Overview
India is where Buddhism first emerged. One of the three most popular and ubiquitous major faiths in the world is considered to be Buddhism. The historical Buddha Shakyamuni, also known as Lord Gautama, created Buddhism in the fifth or sixth centuries B.C.E.
All visitors to India on a spiritual quest are welcome to take this travel package. All locations will be visited in 8 nights and 9 days.
Highlights
- Visit the world famous Taj Mahal & Agra fort
- Dhamek Stupa,Isipatana,Mulgandhakuti Buddhist temple & Ashoka Pillar
- Enjoy arti on river Ganges
- Bodhgaya and Buddhist pilgrimage centres
- Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple & Stupas
Itinerary
Arrive in Delhi, meet assist at the airport & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.
Early morning transfer to railway station to board the train for Agra, Breakfast in the train, Arrive in Agra in 2 Hours, visit the world-famous Taj Mahal & Agra fort, then evening on time transfer to Agra Railway
station to connect train for Varanasi. Night stay in Varanasi.
Arrive Varanasi & transfer to hotel Later excursion to Sarnath ‐ where the Buddha preached his first sermon in the Deer Park, contains the most impressive remains, as well as a Dhamek Stupa,Isipatana, Mulgandhakuti Buddhist temple & Ashoka Pillar.Afternoon city s/seeing of Varanasi visit Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Banaras Hindu University,evening enjoy Arti on river Ganges, dinner & over night at hotel.
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges, breakfast at hotel then morning drive to Bodhgaya & transfer to hotel. Bodhgaya ‐As the place of the Buddha’s Enlightenment, Bodhgaya is the spiritual home of Buhddhists. Bodhgaya situated near the river Niranjana, is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centres since it was here that Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Later visitMahabodhi Temple, Niranjana River, Sujata Village. Night stay in Bodhgaya.
After B’fast drive to Patna enroute s/seeing of Nalanda & Rajgir. Rajgir ‐The picturesque Rajgir, or Rajagriha as it was known in the past (literally, the abode of kings) is surrounded by the meandering river Banganga and 5 hills. During the lifetime of the Buddha this was the capital of the powerful Magadhan kingdom, ruled by the virtuous King Bimbisara. The hills and caves surrounding Rajagriha were home to spiritual teachers, ranging from the materialism of the early Charavaka school to the metaphysics of Upanishadic philosophers. Like many others in search of truth, Prince Siddhartha, also enjoy Rope way (Cable car) after he renounced his royal heritage, came to this city to seek the path of vation. Nalanda ‐Nalanda was the most renowned university in ancient India. It derived its name from
Na‐alam‐da, meaning Insatiable in Giving, one of the names by which the Lord Buddha was known also visit Grithakuta hill, Mulgandhakuti, Venuvan and Jivakambavna temple. Lunch at nice city restaurant at Rajgir. On arrival, Check-in to Hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel in Patna.
After breakfast drive to Kushinagar enroute visiting Vaishali. Vaishali was the capital city of Licchavi, second Buddhist council convened, Walukarama Monestry, Jivaka Monga Garden also visit Ashika Pillar,Ananda stupa, Relic stupa, Japanese temple, Kutagarsala vihara temple and Amrapalu garden. Arrive Kushinagar & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Kushinagar. 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 breakfast visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple & Stupas , later drive to Lumbini & transfer to hotel. Lumbini ‐ the birthplace of the Buddha, was located in 1890 after being untraced for 1,500 years. Evening sightseeing tour of Lumbini including a visit to the birth Place of Lord Buddha, Ashoka Pillar, Lumbini garden & Burmese lakamanucla pagoda. Night stay in Lumbini.
After breakfast, drive to Lucknow en route Sravasti. Sravasti‐ the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, has the honour of sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens. The city, believed to be founded by the mythological king Sravast, has age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here. In Sravasti visit Saheth ‐ Maheth & Jetvan, Gridhakuti, Mulgandhnakuti, Angulimal cave. Arrive in Lucknow & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Lucknow.
Morning transfer to airport to connect the flight for Delhi. Arrive in Delhi & transfer to hotel. Afternoon half day city tour of Delhi covering India Gate, President house, Laxmi Narayan temple. Late evening transfer to airport for onward flight.
Tour End