Buddhist Circuit with Birth to Death Place of Buddha

This is a journey through the core sites of Buddhism in India, tracing the story from key religious landmarks to the place where the Buddha is said to have died. It runs from Varanasi to New Delhi over ten days, with a good deal of ground covered along the way.

Expect a mix of stupas, monuments, temples and museums, alongside gardens and lakes that break up the more solemn stops. The pace suits those who want a genuine religious and historical grounding rather than a beach-and-bar holiday.

If your dates line up with mid-February, you may also take in Parinirvana Day at Kushinagar, the Buddhist commemoration of the Buddha's death and passing into complete Nirvana.

What you'll do

• Visit Kushinagar, the place of the Buddha's Parinirvana
• Explore ancient stupas and Buddhist monuments along the circuit
• Take in museums covering the history of Buddhism in India
• Wander gardens and lakeside spots between the religious sites
• Start in Varanasi and finish in New Delhi
• Possible chance to witness Parinirvana Day commemorations in Kushinagar