11 Days Buddhist Culture & Heritage Tour of India

Overview

From the Mughal monuments of the Golden Triangle to the sacred places of the Buddha’s life, the 11 Days Buddhist Culture & Heritage Tour of India (10 nights / 11 days) is a rich journey through India’s art, faith and history. It combines Delhi, Jaipur and Agra with the temple sculptures of Khajuraho, holy Varanasi and Sarnath, and the great Buddhist sites of Bihar – Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda and Patna. 3-star hotels with breakfast, a private air-conditioned car and local guides throughout, and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges are included.

After the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar in Delhi, you visit Amber Fort and the City Palace in Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal in Agra, then travel by train and road to the UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho. In Varanasi you take a dawn boat along the ghats and visit Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon. In Bodhgaya you spend two nights near the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree; the road to Patna leads past Rajgir, with the Vulture Peak where the Buddha taught, and the ruins of Nalanda, the great monastic university. The journey ends in Patna, ancient Pataliputra, with the Bihar Museum, Golghar and Takht Sri Patna Sahib, before your flight to Delhi.

Accommodation

City	Hotel	Nights
Delhi	Standard 3-star hotel	2
Jaipur	Standard 3-star hotel	1
Agra	Standard 3-star hotel	1
Khajuraho	Standard 3-star hotel	1
Varanasi	Standard 3-star hotel	2
Bodhgaya	Standard 3-star hotel	2
Patna	Standard 3-star hotel	1

Hotel names are confirmed at the time of booking, depending on availability. Upgrades to 4- or 5-star hotels are available on request.

Why choose this tour?

India’s great monuments and the main Buddhist holy places in one journey.
Private car, local guides and a Ganges boat ride included.
Train and flight connections save long drives.

Who is it for?

Buddhist pilgrims and groups, culture and history lovers. The grade is easy, with some long travel days. Best from October to March.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF WITH LOCATION MAP

Trip Facts

Tour Code: PTT-IN-BUD-02
Duration: 11 Days
Program Type: Sight Seeing
Minimum Pax: 2
Mode of Travel: Private car, Train, Flight
Start Trip: Delhi
End Trip: Delhi
Program Grading: Easy

Trip at a Glance

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi – meet and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Old and New Delhi – Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar
Day 03: Drive Delhi – Jaipur (about 280 km, 5 hours) – Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar
Day 04: Drive Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (about 240 km) – Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Day 05: Train Agra – Jhansi (about 2.5 hours) – drive to Khajuraho (about 175 km, 4 hours) – Western Group of Temples
Day 06: Eastern and Jain temples of Khajuraho – fly or drive to Varanasi
Day 07: Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges – Sarnath – Kashi Vishwanath, Durga Temple and BHU
Day 08: Drive Varanasi – Bodhgaya (about 250 km, 5–6 hours) – evening at the Mahabodhi Temple
Day 09: Bodhgaya – Mahabodhi Temple at dawn, Great Buddha Statue, international monasteries and Sujata Stupa
Day 10: Drive Bodhgaya – Rajgir (Vulture Peak) – Nalanda ruins – Patna (about 180 km)
Day 11: Patna – Bihar Museum, Golghar and Takht Sri Patna Sahib – fly to Delhi – departure

Trip Highlights

Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar in Delhi
Amber Fort and City Palace in Jaipur
Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal
UNESCO temples of Khajuraho
Ganges boat ride in Varanasi and Sarnath
Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya
Vulture Peak in Rajgir and the ruins of Nalanda

Itinerary in Details

Day 01Arrive in Delhi – meet and transfer to hotel
Arrival | Overnight: Delhi

Welcome to India! On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport or New Delhi railway station, our representative meets you and drives you to your hotel in Delhi.

The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey. In the evening you may like to walk around Connaught Place or a nearby market. Your guide will brief you on the tour plan for the coming days.
- OvernightDelhi
- CountryIndia
- Highest PointDelhi
- Altitude216m / 709ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 20 km / 1 hr
- Places VisitedDelhi
Day 02Old and New Delhi – Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar
Full-day guided sightseeing | Overnight: Delhi

Start in Old Delhi at the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and take a cycle-rickshaw ride through the busy lanes of Chandni Chowk. See the massive walls of the Red Fort (closed Mondays) and pay homage at Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon, drive through New Delhi past Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament to India Gate. Visit the golden-domed Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, walk in the gardens of Humayun’s Tomb, and finish at the 73-metre Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- OvernightDelhi
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 45 km / 8 hr
- Places VisitedJama Masjid Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar
- MealsBreakfast
Day 03Drive Delhi – Jaipur (about 280 km, 5 hours) – Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar
Drive about 280 km, 5 hours | Overnight: Jaipur

After breakfast drive to Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan. On the way into the city, visit hilltop Amber Fort – ride a jeep up to its palace courtyards and the sparkling Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace).

In the afternoon explore the City Palace, still home to the royal family, and the giant astronomical instruments of Jantar Mantar, and stop for photos at the honeycomb façade of the Hawa Mahal. Evening free for the bazaars.
- OvernightJaipur
- CountryIndia
- Highest PointAmber Fort
- Altitude430m / 1,411ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 280 km / 5 hr · Drive: 25 km / 4 hr
- Places VisitedJaipur, Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Jaipur, Hawa Mahal
- MealsBreakfast
Day 04Drive Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (about 240 km) – Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Drive about 240 km, 5 hours with visits | Overnight: Agra

Drive east to Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone capital built by Emperor Akbar and abandoned soon after. Walk through its palaces, the Panch Mahal and the great mosque with the Buland Darwaza and the shrine of Salim Chishti.

Continue to Agra. In the afternoon visit the Taj Mahal (closed Fridays), the white marble monument of love built by Shah Jahan, and the mighty Agra Fort on the banks of the Yamuna.
- OvernightAgra
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 200 km / 4 hr · Drive: 40 km / 1 hr · Drive: 15 km / 3 hr
- Places VisitedFatehpur Sikri, Agra, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort
- MealsBreakfast
Day 05Train Agra – Jhansi (about 2.5 hours) – drive to Khajuraho (about 175 km, 4 hours) – Western Group of Temples
Train about 2.5 hours and drive about 175 km, 4 hours | Overnight: Khajuraho

Take the morning express train from Agra to Jhansi, where your car meets you. On the way to Khajuraho, stop at Orchha, a medieval town of palaces and cenotaphs on the Betwa river, if time allows.

Reach Khajuraho in the afternoon and visit the Western Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Chandela kings around 1,000 years ago and famous for their finely carved sculptures. In the evening you can watch the sound-and-light show (optional).
- OvernightKhajuraho
- CountryIndia
- Highest PointJhansi
- Altitude285m / 935ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 5 km / 20 min · Drive: 230 km / 2 hr / 30 min · Drive: 175 km / 4 hr
- Places VisitedJhansi, Orchha, Khajuraho Western Group of Temples
- MealsBreakfast
Day 06Eastern and Jain temples of Khajuraho – fly or drive to Varanasi
Flight about 50 minutes (or drive about 8–9 hours) | Overnight: Varanasi

In the morning visit the Eastern and Jain group of temples in Khajuraho, including the Parshvanath Temple. Then transfer to the airport for the short flight to Varanasi (when flights operate; otherwise we drive by road).

In the evening go down to the river to watch the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – priests with fire lamps, bells and chanting create one of India’s most moving spiritual ceremonies.
- OvernightVaranasi
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeFly (Khajuraho to Varanasi): 50 min · Drive: 25 km / 1 hr
- Places VisitedKhajuraho, Varanasi, Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- MealsBreakfast
Day 07Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges – Sarnath – Kashi Vishwanath, Durga Temple and BHU
Full-day sightseeing | Overnight: Varanasi

Before sunrise, take a boat ride along the ghats of the Ganges, watching pilgrims bathe and pray and passing the cremation fires of Manikarnika Ghat. After breakfast, drive to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon – see the Dhamek Stupa, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara and the museum with the Ashokan Lion Capital (closed Fridays).

In the afternoon visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the red Durga Temple and the campus of Banaras Hindu University with its Vishwanath temple.
- OvernightVaranasi
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeBoat: 4 km / 1 hr / 30 min · Drive: 35 km / 6 hr
- Places VisitedManikarnika Ghat, Sarnath, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University
- MealsBreakfast
Day 08Drive Varanasi – Bodhgaya (about 250 km, 5–6 hours) – evening at the Mahabodhi Temple
Drive about 250 km, 5–6 hours | Overnight: Bodhgaya

After breakfast drive east into Bihar to Bodhgaya, the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.

In the evening visit the Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO) and sit beneath the sacred Bodhi tree, surrounded by monks and pilgrims from all over the world chanting and lighting butter lamps – a deeply peaceful experience.
- OvernightBodh Gaya
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 250 km / 5 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedBodh Gaya, Mahabodhi Temple
- MealsBreakfast
Day 09Bodhgaya – Mahabodhi Temple at dawn, Great Buddha Statue, international monasteries and Sujata Stupa
Half-day sightseeing | Overnight: Bodhgaya

Return to the Mahabodhi Temple at dawn for meditation in the quiet morning. Then visit the 25-metre Great Buddha Statue and the international monasteries built by Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, Tibet and other Buddhist countries, each in its own style.

Cross the river to the Sujata Stupa, marking the place where the village girl Sujata offered rice pudding to the Buddha. The afternoon is free for meditation, rest or shopping.
- OvernightBodh Gaya
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 20 km / 4 hr
- Places VisitedMahabodhi Temple, Great Buddha Statue Bodh Gaya, International Monasteries Bodh Gaya, Sujata Stupa
- MealsBreakfast
Day 10Drive Bodhgaya – Rajgir (Vulture Peak) – Nalanda ruins – Patna (about 180 km)
Drive about 180 km, 5 hours with visits | Overnight: Patna

Drive to Rajgir, where the Buddha spent many rainy seasons. Ride the ropeway up to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and walk to Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta), where he gave many important teachings.

Continue to Nalanda to explore the red-brick ruins of the great ancient Buddhist university (UNESCO), where thousands of monks once studied, and its museum. Drive on to Patna, the capital of Bihar.
- OvernightPatna
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 75 km / 2 hr · Drive: 15 km / 30 min · Drive: 90 km / 2 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedRajgir, Nalanda, Patna
- MealsBreakfast
Day 11Patna – Bihar Museum, Golghar and Takht Sri Patna Sahib – fly to Delhi – departure
Sightseeing and flight about 1.5–2 hours | End of tour

In the morning visit the modern Bihar Museum (closed Mondays), the beehive-shaped granary of Golghar with views over the Ganges, and the gurudwara of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.

Transfer to Patna airport for your flight to Delhi and your onward connection. End of your Buddhist heritage journey.
- CountryIndia
- Highest PointBihar Museum
- Altitude53m / 174ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 25 km / 4 hr · Fly (Patna to Delhi): 100 min
- Places VisitedBihar Museum, Golghar, Takht Sri Patna Sahib
- MealsBreakfast

Altitude Chart of 11 Days Buddhist Culture & Heritage Tour of India

Total Driving Time: 35h 20m Total Flying Time: 2h 30m Total Travel Distance: 1,425 km

Driving distance & time shown here are approximate — for city tours the exact distance/duration can vary and isn't always measurable.

Highest point: 1,411 ft / 430 m — Day 03 · Drive Delhi – Jaipur (about 280 km, 5 hours) – Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar

Services Included

Meet and assistance on arrival and departure
10 nights in 3-star hotels (Delhi 2, Jaipur 1, Agra 1, Khajuraho 1, Varanasi 2, Bodhgaya 2, Patna 1) on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast
Agra – Jhansi train (AC chair car)
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges
Jeep ride up to Amber Fort
All transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle (sedan for 1–2 travellers, Toyota Innova for 3–5, Tempo Traveller for larger groups), including fuel, driver's allowance, tolls, parking and state taxes
Local English-speaking guide for city sightseeing (Hindi-speaking on request)
All applicable taxes (GST)

Services Excluded

International and domestic flights unless mentioned
Khajuraho – Varanasi and Patna – Delhi flights (quoted separately)
Monument entrance fees and camera fees
Lunch and dinner unless mentioned
Indian visa fee (not required for Nepali citizens)
Travel insurance
Tips for guide and driver, and personal expenses such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls
Anything not mentioned in the includes section

Trip Notes

Notes for this tour

Visa: most foreign nationals need an Indian e-Visa, applied for online before travel (not included). Nepali citizens do not need a visa; Bhutanese and some others have special rules.
Closing days: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; Akshardham and the Lotus Temple are closed on Mondays. The order of visits is adjusted accordingly.
Dress and etiquette: dress modestly at temples, mosques and Gurdwaras – cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes, and women may need a scarf. Ask before photographing people.
Health and comfort: drink only bottled or filtered water, carry hand sanitiser and sunscreen, and expect busy roads and crowds. Summers (April–June) are very hot; October–March is the best season.
Flights: Khajuraho–Varanasi flights do not operate every day; if there is no flight on your date we drive (about 8–9 hours) or adjust the order of the tour.
Closing days: Sarnath museum is closed on Fridays and the Bihar Museum on Mondays.
Vehicles: air-conditioned sedan for 1–2 travellers, Toyota Innova for 3–5, Tempo Traveller for larger groups, with an experienced driver.

FAQ

11 days. It starts in Delhi and ends there. Overnight stops: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Patna. The day-by-day itinerary above shows travel times, places visited and meals for each day.

October to March is the best time, with pleasant days for sightseeing and the main pilgrimage season at Bodhgaya, when monks and pilgrims from across Asia gather (the Kagyu and Nyingma Monlam prayers are held in winter). December and January can be foggy in the mornings on the plains, and April to June is very hot.

The grade is easy. It is suitable for most travellers, including families with children and seniors; walking is mostly short and on paved paths or easy trails.

No. Nepali citizens do not need a visa for India and can travel with a valid passport or citizenship certificate; for flights, a passport or citizenship certificate with photo ID is required. Other nationalities need an Indian visa or e-Visa before travel.

Lumbini is a sacred pilgrimage site. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes inside the Maya Devi Temple and monasteries, walk clockwise around stupas, keep your voice low and ask before photographing monks or rituals.

Yes, the Terai plains are hot from April to June (often 35–40°C) and humid in the monsoon. October to March is the most pleasant time; carry water, a hat and sunscreen in any season.

Meet and assistance on arrival and departure; 10 nights in 3-star hotels (Delhi 2, Jaipur 1, Agra 1, Khajuraho 1, Varanasi 2, Bodhgaya 2, Patna 1) on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast; Agra – Jhansi train (AC chair car); Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges; Jeep ride up to Amber Fort; All transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle (sedan for 1–2 travellers, Toyota Innova for 3–5, Tempo Traveller for larger groups), including fuel, driver's allowance, tolls, parking and state taxes; Local English-speaking guide for city sightseeing (Hindi-speaking on request); All applicable taxes (GST).

International and domestic flights unless mentioned; Khajuraho – Varanasi and Patna – Delhi flights (quoted separately); Monument entrance fees and camera fees; Lunch and dinner unless mentioned; Indian visa fee (not required for Nepali citizens); Travel insurance.

This package includes 10 breakfasts, as marked on each day of the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost; your guide will recommend good local restaurants, and vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for.

Yes. We run this tour privately for your group on the dates you choose, and we can tailor it – add extra nights, change or upgrade hotels, add activities, flights or a guide in your language (Russian, German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Hindi on request). Just send us your wishes.

A deposit of 20–30% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due before arrival. Peak-season bookings (October–March) are recommended well in advance due to high demand. You can enquire through this page, email pigeontravel@gmail.com or contact us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm availability and send a booking confirmation.

30 or more days before departure: full refund minus deposit. 15–29 days before departure: 50% refund. Less than 15 days before departure: no refund. Please see the Cancellation Policy section for full details.

Children under 5 travel free, sharing with parents. Children aged 5–11 receive a discounted rate. Children 12 and above are charged the full adult rate.

Yes. Your guide can help you arrange puja, offerings or special rituals with the temple priests. Please tell us your wishes in advance so we can allow enough time.

Cancellation Policy

30 or more days before departure: full refund minus deposit. 15–29 days before departure: 50% refund. Less than 15 days before departure: no refund.

Booking Policy

A deposit of 20–30% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due before arrival. Peak-season bookings (October–March) are recommended well in advance due to high demand.

Child Policy

Children under 5 travel free, sharing with parents. Children aged 5–11 receive a discounted rate. Children 12 and above are charged the full adult rate.

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Pigeon Travel is easily one of the best travel companies I have dealt with! I don’t know how busy Mr Min Katri is, but i think he has many clients on the go, but he made me feel like I was his only customer. He was so conscientious. The guides he organised for my travels in Nepal: Pokhara, Kathmandu, and the Everest flight, Lumbini and then in India at Kushinara for a few days, was well organised with excellent guides, good drivers and cars and a good choice of hotels. They accommodated me with the places I wanted to visit and were very flexible and everything went smoothly, including navigating across the Sunoli border to India, which is chaos at another level. These guys are really excellent. Totally recommend Pigeon Travel. 👍👍

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11 Days Buddhist Culture & Heritage Tour of India