Buddhist Tour India – On Footsteps of Buddha

1

Day : Delhi

Arrive at Delhi.

Welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel.

Delhi is the capital city finds its name in the great Indian epics. The city has served as the capital city to many ruling dynasties of India. The city shows a perfect amalgamation of past and present. Contemporary Delhi is symbolized as chaotic embroidery of primitive establishments, Mughal tombs, dusty bazaars, and colonial architecture.

Later we will start exploring Old Delhi.

Board on to a rickshaw and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the intricate alleys of Chandni Chowk. After a joyful ride, we stop at Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid is the oldest and one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was built by Shah Jahan in the year 1656.

After Jama Masjid, we then step forward to see the grandeur of the Mughal Empire, the majestic Red Fort. Red Fort served as the capital and center of operations for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for two centuries. This majestic monument is now used as a platform by the Prime minister of India to address the people of the republic on the eve of Independence Day.

Then drive past through India Gate, Parliament Building and Rashtrapati Bhawan

India Gate is an arch that was built to commemorate the death of 70,000 soldiers who laid down their lives during World War 1. The memorial even imprints the names of British and Indian soldiers who laid their lives during Afghan war. This splendid monument was designed by Edwin Luyten. There is an immortal flame that burns throughout the day and night as a mark of remembrance.

In the close vicinity of the India Gate lies the Parliament House which is a circular colonnade building housing offices of various ministries and a well-stocked library. This imperial style architectural monument comprises of open air verandah and 144 columns. It is indeed a sight to watch.

Next to the Parliament House is Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residential estate of President of India. This magnificent monument cannot be compared to any other monument in terms of its size, immensity and magnificence. Rashtrapati Bhawan houses 4 stories and 340 rooms.

Return to hotel for overnight stay

 

2

Day : Delhi – Lucknow – Sravasti (By Train – 6 ½ Hours + 200 KM, 5 Hours )

Early morning transfer to railway station to board a train to Lucknow

Arrive at Lucknow station and immediately leave for Sravasti where Buddha delivered many of his important sermons. Sravasti is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. Lord Buddha bewildered his sermons with a million fold expression of himself, seated on a thousand-petaled lotus, as fire and water sprung from his body.

Overnight stay at hotel

 

3

Day : Sravasti – Kapilvastu – Lumbini ( 240 KM, 7 Hours )

In the morning visit Saheth in Sravasti.

Saheth has many famous Buddhist Stupas, monasteries and temples. The main attraction in this historic park is Gandhakuti and Kosambakuti, two chambers used by Buddha. Gandhakuti or fragrant chamber is the most sacred place as it was used as personal chamber by Lord Buddha and devotees offer large amount of flowers to the Lord.

Then drive to Kapilvastu.

Kapilvastu is a very important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. Lord Buddha had spent his first twenty nine years of his life. Once the capital of the Shakya kingdom; the place will unfold the story of birth of Buddhist religion. Mystic charm and magic of the village can be felt with spirituality and devotion. The village is sprinkled with many Stupas that were built by Ashoka and Gupta kings.

Finally, proceed to Lumbini.

Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay

 

4

Day : Lumbini – Kushinagar (170 KM, 6 Hours )

In the morning visit Lumbini.

Then drive to Kapilvastu.

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, effectively portrays many artistic preparations of his birth, like the Maya Devi’s statue in the temple with the same name. Picturesque and tranquil backdrop makes it a heaven for tourist.

Later leave for Kushinagar.

Kushinagar is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon and is one of the four most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage. It was the center of the Mallas dynasty who ruled over the place, however, only few ruins remain today associated with that period. Ashoka the Great had also built many structures in this place where Buddha attained Nirvana.

Arrive and check in at hotel.

In the afternoon visit Nirvana Temple.

Perched high on a plinth, the temple houses reclining Nirvana statue of Lord Buddha and is made of monolithic red sandstone. The statue is placed over huge brick-pedestal with stone-posts at the four ends. Inscriptions are beautifully engraved on the statue which dates back to the 5th century.

Ramabhar Stupa is the cremation site of Lord Buddha and is also called as Mukutbandhan-Chaitya.

Overnight stay at hotel.

 

5

Day : Kushinagar – Vaishali – Patna (270 KM, 7 Hours )

In the morning leave for Patna, en route visiting Vaishali.

The lord Buddha preached his last sermon before his death in Vaishali. Vaishali is significantly associated with Buddhism. It is believed that Lord Buddha visited Vaishali many times after he attained enlightenment.

Continue drive to Patna. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

 

6

Day : Patna – Rajgir – Nalanda – Bodhgaya (230 KM, 6 Hours)

In the morning leave for Bodhgaya.
En-route visit Rajgir and Nalanda.

Rajgir and Nalanda are two important sites that are closely associated with the Buddhist religion. There are many sites of Buddhist religion. Jivakameavan Gardens are the royal physician’s dispensary of Lord Buddha. Shanti Stupa boasts four glittering statues of Lord Buddha. Venu Vana was the first king offering to Buddha. Nalanda ruins, Museum, Huan-Tsang memorial are major center of attraction in Nalanda.

Continue drive to Bodhgaya. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

 

7

Day : Bodhgaya

In the morning visit Bodhgaya.

Bodhgaya is one of the famous sites situated in eastern India associated with the birth of Buddhism around 2500 years ago. It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Visit magnificent Mahabodhi Temple.

The Maha Bodhi Temple was originally built more than 250 years ago, but it has been restored many times since then. Images of Buddha and other figures can be found in the niche carvings of walls and numerous shrines and stupa that surround the temple. These images manifest the Buddhist presence and communicate his teachings. The spiritual and artistic legacy of Buddhism has spread through east and south East Asia. Pilgrims and tourists from all over the world visit and worship the temple.

Overnight stay.

 

8

Day : Bodhgaya – Varanasi (300 KM, 7 Hours)

In the morning leave for Varanasi. Arrive and check in at hotel.

Varanasi,commonly known as the cultural and spiritual capital of India is one of the oldest inhabited cities of the country. Since bygone era, the city has proudly carried the legacy of the rich tradition and culture of India. The city has been an important pilgrimage site for Hindu mythology. City of lights, as popularly known as, is famous for its enigmatic Ghats. The mythological legacy and aura around this city is quite awe-inspiring.

In the evening witness Aarti ceremony at Holy Ganges.

Overnight stay at hotel.

 

9

Day : Varanasi – Agra ( By Overnight Train – 12 Hours)

Early morning boat tour on River Ganges to visit Bathing Ghats

We explore Ghats to witness the live rituals of the world’s most important religion.

Sailing on the holy waters of Ganga, enjoy the sight of sunrise and at the background you will experience thousands of pilgrims worshipping sunrise and having a bath in the holy water.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

Afternoon excursion to Sarnath.

Sarnath is a well-known Buddhist site and a popular tourist destination that is worth a visit. The place got its fame after Buddha delivered its first sermon after attaining enlightenment after 2500 years. It is one of the holiest places in Asia.

Evening transfer to station to board a train to Agra.

Night on board.

 

10

Day : Agra

Morning arrival at Agra station and transfer to hotel.

Agra is a destination for love and history. Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, Agra is one of the most visited tourist destinations. Boasting the grandeur of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal and various UNSECO World Heritage Sites, the city has been declared as the heritage place of the world.

Start city tour of Agra and first visit world famous Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal is one of the most enchanting and alluring monuments built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his much-loved wife Mumtaz as a final resting place.

It is a Mausoleum of white marble inlaid with numerous precious and semi-precious jewels. 20,000 workers toiled day and night for 22 years to construct this flawless symmetrical monument. It is one of the striking and most captivating buildings in the world. The pool in the center intercepts the entrance and minarets engraved in the corners are at the angle of 92 degrees. The entire foundation of Taj Mahal builds on the series of 22 deep wells which will act as shock absorbers in case if there is any earthquake. This Seven Wonders of the World was built by a Persian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.

Also Visit Agra Fort and Sikandra.

Agra Fort is an imperialist fort situated on the banks of river Yamuna and served as the center of operation for the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fortified walls of the fort encompass several palaces and houses like the Moti Masjid, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Musamman Burj, Jehangiri Mahal, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal etc. It is the finest architectural monument built in red sandstone.

Then we shall set out for Sikandra, the tomb of Akbar. Located on the peripheries of the Agra city, the ruler started the building, his tomb during his lifespan, but later it was concluded by his son Jahangir. The monument includes trimming lawns with exceptionally engraved gateways and white marble memorial. This monument flawlessly absorbs the best of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs, representing the new religion started by Akbar – the DEEN E ILAHI.

Overnight stay.

 

11

Day : Agra – Delhi ( 200 KM , 4 Hour)

In the Morning leave for Delhi. Arrive and check in at hotel.

The rest of the day is free for shopping or other independent activities.

Overnight stay.

 

12

Day : Delhi

Transfer to airport to catch flight for onward destination.