| DAY 1 ARRIVE DELHI |
Arrive New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport by flight.
Delhi – the capital of India – The city consists of two parts – Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi which flaunts a surprising number of impressive monuments related to its conquests by the Mughals, Turks, Persians and ultimately the British.
Meet & Assist: you will be met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. Special welcome waits for you at the airport with nice garlands of marigold flowers. You will be transferred to your hotel.
Check-in at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 2 DELHI- PATNA – BODHGAYA |
Morning transfer to airport to connect flight for Patna leaving at 0945 Hrs & arriving Patna at 1120 Hrs.
Patna once called Pataliputra the capital of Bihar,is among the world’s oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis. A very fertile arched stretch of land along the bank of the Ganga. The history and heritage of modern day Patna go back well over two millennia.
Meet & assist on arrival & drive to Bodhgaya enroute visit Nalanda & Rajgir.
Nalanda, founded in the 5th century AD, is famous as the ancient seat of learning. The ruins of the world’s most ancient university lies here. Though the Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime.
In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 monks students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied here. Recent excavations have unearthed elaborate structures here. An International Center for Buddhist Studies was established here in 1951. Nearby is Biharsharif, where an annual urs is celebrated at the Dargah or tomb of Malik Ibrahim Baya. Baragaon, 2 km away has a sun temple, famous for Chhath puja. To be visited are Nalanda museum & Nava Nalanda Mahavihar in addition to the great ruins.
Rajgir just 15 kms from Nalanda is located the complex of temples and monasteries. The place is called Rajgir. It is one of the most important tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. The small hill grit town is covered with lush green forest which add to the beauty of the place. This place has been associated with Lord Buddha and Buddhism. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir but also delivered sermons here and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill. The Jivekarmavan monastery was the favorite residence for Buddha. Even Bimbisar gave Venuvan Vihar to Buddha for his residence. Today Rajgir has come up as one of the most important pilgrimage for the Buddhist. Rajgir also has some very beautiful Hindu and Jain temples which attracts Hindus and Jains also to the place.
After visit continue drive to Bodhgaya.
Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha,the Enlightened One. Born; in the foothills of the Himalayas as a Sakya prince of Kapilvastu (now in Nepal), most of the major events of his life, like enlightenment and last sermon, happened in Bihar. Buddhism as a religion was really born in Bihar and evolved here through his preaching and the example of his lifestyle of great simplicity, renunciation and empathy for everything living. While its architecture has a distinct stamp of the Gupta era, it has later ages inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hieuen Tsang visited in 7th century.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 3 IN BODHGAYA |
Full day tour of Bodhgaya.
Mahabodhi Temple: The temple stands in the east to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is superb. Its basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender Pyramid till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total height of the temple is 170 ft. and on the top of the temple are Chatras which symbolize sovereignty of religion. Four towers on its corners rise gracefully giving the holy structure a poise balance. This sacred edifice is like a grand banner unfurled by time to proclaim to the world the pious efforts of the Buddha to solve the knots of human miseries, to ascend above worldly problems and to attain transcendental peace through wisdom, good conduct and disciplined life.
Animesh Lochan Chaitya: It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here looking towards the great Bodhi tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.
Bodhi Tree: The present Bodhi Tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment. Vajrasana, the seat of stability, is a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree.
Chankramana: This marks the sacred spot of the Buddha’s meditative perambulations during the third week after pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever the Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up.
Other Treasures of Bodhgaya: 80 ft Statue of the Buddha, Lotus Tank, Buddha Kund, Rajayatana, Brahm Yoni, Chinese Temple & Monastery, Burmese Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, International Buddhist House & Japanese Temple, Thai Temple & Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, Archaeological Museum.
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 4 BODHGAYA – VARANASI |
Morning drive to Varanasi.
Varanasi is probably the place in India that has the most profound impact on visitors. Formerly known as Benares, it sits on a bend of the Ganges, and its spiritual significance comes from its status as a “crossing place”, where Gods and Goddesses can descend to earth. It has been a pilgrimage site since the sixth century BC; Hindus try to visit at least once in their lifetime to pray and bathe in the holy river. The Old City, a maze of tiny alleys, has several temples, including the Golden Temple – which is only accessible to Hindus – and many cows, which have traffic priority.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Afternoon visit Sarnath. It is one of the important Buddhist centres where Lord Buddha had preached his first sermon and set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra-Pravartan). Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between 3rd century BC and 11th century AD. Most of the ancient buildings and structures at Sarnath were damaged or destroyed by the Turks. However, amongst the ruins The Dhamek Stupa is the most distinguished one. It was built in 500 AD to replace an earlier structure commissioned by the great Mauryan king Ashoka in 249 B.C.E., along with several other monuments, to commemorate his pilgrimage there. Also visit the museum which houses a collection of valuable ancient scriptures & artifacts related to Buddhism (Sarnath museum is closed on Friday).
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 5 IN VARANASI |
Breakfast at hotel.
Early morning, enjoy a boat cruise on River Ganges. The ghats – hundreds of stone steps flanking the riverbank – are an incredible sight, particularly at sunrise when thousands of pilgrims bathe in the spiritually cleansing waters. Funeral pyres smoke on the riverbank, which is lined with colorful temples. The boat ride is one of the best ways witness the ceremonies.
Also referred to as “city of temples and learning”, the culture of Varanasi is deeply associated with the river Ganges and the river’s religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious center in northern India for thousands of years. Walk through the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi. Wandering through this maze will be fascinating; a great opportunity for photos.
After the boat ride, return to hotel for breakfast.
Post breakfast visit the famous Banaras Hindu University. One of the oldest educational centres of India, this university was was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1917 for the study of Sanskrit, Indian art, culture and music. The university campus extends over five square kms and contains the Bharat Kala Bhavan.
Continue to New Vishwanath Temple which is Located within the premises of the Banaras Hindu University.
Also visit Bharat Mata Mandir. Opened by Mahatma Gandhi, this temple is dedicated to ‘Mother India. This simple temple has a perfect relief map of India carved out of a Marble.
The tour culminates at Durga Temple. This 18th century Durga Temple is also called the Monkey Temple. It has been built in a common north Indian style with an ornate shikhara, with five segments symbolizing the elements, supported by finely carved columns.
Evening witness a Hindu prayer ceremony `aarthi’ on the Ganges River! You will be escorted to Dhaswashmedh Ghat on bi-cycle rickshaw from where you will embark on a boat to witness the aarti for approximately 20- 30 minutes. En-route, drive past through the local bazaars. The river banks `ghats’ and temples are lit with oil-lamp and candles which create a magical effect. Devotees float the oil lamps in the water as an offering to the holy river.
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 6 VARANASI – KUSHINAGAR |
Post breakfast drive to Kushinagar.
Kushinagar, district of the eastern Uttar Pradesh, is known for its cultural heritage all over the world. It is one of the four holiest places for the Buddhists. At Kushinagar, Great Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism, delivered his last sermon. Outside India, it is an International Buddhist Pilgrimage Centre. The followers of the Buddhism, especially from Asian Countries, wish to visit this place at least once in their lifetime.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 7 KUSHINAGAR – LUMBINI |
Morning sightseeing tour of Kushinagar which include the Mahaparinirvana Temple. Later, visit the Japanese and Sri Lankan Buddhist monasteries to get a deep insight into Buddhism.
Later, drive to Lumbini (approx. 5-6 hours’ drive).
Arrive at Lumbini and check-in to the hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 8 IN LUMBINI |
Post breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Lumbini.
The most important attraction of Lumbini is the holy temple of Maya Devi. The temple has a stone sculpture of Maya Devi in labor pain. The image shows her holding the branch of a tree while Buddha is getting birth. The temple is very popular among the women having some or other fertility problem. One cannot miss the heart-melting cries of such women as they pray for an off spring at this place. To the south of the temple is a pond where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathe and given her son his first purification bath that is compulsory in Hinduism.
The main complex have large stretches of Bo Tree plantations. This the same tree that is shown in the sculpture in the Maya Devi temple. Another variety of the same plant is known as Banyan; the same plant under which Buddha got enlightened. The Bo plantation and a newly planted forest nearby lend an air of tranquility to the surrounding. Lumbini is now being developed under the Master Plan of the Lumbini Development Trust, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the restoration of Lumbini and its development as a pilgrimage site.
Kapilvastu, near Lumbini, is a prime archeological site. Though very little remains of what was once a flourishing town, the place is a must visit. The place has the ruins of the palace where Lord Buddha spent his formative years. The archeological works that had been done in this area had to pass through various roadblocks including financial constraint. The archeologists had dug out as many as 14 different layers of human habitation in this area. The oldest among these dates back to 8th century before Christ. The place is a must for archeological and historical buffs.
Apart from its religious and historical significance, Lumbini offers cultural insights into the village life of southwestern Nepal. The must catch event in this part of Nepal is the weekly communal Bazaar. This bazaar is organized every Monday therefore try to coincide your visit with that. The weekly bazaar looks like the scene taken straight out of the Arabian fables. Villagers come from miles around to buy grains, spices, pottery, jewelry, saris and various other items. With colorful merchandise spread out under the Mango trees and the air perfumed with incense, the place looks like the ocean of humanity. You can buy souvenirs for your dear ones and side-by-side witness the local life in Lumbini.
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 9 LUMBINI – SRAVASTI |
Post breakfast drive to Sravasti.
Arrive at Sravasti and check-in at your hotel for an overnight.
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 10 SRAVASTI – BALRAMPUR – LUCKNOW – DELHI |
Post breakfast, sightseeing tour of Balrampur.
Balrampur situated on the bank of River Rapti, is an important tourist destination lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. The whole town is replete with Buddhist relics and monuments.
Later, drive to Lucknow (approx. 4-5 hours’ drive) airport to connect flight for Delhi leaving at 1815 Hrs & arriving Delhi at 1915 Hrs.
Meet & assist on arrival & transfer to Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel
| DAY 11 LEAVE DELHI |
In time transfer to international airport to connect flight for onward destination leaving at 0115 Hrs.
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