Buddhism is not a religion but is more on a system of life's philosophy and code of morality. It began with the life of Siddhartha Gautama during the sixth century BC, who was born in grove named Lumbini near the ancient town of Kapilavastu in the Shakyaclan that belonged to the warrior caste. Today the prince of Lumbini is known to the world as "Lord Buddha". In this tour we take you to several major attractions of Buddhists in the country where the architectural monuments related to Lord Buddha still stand as testimonials of Buddhist doctrines and way of life. This package includes a trip to Lumbini, KushiNagar, Sravasti - the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens, ancient Nalanda university, Bodhgaya, sight seeing of Varanasi and Agra is also included in his package.
Duration :12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations Covered :Delhi - Lucknow - Sravasti -Lumbini - Kushinagar - Vaishali - Patna - Bodhgaya - Varanasi - Agra - Delhi
Program (6 Nights / 7 Days)
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1
Arrive Delhi Welcome on arrival at the Delhi International airport . Meeting andassistance by our representative and transfer to hotel .
Overnight at the hotel -
2
Delhi - Lucknow - Sravasti
Morning transfer to the railway station to board train for Lucknow . Arrive Lucknow and drive directly to Sravasti . Arrive and check in at hotel.Sravasti - the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens. The city believed to be founded by the mythological king Sravast, has age - oldstupas, majestic monasteries and several temples.Evening free.
Overnight at the hotel -
3
Sravasti - Lumbini
Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed for sightseeing visiting Maheth and Saheth . Lunch at the hotel and then further drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, was found in 1890 after being untraced for 1,500years.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel -
4
Lumbini - Kushinagar (175 kms / 4 hrs.)
After breakfast at the hotel visiti to the site of birth place of Lord Buddha . After lunch proceed to Kushinagar .Kushinagar is where the Buddha finally attained Mahaparmirvana. Amongst the ruins are the Mukutbandhan Stupa and a beautiful statue of the reclining Buddha.
After dinner overnight at the hotel -
5
Kushinagar - Vaishali - Patna ( 253 kms/5 hrs.)
After breakfast at the hotel proceed for sightseeing of Mahaparinirvana temple and Ramabhar stupa .Later proceed to Patna with packed lunch ,enroute visiting Vaishali . Vaishali is a small village surrounded by bannana and mango groves and rice fields and is the oldest known republic state of the world. Vaishali was rich centre for trade and industry. Lord Buddha visited this place frequently and at Kolhua, close by, preached his last sermon. Vaishali is also believed to be the birth place of LordMahavira, the founder of the Jain religion.
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6
Patna - Nalanda - Rajgir - Bodhgaya (100 kms / 3 hrs.)
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Bodhgaya enroute visiting Rajgir (12kms south of Nalanda, on the road to Bodhgaya, is located in a verdant valley, surrounded by rocky hills. It is sacred to the memory of founders of both Buddhism and Jainism. Lord Buddha spent many months of retreat duringthe rainy season here and used to meditate and preach on the Griddhakuta,the hill of the Vultures.) and Nalanda (Nalanda famous as an ancient seat of learning, it is known as one of the best and the oldest university of the world. The excavations undertaken at the site have unearthed a huge complex of a University founded and patronized by the Gupta emperors. The ruins ofone of the world's most ancient university. Both the founders of the two religions Buddhism and Jainism, the Buddha and Parsvanath Mahavir, visited Nalanda. The Chinese chronicler Huien Tsang spent many years here both as a student and as a teacher.
Arrive and check in at hotel for dinner and overnight stay -
7
Bodhgaya
After breakfast at the hotel proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya visiting Mahabodhi temple. Day free for religious activities. Lunch at hotel . Afternoon sightseeing of Niranjana river , Sujata village and monasteries of different countries (optional ).
Dinner and overnight at the hotel -
8
Bodhgaya - Varanasi (235 kms / 5 hrs.)
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Varanasi with packed lunch. To the Hindus, Varanasi - sprawling along the left bank of the River Ganga, is the holiest city. With its array of Shrines, temples and palaces rising in several tiers from the water's edge, Varanasi is one of the most fascinating cities in the east. Arrive Varanasi and check in at the hotel. Day free forrest and personal activities.
Overnight stay at the hotel -
9
Varanasi - Agra
Early morning Boat ride on River Ganges to witness the early offerings and prayers on the bank of Holy River Ganges. Later after breakfast visit toSarnath and a half day tour visiting Bharat Mata temple , Hindu temples and famous Banaras Hindu University. Evening transfer to the Railway station to board overnight train to Agra.
Night on board the train -
10
Agra
Arrive Agra and transfer to the hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing visiting visit Taj Mahal which is perhaps the most beautiful monument ever built in the history of love. Also visit the Agra Fort (In Akbar's time thefort was principally a military structure but by Shah Jahan's time it had partially become a palace. This fort serves as vantage location to have the fabulous glimpse of The Taj Mahal.) and It mad Ud Daulah.
Night stay in your hotel at Agra -
11
Agra - Delhi (205 kms / 4 hrs.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi.Enroute visit Sikandra Fort Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel.
Rest of the time free and night stay at the hotel -
12
Delhi
After breakfast a half day sightseeing of Delhi visiting India gate , LaxmiNarayan temple ,Qutab Minar and Humayu;s tomb . Drive past Red fort ,Government Secretariat buildings and Rajghat Evening Classical India dance Show or Light & Sound Show (both are optional).
Night stay at the hotel -
13
Leave Delhi
Intime you will be escorted by our representative upto the airport to board flight for onward journey.
