Golden Triangle with Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

After breakfast, begin your full-day sightseeing tour of both Old and New Delhi. Start with the historic landmarks of Old Delhi — the magnificent Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Pay homage at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue to New Delhi to see India Gate, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and the serene Lotus Temple. Return to your hotel for overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the royal capital of Rajasthan, famously known as the Pink City. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. In the evening, you may explore the local bazaars or enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner and cultural show at Chokhi Dhani. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast followed by a full-day guided tour of Jaipur. Visit the majestic Amber Fort, where you can enjoy an elephant ride up to the ramparts for stunning panoramic views. Later, explore City Palace, Jantar Mantar (the royal observatory), and the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). In the evening, you can stroll through the local markets known for jewelry, handicrafts, and colorful textiles. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive towards Agra. En route, stop at Abhaneri village to visit the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and Harshat Mata Temple. Continue your journey to the UNESCO-listed city of Fatehpur Sikri, once the Mughal capital, to explore Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, and Jodha Bai’s Palace. Later, proceed to Agra and check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Agra.

Wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise at the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then visit the historic Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj). In the evening, board your overnight train to Varanasi.

On arrival in Varanasi, transfer to your hotel and freshen up. Begin your city tour with visits to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and the narrow winding alleys that give Varanasi its timeless charm. In the evening, witness the spellbinding Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat — a deeply spiritual experience that captures the soul of India. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

At dawn, enjoy a serene boat ride on the River Ganges to watch devotees performing rituals along the ghats. After breakfast, visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. See the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Museum. Later, take a short flight to Gaya and drive to Bodhgaya. Check into your hotel for overnight stay.

Spend the day exploring the sacred town of Bodhgaya, one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Buddhists around the world. Visit the UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, and several monasteries built by devotees from countries such as Japan, Thailand, and Myanmar. Each site reflects global Buddhist architecture and devotion. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, take an excursion to Rajgir, a city associated with Buddha’s sermons and Jain teachings. Visit the Griddhakuta Hill, where Buddha delivered many discourses, and Venuvan, King Bimbisara’s bamboo grove retreat. Continue to Nalanda, the ancient university and center of Buddhist learning dating back to the 5th century. Return to Bodhgaya for overnight stay.

Post breakfast, drive to Kushinagar, another sacred site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final enlightenment). En route, visit Vaishali, where Buddha preached his last sermon. On arrival in Kushinagar, check in at your hotel and later visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Rambhar Stupa, and Japanese Temple. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

After breakfast, drive across the border into Nepal to reach Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashokan Pillar, and the Sacred Garden. Explore monasteries built by various Buddhist nations, each reflecting their own architectural style. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

After breakfast, visit Kapilvastu — the ancient kingdom of Buddha’s father, King Suddhodana — and continue your journey to Balrampur. Stop at Sravasti, where Buddha performed many miracles and preached his teachings. Visit Jetavana Monastery and Anathapindika Stupa. Later, continue to Balrampur for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive back to Delhi or transfer to the airport for your onward journey with beautiful memories of a spiritually uplifting and culturally rich Golden Triangle with Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour.