Follow the path of Buddha’s life in India through a unique special tourist train tour package sponsored by Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Mahaparinirvan Express, also known as Buddhist Circuit Train, is an 8 day, 7 nights all-inclusive rail tour covering important Indian Buddhist cities of Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Nalanda, Kushinagar, and Lumbini in Nepal (Buddha’s birthplace), Sravasti and Agra.

Five levels of comfort are offered aboard the air-conditioned IRCTC Mahaparinirvan Express: First Class, 2 Tier Inner Class, 2 Tier Side Berth, 3 Tier Class and a special First Coupe. All service levels include: breakfast, lunch and dinner (Veg / Non Veg) either on-board or at designated hotels plus snacks and cold drinks, packaged drinking water, tea and coffee; local sightseeing conducted by a dedicated English and Hindi speaking tour escort; transfers from the train to individual stops on A/C coaches; travel insurance; and overnight accommodation in hotels on some nights. Entry fees to monuments, religious sites or other fee based sites are not included.

The Maha Parinirvan Special Tour Train is an exclusive air conditioned train and does not carry passengers other than those booked with IRCTC for this special tour. Reservations for travel can be made online or in person at Indian Railways Tourist Facilitation Centers, Zonal Offices, and Regional Offices.

Boarding Station

Delhi Safdurjung Railway Station

Deboarding Station

Delhi Safdurjung Railway Station

Dates of Travel

December 2011: 17 – 24

January 2012: 8 – 15 & 21 – 28

February 2012: 4 – 11,  13 – 20 & Feb 25 – March 3

March 2012: 10 – 17 & 24 – 31

April 2012: 7 – 14

May 2012: 1 – 8

Places Visited

Bodhgaya: Mahabodhi Temple,  Niranjana River, Thai Temple, Japanese Temple and Buddha Statue

Rajgir: Bimbimsara Jail, Gridhakut hill, and Venuvan

Nalanda: Nalanda University & Nalanda Museum

Sarnath: Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Museum, The Ashokan Pillar, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar, Ganges River ghats, and evening arti

Kushinagar: Mahaparinirvan Temple, Rambhar Stupa, and Mata Kutir Temple

Lumbini: Maya Devi Temple, Ashokan Pillar and Pushkarni lake

Sravasti: Jetvana Vihara, Pakki Kuti & Sehat Mahet, and Thai Temple

Agra: Taj Mahal

Important Notes

All passengers are required to hold a valid Nepal Visa prior to departure.