Buddhist Circuit Tour
Follow the footsteps of the Buddha from his birthplace at Lumbini to his first sermon at Sarnath, enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and passing at Kushinagar. A calm 11 day pilgrimage with a guide and private car.
Buddhist Circuit Tour Overview
The Buddhist circuit links the four main places in the Buddha's life: Lumbini, where he was born, Bodh Gaya, where he gained enlightenment, Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon, and Kushinagar, where he attained Mahaparinirvana. Sravasti, where he spent many rainy seasons, adds the old Jetavana monastery.
This 10 night tour starts in Delhi and moves through Lucknow, Sravasti, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Varanasi and Bodh Gaya, with guides who know the history and the stories. Lumbini is in Nepal, so border and visa rules apply (see tips). For the hub page, see our Buddhist tours.
USD 1,450 per person, twin sharing
Buddhist Circuit Tour Itinerary
A day-wise plan. The order of sightseeing can change with weather, road conditions, timings and monument closing days.
Places Covered
Trip Highlights
- Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya
- Dhamek Stupa and museum at Sarnath
- Mayadevi Temple and Ashoka Pillar at Lumbini
- Mahaparinirvana Temple at Kushinagar
- Ancient Jetavana monastery at Sravasti
- Quiet time for meditation at each site
Buddhist Circuit Tour Price Details
Starting prices per person on twin sharing. Final price depends on dates, hotel category and group size.
| Tour name | Buddhist Circuit Tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 11 Days / 10 Nights |
| Route | Delhi → Lucknow → Sravasti → Lumbini → Kushinagar → Varanasi → Bodh Gaya |
| Tour price | From USD 1,450 per person |
| Hotel category | Stay type | Price from (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Comfortable 3-star hotels and lodges along the route | USD 1,450 |
| Deluxe | Better 4-star hotels with more amenities | USD 1,650 |
| Premium | Best available 5-star and heritage hotels | USD 2,050 |
Prices are in US dollars per person on twin sharing. Single supplement, peak dates (Christmas, New Year, Diwali) and festival weeks cost more. Entry fees for foreign visitors are higher than for Indians. A rupee quote is available on request.
Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Package Inclusions
- 10 nights hotel stay on double sharing
- Daily breakfast, and other meals where noted in the plan
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver for the full route
- English-speaking guide for sightseeing
- Airport pick-up and drop
- Monument entry fees listed in the plan
- Toll, parking, driver allowance and applicable taxes
Package Exclusions
- International flights and visa fees
- Internal flights and train tickets unless the plan says so
- Lunch and dinner not mentioned
- Camera fees and optional activities
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, calls, drinks and tips
- Extra cost due to flight delay, weather or road closure
Travel Tips and Guidelines
- Check visas for Nepal. Lumbini is in Nepal. Foreign visitors need a valid Nepal entry visa and an Indian visa that allows re-entry. Check rules before booking.
- Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes at shrines.
- Carry cash. Small donations, offerings and local services are often in cash.
- Go slowly. Roads in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are slower, so we keep schedules flexible.
- Check your visa. Apply early for an Indian e-visa or visa and carry printed copies with your passport.
- Stay healthy. Drink sealed bottled water, wash hands often and carry basic medicines. Ask your doctor about vaccinations.
- Keep the dates flexible. Flights, trains and road travel can be delayed. Avoid tight onward bookings.
- Carry some cash. Cards work in hotels and big shops, but small places prefer rupees.
This is a likely schedule. The tour manager may adjust it for weather, road conditions, closing days or local rules. Extra cost caused by delays, closures or cancellations is payable by the guest.
How to Reach and Best Time to Visit
| Mode | Gateway | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Delhi (start), with airports at Lucknow, Varanasi and Gaya | Gaya has flights to Delhi and Kolkata. |
| Train | Delhi, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Gaya | Good rail links, and we can replace long drives with trains. |
| Road | Sravasti, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Varanasi and Bodh Gaya | The main route is by private car with an experienced driver. |
October to March is the best season, with cool, dry weather. Bodh Gaya is lively in the winter months, when many monks and pilgrims visit. April to June is very hot, and July to September is monsoon.
FAQs for Buddhist Circuit Tour
Which places are covered in the Buddhist circuit tour?
Sravasti, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sarnath, Varanasi and Bodh Gaya, starting from Delhi through Lucknow.
Is Lumbini in India?
No. Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, is in Nepal. The tour crosses the border at Sunauli and returns the same way.
Can I add Rajgir and Nalanda?
Yes. Rajgir and the Nalanda ruins are an easy day trip from Bodh Gaya, and we can add a night in Rajgir.
What is the price of the Buddhist Circuit Tour?
It starts from USD 1,450 per person on twin sharing. Hotel category, season and group size change the final price, and we send an exact quote for your dates. A rupee quote is available on request.
How many days are needed for the Buddhist Circuit Tour?
Our plan takes 11 days and 10 nights. We can shorten or extend it to match your dates.
Do I need a visa for India?
Most visitors need a visa, and many nationalities can apply for an e-visa online. Rules, fees and processing time change, so check the official Indian visa website before booking. We share your tour and hotel confirmations to support your application.
What is included in the package?
Hotels on twin sharing, daily breakfast, a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, an English-speaking guide, airport transfers and the entry fees listed in the plan. International flights and visas are not included.
Can I customise this tour?
Yes. You can change hotels, add or drop cities, add private guides or extend with another trip. Send your dates and wishes for a quote.
When is the best time to take this tour?
October to March is the best season, with cool, dry weather. Bodh Gaya is lively in the winter months, when many monks and pilgrims visit. April to June is very hot, and July to September is monsoon.
How do I book and pay?
Send an enquiry with your dates and group size, receive a day-wise quote, and confirm with an advance payment. See our payment options and how to book.
More India Tours
Explore more tours and travel guides from IndiaPackage.
Ready to book your Buddhist Circuit Tour?
Share your travel dates, group size and budget. We will reply with a clear quote and a day-wise plan.