How to Plan Your 8 Day Buddha Trail Tour – Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Kushinagar, Vaishali, Lumbini

Are you looking to explore the spiritual landmarks of Buddhism and learn about its rich history? Then the 8 Day Buddha Trail Tour is a perfect choice for you. This guided tour will take you to six destinations across India and Nepal, all with immense significance in Buddhism. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to plan and prepare for this journey.

Overview

The 8 Day Buddha Trail Tour covers six significant Buddhist destinations in India and Nepal, including Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Kushinagar, Vaishali, and Lumbini. The tour is inclusive of private transportation, parking fees, monument entry tickets, and gratuities. Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion shall be borne by the guests themselves.

Meeting and Pick-up

You can head directly to your preferred meeting point or request pickup from the given pickup points. The tour starts at 05:30 AM and ends at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Guests are requested to be ready at the hotel lobby area or the pickup point 15 minutes prior to pickup time. A Holy City Travels Representative will get in touch with the guest to inform the exact pickup time. You can also call the Helpline for any last-minute assistance.

What to Expect

During the tour, you will visit six of the most significant Buddhist sites, each with a considerable historical significance. You will learn about Gautama Buddha’s life, his teachings, and see ancient monasteries, temples, and stupas.

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, famous for the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the bodhi tree. You will also visit the stunning Animesh Lochana Chaitya, the incredible Chankramana, the Lotus Tank, and several other temples.

Rajgir

Rajgir is a hot spring site, where Gautama Buddha had conducted several preaching in winters. You visit Gridhkut Hill, Vulture’s Peak, and the Peace Pagoda.

Nalanda

Nalanda is a famous site of the world’s oldest university, where many prominent Buddhist teachers, including Vasubandhu, Nagarjuna, and Aryadeva, received their education. You will visit the ruins of the ancient University and the Nalanda Museum.

Kushinagar

Kushinagar is where Gautama Buddha passed away and attained his Parinirvana. You will visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses Lord Buddha’s final resting place.

Vaishali

Vaishali is where Gautama Buddha delivered his last sermon and also played an instrumental role in the development of the Buddhist Sangha. You will visit the Ananda Stupa, where the ashes of Lord Buddha are said to be enshrined.

Lumbini

Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will visit the temples and shrines, including the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Sacred Pond.

Additional Info

As a private tour, only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience. Most travelers can participate, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, stroller-friendly, and infant seats available. Confirmation of the booking will be received immediately after booking.

Conclusion

The 8 Day Buddha Trail Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to connect with the teachings and history of Buddhism. You can book the tour here. Plan your journey with a proper itinerary and make the most out of your visit to these spiritual places. Make sure to carry comfortable and casual clothing, a hat, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

Happy Trails!

An Insider’s Guide to the Buddha Trail Tour

If you’re planning a trip to India or Nepal and interested in Buddhism, the Buddha Trail Tour is an amazing experience that will immerse you in Buddhist teachings, ancient history, and breathtaking scenery. In this article, we’ll guide you through the 8-day tour itinerary with local insights and recommendations on what to see, where to eat, and what to do.

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is one of the most significant destinations on the Buddha Trail Tour, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a stunning 50 meters high pyramid-like temple structure. Local attractions in Bodhgaya include the Bodhi Tree, the Mahabodhi Temple, and the Great Buddha Statue. Away from the temple complex, one can take a stroll in the delightful gardens and enjoy local street food such as Litti Chokha and Puri Sabji or try out traditional chapati rolls.

Rajgir

Rajgir, located on the way to Nalanda, is an ancient town having tremendous religious and cultural significance. The town was the first capital of the powerful Magadha Empire and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Rajgir is also famous as the site of the Gridhakuta hill, where Buddha preached the Lotus Sutra to his disciples. The hot water springs, as well as nearby tourist sites such as Venuvana and Brahmakund, are also worth a visit. For foodies, the town offers local specialties such as Mirchi Pakoda, Khaja, and Kachori.

Nalanda

Located at a distance of 18 km from Rajgir, Nalanda used to be a famous center of learning during ancient times, with a lineage that stretches back to the 5th century AD. Nalanda University boasted an extensive library; it attracted scholars from across the globe in medicine, philosophy, astronomy, and religion. The ruins of Nalanda University now lie scattered across a large area, and Nalanda Archaeological Museum displays different artifacts excavated from the site. Visitors to Nalanda can also explore nearby Venuvana and Surya Mandir in Pawapuri, where Lord Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, attained enlightenment.

Kushinagar

Kushinagar is an enchanting place and the site of the place where Gautam Buddha attained Parinirvana (enlightened death). The place showcases different temples and stupas devoted to Buddha that are situated in a serene environment. The town boasts a rich heritage, evidenced by the beautiful artifacts exhibited at the Kushinagar Museum. Additionally, visitors to the town can take a ride on a traditional horse cart or visit nearby Khushinath Temple to experience local customs or enjoy traditional local cuisine such as Kachri ki sabzi, Tamatar tarkari, and Laung Lata.

Vaishali

Vaishali, a small town in Bihar, is significant because of the talks that were held between Buddha and a courtesan named Ambapali in ancient history. It is a tranquil site to experience spiritual guidance and connect with the unique political framework of the Lichhavi period. The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, which is an immaculately crafted stupa, is a must-see site in the town. The place also features other places like Ananda Stupa, Bawan Pokhar Temple, and Choumukhi Mahadeva Mandir. Foodies can indulge in various street food, such as Litti Chokha, Samosa, and Aloo Tikki Chaat.

Lumbini

The last stop on the Buddha Trail Tour, Lumbini is located in Nepal, making it a must-have travel document. The town is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal. It is home to many beautiful heritage sites, including the Mayadevi Temple and Ashoka Pillar. Visitors can also participate in meditation classes or explore the town by bike or foot. Lumbini also offers many restaurants and cafes serving authentic Nepali food, such as Mo: Mo, Sel Roti, and Thukpa.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

Although the sites on the Buddha Trail are well-known and assuredly authentic, visitors should still be made aware of unique spots to avoid crowds and delve into the culture. One can explore Sujata Kuti, located on the outskirts of Bodhgaya, where Sujata nourished Buddha with a bowl of milk and rice. In addition, tourists can visit the ancient ruins of Rajgir and nearby Venuvana where Buddha and his disciples lived. Finally, one can stop at the nearby hot water springs for a serene soak and try boiled chickpeas, locally called Chana, drenched in mustard oil.

The Buddha Trail Tour is an enchanting journey that will leave you amazed and spiritually serene. By following this insider’s guide, you’ll be able to indulge in cultural and religious experiences while savoring authentic local cuisines.