Dambadiva Group Pilgrimage

Monday, 30 November 2026 Leave Agra early for Sankassa, also known as Sankisa. In Buddhist tradition, this sacred place is associated with the Buddha's descent from Tavatimsa heaven. Pause at the pilgrimage site for vandana, reflection and an introduction to its significance. Continue towards Sravasti, known to Sri Lankan pilgrims as Savath Nuwara. This is one of the longer road journeys of the tour, with meal and comfort stops along the way. On arrival, check in and rest before the following day's worship programme. Main programme: Sankassa sacred site and onward travel to Savath Nuwara. Travel pace: Very early departure and a long coach day; arrival may be late. Overnight: Sravasti

Tuesday, 01 December 2026 Spend the day in Savath Nuwara, with time to worship at Jetavanaramaya and reflect on the discourses associated with the Buddha's residence here. Visit the Gandhakuti area and Ananda Bodhi tree, with time for chanting, meditation and personal offerings. Continue to the sites traditionally associated with Angulimala and Anathapindika. A visit to the Gandabba tree site may be included as time permits. Return to the hotel between visits where practical, then gather for evening reflection. Any organised Sanghika Dana or Ata Pirikara offering will follow the arrangements confirmed with the local monastery. Main programme: Jetavanaramaya, Gandhakuti, Ananda Bodhi, Angulimala Stupa and the Anathapindika-associated ruins. Travel pace: Local sightseeing and worship; walking on archaeological paths. Overnight: Sravasti

Wednesday, 02 December 2026 Depart early towards the India-Nepal border. A short visit to the Kapilavastu-associated site at Piprahwa is planned en route, subject to the border schedule. Complete the required exit and entry formalities before continuing to Lumbini in Nepal. Enter the Sacred Garden and visit the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar and sacred pond. Take time to contemplate the birth of Prince Siddhartha at one of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Check in to the hotel in Lumbini or nearby Bhairahawa. If border processing delays arrival, the Lumbini visit will continue the following morning. Main programme: Lumbini Sacred Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar and sacred pond; Piprahwa stop subject to timing. Travel pace: Cross-border travel day; the duration depends on immigration processing. Overnight: Lumbini / Bhairahawa

Thursday, 03 December 2026 Complete any remaining Lumbini worship early in the morning, then travel back to India after the border formalities. Continue to Kushinagar, known as Kusinara, the sacred destination associated with the Buddha's Mahaparinibbana. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and its reclining Buddha image, followed by the adjoining stupa and Ramabhar cremation stupa. The programme allows time for vandana and quiet contemplation. Visit Matha Kuar Shrine if arrival time permits. Any robe offering at the reclining Buddha image is subject to the temple's permission and local arrangements. Main programme: Mahaparinirvana Temple and Stupa, reclining Buddha image and Ramabhar Stupa. Travel pace: Border crossing, road transfer and afternoon or evening worship. Overnight: Kushinagar

Friday, 04 December 2026 Begin early and travel to Vaishali, familiar to Sri Lankan pilgrims as Vishala Mahanuwara. Visit the Kutagarasala archaeological area and Ashoka Pillar at Kolhua, then pay respects at the relic stupa associated with the Licchavis. A brief stop at the Abhishek Pushkarini coronation tank can be made if time permits. Continue to Rajgir, or Rajagaha Nuwara, for the overnight stay. This is a demanding travel day, so the programme concentrates on the principal Vaishali sites. The Nalanda visit is scheduled for the following day. Main programme: Vaishali: Kutagarasala area, Ashoka Pillar and Licchavi relic stupa. Travel pace: Very early departure, long road transfers and a late hotel arrival. Overnight: Rajgir

Saturday, 05 December 2026 Visit the archaeological remains of Nalanda Mahavihara, once a major centre of Buddhist scholarship. Walk among the surviving monastery and temple foundations, learning about the scholars and monastic communities who studied here. Continue the Rajgir pilgrimage with visits to Gijjhakuta, also known as Vulture's Peak, and Venuvana. A brief stop at the site traditionally identified as King Bimbisara's prison may be included if time allows. Travel onwards to Bodhgaya and check in for a two-night stay. An evening visit to the Mahabodhi Temple may be possible, depending on arrival time. Main programme: Nalanda ruins, Gijjhakuta and Venuvana; onward transfer to Bodhgaya. Travel pace: A full sightseeing and transfer day; Gijjhakuta involves uphill walking and steps. Overnight: Bodhgaya

Sunday, 06 December 2026 Begin the day at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, the sacred place associated with the Buddha's Enlightenment. Worship near the Bodhi tree and Vajrasana, then follow the Sathsathi Vandana, reflecting on the seven weeks after Enlightenment. Time is set aside for chanting, observance and quiet meditation. A Kiri Ahara Puja and Bodhi Puja can form part of the day's programme, according to the temple arrangements. Visit Sujata village in the afternoon. An additional visit to Dungeshwari Cave may be arranged if time and group mobility permit; the cave approach involves uphill walking. Return to Bodhgaya for rest and personal worship. Main programme: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi tree, Vajrasana, Sathsathi sites and Sujata village. Travel pace: Worship and local visits; ceremonies depend on temple permission and confirmed arrangements. Overnight: Bodhgaya

Monday, 07 December 2026 Leave Bodhgaya early and travel towards Varanasi, traditionally known as Baranasa. Continue to Sarnath, or Isipathana Migadaya, where the Buddha delivered the first sermon after Enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and the sacred Deer Park area, followed by Mulagandhakuti Vihara. Take time to reflect on the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, known in Sinhala as the Damsak Pavathum Suthraya. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum and Anagarika Dharmapala memorial museum may be visited if arrival is before their last admission and they are open. Check in to the hotel and rest. Main programme: Sarnath, Dhamek Stupa, Deer Park and Mulagandhakuti Vihara. Travel pace: Early road transfer followed by worship; museum visits depend on arrival and opening hours. Overnight: Varanasi / Sarnath

Tuesday, 08 December 2026 Set off early for the return journey to Agra. Today is reserved for the long coach transfer, with planned meal, refreshment and comfort stops along the way. Use the journey to rest and reflect on the pilgrimage. Arrive in Agra, check in to the hotel and settle in for the night. No additional sightseeing is scheduled today, allowing the programme to accommodate road conditions and travel delays. Main programme: Overland return to Agra. Travel pace: Full-day coach journey; a late arrival is possible. Overnight: Agra

Wednesday, 09 December 2026 Begin with a morning visit to the Taj Mahal, taking time to appreciate its marble architecture and gardens. The visit falls on Wednesday, outside the monument's regular Friday closure. The Taj Mahal entrance fee is excluded from the package and payable separately. Continue to Delhi and check in to the hotel. Subject to arrival time and access, a short city orientation may include a drive past India Gate and the central government district. A visit to the National Museum's Buddhist gallery can be added only if the museum and relevant displays are open. Any shopping time will depend on the day's schedule. Main programme: Taj Mahal and transfer to Delhi; city orientation subject to timing. Travel pace: Morning sightseeing and road transfer; Delhi visits depend on traffic and opening hours. Overnight: Delhi

Thursday, 10 December 2026 Check out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi Airport for the return journey to Sri Lanka. Airport reporting and meal arrangements will follow the confirmed flight schedule. The pilgrimage concludes with memories of the sacred places connected with the Buddha's life, shared moments of worship and time spent in reflection with fellow Sri Lankan pilgrims. Main programme: Hotel check-out and airport transfer. Travel pace: Departure day; flight details are supplied with the booking confirmation. Overnight: Tour concludes; no hotel night included in the 11-night itinerary.