Buddhist Trail from Kolkata

Day 1 Arrival in Kolkata

Upon arrival at Kolkata Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. If time permits, embark on a brief city tour covering iconic landmarks such as Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, or Kalighat Temple to get a glimpse of Kolkata’s vibrant culture.

Overnight: Kolkata

Day 2 Kolkata - Bodhgaya

Depart from Kolkata in the early morning for Bodhgaya, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Buddhism.

Upon arrival, begin your spiritual exploration with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. Continue to Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as the Mahakala Caves, where Buddha practiced severe asceticism before enlightenment. Visit the Sujata Stupa, dedicated to the village woman who offered food to Buddha, and end the day admiring the serene Great Buddha Statue—an iconic symbol of peace and meditation.

Overnight: Bodhgaya

Day 3 Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Bodhgaya

Depart in the morning for Rajgir, an ancient city with deep connections to both Buddhism and Jainism.

Activities in Rajgir:
Explore the peaceful Venuvan, the bamboo grove gifted to Lord Buddha by King Bimbisara. Ascend the Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta Hill), where Buddha delivered many important sermons. Visit the Bhimbisar Jail, believed to be the place where King Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son Ajatashatru.

Afternoon – Nalanda:
Proceed to Nalanda, home to the world-renowned ancient Nalanda University, one of the earliest centers of higher learning in the world. Walk through the ruins of monasteries and temples, and explore the Nalanda Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts excavated from the site.

Overnight: Bodhgaya

Day 4 Bodhgaya – Vaishali – Kushinagar

Depart early in the morning from Bodhgaya for Vaishali, an important Buddhist site associated with Lord Buddha’s last journey.

Activities in Vaishali:
Visit the historic Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate Buddha’s last sermon in Vaishali. Explore the Ananda Stupa, built in honor of Buddha’s disciple Ananda, and the Buddha Relic Stupa, which houses one of the original eight portions of Buddha’s relics distributed after his Mahaparinirvana.

Afternoon: Resume your journey toward Kushinagar, the sacred site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final liberation).

Evening: Arrive in Kushinagar and check in at your hotel.

Overnight: Kushinagar

Day 5 Kushinagar – Lumbini

Morning Activities in Kushinagar
Begin your day with a visit to the Mahaparinirvana Temple, where Lord Buddha took his final breath and attained Mahaparinirvana. Continue to the Ramabhar Stupa, the cremation site of Lord Buddha, which stands as a solemn reminder of his departure from the mortal world.

After the morning visits, depart for Lumbini—located across the border in Nepal—revered as the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Evening Activities in Lumbini
On arrival, explore the sacred Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact spot of Buddha’s birth. Also visit the historic Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to this holy site.

Overnight: Lumbini

Day 6 Lumbini – Shravasti

Depart in the morning from Lumbini and journey toward Shravasti, one of the most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage sites where Lord Buddha spent a significant part of his monastic life.

Activities in Shravasti
Visit the sacred Jetavana Monastery (Jetvana Garden), where Buddha resided during 24 rainy seasons and delivered numerous teachings. Explore the Angulimala Stupa, associated with the dramatic transformation of the infamous bandit Angulimala into a devoted follower of the Buddha.

Overnight: Shravasti

Day 7 Shravasti – Varanasi

Depart in the morning for the sacred city of Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major spiritual hub in India.

Activities in Varanasi (Sarnath)
Upon arrival, proceed to Sarnath, the revered site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, which marks the exact location of this event, and explore the Mulgandha Kuti Vihar, a modern temple known for its beautiful frescoes and serene atmosphere. Also visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, which commemorates Buddha’s meeting with his first disciples.

Witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti on the ghats of the River Ganges, a spiritually uplifting experience filled with lights, chants, and rituals.

Overnight: Varanasi

Day 8 Varanasi – Bodhgaya

Start your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges River, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise and the spiritual rituals performed along the ghats — a quintessential Varanasi experience.

After breakfast, depart for Bodhgaya, retracing your path to the site of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment for final reflections and blessings.

Overnight: Bodhgaya

Day 9 Bodhgaya – Day of Reflection

Spend a peaceful and contemplative day in Bodhgaya, the spiritual heart of Buddhism. Take time for personal reflection and meditation at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and under the sacred Bodhi Tree. You may also revisit other key sites like the Thai Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, and Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple for deeper exploration and spiritual enrichment.

Use this day to absorb the serene energy of this sacred place before concluding your journey.

Overnight: Bodhgaya

Day 10 Bodhgaya – Kolkata

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kolkata, marking the final leg of your Buddhist pilgrimage.

Arrive in Kolkata and enjoy a free evening to relax at your hotel or explore the local markets for souvenir shopping and cultural experiences.

Overnight: Kolkata

Day 11 Departure from Kolkata

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Kolkata Airport for your onward journey. Our representative will assist you with the transfer and bid you farewell with warm wishes.

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