Mahaparinirvana Express – Journey on the Path of Enlightenment 07 Nights / 08 Days

Your sacred journey begins at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi, where passengers are welcomed with traditional hospitality at 3:00 PM. The air is filled with devotion as check-in formalities conclude and the train prepares for departure. At 4:00 PM, the Mahaparinirvana Express gently rolls out of Delhi, beginning its soulful expedition toward Gaya. As the city’s hustle fades into the horizon, passengers are served evening tea and dinner on board, while glimpses of the countryside pass by like moving meditation. The rhythmic sound of wheels over rails becomes a gentle chant, setting the perfect tone for the spiritual exploration ahead. Overnight journey onboard.;

Arrive in Gaya, a town that holds immense significance in the Buddhist world. After breakfast, a short drive takes you to Bodhgaya, the holiest of holy places — where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, becoming the Buddha. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest brick temples in India. Spend quiet moments under the sacred Bodhi Tree, where silence speaks louder than words. Explore the Great Buddha Statue, Japanese Temple, and Thai and Tibetan Monasteries, each reflecting devotion in its own architectural style. Evening offers time for personal meditation or a serene stroll around the temple complex illuminated by lamps. Dinner and overnight stay in Bodhgaya, surrounded by the hum of distant chants and the fragrance of incense.;

After breakfast, drive to Nalanda, once the world’s first residential university, where knowledge and wisdom flourished centuries before modern academia. Walk through the ancient brick ruins, imagining monks debating philosophy and students reciting scriptures. Continue to Rajgir, a place closely associated with the Buddha’s later teachings. Visit Griddhakuta Hill, where he delivered several sermons, and Venuvana Monastery, a tranquil bamboo grove gifted by King Bimbisara. Return to Gaya in the evening to board the Mahaparinirvana Express bound for Varanasi. Dinner is served onboard as the train glides through the night, carrying pilgrims deeper into the spiritual heart of India. Overnight onboard.;

Arrive early in Varanasi, the oldest living city on Earth. After breakfast, proceed to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon — “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta,” setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, and Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses relics and sculptures from the early Buddhist period. Return to Varanasi by evening to witness the world-famous Ganga Aarti — a mesmerizing ritual of fire, chants, and devotion performed on the ghats of the holy river. The reflection of lamps on the Ganges creates an ethereal aura. Later, return to the train for an overnight journey to Gorakhpur, carrying with you the peaceful energy of the sacred city.;

Morning arrival at Gorakhpur, followed by a road transfer to Kushinagar, where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana — the final liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, housing a reclining statue of the Buddha that exudes serenity and compassion. Explore the Rambhar Stupa, believed to be the cremation site of the Buddha, and Matha Kuar Shrine, a peaceful spot symbolizing the Buddha’s final moments. Kushinagar’s stillness invites reflection; even the air feels meditative. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Kushinagar, surrounded by the calm of this sacred land.;

Today’s journey crosses borders — both geographical and spiritual. After breakfast, drive to Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The Maya Devi Temple marks the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. Wander through the Sacred Garden, the Ashokan Pillar, and monasteries built by various Buddhist nations — each reflecting their country’s unique devotion to the Buddha. Lumbini is a place of quiet reverence, where the message of peace transcends national boundaries. By evening, return to Gorakhpur to rejoin the Mahaparinirvana Express. Dinner and overnight onboard as the train continues its divine route.;

Early morning arrival at Gonda, from where a short drive takes you to Sravasti, the ancient city where Buddha spent 24 monsoon seasons teaching his disciples. Explore Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha delivered many discourses, and the Ananda Bodhi Tree, a symbolic descendant of the original Bodhi Tree. The Sahet-Mahet ruins offer glimpses of monastic life from centuries ago. After lunch, return to Gonda Railway Station and board the train for Agra. As the train hums through the plains, enjoy dinner and overnight onboard, reflecting on the wisdom and compassion that guided the journey so far.;