Footsteps of the Enlightened – The Buddha Circuit
Duration
12 days
Max People
30
Min Age
12+
Pickup
Airpot
Overview
India and Nepal cradle the sacred geography of Buddhism — the land where Prince Siddhartha was born, attained enlightenment, preached the path of compassion, and finally entered Nirvana. For seekers of wisdom, pilgrims of peace, and lovers of history, this journey is not just travel — it is an awakening.
With Evolet Discovery, embark on an 10 Nights / 11 Days spiritual trail across timeless cities, ancient stupas, and living traditions. From the sacred gardens of Lumbini to the serenity of Bodhgaya, from the Ganges ghats of Varanasi to the marble majesty of the Taj Mahal, every step is a story, every dawn a prayer.
Tour Highlights – Footsteps of the Enlightened
- Walk the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini and meditate at the Ashokan Pillar and Maya Devi Temple.
- Experience Bodhgaya, where the Buddha attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
- Visit Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon setting the Dharma in motion.
- Explore Nalanda University & Rajgir, the ancient seat of Buddhist learning and meditation retreats.
- Pay homage at Kushinagar, the site of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana.
- Witness the spiritual aura of the Ganges in Varanasi and marvel at the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation in well-appointed hotels on twin sharing basis.
- All transfers, sightseeing and excursions by air-conditioned vehicle.
- Daily meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast & Dinner where specified).
- AC Sleeper Train tickets (Delhi – Gonda).
- Services of an English-speaking guide during sightseeing tours.
- Entrance fees to monuments, temples, and monasteries as per itinerary.
- Assistance on arrival/departure at airports and railway stations.
- All currently applicable taxes.
- Airfare / International flights to and from Delhi.
- Visa fees for India and Nepal.
- Lunches, beverages, and meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, tips, porterage, and camera/video fees at monuments.
- Travel insurance, medical expenses, or emergency evacuation.
- Any additional cost due to flight cancellation, natural calamities, road blockages, political disturbances, or changes in itinerary for reasons beyond our control.
- Anything not mentioned in the ‘Inclusions’ section.
Tour Plan
Arrive at Delhi International Airport, where our representative will greet and assist you. Transfer to hotel for check-in. If time permits, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Delhi.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Orientation drive through New & Old Delhi (time permitting)
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Overnight in Delhi
Morning after breakfast, explore the contrasting charms of Old and New Delhi.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Raj Ghat (memorial of Mahatma Gandhi)
- Shanti Vana (memorial of Jawaharlal Nehru)
- Jama Masjid – one of the largest mosques in India
- Drive past: Red Fort, Chandni Chowk
- Qutub Minar – UNESCO monument from 1199
- Humayun’s Tomb – precursor to the Taj Mahal
- India Gate (War Memorial)
- Lakshminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)
- Drive past: Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House & Secretariat Buildings
Evening transfer to railway station for AC Sleeper Train to Gonda.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Overnight onboard train
Arrive at Gonda railway station and drive to Sravasti, capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom. Lord Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats here at the Jetavana Monastery.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Jetavana Gardens & Monastery
- Ananda Bodhi Tree – planted from the southern branch of the original Bodhi Tree
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Overnight in Sravasti
After early breakfast, drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Ashoka Pillar (erected in 259 BC by Emperor Ashoka)
- Lumbini Sacred Garden
- Evening walk through monasteries built by nations worldwide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight in Lumbini
Morning visit to the Maya Devi Temple, dedicated to the mother of Lord Buddha. Later cross the Indo-Nepal border and drive to Kushinagar, the site of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Maya Devi Temple (2nd century)
- Nirvana Temple
- Ramabhar Stupa – cremation site of Lord Buddha
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight in Kushinagar
After breakfast, drive to Patna with en route stop at Vaishali, an important Buddhist and Jain site.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Ashoka Pillar
- Buddha Stupa
- Shanti Stupa
- Ruins highlighting Vaishali’s history as one of the first republics of the world
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Overnight in Patna
After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya. En route, visit Nalanda and Rajgir.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Nalanda: Ancient University ruins, monastic complexes, stupas
- Rajgir:
- Gridhakuta Hill (Hill of Vultures) – Buddha’s meditation retreat
- Venuvana Vihar – monastery built by King Bimbisara
- Historical links with Mahavira and Magadha rulers
Continue to Bodhgaya.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight in Bodhgaya
Morning sightseeing of Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained Enlightenment.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Mahabodhi Temple & Vajrasana (Diamond Throne)
- Bodhi Tree – descendant of the original tree
- Great Buddha Statue
- Sujata Temple & Niranjana River
- International monasteries representing global Buddhist traditions
Later drive to Varanasi.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight in Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to witness sunrise rituals and ghats. After breakfast, excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon. Continue journey to Kanpur via Allahabad.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Boat ride on River Ganges
- Sarnath: Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika ruins, Mulagandhakuti Temple, Ashoka Pillar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight in Kanpur
Morning drive via Kannauj and onward to Sankisa, associated with Buddha’s descent from heaven. Later proceed to Agra.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Kannauj: ancient city mentioned in Mahabharata, famous for perfumery and Hindu architecture
- Sankisa:
- Ashokan Pillar (elephant capital)
- Bisari Devi Temple – goddess of fertility
- Ruins and Buddhist sculptures
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight in Agra
At dawn, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. Later explore Agra Fort before driving back to Delhi for onward departure.
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Agra Fort – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: – (Departure Day)
1 review for Footsteps of the Enlightened – The Buddha Circuit
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Global Discount
| Min - Max (Persons) | Adult Price | Child Price | Baby Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 - 30 | $1,199.00 | $999.00 | $399.00 |
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Every experience becomes a memory.
With Evolet Discovery, your memories are our legacy.”
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- Kolkata | New Delhi | Melbourne
Nitin –
Walking in the footsteps of Lord Buddha with Evolet Discovery was a deeply moving experience. Every site—from Lumbini to Bodh Gaya—was brought alive with thoughtful planning and insightful guidance. The journey was seamless, spiritual, and truly transformative. Evolet Discovery didn’t just show us places, they helped us feel the essence of enlightenment.”