Day 01: Arrival in Delhi Morning: Arrive in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Afternoon: Visit the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Humayun’s Tomb, another UNESCO site with beautiful Mughal architecture. Evening: Visit the Lotus Temple, known for its unique lotus-shaped structure and serene ambiance. Stroll around India Gate and Connaught Place. Overnight: Stay in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi to Lucknow Morning: Fly to Lucknow (approx. 1-hour flight). Afternoon: Visit Bara Imambara, an architectural marvel built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. Explore Chota Imambara, also known as the Imambara of Hussainabad. Evening: Visit Hazratganj for local shopping and taste the famous Lucknowi cuisine. Overnight: Stay in Lucknow.
Day 03: Lucknow to Sravasti Morning: Drive to Sravasti (approx. 4-5 hours). Afternoon: Visit the Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha spent a significant portion of his life. Explore the Angulimala Stupa, associated with the Buddha's encounter with the notorious bandit Angulimala. Evening: Visit the Anandabodhi Tree, which is believed to be a descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Overnight: Stay in Sravasti.
Day 04: Sravasti to Lumbini Morning: Drive to Lumbini (approx. 3-4 hours, crossing the India-Nepal border). Afternoon: Visit the Maya Devi Temple, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Explore the Ashokan Pillar, an important historical monument erected by Emperor Ashoka. Evening: Explore the Sacred Garden and the surrounding Monastic Zone, which includes various monasteries built by different countries. Overnight: Stay in Lumbini.
Day 05: Lumbini to Kushinagar Morning: Drive to Kushinagar (approx. 4-5 hours). Afternoon: Visit the Maha Parinirvana Temple, which houses the reclining Buddha statue. Explore Rambhar Stupa, the site of Buddha’s cremation. Evening: Visit the Japanese Temple for a unique cultural experience. Overnight: Stay in Kushinagar.
Day 06: Kushinagar to Patna Morning: Drive to Patna (approx. 6-7 hours), with a visit to Vaishali on the way. Afternoon: Explore Vaishali, the site where Buddha delivered his last sermon. Visit the Ashoka Pillar and Ananda Stupa. Evening: Arrive in Patna and check in to your hotel. Overnight: Stay in Patna.
Day 07: Patna to Nalanda and Rajgir Morning: Drive to Nalanda (approx. 1.5 hours). Explore the ruins of Nalanda University, which was an ancient center of learning. Visit the Nalanda Archaeological Museum. Afternoon: Continue to Rajgir (approx. 1 hour). Visit Gridhakuta (Vulture's Peak) and Venuvana. Evening: Return to Patna. Overnight: Stay in Patna.
Day 08: Patna to Bodhgaya Morning: Drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 4-5 hours). Afternoon: Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha attained enlightenment. Explore the Bodhi Tree and Great Buddha Statue. Evening: Attend a prayer ceremony at the Mahabodhi Temple. Overnight: Stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 09: Bodhgaya Sightseeing Morning: Visit the Dung Eshwari Cave Temples (Mahakala Caves), where Buddha meditated before attaining enlightenment. Afternoon: Explore Sujata Village, where Sujata offered milk to the Buddha before his enlightenment. Visit monasteries built by various countries, including the Japanese, Thai, and Tibetan monasteries. Evening: Free time for meditation or reflection at the Mahabodhi Temple. Overnight: Stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 10: Bodhgaya to Varanasi (Sarnath) Morning: Drive to Varanasi (approx. 5-6 hours). Afternoon: Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Museum. Evening: Experience the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Overnight: Stay in Varanasi.
Day 11: Varanasi Sightseeing Morning: Take an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River to see the ghats and temples. Afternoon: Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Explore the Banaras Hindu University campus and the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. Evening: Free time for shopping or exploring local markets. Overnight: Stay in Varanasi.
Day 12: Varanasi to Delhi Morning: Fly back to Delhi. Afternoon: Free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Evening: Departure from Delhi.