Footsteps of the Buddha
Embark on a remarkable journey through the sacred Buddhist circuit and trace the life and teachings of the Buddha. This carefully curated itinerary takes you to some of the most revered Buddhist sites across the Indian subcontinent, including the four places most closely associated with the Buddha's life: Lumbini in Nepal, where he was born; Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment; Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon; and Kushinagar, where he attained Mahaparinirvana. Along the way, visit ancient monasteries, magnificent stupas, and revered pilgrimage sites that continue to inspire travellers and devotees from around the world, offering a profound insight into the origins and enduring legacy of Buddhism.
Journey Highlights
Walk through the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk Bazaar in Old Delhi
Explore Lucknow for it's architecture and wonderful street-food
See the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini
Visit Bodhgaya to see the monasteries and temples
Explore the sacred ghats of Varanasi and witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy River Ganges
Itinerary
DAY 01
Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood later.
DAY 02
In Delhi
Explore the contrasts of Delhi, beginning in Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and a visit to Jama Masjid. Continue to New Delhi to see Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, where you can experience the community kitchen.
DAY 03
Fly to Lucknow
Fly to Lucknow for a two-night stay in this historic and culturally rich city. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
DAY 04
In Lucknow
Visit the historic Residency Complex, Dilkusha Gardens, and the magnificent La Martinière College before exploring the grand Bara Imambara and iconic Rumi Darwaza. End the day browsing Lucknow's vibrant bazaars, renowned for exquisite chikankari embroidery, handicrafts, and traditional Awadhi culture.
DAY 05
Drive to Sravasti
Depart Lucknow this morning and drive to Sravasti (3–4 hours), where the Buddha spent many monsoon seasons and delivered numerous teachings. Visit the sacred ruins of Jetavana Monastery, including the Buddha's hut, and continue to the nearby Angulimala Caves.
DAY 06
Drive to Lumbini
Leave Sravasti and drive to the Indo–Nepal border before continuing to Lumbini (4–5 hours), the revered birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. Visit this sacred pilgrimage site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in profound spiritual significance.
DAY 07
In Lumbini
Today, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lumbini, visiting the Sacred Garden, the revered Maya Devi Temple, the Ashokan Pillar, the sacred Pushkarni Pond, and the archaeological remains that commemorate the birthplace of the Buddha.
DAY 08
Drive to Kushinagar
After breakfast, cross back into India and drive to Kushinagar (4–5 hours), where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Later, visit the revered Mahaparinirvana Temple, housing the reclining Buddha statue, and the sacred Ramabhar Stupa, believed to mark his cremation site.
DAY 09
Drive to Patna
Leave Kushinagar and drive to Vaishali, where the Buddha is believed to have delivered his final sermon, before continuing to Patna (6–7 hours). Bihar's vibrant capital, set along the Ganges, is closely associated with Buddhism and the legacy of Emperor Ashoka.
DAY 10
In Patna
Today, explore Patna with your guide, visiting the historic Golghar granary, the former East India Company opium warehouse at Gulzaribagh, the Bihar Museum, and the bustling lanes of Old Patna's Chowk, reflecting the city's rich colonial and cultural heritage.
DAY 11
Drive to Bodhgaya
Leave Patna and drive to Bodh Gaya (4–5 hours), stopping at the ancient university ruins of Nalanda and historic Rajgir. Continue to Bodh Gaya, the world's foremost Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree.
DAY 12
In Bodhgaya
Today, explore Bodh Gaya with your private guide, visiting the UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred Bodhi Tree, and an array of beautiful monasteries and temples built by Buddhist communities from across the world, each reflecting its own distinctive architectural traditions.
DAY 13
Drive to Varanasi
Leave Bodh Gaya and drive to Varanasi (6–7 hours), one of the world's oldest living cities and India's spiritual heart on the banks of the sacred Ganges. In the evening, witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony at the riverside ghats, a deeply moving spiritual experience.
DAY 14
In Varanasi
Enjoy an early morning boat ride along the sacred River Ganges, witnessing the timeless rituals and daily life unfolding along its banks. Later, explore Varanasi’s vibrant markets, narrow lanes, and ancient temples on foot, before an afternoon excursion to the historic Buddhist site of Sarnath.
DAY 15
Fly to Delhi
At the appropriate time, fly to Delhi and spend the day at leisure, with time to relax, enjoy some last-minute shopping, or visit any places of interest you may have missed.
DAY 16
Departure
At the appropriate time, transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight back home, or continue your onward journey with us.
Enquiry
Starting from USD 1480 Per Person*
* lean season and based on comfortable hotels
Price is based on double occupancy and is subject to change depending on the hotels selected and travel dates.
Your tour includes daily breakfast, all monument entrance fees, expert local guides, domestic flights, airport transfers, a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned SUV, and all applicable taxes.
"To journey through India's Buddhist heartland is to walk in the footsteps of the Buddha, discovering sacred places where compassion, wisdom, and the pursuit of enlightenment continue to inspire the world."
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour
The Imperial
New Delhi
OPULENT, HERITAGE
The Claridges
New Delhi
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Colonels Retreat
New Delhi
BASIC, B&B
Taj Lucknow
Lucknow
FIRST CLASS
BrijRama Palace
Varanasi
OPULENT, HERITAGE
Guleria Kothi
Varanasi
MID RANGE, HERITAGE
"An incredible trip to India"
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we had been missing during our last six trips to India—a truly authentic Indian experience! Every part of the journey felt thoughtfully planned, allowing us to connect with the culture, people, and destinations in a much more meaningful way. A piece of advice for anyone hesitating to work with you: If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and are looking for an authentic, personalised travel experience in India, you are absolutely in the right place. Thank you for creating memories that we will cherish for years to come.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
"Nothing Short of Extraordinary"
We have had the most amazing time, great hotels and great experiences. Our drivers and guides have been excellent, in particular Govinder Raj who has been our driver and companion for the last ten days. Govinder has been extremely obliging and has made sure we have been safe and where we should be, on time, with all our belongings and with a stack of goodies and water. He has kept the car immaculate both inside and out, and has driven us with care and skill on all our journeys. Your planning of all the inclusions such are the ceremonies at temples, boat rides and the Everest Flight made the whole trip one never to forget.
Mr & Mrs Davies-Webb, UK
"Highly Recommended"
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
Ms Gayle Rawes & Mr Andrew Slatford, UK
"Superb Service"
The outcome of this trip far exceeded our expectations and we would recommend your agency without any reservation. Our sincerest thanks for a well planned and executed tour.
Mr Eugene & Ms Mirasol Johnson, USA
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