha-themed experience while giving participants the flexibility to manage their own meals and incidentals.
This approach allows travelers to customize their spending based on their preferences and budget.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTravel Logistics
Spanning various regions of northern India, the tour itinerary covers significant distances, with participants traversing from Delhi to Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and finally to Varanasi.
The journey from Delhi to Bodhgaya takes approximately 3 hours by flight. Traveling from Bodhgaya to Rajgir covers 80 km, while the drive from Rajgir to Kushinagar is a longer 300 km, taking around 6 hours.
The next leg from Kushinagar to Lumbini is 170 km, a 3-hour journey, and the final stretch from Lumbini to Varanasi covers 280 km, another 6-hour drive.
Participants can select their preferred travel dates for this comprehensive Buddha tour.
Arrival in Delhi
Participants begin their Complete Buddha Tour from Delhi, where they’ll enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride through the vibrant Chandni Chowk market before spending their first night in a hotel.
This lively neighborhood is known for its bustling streets, historic architecture, and array of shops selling spices, textiles, and traditional wares. The rickshaw ride offers a unique perspective on the sights, sounds, and energy of Old Delhi.
The day’s activities include:
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Explore Chandni Chowk via traditional rickshaw
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Discover the historic charm of Old Delhi
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Relax in the comfort of a Delhi hotel for the night
This introductory day sets the stage for the immersive Buddhist pilgrimage to follow across northern India.
Exploring Bodhgaya
Eagerly embracing the spiritual significance of the site, travelers make their way to Bodhgaya, the hallowed ground where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
They visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses the sacred Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha meditated.
Pilgrims circumambulate the temple, pausing to offer prayers and meditate.
They also explore the many monasteries in Bodhgaya, each with its unique architectural style and religious traditions.
The serene atmosphere and the sense of connection to the Buddha’s journey inspire awe and reverence in the visitors.
As the day draws to a close, they reflect on the profound experiences they’ve had in this sacred place.
Journey to Varanasi
From Lumbini, the group embarks on a drive to the holy city of Varanasi, where they’ll witness the captivating Ganga Arati ritual along the legendary Ganges River.
The 6-hour journey takes them through the scenic landscapes of Nepal and northern India, offering glimpses of rural life. Upon arrival in Varanasi, the group checks into their hotel.
In the evening, they gather on the banks of the Ganges to experience the spiritual Ganga Arati ceremony, which involves the rhythmic waving of lamps and incense, accompanied by chants and prayers. This vibrant ritual is a highlight of the tour, leaving the travelers in awe of Varanasi’s timeless spirituality.
The day concludes with an overnight stay in Varanasi.
Three key highlights of the journey to Varanasi:
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Scenic countryside drive through Nepal and northern India
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Witnessing the captivating Ganga Arati ritual on the Ganges River
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Taking in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy city of Varanasi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Travel Insurance Included in the Tour Package?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. The package covers only the specified inclusions such as accommodation, transportation, and guide services. Travelers will need to arrange their own travel insurance separately if they wish to have coverage.
What Time Is the Daily Breakfast Served?
The tour package includes daily breakfast, but the specific serving time is not provided in the knowledge. Travelers should check with the hotel staff upon arrival to inquire about the breakfast schedule during their stay.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to individual preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility to tailor the itinerary, accommodation, and activities based on the traveler’s interests and needs. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour guide.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the tour. The tour accommodates travelers’ needs and can be customized to individual preferences.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour can be extended beyond the standard 9-day itinerary. Travelers can customize the tour duration based on their preferences and interests, with the option to add extra days to explore more sites along the Buddhist circuit.
Recap
This 9-day Buddha Tour offers travelers an immersive experience exploring significant Buddhist sites across northern India.
Participants will visit UNESCO-listed landmarks, engage with Buddha’s life and teachings, and enjoy comfortable accommodations and transportation.
With a flexible itinerary and knowledgeable guide, this tour provides an enriching opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of Buddhism’s profound impact on the region.
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