Walk in Buddha footsteps! Bodh Gaya, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under Bodhi Tree, is Buddhism most sacred pilgrimage site. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple complex with 50m tall spire, meditate under descendant of original Bodhi Tree, explore monasteries from Thailand, Japan, Tibet, Myanmar representing global Buddhism. Rajgir (Buddha first sermon spot) offers Vulture Peak, hot springs, ropeway. Nalanda ruins showcase ancient world largest Buddhist university (5th-12th century) with 10,000 students. From Buddhist pilgrims to history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers to architecture lovers, this circuit offers profound peace, ancient wisdom, and archaeological marvels in Bihar heartland.
Day 1:
Arrival Gaya - Arrive Gaya Airport/Station, transfer to Bodh Gaya (17km), check-in hotel, afternoon visit Mahabodhi Temple complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site, built 5th-6th century at exact spot where Buddha achieved enlightenment 2500 years ago, 50m tall main temple with golden Buddha statue, Vajrasana - diamond throne under Bodhi Tree, circumambulation path, meditation area, evening prayer ceremony), walk around temple observing monks from various countries, overnight Bodh Gaya|
Day 2:
Monasteries and Meditation - Early morning meditation session under Bodhi Tree (descendant of original tree, peaceful atmosphere, join Buddhist monks and pilgrims), breakfast, visit international monasteries: Thai Temple (golden architecture, meditation hall), Japanese Temple (Indosan Nippon Ji with peace pagoda), Tibetan Monastery (Dalai Lama visits, thangka paintings, butter lamps), Burmese Vihara, Bhutanese Monastery, each showcasing unique architectural style and Buddhist traditions, afternoon visit Great Buddha Statue (80 feet tall, meditation park, lotus pond), Sujata Village (where Sujata offered kheer to Buddha), Archaeological Museum (Buddha relics, ancient sculptures), evening attend prayer ceremony at temple, overnight|
Day 3:
Rajgir Excursion - Full-day trip to Rajgir (75km, ancient Magadha kingdom capital where Buddha spent 12 years, delivered many sermons), ropeway ride to Vulture Peak/Griddhakuta Hill (Buddha favorite meditation spot, preached many sutras here, panoramic valley views), Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Japanese-built Peace Pagoda on hilltop, four golden Buddha avatars), hot springs with religious significance, Bimbisara Jail ruins, Ajatshatru Fort, Venu Vana (bamboo grove where Buddha stayed), Son Bhandar caves, lunch at local restaurant, return Bodh Gaya evening, overnight|
Day 4:
Nalanda and Departure - Morning checkout, drive to Nalanda (95km from Bodh Gaya, 12km from Rajgir), explore Nalanda University ruins (UNESCO site, world first residential university 5th-12th century, 10,000 students, 2000 teachers, library Dharmaganja with 9 million manuscripts burned by invaders, systematic excavation reveals monasteries, temples, lecture halls, dormitories, stepped wells), marvel at red brick structures, Archaeological Museum (Buddha and Hindu deity statues, seals, coins, inscriptions), Hiuen Tsang Memorial (Chinese traveler who studied here 7th century), optional visit nearby Pawapuri (Jain pilgrimage site where Lord Mahavira attained nirvana), lunch, drive to Gaya for departure, tour ends with spiritual enrichment