Varanasi
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Varanasi. The religious capital of Hinduism since times immemorial, even Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata mention Varanasi's existence as long ago as 3,000 years. It is probably the oldest living city in India, and one of the world's most ancient. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. At a distance of 12 kms. from Varanasi lies Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment. Here he revealed the eight-fold path, the Buddhist doctrine. Varanasi is a city that cannot be described, only experienced. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.

Varanasi - Bodhgaya
Train Varanasi to Gaya. Gaya has sacred shrines of the Jains and Hindus scattered around the city. Later after lunch proceed to Bodhgaya. Situated 16 kms. away from Gaya it is here that Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, the saplings of which can still be seen in the temple premises. Overnight at hotel in Bodhgaya.

Bodhgaya - Nalanda - Rajgir - Patna
After breakfast proceed for Patna with packed lunch. Enroute visit Nalanda. The centre of one of the oldest known universities of the world, Nalanda, is situated 90 kms. from Patna. The ruins of the university reveal that it was the first international university of the world where over 2,000 teachers and 1,000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied. An international centre for Buddhist studies also functions here. Buddha had visited this place several times and the Chinese scholar, Hieun Tsang's also wrote about the excellence of the education and the purity of monastic life here. And Rajgir - Situated 102 kms. from Patna, Rajgir was the ancient capital of the Magadha Kings. Buddha often came here and one of his followers and the famous surgeon, Jivaka, also lived here. After buddha's 'parinirvana', his followers met here for the first Buddhist Council. It was also here that the teachings of Buddha were penned down for the first time. Rajgir is also an important place of pilgrimage for the Hindus as the temple complex here, devoted to the Sun God, is revered by them and a bath in the hot springs here is believed to wash away all sins. Arrive Patna in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Patna.

Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar
After breakfast proceed for Kushinagar via Vaishali - Situated 55 kms. away from Patna, Vaishali is a special place for the Buddhists as Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon here and announced his impending 'nirvana'. The second Buddhist Council held after 100 years of Buddha's 'Parinirvana', also took place here. Vaishali was also the ancient capital of the Lichchavi dynasty, the first republic of the world, established as early as 6th century B.C. It is also the birth place of Lord Mahavira, the Jain Guru, and is a sacred pilgrimage place for the Jains. Later visit Kushinagar-The place where the Buddha passed into Parnirvana. Visit the Stupas & monasteries. Overnight at hotel in Kushinagar.