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Buddhist Tour

Duration : 13 Nights/14 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Lucknow - Sravasti - Lumbini - Kushinagar - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Bodhgaya - Sarnath - Varanasi - Delhi

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by International flight in the evening.
Delhi, the city is acclaimed for being the cultural capital of India. The spectacular architecture of Delhi city is evident through its antique monuments. This city witnesses an interesting blend of diverse cultures (some even 5000 years old). Delhi has always had a mysterious eternity, the city having witnessed empires rise to glory and fall to ashes. The contemporary Delhi is a culmination of seven cities built by different emperors. Ruins of this ancient city are found even today and now converted to some major tourist attractions, which can be seen during city tours.

You will be well received on your arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Traditional welcome upon your arrival at hotel with arti, tikka, garlanding & welcome drink. After check- in formality, you will check in to the room.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2 : Delhi
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.

Later, proceed for full day city tour of Old Delhi (in the morning) & New Delhi (in the afternoon).
Gandhi Shmirti

The city of Delhi can broadly be divided into two parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Delhi’s Muslim rulers notably the Mughals between 17th & 19th centuries. New Delhi on the other hand is referred to as the IMPERIAL city when the British decided to move their capital from Calcutta in 1911.

The sightseeing of Old Delhi includes a visit to Jama Masjid which is India's largest mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th century. Red Fort, a 17th century fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the walled city of Old Delhi, Rajghat, cremation site of father of Nation- Mahatma Gandhi) and rickshaw rally through the streets of Chandni Chawk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jehan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades, is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths' ateliers.

Sightseeing of New Delhi includes a visit to India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. Drive pass Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy is today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Humayun's Tomb is the first Mughal garden tomb. Visitors are immediately struck by the tomb's resemblance to its more famous cousin - the Taj Mahal - with its four grand gateways, octagonal base-plan, soaring niche-shaped arches, lofty double domes and the symmetrical garden with its central canal. And finally Qutab Minar, one of Delhi’s most striking monuments, which is the world's tallest brick minaret with a height of 72.5 meters.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 3 : Delhi/ Lucknow- flight & drive to Sravasti (165kms & 4-5hrs drive)
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
Char Bhag Station

Later, transfer to airport to board flight to Lucknow. Arrive Lucknow and drive towards Sravasti.
Arrive Saravasti and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Sravasti.

Day 4 : Sravasti/ Lumbini (225kms & 5-6hrs drive)
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
Later, proceed for sightseeing of Sravasti, where the Buddha preached most of his sermons. It is believed that Sravasti, also known as Sahet-Mahet, was founded by the legendary king Sravast. This place is important from Buddhism point of view because Lord Buddha performed a number of miracles here. It was in Sravasti that he displayed a million fold manifestation of himself. He was seated on a lotus (with thousand petals), with fire and water radiating from His body. During the monsoon, Buddha used to stay at the Jetavana monastery on the outskirts of this town. He spent 27 monsoons here.

Visit Sahet Mahet and Angulimal caves and later, drive towards Lumbini. Enroute visit Kapilavastu, where Lord Buddha spent his childhood, the formative years of his youth; where he saw suffering and pain, disease and death. Visit the main stupa complex, eastern stupa and the ruins of the palace.

Continue drive towards Lumbini. Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, near the Indian border. It is the place where Queen Mayadevi is said to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautama. Three hundred years after the Mahaparinirvana, Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and erected a pillar there. This pillar, though broken, still remains at the site. It is known as the Rummendei Pillar after the earlier name of the place (modern name Rupandhei) in Nepal.

Arrive Lumbini and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 5 : Lumbini/ Kushinagar (175kms & 5hrs drive)
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
India Gate

In the morning, proceed for city tour of Lumbini, declared a World Heritage Site, visiting Mayadevi temple and The Ashokan Pillar. South of the Ashokan Pillar, there is the famous sacred pool “Puskarni” believed to be the same sacred pool in which Maya Devi took a holy dip just before giving birth to the Lord and also where infant Buddha was given his first purification bath.

Later, drive towards Kushinagar. Kushinagar is named after the sacred death-place of Lord Buddha. At Kushinagar, Lord Buddha, an apostle of peace, compassion and non-violence, attained Mahaparinirvana (Salvation) in 483 BC.

Arrive Kushinagar and check in to your hotel. Later, proceed to visit the main site in Kushinagar. The two places most frequently visited in Kushinagar are the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, which is built on the place of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (Great Nirvana or passing away), and the place of his cremation, which is 1.6kms away. Close to the Mahaparinirvana Stupa is located a 1500 year old image of Buddha as he attained Parinirvana. The Mahaparinirvana Stupa is surrounded by ruins of ancient monasteries.
Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 6 : Kushinagar/ Vaishali/ Patna (260kms & 7-8hrs drive)
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
Patna Bazzar

Later, drive to Patna en-route visiting Vaishali-The Buddha first visited Vaishali in the fifth year after his Enlightenment, and spent the rainy season here, It is the palace where Gautama Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his Parinirvana. Visit Ananda Stupa, and Asokan pillar at Kolhua.
Drive continue to Patna. Arrive Patna and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Patna.

Day 7 : Patna/ Rajgir/ Nalanda/ Bodhgaya (185kms & 6-7hrs drive)
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
Later, drive to Bodhgaya visiting Rajgir and Nalanda on the way. Rajgir - The city of Rajgir was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire. Its date of origin is unknown, though ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city.

Visit Rajgiri, Rajgir pilgrimage is a very important Buddhist site since Lord Buddha spent 12 years over here and also preached two sermons. The first Buddhist Council, after the attainment of Nirvana by Buddha, was hosted over here in the Saptaparni caves. Buddha's favorite retreat was at the Jivkamaravana monastery located amidst scenic thickets. Venuvana; a park presented to Buddha by king Bimbisara, who also built a vihara in it.
Later visit Griddhkuta Gautama Buddha spent several months meditating, and preaching at Griddhkuta, (Hill of the Vultures).

Drive continue towards Nalanda. Nalanda was the most renowned university in ancient India. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the Nalanda Museum across the road which houses some exquisite bronzes of the 9th & 10th centuries, Pala dynasty, and other remains excavated at the site. The beautiful Thai Temple and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, a centre for research in Pali and Buddhist studies, are 2kms from the main site.
Drive continue towards Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya is the place of the Buddha's Enlightenment and spiritual home of Buddhists. It attracts many believers from all over the world. Bodhgaya situated near the river Niranjana, is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centres since Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became Budhha.

Arrive Bodhgaya and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 8 : Bodhgaya
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
Bodhgaya Tour

Later, proceed for city tour of Bodhgaya, visiting Mahabodhi Temple, is an imposing brick structure that is enclosed on three sides by an ancient stone railing. The temple celebrates the birth of Buddhism, for it is under a tree adjacent to this temple, that Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha by attaining enlightenment. The Mahabodhi temple has a giant pyramidal structure (sikhara) which rises to a height of 54 m.

It has a quadrangular base and four spires at the corners. It can be seen for miles around and distinguishes Bodhgaya from other Buddhist centres. Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa), which lies behind the main temple was planted in the nineteenth century and is believed to be a descendent of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. It is also called the Bo, peepul or tree of knowledge. Ashoka's Pillar, at the south-east corner of the temple stands a part of the Ashokan pillar. Originally erected at Bodhgaya, this pillar was found near Gaya and was moved here in 1956. Sujata’s Stupa, according to legend, when Prince Siddhartha was ailing after practising severe penance, a woman named Sujata offered him some kheer (rice pudding) which helped him recover miraculously. This stupa is supposed to mark the spot where she found him.
Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 9 : Bodhgaya/ Varanasi (240kms & 5-6hrs drive)
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.

Later, drive towards Varanasi, en-rout visit Sarnath. Sarnath, 10kms from Varanasi, where the Buddha preached his first sermon in the Deer Park more than 2500 year ago, contains the most impressive remains, as well as a modem temple. The Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dharnek stupas are outstanding. There are also the remains of a monastery, and the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka. Sarnath contains a rich library and at the Mula gandha Kutir Vihara there are excellent frescoes by Kosetsu Nosu. The Sarnath Museum, not far from the site, contains some of the finest specimens of Buddhist sculpture.
Continue drive towards Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi and check in to your hotel.

In the evening, witness the evening Ganga Arti at the bank of holy river Ganges, which is worth watching.
Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 10 : Varanasi
Varanasi Airport

Early morning boat cruise on river Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims throng the water's edge, bathing, worshipping & meditating. On stone platforms under palm leaf umbrellas, the Pandas-Brahmin priests preside over rites and rituals. The boat trip will cover various ghats including the cremation sites. The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

After breakfast at hotel, proceed for city tour of Varanasi, visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple and New Vishwanath Temple, etc.

In the afternoon, proceed to visit the Ramnagar Fort. The Ramnagar Fort lies about 14kms from Varanasi and is situated on the opposite bank of river Ganga. It is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Maharaja Balwant Singh built this fort-palace in the 18th century. The fort is built in red sandstone. The Ramnagar fort has a temple and a museum within the grounds and the temple is dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Legends have it that Ved Vyasa stayed here for a brief period.
Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 11 : Varanasi/ Kathmandu- Flight
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
Later, transfer to airport to board your flight to Kathmandu.

Nepal is located in South Asia and shares territorial borders with India and China. Previously ruled as a kingdom, today it is a Federal Democratic Republic. Nepal is known for its exquisite natural beauty, with the iconic Himalayas running across the northern and western part of the country. Eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, reside within its borders. The capital and largest city is Kathmandu.
You will be well received at the Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.

In the afternoon, proceed for city tour of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is known as Kantipur, the kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of her devotees from balcony of her temple residence, Kathmandap-the source of the name Kathmandu. It was allegedly made from the timber of a single tree. Next, on to the Durbar Square area with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient palace of the Nepalese Royalty.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 12 : Kathmandu
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
Later, proceed to visit Sayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest Buddhist shrines. In fact, it is indeed beautiful and that is what makes it all the more significant and worthwhile. We also take you to every nook and corner that is significant from traveling point of view. In fact, that is what makes this city all the more significant and worthwhile.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 13 : Kathmandu

Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
Later, proceed to visit Boudanath, situated 11kms from the center of Kathmandu, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions, keeping a lookout for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base and is contains inset prayer wheels. The shrine is surrounded by the homes of Lamas, or Buddhist priests. Also visit, Pashupatinath temple, lying 6kms from central of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple, which was built in pagoda style, has a gilded roof and beautifully carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of the Bagmati River, as entrance into the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 14 : Kathmandu/ Delhi/ Fly back home
Buffet Breakfast at hotel.
Later, transfer to airport to board your flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi airport and connect your flight back home.

***End of the tour ***

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