Buddhist Circuit Tour from Varanasi — Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Kushinagar & Lumbini
Walk in Buddha's footsteps — Lumbini (birth), Bodhgaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), Kushinagar (parinirvana). A 5–9 day pilgrimage from Varanasi by tempo traveller or cab.
The Buddhist Circuit is the most important pilgrimage in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism — covering the four major sites where Gautama Buddha lived, taught, and attained nirvana, plus Nalanda and Rajgir where the Sangha grew. Varanasi On Wheels has been operating Buddhist Circuit tours for Sri Lankan, Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese pilgrim groups since the early 2000s. The standard 7-day route starts and ends at Varanasi (Sarnath being just 12 km from the city), then loops east through Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, and Kushinagar before crossing the Nepal border at Sunauli for Lumbini. We handle SAARC visa procedures, monastery booking, monk introductions at the Mahabodhi temple, and pure-veg meals on request.
Tour Highlights
- Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Buddha's first sermon site
- Bodhgaya — Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, all-night meditation option
- Rajgir — Vulture's Peak (Gridhrakuta), Saptaparni cave
- Nalanda — university ruins, Xuanzang Memorial
- Kushinagar — Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa
- Lumbini, Nepal — Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar (with SAARC visa)
- Optional: Vaishali, Kesariya Stupa, Sankisa
Places Covered
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Varanasi → Sarnath (12 km)
Arrival at Varanasi airport or station. Check-in, lunch, afternoon visit to Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, archaeological museum, and the modern monasteries (Thai, Japanese, Tibetan). Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh.
SarnathDashashwamedh Ghat - 2
Varanasi → Bodhgaya (260 km, 6 hrs)
Morning departure. Arrive Bodhgaya by afternoon. Evening at Mahabodhi Temple under the Bodhi Tree — circumambulation and meditation. Many pilgrims choose the optional all-night meditation here.
Mahabodhi TempleBodhi Tree - 3
Bodhgaya — full day
Sunrise meditation at Bodhi Tree. Visit the foreign monasteries (Thai, Japanese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, Burmese — each in its national architectural style). Afternoon at Dungeshwari (Sujata) caves, the site of Buddha's pre-enlightenment fasts. Optional Bodhgaya museum.
Bodhi TreeForeign monasteriesDungeshwari CavesSujata Temple - 4
Bodhgaya → Rajgir → Nalanda → Patna (165 km)
Drive to Rajgir. Cable car up to Vishwa Shanti Stupa on Ratnagiri hill. Vulture's Peak (Gridhrakuta), Saptaparni Cave (first Buddhist council). Onward to Nalanda — university ruins, Xuanzang Memorial Hall, archaeological museum. Overnight Patna.
RajgirGridhrakutaNalandaXuanzang Memorial - 5
Patna → Vaishali → Kushinagar (290 km)
Morning departure for Vaishali — Ashoka Pillar, Relic Stupa, and the spot of Buddha's last sermon. Continue to Kushinagar by evening. Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple at twilight — when the reclining Buddha statue is illuminated.
VaishaliMahaparinirvana TempleKushinagar - 6
Kushinagar → Lumbini, Nepal (170 km, including border)
Visit Ramabhar Stupa (cremation site) and Matha Kuar shrine in Kushinagar. Drive to Sunauli border. SAARC visa formalities (assistance provided). Arrive Lumbini by late afternoon. Visit Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and the international monastic zone.
Ramabhar StupaLumbiniMaya Devi TempleAshoka Pillar - 7
Lumbini → Varanasi (300 km, via Sunauli)
Sunrise at Maya Devi Temple. Cross back to India at Sunauli. Drive back to Varanasi via Gorakhpur. Drop at airport, station, or hotel. Tour ends.
LumbiniSunauli borderVaranasi
What's Included
- Vehicle rental for the entire tour duration
- Experienced Varanasi-based driver familiar with all pilgrimage sites
- Fuel and standard maintenance
- All vehicle-related taxes and standard permits
- Air-conditioning during travel
- Bottled water for first day
- 24×7 support from the Varanasi On Wheels office
- Cross-border driver assistance at Sunauli (Nepal entry)
- Pure-vegetarian / monastery-friendly meal recommendations
What's Excluded
- Toll taxes and inter-state permits (charged at actuals)
- Driver night allowance for multi-day trips
- Personal expenses, tips, and shopping
- Temple darshan / VIP-darshan tickets
- Hotel / dharamshala accommodation (we can arrange on request)
- Meals at restaurants (we can recommend halal / pure-veg / Jain-friendly options)
- Boat ride charges at Ganga ghats
- 5% GST on the total invoice
- SAARC visa fees and Nepal entry permits
- Cable-car tickets at Rajgir
- Foreign-tourist entry fees at Mahabodhi, Nalanda, Maya Devi
Pricing by Vehicle
| Vehicle | Capacity | Price From |
|---|---|---|
| Innova Crysta | 1–6 pax | ₹14,000 / person (7-day) |
| Tempo Traveller 12-seater | 6–12 pax | ₹10,500 / person (7-day) |
| Tempo Traveller 17-seater | 12–17 pax | ₹8,000 / person (7-day) |
| Maharaja Urbania (luxury) | 1–9 pax | ₹22,000 / person (7-day) |
| Luxury Bus 40-seater | 20–40 pax | ₹9,500 / person (7-day) |
* All prices exclude driver allowance, tolls, parking, and 5% GST. Minimum 250 km/day for outstation trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Lumbini in Nepal?
Is Buddhist Circuit suitable for elderly pilgrims?
Can the Buddhist Circuit be done in less than 7 days?
What language do the drivers speak?
Are meals included in the Buddhist Circuit tour?
What is the best time to do the Buddhist Circuit?
Starting From
₹8,000 onwards / person
per person · transport only · excl. GST
Free quote · No booking fees · 24×7 support
Why Book With Us
- Since 1993 — 33 years of experience
- 50+ AC vehicles in fleet
- Drivers know every temple route
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
- 24×7 emergency support