Buddhist circuit

1. BUDDHA CIRCUIT

2. BUDDHIST CIRCUIT IN INDIA: IMPORTANT
PLACES
In India, Buddhist Circuit is in
Bodhgaya, Vaishali and Rajgir in
Bihar, Sarnath in Varanasi,
Shravasti and Kushinagar in Uttar
Pradesh. All these are the main
pilgrimage centres for Buddhism in
India. Let us get an idea of these
places in Buddhist Circuit.

3. Located in Bihar, this is the place where Prince Siddhartha found enlightenment
under the Bodhi Tree. After meditating for 49 days, he became Lord Buddha, the
Enlightened One. In Bodhgaya, the important tourist attractions are Bodhi Tree,
Mahabodhi Temple, Vajrasana Throne donated by King Ashoka, Muchalinda
Lake, Animesh Lochan Chaitya, some other holy trees like Ratnachankramana,
Ratnagaraha, Ajapala Nigrodha and Rajyatna. It also has a number of
monasteries, established by Buddhists of Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand,
etc. Hence, it is a major attraction for foreign tourists.
This is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. This was given after
he achieved enlightenment. Sarnath is about 10 km from the holy city of
Varanasi. It was at Sarnath that Buddha established his sangha or first disciples
to promote his new doctrine. The proud symbol of India, the famous lion capital
pillar or the Ashoka pillar was erected by King Ashoka originally at Dhamekh
Stupa in Sarnath. You also can see Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
and Sarnath Ashram here.

4. This was the place where Lord Buddha gave his last sermon. The place
is 60 km away from the capital of Bihar, Patna. It is said that Buddha
told his disciple Ananda about his imminent demise in this place. The
place is also known for the second Buddhist Council, which took place
about 110 years later.
This place is located in the Gorakhpur district in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.
It is en route to Kapilavastu, the place where Lord Buddha fell ill and died in
543 BC. It is said that the mortal remains of Lord Buddha were distributed by
King Ashoka into more than 80,000 stupas across his kingdom and outside.
Important places to see here are Mukatanabandhana Stupa and the reclining
Buddha statue in red sandstone. Other attractions are Wat Thai Temple,
Chinese Temple, Japanese Temple, Mahanirvana Temple, etc. This is the
place where Lord Buddha attained salvation.

5. Rajgir, about 70 km from Bodhgaya, was the Lord’s monsoon retreat for 12 years. While
spreading his doctrine, He preached about the precepts of Lotus Sutra and the
Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. The location was Gridhakuta Hill in Rajgir. The first
Buddhist council was held at the Saptaparni Caves on Vaibhar Hill in Rajgir. The
teachings of Buddha were compiled after his death and preached in the council. The
world-renowned university of Nalanda is another important site to visit in Rajgir.
RAJGIR
Shravasti was Buddha’s favourite rainy season retreat. It was located about
150 km from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and it was at this place Buddha
performed his first miracle.
SHRAVASTI
Situated in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, Lumbini is the place where Lord
Buddha was born. Today, it is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Being a
neighbour country, Lumbini is also sometimes included in the Buddhist Circuit in
India by tour operators.
LUMBINI

6. Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi meeting and assistance followed by transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi - Lucknow - Shravasti
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to railway station to connect train for
Lucknow.
Upon arrival at Lucknow meeting and assistance followed by transfer to
Shravasti. On arrival at Shravasti check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03: Shravasti - Lumbini
After breakfast visit Sahet & Mahet. Later drive to Lumbini enroute visit to
Kapilvastu, Kingdom of king
Suyodhan, father of prince Siddhartha. On arrival at Lumbini check-in at
hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Buddhist Circuit Tour
ITINERARY

7. Day 04: Lumbini - Kushinagar
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to visit birth place of
Lord Buddha, Ashoka pillar and Maya devi temple. Later
drive to Kushinagar. On arrival at Kushinagar check-in at
hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05: Kushinagar - Patna
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to visit Rambhar
stupa and Mahaparinirvana temple. Afternoon drive to
Patna via Vaishali. On arrival at Patna check-in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

8. Day 06: Patna - Bodhgaya
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bodhgaya. On arrival at Bodhgaya
check-in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya. The
Mahabodhi Temple built on the east of the sacred tree stands
majestically 17 feet high on a base 5 feet square, and consists of a
soaring pyramidal tower surmounted by a stupa. The Vajrasana or
Diamond Throne lying between the Bodhi Tree and the temple marks
the actual Spot.
where Buddha sat in meditation and attained supreme knowledge. A
gilded Buddha smiles upon the visitors from a niche in the wall of the
temple, and his footsteps carved in stone hold flower offerings from
the devout. Unbelievable peace pervades the atmosphere giving
credence to legend, besides the Mahabodhi temple, we would visit
several Buddhist temples built by the followers of Buddhism from all
over the world. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 07: Bodhgaya - Varanasi
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi
check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

9. Day 08: Varanasi
Morning boat cruise at the river Ganges to observe the way
of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. Later an excursion to
Sarnath. It enjoys the extraordinary privilege of Lord
Buddha delivering his first sermon after attaining
enlightenment 2500 years ago. It is about 10 km from
Varanasi and holds a number of Buddhist sites that include
the famous Dhamekh Stupa, the seat of the holy 'Buddha'.
You can also visit the ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa and
Mulagandhakuti Temple, where Lord Buddha is said to
have rested and meditated while in Sarnath. The Ashoka
Pillar built by the emperor Ashoka is a must see in Sarnath.
The Lion Capital on top of this pillar is now the National
Emblem of India and stands apart for its excellent artistry
and carvings. Overnight stay at hotel.

10. Day 09: Varanasi - Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to airport to connect
flight for Delhi.
Upon arrival at Delhi meeting and assistance followed by
transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Delhi depart
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to international airport to
connect flight for onward destination.