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Mahaparinirvana Express

MAHAPARINIRVANA TRAIN

Overview

It stands as a moving tribute to the life and teachings of the Buddha—a graceful carriage journeying through the sacred geography of India. The Mahaparinirvana Express is more than just a train; it is a spiritual voyage wrapped in comfort and reverence. Painted in calm, earthy hues, the train carries with it an air of serenity, inviting pilgrims and seekers alike into a space of reflection and discovery.

Comprising fully air-conditioned coaches, the Mahaparinirvana Express offers a blend of spiritual essence and modern convenience. Cabins are designed to provide restful accommodations, with both twin and double-bedded options available. Each compartment is fitted with clean, attached bathrooms offering running hot and cold water, as well as shower facilities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Thoughtfully included amenities enhance the journey—soft lighting creates a peaceful ambiance, cozy bedding ensures deep rest, and storage spaces keep personal belongings neatly arranged. Large windows open to vistas of historical towns, lush countryside, and sacred Buddhist sites—each frame telling its own silent story. A journey aboard the Mahaparinirvana Express is not just travel—it is a seamless passage through history, devotion, and inner peace.

WORLD OF MAHAPARINIRVANA TRAIN

Coaches

Rooms

Restaurant

Bar

MAHAPARINIRVANA TRAIN DESTINATIONS

Gaya, named after the holy demon Gayasur, became sacred when Lord Vishnu subdued him with a footprint, forming the city's rocky hills. Pilgrims visit to perform shraddha rituals for ancestral salvation. The Vishnupad Temple, marked by Vishnu’s footprint, is also revered in Buddhist tradition. Nearby Brahmayoni Hill is where Buddha delivered the Fire Sermon, enlightening a thousand ascetics.

Around 500 BC, Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree by the Falgu River near Gaya, making Bodhgaya the spiritual heart of Buddhism. He meditated at seven nearby sites before teaching in Sarnath. Today, monks, pilgrims, and tourists visit this serene land, especially on Buddha Purnima. Located in Bihar, Bodhgaya remains a peaceful haven rich in history, faith, and natural beauty.

Rajgir, once capital of Magadha under King Bimbisara, is where Buddha spent months meditating and preaching at Griddhkuta (Vulture’s Peak). Surrounded by hills and the Banganga River, it drew spiritual seekers and hosted the first Buddhist council at Saptaparni Caves. Converted by Buddha’s wisdom, locals supported him, and Rajgir became a center of early Buddhist architecture and devotion.

Nalanda, named after a title of Buddha meaning "Insatiable in Giving," was ancient India's most renowned residential university, hosting over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. It drew scholars from across Asia and taught diverse subjects. Buddha visited often, staying in Pavarika's mango grove. Nalanda also held importance in Jain tradition, making it a major spiritual and academic hub of ancient India.

Varanasi, on the Ganges’ west bank in Uttar Pradesh, is among Hinduism’s holiest cities. Home to the Kashi Vishwanath temple and sacred ghats, it draws over a million pilgrims yearly. Mark Twain called it “older than history.” In Buddhism, it’s where Buddha gave his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, forming the Sangha and beginning a spiritual tradition.

Sarnath, 13 km from Varanasi, is where Buddha gave his first sermon, teaching the Middle Way, Four Noble Truths, and Eightfold Path. It marked the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha with Kondanna’s enlightenment. Emperor Ashoka later built stupas, monasteries, and edicts here. The site’s ruins and Archaeological Museum showcase Sarnath’s rich legacy, open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.

Gorakhpur, in eastern Uttar Pradesh near Nepal, is named after the saint Gorakshanath and is a key religious hub for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. Gautama Buddha renounced royal life near here at the confluence of the Rapti and Rohini rivers around 600 BC. The city also holds significance in Jainism, linked to Lord Mahavira’s travels and teachings.

Kushinagar, near the Hiranyavati River, is where Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana after falling ill. He chose this site to deliver the Mahā-Sudassana Sutta, guide Subhadda to enlightenment, and ensure relic distribution by the brahman Doha. As the place of his passing, Kushinagar is one of Buddhism’s four sacred pilgrimage sites, along with Kapilavatthu, Bodhgaya, and Sarnath (Isipatana).

Gaya

Bodhgaya

Rajgir

Nalanda

Varanasi

Sarnath

Gorakhpur

Kushinagar

Mahaparinirvana Train

In the Mahaparinirvana sutra, the Buddha tells his followers that they can attain merit and a noble rebirth by going on pilgrimage to the places where he was born (Lumbini), gained enlightenment (Bodhgaya), first taught (Sarnath), and attained Nirvana (Kushinagar). The Buddhist tourist train takes you to these places and helps you experience firsthand the self disciplined and legendary life of Lord Buddha. India, the country where Buddhism originated has rich memories of the Buddhist legacy. As part of its drive towards austerity, the only kind of art and architecture that it supported were Stupas (stone cased moulds that commemorated relics of Buddha), Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (cells for the monks). Buddhist Train India will help you visit all these places up close for a truly religious experience.

Come, discover the path to enlightenment, towards Buddha by train.

Salient Features of buddhist circuit special Tour

Exclusive Train for the Buddhist Circuit Tour : The Buddhist Circuit Special Train is an exclusive air conditioned train for Buddhist circuit destinations and does not carry passenger other than the tourist booked with us for this special tour.

Security on train

Private Security Guards in each coach for constant & close watch to ensure safety of the passengers.

On-board Hygienic Kitchen Car Facility

The passengers can choose from an assortment of sumptuous hot meals (Veg / Non Veg), snacks and cold drinks. Packaged drinking water, tea and coffee are also available to the passengers in ample quantity.

On-board Clean and Hygienic Lavatories and Showers

Convenience of the passengers, clean and hygienic lavatories and showers are provide. Accommodation in comfortable Hotels of the Buddhist Circuit

Insurance Cover

All passengers are provided with Travel Insurance Cover for the duration of the tour.

Medical Facility

In case of any exigency, medical support can be provided through an extensive network of Indian Railways medical facilities.

Language Guide

On sufficient advance information, tour guides of various languages would be provided for sizeable groups.

Other Assistance

Tourists are requested to obtain a proper Visa for visiting Lumbini (Nepal) before arriving in India. However, we can provides assistance in obtaining Visa at the time of entry in Nepal as per extant rules.

The tare 2nd Sleeper, 1st AC Sleeper and 1st AC Sleeper in the Mahaparinirvan express.

Mahaparinirvan Express: 2nd AC Sleeper

In the 2nd AC Sleeper, there are curtains available for limited privacy. Two lower and two upper berths are on the inside, and one lower and one upper berth are on the outside.

Mahaparinirvan Express: 1st AC Sleeper

In this cabin of Mahaparinirvan Express, there are two lower berths and two upper berths with a sliding door that can be locked from the inside.

Mahaparinirvan Express: 1st AC Sleeper Exclusive Cabin

There are limited seats on offer with one lower and one upper berth with a sliding door that can be locked from the inside.

Itinerary

Mahaparinirvan Special Train departs from Safdarjung Railway Station after the staff has ensured that all passengers on board are seated. Tea and dinner are served on board. It arrives at Gaya in the morning where tourist can visit temples, stupas, monasteries and other foundations of Buddhist culture. Mahabodhi temple and Niranjana rivers are not to be missed, a brief stay in the hotel is provided at night along with dinner.

The Mahaparinirvan Special Train then heads to Rajgir and Nalanda to explore monuments which tell a story of greed, humility, self-learning and redemption. Bimbisara Jail, Gridhakuta Hill, Venuvan, Nalanda Ruins and University have so much history and artifacts that teach lessons about Buddhism which one cannot miss.

Dinner and overnight stay are on board when the train departs for Kushinagar where Buddha preached his first sermon and guided disciples who converted his sayings into scriptures and inscriptions.

Mahaparinirvan temple, Rambhar Stupa, Mata Kutir Temple are all places which give off a peaceful vibe that makes one embrace the calming spirit of Buddhism. Dinner and tea are provided on board as the train departs for Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini.

Lunch is organized in the hotel after which the guide will take you to Maya Devi Temple, Ashokan Pillar and Pushkarini lake for a fantastic time.

Mahaparinirvan express will take you near the town of Sravasti to Gonda railway station from where you can take the bus to the hotel for breakfast and some wash and change time. The city has preserved the teachings of Buddhism, and it is evident in the way of life, Jetvan vihar, Pakki Kuti and Sehat Maher Thai Temple are the prime destinations which embody the ascetic nature of Buddhist life and have stupas, inscriptions and artifacts for tourists to marvel.

After exploring Sravasti have dinner on board as the train heads to Agra to explore the magnificent Taj Mahal and the iconic Agra fort before heading back to Delhi.

Mahaparinirvan Express: Fare

Mahaparinirvan Express fare is not at all expensive considering the number of destination it covers along with the tour guide it offers to make people aware of the information they won’t be privy to by themselves. The Mahaparinirvan Express Fare includes monuments entrance fees and the sightseeing organized in AC buses. Below are the fares according to classes:

Day 01 : Delhi – Gaya (990 kms)

13:00 hrs.- Assemble at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station. Board the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train.
14:30 hrs.- Departure of the train for Gaya.
20:00 hrs.- Dinner on board & proceed to Gaya.

Day 02 : Gaya - Bodhgaya (16 kms)

Early morning tea, Wash & Change & breakfast On-Board. Arrive at Gaya. Depart to Bodhgaya by coach. Check-in at the hotel. Lunch and relax. Sightseeing of Bodhgaya including Mahabodhi Temple & Niranjana River. Continue sightseeing of Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, Buddha Statue. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03 : Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir – Gaya – Varanasi

Breakfast at the hotel. Check Out and proceed to Rajgir by coach. Arrival at Rajgir. Sightseeing of Rajgir including Bimbimsara Jail, Gridhakut hill & Venuvan. Lunch at the hotel.

Proceed to Nalanda for sightseeing covering ruins of world famous Nalanda University & Nalanda Museum.

Arrival at Gaya Railway Station and board the train. Dinner on board & proceed to Varanasi.

Day 04 : Varanasi – Sarnath – Nautanwa

Early morning tea on-board and arrival at Varanasi. Breakfast onboard. Disembark the train and proceed to visit Sarnath (10 kms) for sightseeing of Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Ashokan Pillar and Mool Gandh Kuti Vihar. Check in at Hotel for Lunch, wash and change.

Visit River Ganges Ghat for evening Aarti. Return to the Railway Station.

Dinner on board & proceed to Nautanwa for visit to Lumbini, Nepal.

Day 05 : Nautanwa - Lumbini

Early morning tea followed by Breakfast onboard. Arrival at Nautanwa Railway station. Proceed by coach to Lumbini, Nepal. (Tourists to keep their passport and Visa ready.

In case Nepal visa not issued visa fees to be kept ready also along with passport size photographs). Check-in at hotel. Lunch at hotel.

Sight-seeing of Lumbini including Maya Devi Temple and Ashokan Pillar. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06 : Lumbini - Kushinagar - Gorakhpur

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out of the hotel and proceed to Kushinagar by coach.

Arrive Kushinagar. Proceed for lunch at the hotel. After lunch visit Mahaparinirvan Temple, Rambhar Stupa, Mata Kutir Temple and other sites.

Depart to Gorakhpur by coaches. Arrival at Gorakhpur Railway Station. Depart to Balrampur by Buddhist Train.

Dinner on board & proceed to Balrampur for visit to Sravasti.

Day 07 : Balrampur - Sravasti - Balrampur - Agra

Arrival at Balrampur Railway station.
Early morning tea On-Board.
Departure by coach to Sravasti (15kms).

Arrival at the Hotel. Wash & change and breakfast.
Sight-seeing of Jetvana Vihara, Pakki Kuti & Sehat Mahet.
Lunch at the hotel. Free time.
Proceed to Balrampur Railway station.
Arrival at Balrampur Railway Station.
Proceed to Agra (450 kms). Dinner on board.

Day 08 : Agra - Delhi

Early morning tea and arrival at Agra City railway station.
Wash & change and breakfast On-Board.
Proceed for sight-seeing of the World famous Taj Mahal.
Proceed to the Agra Cantt. Railway Station.
Depart by train to New Delhi (220 kms). Lunch on board.
Evening Tea.
Arrival at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station.

Tariff

Prices in US$

Season 2017-18

Notes :

First AC Coupe consist only two passengers sharing a cabin during the train journey.
Tour costs mentioned above are based on per person per night on twin sharing.Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years of age with bed in the same room(Age proof of children is to be furnished, which is required at the time of issuance of tickets)
The above rates are subject to change on the basis of currency fluctuation.
IRCTC would be pleased to offer you very attractive rates for Pre & Post Train Tour Arrangements such as - Airport Hotel Transfer,Hotel Accommodation in Delhi,Sightseeing in Delhi etc. Please send your such request at buddhisttrain@irctc.com

Hotel Single Occupancy :

Passenger who would like to have Single occupancy i.e. do not wish to share the room with anyone else should choose the option at the time of booking by paying additional amount of US$ 50 per night or US$ 200 for the full tour.

Notes – : Single Occupancy is not be applicable for Train journey.

Inclusions :

Journey by Exclusive Air-conditioned Train as per the Itinerary.
Road transport by AC coaches as per the itinerary.
Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
Accommodation as per the itinerary.
Meals as per the itinerary.
English / Hindi speaking Tour Escort.
Entrance fees of monuments/sightseeing trips as per the itinerary.
Travel Insurance.

Exclusions :

India and Nepal visa fees.
Items of personal nature, e.g. Laundry, Medicine, Alcoholic drinks etc.
Road Transfers to and from Delhi-Safdarjung Railway Station.
Hotel stay in Delhi before & after the trip, air ticket, visa charges etc.
Any other services not mentioned in Package Price Includes.
Fees for Still/ Flash Video camera at the monuments and other places.

Cancellation terms : -

Partial Tour of Buddhist Circuit Special Train : -

The Cut-off (end of IRCTC services) and Reporting Time (commencement of IRCTC services) for the tourist availing partial journey (less than 7 nights) on the Buddhist Circuit Special Train would be 1900 Hrs at Railway station / Hotel. Tourists who wish to join group before 1900 Hrs or extend the tour beyond 1900 Hrs have to pay the charges for an additional night over and above the total number of nights opted for.

Important Notes : -

The accommodation booked under this ticket is not transferable.
The voucher is to be carried by the passenger during the journey along with the above photo identity card in original and is valid, only when presented with this photo identity card. If the relevant photo identity card is not accompanied with this voucher, it will be considered as ticket-less travel and treated accordingly.
The exact train timings are subject to minor modifications. All the travelling passengers must reconfirm the timings with IRCTC, corporate office before the start of their journey.
This voucher is to be carried by the passenger during the journey along with the above photo identity card in original and is valid only when presented with this photo identity card.If the relevant photo identity card is not accompanied with this voucher, it will be considered as ticket-less travel and treated accordingly.
On demand from ticket checking staff the passenger should produce this voucher along with the above mentioned photo identity card.

Visa Clauses : -

It may be noted that due to recent change in visa rules, travelers having multiple entry Indian visa on their passport may not be allowed to re-enter India (within Two months) after their Lumbini visit (as per this program).Travelers having double entry Indian visa will only be allowed to re-enter India after their Lumbini visit.
Travelers are requested to recheck with Indian visa issuing authorities in their respective countries to have the appropriate visa enabling them travel to Lumbini and return to India. Travelers must present their travel itinerary to the visa issuing authorities at the time of visa application.
All Foreign Tourists other than Indian Passport Holders must obtain a valid Indian visa allowing them to visit Nepal (as per the tour itinerary) during the tour and come back to India to complete the tour. All foreign tourists must recheck with visa section at the Indian Embassy / Indian Consulate / Visa Processing authority in their respective countries for the appropriate visa (Double Entry or Multiple Entry) as per their travel program.
All Foreign Tourists other than Indian Passport Holders must have valid Nepal visa. In case foreign tourists are unable to process their Nepal visa before joining the tour, IRCTC will facilitate visa processing at the entry post. Such passengers should carry 2 passport size photographs with them.The visa fees if any will be paid by the passengers directly.
Indian Nationals must carry a government issued photo identity card (passport, driving license, PAN card etc.) for Nepal visit.

IRCTC reserves the right to refuse booking or travel of any passenger without assigning any reason.
No refund or adjustment will be made in the event of interruption / non-use of full or any part of the tour or tour service by a tourist on his own after the commencement of the tour or closure of a sightseeing place or monument due any unknown reasons or closure on account of the decision /order of the local municipal administration /any other government authority / unforeseen events, circumstances, situations etc.
In case any sightseeing being missed on account of the delay in local transportation buses / train due to the reasons beyond our control, no refund shall be made.
Being a group tour, passengers would be required to share the bus / buses and train accommodation with other passengers. In case any passenger / passengers wish to travel in separate bus/buses, he/she should inform IRCTC at least one month in advance. IRCTC would try to make appropriate arrangement for which passenger / passengers would be required to make additional payment. For the smooth operation of the tour, passengers would need to adhere to the instructions given by the Tour Manager from time to time.
As per the tour program, this tour involves few long road journeys also. Due to inadequate infrastructure (toilets etc.) en-route, passengers may get little uncomfortable. However, efforts will be made to give breaks at the appropriate places and as & when required by the tourists.
Train / Road journey time may exceed the expected travel time due to unforeseen circumstances such as traffic jams, break down of buses etc. This may result in late meal service, shortened / late/or no sightseeing etc.
Meals in hotels and on train are of pre-fixed menus and are generally decided keeping the palate of the overall tourists. Menus according to the specific preferences would not be possible.
As per the tour itinerary, hotel rooms at certain places are only provided for wash & change purpose. Passengers should not expect rooms to given to them for longer duration. Check-in at hotel rooms at certain places may be delayed to the due delay from hotel in providing the rooms.

AC First class - has cabins with 4 berths (two lower & two upper). The cabins can be locked from inside as it has a sliding door.
AC First class Coupe - has cabins with 2 berths (one lower & one upper). The cabins can be locked from inside as it has a sliding door.
AC Two Tier - has open cabins with 6 seats (Four on one side of the pathway and two on other side). Four seats cabin has two lower & two upper berths. The cabin does not have door and instead has a curtain. Two Seats (one lower & one upper) are on the other side of the pathway. These two seats also have curtains.
AC Two Tier - has open cabins with 4 seats on one side of the pathway. Four seats cabin has two lower & two upper berths. The cabin does not have door and instead has a curtain. There is a limited storage place inside the train. The luggage can be placed under the seats / berths while on train. Hence, passengers are advised to travel with minimum luggage.

Passengers are required to take care of their luggage / belongings themselves. IRCTC will not be responsible for any loss or damage of any of the luggage / belongings at the Railway Stations / Train / Bus / Hotels etc.
It is the responsibility of the tourist to carefully read and fully understand all the terms and conditions / services to be offered / type of services to be offered etc. of this tour before making booking. In case of any doubts / clarifications, the same should be cleared with IRCTC before making the booking.
The journeys are well planned in advance. We reserve the right to make changes to the programme if necessary at any point of time. Should the minimum number of passengers not be met or due to certain operational reasons & conditions, we reserve the right to cancel the departure or amend the same. Most of the changes made by us would be minor, but on certain occasions there could be possibility of making significant change. A change is defined as significant if it involves change of date or destination. In such an eventuality, we would inform the passengers on the contact details given by them in their booking forms. In such cases, we would inform you as soon as possible and provide you following solutions :

Accepting the changed arrangements or transferring your tour to another available tour date.
Cancelling or accepting the cancellation where you will receive a refund of payment without interest remitted to us. However, there will be no refund of any service such as pre /post tour accommodation, airline tickets, visa charges etc. that have been booked by you and /or your travel agent.

Departure Dates for 2025-26

Package Rates (Per Person) for 2025-26

Class of Train Journey	Capacity	Per Day		Full Tour (7N/8D)
Class of Train Journey	Capacity	In USD	In INR	In USD	In INR
AC 1st Class	96 Guests	175	14,375	1,400	1,15,000
AC 2nd Class	60 Guests	145	11,875	1,160	95,000

Surcharge (Per pax)

1. USD 150 or *INR 12,600* for confirmed 2 berth cabin in AC I class of Full/Partial Tour.
2. USD 200 or *INR 16,800* for single occupancy in hotel for entire tour (applicable for AC I and II). Or USD 50 or INR 4200 per stay/freshen up in hotel.
3. USD 669 or *INR 56,200* (full/partial journey) would be applicable for confirmed allocation of one lower berth only in a 2 seater first class cabin. Upper berth would not be allocated to other passenger.
4. USD 669 or *INR 56,200* (full/partial journey) would be applicable for confirmed allocation of two lower berths in a 4 seater first class cabin. Two upper berths would not be allocated to other passengers.

Note-

• All rates are on per person per journey on twin sharing basis.
• Package rates are inclusive of GST.
• In case of Single Occupancy, supplement charge shall be payable.
• Rates subject to change in case of any change or amendment in the routing, itineraries, inclusions etc.
• Child policy – Child below 5 Years without a berth, sharing berth with the parents is complimentary & child aged between 5 – 12 Years shall be charged 50% of the package rate in an exclusive berth.
• Itineraries and scheduled departures are subject to approval from Ministry of Railways and may change without prior notice.
• Part journeys – Minimum 3 Nights / 4 Days travel may be permitted on pro rata basis in Buddhist Circuit Special Train.
• INR rates are subject to change.

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