Depart Delhi by morning flight to the 2500-year-old ancient city of Patna. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon excursion to Vaishali (1 hour) the place where the Buddha preached his last sermon, announcing his approaching Nirvana. Visit the stupas holding urns containing ashes of the Buddha and the Ashok pillar, which were erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashok to mark places sanctified by the Buddha. Vaishali is also famous for Modhubani paintings on the walls of village houses. Overnight Patna.

Morning drive to Rajgir (2 hrs), capital of the 6th century Magadha empire. It was the revered site of the Buddha's religious discourses. Visit the Gridhrakuta, Saptarni Cave, Ajatasatru fort, and Venuvana. Afternoon visit to Nalanda, the world's oldest university founded in the 5th century. Visit the monasteries and temples with impressive Buddhist and Hindu images and also visit institutes for research into Buddhism and Pali literature which houses rare manuscripts. Also, visit the archaeological museum. Overnight Rajgir.

Early morning drive to Bodhgaya en route visit Barabar caves (4 hrs walk), the earliest examples of rock-cut sanctuaries. The most impressive craftsmanship of carving and inscriptions can be seen. The caves are also the inspiration for the setting of E.M. Forster's "A Passage to India". Arrive at Bodhgaya in the evening. Check into the hotel. Overnight Bodhgaya.

One of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centres, as it was here that Gautam attained enlightenment to become the Buddha. Visit the Stupa Bodhi, Japanese and Tibetan monasteries, Magadha University, and museum. Overnight Bodhgaya.

Early morning depart for Varanasi (optional by train from Gaya). Arrive by lunch. Check into the hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing visiting ghats and temples. Evening boat cruise on the Ganges. Overnight Varanasi.

Morning excursion to Sarnath (10 km). The principal centre of Buddhism. It was here around 530 BC that Buddha preached his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamekh and the Dharmarajika stupas and the Buddhist shrines. Afternoon drive to Kushinagar, the place where the Buddha passed into par nirvana. Visit stupas and monasteries. Overnight Gorakhpur.

Visit Sravasti Buddhist shrines. Overnight Balrampur.

Drive to Lucknow (150 km) to board for flight or train to Delhi.

1. Day return to Lumbini from Kushinagar. 2. Extension to Dharamsala to visit Dalai Lama & other Buddhist sights in Himachal.