Day 01: Arrival Delhi
Our representative at the airport welcomes you and then you will be transferred to the hotel in a private car.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: New Delhi: Old & the new facets
In the first half we visit the Ancient (OLD) parts of Delhi covering the Red fort, Jama Masjid & Chandni Chowk. We drive towards Connaught place - the blooming heart of New Delhi via Raj Ghat. The second half takes you through the Modern (NEW) parts of Delhi covering the India Gate, President House and Sansad Bhavan. The evening gives you the option of enjoying the Sound & light show at the red fort or at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi - Lucknow (by Train) - Sravasti (by Car) - (84 Kms - 3.5 hours)
Morning transfer to Railway Station to board Train to Lucknow. Arrive Lucknow and drive to Sravasti, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala. Sravsti is known for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens. The city is believed to be founded by the mythological king, Sravast and has age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here. In Sravasti, visit Saheth - Maheth and Jetvan.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Sravasti - Lumbini (180 Kms - 4 hours)
Drive to Lumbini (birth place of Lord Buddha). En-route visit Kapilavastu (Piprawaha). Kapilavastu was the ancient capital of the Sakya Clan whose ruler was the Father of Buddha, which is why Buddha is also referred to as Sakyamuni. Prince Gautam, as Buddha was then known, left his palace in Kapilavastu at the age of 29 and revisited it 12 years later, long after he had attained enlightenment. A large Stupa stands at this ancient site, which is said to have the bone relics of Buddha. We continue our drive to Lumbini (95 Kms. from Kapilavastu). Situated across the Border in Nepal, Lumbini is the Birth Place of Lord Buddha. Arrive Lumbini and check-in at Hotel. Later, visit the Ashokan Column, the famous Rummindei Pillar, which commemorated the emperor's visit in 249 B.C. It still stands to mark the sacred spot of Buddha's nativity.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Lumbini - Kushinagar (165 Kms - 4 hours)
Morning proceed for the sightseeing tour of Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. He renounced his riches in favour of seeking peace and enlightenment as Gautam Buddha. Here is the seat of Buddhism, a religion that blossomed and spread across the world. Later proceed to Kushinagar. Arrive Kushinagar and check-in Hotel. Afternoon proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kushinagar, earlier known as Kushinara. It is believed that Buddha attained 'Mahaparinirvana' (release from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth) here. The statue of the Reclining Buddha at the temple is one of the most sacred sights for the pilgrims and a mound of bricks marks the place where Buddha is said to have been cremated.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Kushinagar - Vaishali - Patna ( 231 Kms - 5 hrs )
Morning drive to Patna. En-route visit Vaishali, which is believed to be the first republic of the world. Having an elected body of representatives holds special significance for the Buddhist devotees. At Kolhua, Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon, hinting at his impending departure from the mortal world. Vaishali is famous for Amrapali, the beautiful dancer and courtesan of Vaishali, who offered Buddha a mango orchard and was so impressed by his teachings that she later became a nun (Bhikshu). Later, Emperor Ashoka erected a huge Pillar to commemorate the spot of Buddha's last sermon. Continue drive to Patna. Arrive Patna and check-in at Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Patna - Nalanda - Rajgir -Bodhgaya (111 Kms - 2 hours)
Morning drive to Bodhgaya. En-route visit Nalanda, home to one of the oldest known universities of the world. Its ruins show that over 2000 teachers and 10000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied here. The Chinese chronicler Huien Tsang spent many years here, both as a student and a teacher. An international centre for Buddhist studies also functions here. Later, visit Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadh Kings. Buddha came here often. Rajgir is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus as the temple complex here is dedicated to the Sun God. Arrive Bodhgaya and check-in at Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Bodhgaya
Morning proceed for a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple and Lord Buddha Temple. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Bodhgaya - Varanasi (240 Kms - 5 hours)
Morning drive to Varanasi. En-route visit Sarnath, 10 Kms. east of Varanasi, it is one of Buddhism's major centers in India. After attaining enlightenment, Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon. Also visit the deer park and the museum. Continue drive to Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi and check-in at Hotel. Evening see the "aarti" ceremony on the banks of the river Ganges and stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling the world-famous Banaras Silks among many other things.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Varanasi - Delhi
Morning proceed for a boat cruise on the river Ganges to observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. Later transfer to Airport to board flight for Delhi. Meet our representative at arrival hall and transfer to Hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Leave Delhi
In-time transfer to airport to board your flight for onward destination.
End of Our Service.
THE BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE TOUR
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
