Delhi · Sanchi · Bagh Caves · Mandu · Ajanta · Ellora · Aurangabad
Embark on a transformative 6-day Buddhist Heritage Tour through Central India — one of the most spiritually enriching and historically significant journeys on the subcontinent. This carefully curated itinerary takes you through five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves, Mughal monuments, and the legendary fort-city of Mandu. Designed for Thai Buddhist pilgrims and international heritage travellers, this tour combines profound spiritual experiences with comfortable 4-star accommodations and expert guided commentary.
6 Days / 5 Nights
2 to 20 pax (custom groups welcome)
$550 USD PAX
Delhi → Bhopal → Sanchi → Indore → Bagh Caves → Mandu → Dhule → Ajanta → Aurangabad → Ellora → Mumbai/Delhi
4-Star throughout (Bhopal, Indore, Dhule, Aurangabad x2)
English, Thai, Hindi
October – March (pleasant weather at all sites)
01
UNESCO | 3rd century BCE | Emperor Ashoka’s masterpiece | Madhya Pradesh
02
5th–6th century CE | Rare Buddhist mural paintings | Off-beat gem
03
City of Joy | Jahaz Mahal | Hindola Mahal | Rani Roopmati Pavilion
04
UNESCO | 2nd century BCE | 29 rock-cut caves | World’s finest Buddhist art
05
UNESCO | 6th–11th century CE | Buddhist + Hindu + Jain caves | Kailasa Temple
06
Taj of the Deccan | Aurangabad | 17th century Mughal marvel
Day
TIP: Carry a light shawl for the overnight journey. The train is air-conditioned.
Day
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast before setting off for Sanchi Stupa — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Buddhism’s most sacred monuments. Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, Sanchi represents the very cradle of Buddhist architectural tradition. Following an enriching visit, you will drive to Indore, Madhya Pradesh’s bustling commercial capital, for an overnight stay.
SPIRITUAL NOTE: Sanchi Stupa contains relics of the Buddha’s disciples Sariputra and Mahamogallana — an extremely sacred site for Thai Buddhist pilgrims.
Day
Today features one of the most exciting off-the-beaten-path experiences on the tour — the Bagh Buddhist Caves. Carved into the banks of the Baghini River, these extraordinary 5th–6th century CE rock-cut caves contain some of India’s oldest and finest Buddhist murals — comparable in artistic mastery to Ajanta but far less visited. After this profound experience, you will visit the legendary fort-city of Mandu — a medieval kingdom perched on a hilltop plateau at 634 metres, filled with romantic Afghan architecture and stunning views of the Vindhya Range.
TIP: Bagh Caves are rarely visited — you may have the caves entirely to yourselves. Carry a torch for better viewing of the murals.
Day
Today is the spiritual and artistic centrepiece of the entire tour — a full-day exploration of the Ajanta Caves, arguably the greatest repository of Buddhist art anywhere in the world. These 29 extraordinary rock-cut caves, hewn from a horseshoe-shaped basalt cliff above the Waghora River, date from the 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE. They contain matchless paintings, sculptures, and architectural details depicting the life of the Buddha and the Jataka tales — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of universal Outstanding Value.
SACRED TIP: Cave 26 houses a magnificent 7-metre reclining Parinirvana Buddha — one of the most moving Buddhist sculptures in India. Allow extra time here.
Day
The penultimate day of your journey brings you to the magnificent Ellora Caves — another UNESCO World Heritage marvel of extraordinary scale and ambition. Unlike Ajanta (exclusively Buddhist), Ellora represents a unique confluence of three great Indian faiths — Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism — with 34 caves spanning five centuries of continuous rock-cut craftsmanship. The afternoon takes you to the magnificent Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad’s answer to the Taj Mahal.
DID YOU KNOW: The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) at Ellora was carved from a single rock over 150 years, removing an estimated 400,000 tonnes of rock — entirely by hand.
Day
On the final morning of your unforgettable Buddhist Heritage journey, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and savour the memories of this extraordinary pilgrimage through Central India’s spiritual heartland. After check-out, your Prime Value Tours representative will transfer you to Chikkalthana Airport, Aurangabad, for your onward flight to Mumbai or Delhi. Please note that sightseeing in Mumbai and Delhi is not included in this package.
EXTENSION: Ask us about adding 2–3 days in Varanasi (Sarnath) or Mumbai to your package for a complete Buddhist circuit
experience.
The following cost estimate is based on 2 persons travelling together (double occupancy). All prices are approximate and subject to availability and season. Please contact us for a customised quote for your group size and dates.
| # | Component | Details | INR (Per Person) | USD (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4-Star Hotels | 5 nights × avg ₹4,500/night/pax (Bhopal, Indore, Dhule, Aurangabad ×2) | ₹22,500 | $271 |
| 2 | Delhi–Bhopal Travel | Overnight train AC tier or economy flight | ₹2,500 | $30 |
| 3 | Internal Road Transfers | AC Innova/Tempo Traveller – all transfers | ₹9,000 | $108 |
| 4 | Meals | Breakfast + Dinner × 5 days (Vegetarian / Buddhist diet available) | ₹4,000 | $48 |
| 5 | Entrance Fees | Sanchi, Bagh, Mandu, Ajanta, Ellora, Bibi Ka Maqbara | ₹2,500 | $30 |
| 6 | Guide Charges | Licensed heritage guide – 5 days (English / Thai speaking) | ₹5,000 | $60 |
| TOTAL PER PERSON | (Double Occupancy) | ₹45,500 | ~$550 USD |
| INCLUSIONS | EXCLUSIONS |
|---|---|
|
|
Bhopal (Night 1)
Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal(Alternative)
Per Night: ₹4,000–₹6,000
Indore (Night 2)
Radisson Blu, Indore (Alternative)
Per Night: ₹4,500–₹6,500
Dhule (Night 3)
The Mirage Hotel, Dhule (Alternative)
Per Night: ₹3,000–₹4,500
Aurangabad (Night 4 &
5
Vivanta by Taj, Aurangabad (Alternative)
Per Night: ₹5,000–₹8,000
Over a decade of dedicated Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage tour expertise across India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Our guides are certified by the Ministry of Tourism, India and speak English, Thai and Hindi fluently.
We are one of India's few tour operators with dedicated Thai-language guides and Buddhist-sensitive itineraries.
AC vehicles, pre-booked hotels, airport transfers, monument tickets — everything handled for you.
Pure vegetarian and Buddhist-vegan meal options available throughout the tour.
Our team is available round-the-clock during your tour for any assistance or changes.
No hidden costs. Clear inclusions and exclusions. Group discounts for 6+ travellers.
Prime Value Tours Pvt. Ltd. | GST: 09AZPPS0293R1Z7 | PAN: AZPPS0293R — fully compliant.
