All circuits
Circuits / Pilgrimage / Buddhist Mahaparinirvan CircuitPlan this circuit
Circuits / Pilgrimage / Buddhist Mahaparinirvan CircuitBuddhist Mahaparinirvan Circuit
In the footsteps of the Buddha
8 daysSuggested5 stopsOn the routeEasyPaceONDJFMBest window
1Day 1–22
Day 33
Day 44
Day 55
Day 6–8
Bodh Gaya
Bihar
Where Buddha Attained Enlightenment
Rajgir
Bihar
Hot Springs & Buddhist History
Nalanda
Bihar
The Ancient World's Greatest University
Vaishali
Bihar
World's First Republic & Birthplace of Jainism
Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh
The Eternal City
About this circuit
The most sacred Buddhist circuit, tracing the life of Gautama Buddha across Bihar and Eastern UP. Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath/Varanasi (first sermon), Rajgir (taught for years), Vaishali (last sermon), and Nalanda (the great university).
Why it matters
Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage site — the spot under the Mahabodhi tree where Siddhartha attained enlightenment. Together these places form the heart of the international Buddhist pilgrimage, drawing devotees from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, and beyond.
What it costs
Priced live in the planner
Standard stays, train-first transport, for 2 travelling together — the full working is shown when you plan it.
When to go
JFMAMJJASOND
Best from Oct–Feb; summers in Bihar are extreme
Make it yours
Opens in the planner with all 5 stops, suggested days and your home city pre-filled. Swap anything.
Plan this circuit — 8 daysFree · no sign-in · fully editable
Good to know
- ·Bodh Gaya: stay near the Mahabodhi temple complex; dawn meditation is special
- ·Nalanda University ruins need 3+ hours — UNESCO site
- ·Rajgir has the world's first Buddhist council site (Saptaparni Cave)
- ·Sarnath (just outside Varanasi) has the Dhamek Stupa and museum
- ·IRCTC runs a dedicated Buddhist Circuit train (luxury option)