Destination Covered: Delhi - Varanasi ? Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda ? Patna ? Vaishali ? Kushinagar ? Lumbini - Sravasti ? Lucknow ? Delhi
Duration: 14 Nights 15 Days
Day 01Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional "Swagat" (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern.Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.
Overnight stay in Delhi
Day 02Delhi - Varanasi (By Flight)
Today post breakfast we drive to airport to catch the flight for Varanasi. Arrive and check in to hotel. picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.
Overnight stay in Varanasi
Day 03Varanasi ? Excursion of Sarnath
Today we start our day with a boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy.
Afternoon we take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.
Evening Aarti Cermony on River Ganges
Overnight stay in Varanasi
Day 04Varanasi - Bodhgaya (250 kms ? 5.5 hrs)
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Bodhgaya, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the state of Bihar. It was here that Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the "Bodhi" tree Satabodhi Temple.
Overnight stay in Bodhgaya
Day 05Bodhgaya
Today we visit the Mahabodhi Temple, undoubtedly the most exquisite-looking building in Bodhgaya. Standing 52 m high, it consists of a straight pyramidal tower surmounted by a stupa. Its roots go back to 3rd century BC when Emperor Ashoka built the shrine there. In subsequent centuries, renovation & further construction took place & the entire Mahabodhi Temple, as seen today, is mainly the structure of the Huviska period (111-138 AD). As it was built over the remains of Ashoka's Shrine, the Vajrasana Throne retains its original position as the Seat of Enlightenment. Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Bodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha sat & attained Supreme Enlightenment is situated behind the Mahabodhi Temple. It is a Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) said to have sprung up at the same time when the Buddha was born. It has a long history of destruction & re-plantation & the present tree originates from sapling of the original tree from Sri Lanka. It is suggested to spend some time in the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred spot & reflect upon the virtues of Lord Buddha, attain fullness of faith & calm, followed by meditation.
Overnight stay in Bodhgaya
Day 06Bodhgaya ? Rajgir (70 km/02 Hrs)
Check out from hotel and drive to Rajgir - we visit Shanti Stupa (Stupa of Peace) on top of the Ratnagiri hill built by Japanese, linked by a rope way. Teachings of Buddha were penned down for the first time here. VeluvanaVihar (Bamboo Grove) was the Royal Park of King Bimbisara, which was donated to Lord Buddha to reside. It is still a pleasant park, planted with shade trees, bamboo & flowers, reflecting its original status as the Royal Park. In the vicinity of Veluvana is a large pond with a Buddha image at the centre. This pond is believed to be the site of the Karanda Tankmentioned in Buddhist text as the Karanda kanivapa where the Buddha used to take his bath.
Overnight stay in Rajgir
Day 07Rajgir? - Nalanda ? Patna (105 kms ? 03 hrs)
Leave for Patna? en-route visiting Nalanda-? Later we visit Nalanda University - The establishment of the ancient Nalanda as an undisputed seat of learning was a natural consequence of the time and place in which it was situated.
Later proceed for Patna for overnight stay. You can visit to Golghar, Patna Mueseum & Takht Sri Patna Saheb.
Overnight stay in Patna.
Day 08Patna - Vaishali ? Kushinagar (260 kms ? 6 hrs)
Morning leave Patna for Kushinagar en-route visiting Vaishali - We visit Abhishek Pushkarini, the coronation tank. The sacred waters of the tank anointed the elected representatives of Vaishali. Next we visit Japanese temple & the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda). Near the coronation tank is Stupa1 or the Relic Stupa are the Lichchavis reverentially encased on of the eight portions of the Master's relics, which they received after the Mahaparnirvana. In the end before continuing our drive to Kushinagar we visit the Site Museum, it has an excellent collection of terracotta artifacts dating from 3rd century BC to 6th century AD.
Arrive Kushinagar. It is the place where Buddha passed into Maha-Parinirvana.
Overnight stay in Kushinagar
Day 09Kushinagar
Morning visit the Parinirvana Stupa, it bore an inscription in ancient Brahmi, which stated that Lord Buddha's remains had been deposited here. Next we visit Nirvana temple, which houses over 6 meters long statue of reclining Buddha. The statue represents the dying Buddha reclining on his right side. An inscription below dates the statue to the 5th century AD. We also visit Matha Kuar Shrine, a black stone image of the Buddha in the Bhumi sparsha mudra (touching the earth posture) was recovered here also the last sermon by Lord Buddha was given here. Also visit Ramabhar Stupa, where Lord Buddha was cremated.
Overnight stay in Kushinagar
Day 10Kushinagar ? Lumbini (165 km/ 4 hrs)
Afternoon ?we drive to Lumbini is one of the most important places of Buddhist pilgrimages, located near the Nepal-India border. This is where Gautam Buddha was born in a Royal family in 556 B.C. Many auspicious signs accompanied the Buddha's birth, including the sprouting of Bodhi tree. The great Buddhist ruler Ashoka visited the site two centuries later, constructing a Stupa (mound, usually of earth) and Pillar in recognition. Although largely destroyed now, these remain important marks of the Buddha's birthplace. Upon arrival at Lumbini check-in to our hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Lumbini
Day 11Lumbini
Morning we visit Ashoka Pillar, the first epigraphic evidence relating to the life history of Buddha. The historic importance of the pillar is evidenced by the inscription engraved in the pillar (Brahmi script). It is said that the great Indian Emperor Ashoka visited the site in the 20th year of is ascendancy to the throne & as homage to the birthplace, erected the pillar. Next we visit Pushkarni (Sacred Pool), sacred pool in which Maya Devi, mother took a holy dip just before giving birth to the Buddha & also where infant Buddha was also given his first bath. Sanctum Sanctorum is a stone slab foundation pointing the exact spot of Buddha's birth. The Buddhist temple, built inside the complex of Lumbini. The prayer hall contains a large image of Buddha. Medieval style murals decorate the walls .
Overnight Hotel - Lumbini
Day 12Lumbini ? Sravasti (205 km/5.5 hrs)
Later we drive to Sravasti- is intimately associated with the life of Buddha. In Buddhist times (6th century BC-6th century AD), Sravasti was the capital of the Kingdom of Kosala and was important both as a prosperous trading centre and for its religious associations. Buddha is believed to have spent 24 monsoons in the city. It is said that Buddha sat on a Lotus with a thousand petals and multiplied his image a million times. A divine sight that silenced his critics. Upon arrival assistance and check-in the hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Sravasti
Day 13Sravasti
Post breakfast visit Sahet & Mahet -15 kms from Balrampur and the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kosala. Sravasti has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Vihar and has the famous Anand Bodhi tree, age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here. Rest day free for leisure & independent activities.
Overnight Hotel - Sravasti
Day 14Sravasti - Lucknow (155 kms- 3.5 hrs)
Morning we will drive to Lucknow - Toward its center is Rumi Darwaza, a Mughal gateway. Nearby, the 18th-century Bara Imambara shrine has a huge arched hall. Upstairs, Bhool Bhulaiya is a maze of narrow tunnels with city views from its upper balconies. Close by, the grand Victorian Husainabad Clock Tower was built as a victory column in 1881.
Overnight Hotel ? Lucknow
Day 15Lucknow ? Delhi (By Flight)
Morning check out and drive to airport to baord flight for Delhi.
Our Tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & ensures a punctual transfer to the Airport for onward travel.
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