Walking and steps
Sarnath, Kushinagar and Shravasti are largely flat, but each visit involves one to two kilometres on brick paths, lawns and uneven ruins. Shoes come off inside temples and shrines, so socks help on hot or cold stone.
PROPOSED ITINERARY
Sarnath, Kushinagar and Shravasti Pilgrimage 5 nights, 6 days.
This six-day Uttar Pradesh Buddhist journey begins with an afternoon at Sarnath on the day you arrive, where the Buddha gave his first teaching. The next day carries you north to Kushinagar, the place of his parinirvana, for an evening of rest. After a morning at the Mahaparinirvana Temple and the Ramabhar Stupa, you drive west to Shravasti for two nights, with a full day at the Jetavana monastery, the Anathapindika and Angulimala stupas and the Anandabodhi tree. The journey ends with a drive to Lucknow or Ayodhya, with sightseeing along the way.
- 1NVaranasi (for Sarnath)
- 1NKushinagar
- 2NShravasti
- 1NLucknow or Ayodhya
AT A GLANCE
Who it suits, and how it moves.
Buddhist pilgrims, monastic and lay groups, and travellers drawn to the life of the Buddha who are comfortable with two long road days. Parents and older travellers can manage it with the Premium or Luxury assistance, or with an extra night added.
- Proposed duration
- 5 nights · 6 days. 5N/6D. The fifth night is in Lucknow or Ayodhya; an extra night in Kushinagar can be requested
- Travel style
- A private, driven journey across Uttar Pradesh: site visits in the cool of the morning, time for sitting or chanting where each place allows, and two nights at Shravasti to slow the pace.
- Arrive
- Varanasi: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Babatpur), about 45 minutes to an hour from most hotels, or Varanasi Junction and Banaras railway stations.
- Depart
- Lucknow: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport or the city's main railway stations. From Ayodhya, Lucknow is about three hours by road, and Ayodhya airport can suit some flight schedules.
Sarnath is visited on the afternoon of Day 1, so arrive in Varanasi by about 1 pm; the Sarnath museum is closed on Fridays. Day 3 combines the Kushinagar visits with a drive of five to six hours to Shravasti. If the fifth night is in Ayodhya, Day 6 starts with about three hours to Lucknow. As of October 2026, Kushinagar airport has no regular scheduled flights and Shravasti airport's service has been limited, so we do not plan around either unless a current schedule is confirmed. Winter fog can delay roads, flights and trains in December and January.
DAY BY DAY
The days, with time to breathe.
A proposed programme with its travel and rest built in. We adjust the order to your arrival, the season and your pace.
Day 1Arrival in Varanasi & SarnathOvernight in Varanasi
- On arrivalArrivalPick-up and check-in
Your driver meets you at the airport or station and takes you to the hotel. Premium and Luxury guests are also welcomed by a member of the team.
- MiddayRestLunch and a pause
A short rest before the drive of about half an hour to Sarnath, north of the city.
- AfternoonVisitSarnath exploration
The deer park where the Buddha gave his first teaching to five companions. Walk the grounds around the Dhamek Stupa and the ruins of the old monasteries, visit the modern Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and see the Ashokan lion capital in the Archaeological Museum, which is closed on Fridays.
- EveningFree timeA quiet first evening
Dinner at the hotel or nearby. An evening on the Ganges can be added if you wish; it is not part of this journey's base programme.
Overnight · Varanasi
Day 2Varanasi to KushinagarOvernight in Kushinagar
- After breakfastOn the roadDrive north to Kushinagar
About 240 to 260 km, usually five to six hours with stops for tea and lunch. The roads are mostly highway, slower through towns.
- AfternoonRestCheck in
Time to settle in after the drive.
- EveningRestEvening rest
A quiet evening at the hotel ahead of an early start at the temple.
Overnight · Kushinagar
Day 3Kushinagar to ShravastiOvernight in Shravasti
- Early morningVisitMahaparinirvana Temple
The temple of the reclining Buddha at the quiet hour, for sitting or offerings before the day's groups arrive. The image, about six metres long, dates from the 5th century and marks the Buddha's parinirvana.
- MorningVisitRamabhar Stupa
The great brick stupa that by tradition marks the place of the Buddha's cremation, a short drive from the temple.
- AfternoonOn the roadDrive west to Shravasti
About 240 to 255 km through the farmland of eastern Uttar Pradesh, usually five to six hours with a lunch stop, arriving in the evening. Parts of the route are on smaller roads.
Overnight · Shravasti
Day 4Shravasti SightseeingOvernight in Shravasti
- Early morningVisitJetavana Monastery and the Anandabodhi Tree
The monastery garden given to the Buddha by the merchant Anathapindika, where he spent many rainy seasons. Walk the brick foundations of the Gandhakuti, his dwelling, and sit beneath the Anandabodhi tree.
- Late morningVisitAnathapindika Stupa and Angulimala Stupa
The two great mounds in the ruins of ancient Shravasti at Maheth, linked with the merchant who gave Jetavana and with Angulimala, the bandit the Buddha turned to the path.
- MiddayRestLunch and rest
Back to the hotel through the heat of the day.
- AfternoonFree timeTime to sit or rest
Return to Jetavana for quiet sitting in the evening light, or visit the temples built by Buddhist communities from across Asia.
Overnight · Shravasti
Day 5Shravasti to Lucknow / AyodhyaOvernight in Lucknow or Ayodhya
- After breakfastOn the roadDrive to Lucknow or Ayodhya
About 170 km and four hours to Lucknow, or a little less to Ayodhya, depending on where you spend the last night.
- AfternoonVisitSightseeing along the way
In Lucknow, the Bara Imambara and the Rumi Darwaza; in Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir or Hanuman Garhi, and the evening aarti at Ram ki Paidi. We plan the stops with you.
- EveningRestRest
A last evening at the hotel.
Overnight · Lucknow or Ayodhya
Day 6DepartureDeparture day
- At your departure timeDepartureTransfer to Lucknow airport or station
Your driver drops you for your onward flight or train. From Ayodhya, allow about three hours by road, or use Ayodhya airport if a flight suits you.
Overnight · Departure day
BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Walking, early starts and the season.
Early starts
The early visits at Kushinagar and Jetavana are by choice, but Day 3 starts early to fit the Kushinagar sites before the drive. Other road days start after breakfast, around 8 am.
Boats and boarding
There are no boat outings in the base programme. At each site the car park is a short walk from the entrance.
Mobility
The road days are long, about five to six hours each on Day 2 and Day 3, so a comfortable vehicle and regular stops matter more than speed. Ruins have uneven ground and few ramps; wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should tell us early so we can assess each site. We do not describe this route as fully accessible.
Season
October to March is the main season, with pleasant days and cold mornings; December and January bring fog that can slow roads and delay flights and trains. April to June is very hot, so visits keep to early morning and late afternoon. July to September is monsoon. Kushinagar and Shravasti are busiest with pilgrim groups in winter and around Buddha Purnima.
CHOOSE YOUR COMFORT
Standard, Premium or Luxury.
The same journey at three levels of comfort and support. The quotation names the actual hotels, vehicle and inclusions before you pay anything.
Standard
Comfortable and well located, with the essentials arranged well.
- 3-star accommodation throughout
- Private AC sedan with driver
- Standard guide service at each Buddhist site
Everything included in Standard · 3
Premium
Better stays and more help: private boats, escorted darshan, a stronger car.
- 4-star accommodation, best available in Shravasti↑ Upgrade from Standard
- AC Innova Crysta or similar SUV with chauffeur↑ Upgrade from Standard
- Specialised Buddhist circuit guide at every site↑ Upgrade from Standard
- Named coordinator and a welcome on arrival↑ Upgrade from Standard
Everything included in Premium · 6
Luxury
The finest stays, a luxury car and every special session handled for you.
- Premium boutique or top 4 to 5-star properties↑ Upgrade from Premium
- Best available premium stays in Kushinagar and Shravasti↑ Upgrade from Premium
- Luxury SUV with a chauffeur throughout↑ Upgrade from Premium
- Private historian at Sarnath, Kushinagar and Shravasti↑ Upgrade from Premium
- Full concierge and a personal host↑ Upgrade from Premium
Everything included in Luxury · 12
- Airport and railway station transfers
- Private chauffeured transport
- Premium and luxury vehicle upgrade
- Arrival welcome and assistance
- Welcome amenities and celebration gifts
- Dedicated travel concierge
- Your travel host
- Private sightseeing or specialist guide
- Professional photography
- Dining reservations and dietary coordination
- Luggage and porter assistance
- Security assistance
Every level: a named coordinator on phone and WhatsApp, and one complete quotation before any payment.
Compare every detail, row by row
StandardPremiumLuxury
HotelsSelected 3-star hotels in Varanasi, Kushinagar, Shravasti and Lucknow or Ayodhya. Hotel choice in Kushinagar and Shravasti is limited; hotels are subject to availability and named in your quotation.Selected 4-star hotels in Varanasi, Kushinagar and Lucknow or Ayodhya, and the best available property in Shravasti, which has few hotels of this category. Subject to availability and named in your quotation.Premium boutique or top 4 to 5-star properties in Varanasi and Lucknow or Ayodhya, and the best available premium property in Kushinagar and Shravasti, which have no 5-star hotels. Subject to availability and named in your quotation.
VehiclePrivate air-conditioned sedan, such as a Dzire or Etios, with a driver, sized to your party and luggage. The driver is not a sightseeing guide. The vehicle is subject to availability and named in your quotation.Air-conditioned Innova Crysta or similar SUV with an experienced chauffeur, subject to availability and named in your quotation. More room and comfort for the two long road days.A luxury SUV, such as a Fortuner, Mercedes or suitable alternative, with a chauffeur throughout, selected to suit your party and this route. The vehicle is subject to availability and named in your quotation. On the rural stretch to Shravasti an SUV is often the better choice.
MealsBreakfast on all five hotel nights. Lunches and dinners are not included.Breakfast daily. Lunches and dinners are not included.Breakfast daily, plus lunch on the two long road days (Day 2 and Day 3) at a suitable stop or packed by the hotel. Other meals are not included; dietary needs are passed to each hotel.
BoatNot included. An evening on the Ganges in Varanasi can be added.Not included. A private evening on the Ganges in Varanasi can be added.Not included. A private evening on the Ganges in Varanasi can be added.
DarshanNot a darshan itinerary. Visits to the stupas, temples and monasteries are planned into each day, with timings set around opening hours and the heat.Not a darshan itinerary. Your specialised guide accompanies each site visit and explains each place.Not a darshan itinerary. Your concierge plans each site visit around opening hours, crowds and any chanting or meditation time you wish to keep; no special access is promised.
AssistanceA named remote coordinator, by phone and WhatsApp, before and during the journey. No accompanying host.A named coordinator throughout, a team member to welcome you on arrival, and the guided visits listed below.A dedicated travel concierge for the whole journey, a personal host for the listed days and support hours agreed in your quotation. This is not unlimited round-the-clock cover. Your host travels with you from Day 1 to Day 6.
GuidingA standard local guide at Sarnath (Day 1), Kushinagar (Day 3) and Shravasti (Day 4).A specialised Buddhist circuit guide at Sarnath (Day 1), Kushinagar (Day 3) and Shravasti (Day 4).A private historian at Sarnath (Day 1), Kushinagar (Day 3) and Shravasti (Day 4), and on the Day 5 sightseeing if you wish.
AdmissionsEntry tickets at the protected sites in Sarnath and Shravasti, and at the Sarnath museum, are paid locally.Entry tickets for the guided visit at Sarnath, including the museum, are included. Shravasti entry tickets are paid locally.Entry tickets for all listed site visits, including the Sarnath museum, are included.
PhotographyOptional. A professional photography session can be added.Optional. A professional photography session can be added.A defined professional photography session of about two hours at Shravasti, or at Sarnath if you prefer, with the number of edited images and delivery time stated in your quotation. Photography inside shrines follows each site's rules.
SecurityOn request, quoted separately.On request, quoted separately.Included when requested, applicable and expressly accepted in your final quotation. It never means queue-clearing or special access.
Everything Premium includes, day by day
- Airport and railway station transfersDay 1 arrival and final-day departure
Arrival transfer from Varanasi airport or station, and drop at Lucknow airport or station on the last day
Included - Private chauffeured transportDay 1 to Day 6
Private chauffeured transport for the whole route in the upgraded vehicle group below
Included, part of the journey - Premium and luxury vehicle upgradeDay 1 to Day 6
Vehicle group upgraded to an Innova Crysta or similar SUV, subject to availability and named in your quotation
Included - Arrival welcome and assistanceDay 1 · Arrival
A member of the team welcomes you at Varanasi airport or station and sees you to the hotel. No restricted-area or baggage-hall access is implied
Included - Sarnath with a Specialist GuideDay 1 · Day 1 afternoon
Sarnath with a specialised Buddhist guide, about two and a half hours, including site and museum entry tickets
Included - Private sightseeing or specialist guideDay 3 and Day 4
Specialised Buddhist circuit guide for the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa, and for Jetavana and Maheth, about three hours each
Included
More services you can add to Premium · 21
- Upgrade your boat ride / boat bookingRiver & boats
- Aarti viewing and seating arrangementsTemple, ritual & puja
- Darshan and temple visit assistanceTemple, ritual & puja
- Female accompanying hostHosts, guides & companions
- Language assistance and interpretersHosts, guides & companions
- Nanny or childcare arrangementsFamily, senior & accessible travel
- Baby and family comfort arrangementsFamily, senior & accessible travel
- Senior travel companionFamily, senior & accessible travel
- Wheelchair and mobility assistanceFamily, senior & accessible travel
- Specialist care support on requestFamily, senior & accessible travel
- Priest and ritual coordinationTemple, ritual & puja
- Rudrabhishek arrangementsTemple, ritual & puja
- Ganga puja arrangementsTemple, ritual & puja
- Pind Daan and ancestral rites arrangementsTemple, ritual & puja
- VideographyPhotography & films
- Birthday, anniversary and occasion arrangementsOccasions, dining & gifts
- Hotel stay extension or room upgradeStays, tickets & insurance
- Flight and train booking assistanceStays, tickets & insurance
- Astrologer consultationSpecialist services
- Helicopter transfersSpecialist services
- Your Journey in Film: Cinematic ReelPhotography & films
Want just one thing from a higher tier?
Keep Premium and add any of these on their own. They are quoted with your journey.
- Welcome amenities and celebration giftsIncluded in Luxury
- Dedicated travel conciergeIncluded in Luxury
- Your travel hostIncluded in Luxury
- Professional photographyIncluded in Luxury
- Dining reservations and dietary coordinationIncluded in Luxury
- Luggage and porter assistanceIncluded in Luxury
- Security assistanceIncluded in Luxury
ADD TO THIS JOURNEY
Experiences and services worth adding.
Add them to My Journey. If something is already part of your tier it shows as included, and nothing is charged twice.
On the riverEvening on the Ganges
An evening on the Ganga: a boat along the ghats at dusk, then the Ganga aarti, watched from the water or from an arranged place on the ghat.
ExcursionsSarnath with a Specialist Guide
A visit to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching, with a specialist guide to the stupas, ruins and museum, and transport and entry listed separately.
Language assistance and interpreters
An interpreter or language assistant for visits, rituals and conversations, in the language you request, confirmed with a named supplier before your journey.
Wheelchair and mobility assistance
Wheelchairs, walking aids and assistants requested separately, with each part of your route assessed for steps, ramps and boarding before anything is confirmed.
Hotel stay extension or room upgrade
Add nights in a city or move to a better room category, with meals and room allocation reviewed by our team and confirmed in your quotation.
Flight and train booking assistance
Help finding and booking flights and trains that fit your journey, with fares and terms shown separately and nothing treated as confirmed until tickets are issued.
GOOD TO KNOW
Questions, answered.
Why does the journey end in Lucknow?
Kushinagar and Shravasti both have airports, but as of October 2026 neither has a reliable regular scheduled service. Lucknow, about four hours from Shravasti, has good flight and train links. You can spend the last night in Lucknow or in Ayodhya, and if a current schedule at Ayodhya suits you better, we will plan around it.
How long are the road days?
Day 2 (Varanasi to Kushinagar) and Day 3 (Kushinagar to Shravasti) are each about five to six hours with stops, and Day 5 is about four hours to Lucknow. If that is too much, ask for a slower version with an extra night in Kushinagar.
Is a guide included at every site?
Yes, at every tier. Standard includes a local guide at Sarnath, Kushinagar and Shravasti, Premium a specialised Buddhist circuit guide, and Luxury a private historian. Language assistance can be requested for groups who prefer another language.
Can Lumbini be added?
Lumbini is in Nepal, so it is not part of this Uttar Pradesh journey. We can discuss it as a separate extension enquiry, with its own border crossing, documents and extra days, quoted separately.
Availability and cancellation. Hotels, vehicles, boats, guides and temple arrangements are confirmed when we prepare your quotation, and they depend on dates, weather, river levels and the rules of each site. Cancellation terms follow the suppliers in your journey and are set out in the quotation. Booking terms
This is a request for a personalised quotation, not a booking. No payment is required to send your preferences.
PLAN WITH TOURMELLOH
Make this journey your own.
Tell us the places on your mind, your dates and who is travelling. We reply with a written proposal shaped around you.