Discover Buddhism & Culture Expedition
Discover Buddhism & Culture Expedition
$3254
Tour Overview
Embark on the Discover Buddhism & Culture Expedition, a transformative 18-day journey through India's cultural tapestry and the profound roots of Buddhism. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora, delve into the spiritual aura of Bodhgaya, where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. Explore historic sites like Nalanda and Sarnath, following the footsteps of Buddha's teachings. Traverse the sacred landscapes of Lumbini, Shravasti, and Varanasi, and witness the architectural marvels of Khajuraho and Bhopal. This immersive expedition offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and spiritual enlightenment, unlocking the timeless treasures of India's heritage. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Arrive at Mumbai airport and transfer to the hotel. Mumbai, a city that never sleeps, welcomes you with its vibrant energy. Take a leisurely walk, exploring local markets and restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a city tour of Mumbai, visiting iconic landmarks such as Marine Drive, the Gateway of India, and the historic Elephanta Caves. Explore the bustling Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dhobhi Ghat, and more. Evening visit to the serene Iskcon Temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Mumbai - Aurangabad (Flight)
Location: Mumbai, Aurangabad
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Aurangabad, known for its rich history. Visit the Bibi ka Maqbara, often called the mini Taj of the Deccan, and the ancient water mill at Panchakki. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 : Aurangabad - Ajanta (105Kms/2 Hrs One Way)
Location: Ajanta, Aurangabad
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a full-day excursion to the mesmerizing Ajanta Caves, showcasing ancient Buddhist art. Return to Aurangabad for overnight stay.
Day 5 : Aurangabad - Ellora (36Kms/1 Hr One Way)/ Delhi (Flight)
Location: Ellora, Aurangabad
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing temples dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Later, visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. Fly to Delhi for an overnight stay.
Day 6 : New Delhi
Location: New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the historical treasures of Delhi, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and Humayun's Tomb. Explore the vibrant bazaars of Chandani Chowk. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 : Delhi - Bodhgaya (Flight)
Location: Bodh Gaya
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Gaya and transfer to Bodhgaya, the sacred place where Buddha attained enlightenment. Explore the Mahabodhi Temple and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna (180Km/4Hrs)
Location: Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Patna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Rajgir, the Vulture's Peak, and Nalanda, a center of Buddhist learning. Drive to Patna for an overnight stay.
Day 9 : Patna - Vaishali - Kesariya - Kushinagar (260Kms/6-7Hrs)
Location: Kushinagar, Kesariya, Kushinagar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Vaishali, known for significant events in Buddha's life. Visit Kesariya Stupa and proceed to Kushinagar for an overnight stay.
Day 10 : Kushinagar - Lumbini (160Kms/4Hrs)
Location: Kushinagar, Lumbini Temple.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the Mahapari-nirvaana Temple in Kushinagar. Drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and explore the Sacred Garden. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 : Lumbini
Location: Lumbini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full day to explore Lumbini, including the Maya Devi Temple and World Peace Pagoda. Optional visit to Kapilavastu in Nepal. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Lumbini - Shravasti (160Kms/3Hrs)
Location: Shravasti, Shrawasti
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Shravasti, where Buddha spent 25 rain retreats. Explore the ancient ruins and monasteries. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 : Shravasti - Varanasi (315Kms/6Hrs)
Location: Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India. Evening walking tour of Ghats and attend the Ganga Aarti. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 : Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first discourse. Continue the city tour, visiting Benaras Hindu University and Ramnagar Fort. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 : Varanasi - Khajuraho (Flight)
Location: Khajuraho
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges. Fly to Khajuraho and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its exquisite temples adorned with erotic sculptures. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 : Khajuraho - Bhopal (380Km)
Location: Sanchi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Bhopal, visiting Jain temples in Sagar, Sanchi Stupa, and Udayagiri Caves en route. Explore Bhopal's historical sites. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : Bhopal – Bhimbetka - Bhojpur - Bhopal (135Kms/3Hrs)
Location: Bhimbetka rock shelters, Bhojpur Temple
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Bhimbetka rock shelters, an archaeological site, and the Shiva temple in Bhojpur. Explore Bhopal's parks and palaces. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18 : Bhopal - Delhi (Flight)
Location: Bhopal, New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Delhi for the final leg of your journey. Depart for your onward destination.
What's Included
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Assistance on arrival at airport.
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17 Nights' accommodation in 4-Star hotels.
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Daily breakfast at hotels.
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Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
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English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
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Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
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Bottled drinking water in car.
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Government taxes.
What's Not Included
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Mumbai - Aurangabad - Delhi - Bodhgaya, Varanasi - Khajuraho & Bhopal - Delhi flight fare approx. INR 30,500 per person in economy class.
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Camera charges at monuments if any.
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Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
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Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
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Gratuities and optional activities.
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Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
Accommodation
Hotels used or similar for 17 nights accommodation
4 Star Hotels
Mumbai x 2 nights: Fariyas Hotel/ The Gordon House
Aurangabad x 2 nights: Lemon Tree Hotel
Delhi x 2 nights: The Hans/ The Royal Plaza
Bodhgaya x 1 night: Marasa Sarovar Premiere/ The Royal Residency
Patna x 1 night: Lemon Tree Premier/ Hotel Gargee Grand
Kushinagar x 1 night: Marasa Sarovar Premiere/ The Royal Residency
Lumbini x 2 nights: Buddha Maya Hotel/ Lumbini Hokke Hotel
Shravasti x 1 night: Lotus Nikko Hotel/ Hotel Platinum
Varanasi x 2 nights: Rivatas by Ideal/ The Amayaa
Khajuraho x 1 night: The Lalit Temple View
Bhopal x 2 nights: Noor Us Sabha Palace/ Sayaji Bhopal
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Check out our Q&As
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes. Please check same on your international ticket
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What currencies are required for this tour?
USD, EURO, GBP, JPY, CNY, RMB, SGD, CAD, AUD are accepted at most of the tourist shops. These currencies can easily be changed into local currency INR from money changer at the airport, in cities, and at hotels.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. You have to apply for Indian Visa yourself. TOURIST VISA is mandatory for Foreign Nationals to travel India.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
We conduct our business fairly, with honesty, integrity and transparency. We deliver what we promise, and only promise what we can deliver.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Less than 10 person group only driver will be your companion. We use local government licenced tour guide in each cities for sightseeing tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We do not operate tour on sharing
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We are completely flexible in changing the travel dates, until we dont have to bourne any penalty levied by hotels/airline.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
5 Yeas
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Yes, you will support NGO and schooling for kids in villages.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We operate private tour/activity only for your group. Hence if you missed to join and tour departed, we can coordinate and you can join the tour from the nearest point.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Iitnerary and confirmation vouchers
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Face masks provided for travelers. Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff. Gear/equipment sanitized between use. Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized. Regular temperature checks for staff. Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
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Apr 30, 2025 - May 17, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Agora Voyages allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Agora Voyages allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform agora voyages, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Agora Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 15 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of agora voyages charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Standard Operating Protocol issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI
Face masks provided for travelers.Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.Regular temperature checks for staff.Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons.Gear/equipment sanitized between use.
Discover Buddhism & Culture Expedition
18 Days Starting in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Mumbai, Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora, New Delhi, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Patna, Kushinagar, Kesariya, Lumbini Temple., Lumbini, Shravasti, Shrawasti, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Sanchi, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Bhojpur Temple, Bhopal ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AGORA162
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
0-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain, Halal
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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