 |
Day 01 : Arrive
Delhi |
Welcome
on arrival at Delhi and transfer to hotel.
|
Day 02 : Delhi |
After breakfast, tour the historic city of old Delhi to include the
magnificent Red Fort, Jama Masjid, largest mosque in Asia, both built by
Shahjahan, Rajghat-memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father of the
Nation". Afternoon, tour of New Delhi to include Humanyun Tomb, Qutab
Minar, India Gate, Birla Mandir, Bahai Temple. Evening visit Son-et-Lumiere
at Red Fort. Overnight at hotel.
|
Day 03 : Patna |
Depart for airport for early morning flight to 2500 year old ancient
city of Patna. On arrival at Patna transfer to hotel. Afternoon excursion to
Vaishali where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon announcing his
approaching Nirvana. Visit stupas holding urns containing ashes of Buddha
and Ashoka pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka to mark places sanctified by
Buddha. The place is also known now for famous Madhubani paintings.
Overnight at hotel.
|
Day 04 : Rajgir |
Morning drive down to Rajgir (102 kms / 2 hrs & 30 mins)
capital of 6th century Magadha empire. It was revered site of Buddhas
discourses. Buddha spent many years here. Visit Gridhrakula, Sapataparni
cave, Ajatsatru fort and Venuvana. Afternoon visit Nalanda - the world's
oldest university founded in the 5th century. Also visit monasteries and
temples with impressive Buddhist & Hindu images. The Institute for
research into Buddhism and Pali literature which houses rare manuscripts, is
also worth visiting for the enthusiasts. Archaeological museum is also not
to be missed for the rare collections. Overnight at hotel.
|
Day 05 : Bodhgaya |
Early morning after breakfast depart for Bodhgaya (193 kms / 4 hrs &
30 mins) by road. En route visit Baraliar caves - the earliest examples of
rock cut caves. Most impressive craftsmanship of carving and rock
inscription ca be seen. These caves served as inspiration for the setting of
E.M Foresters "A Passage to India". Arrive Bodhgaya and overnight
in the hotel.
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Day 06 : Bodhgaya |
Bodhgaya is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centres. It was
here that Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the "Bodhi"
tree Satabodhi temple, Japanese and Tibetan monasteries along with Magadha
university museum are also to be visited. Overnight at hotel.
|
Day 07 : Varanasi |
Early morning after breakfast depart for Varanasi (243 kms / 6 hrs)
by road (if one so desires one can go by train to Varanasi for Gaya). Arrive
by afternoon and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit ghats and temples and
Benaras Hindu University. Overnight at hotel.
|
Day 08 : Sarnath |
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges to see the beautiful sunrise
at Ganges. After breakfast excursion to Sarnath, the principle centre of
Buddhism. It was here around 530 B.C that Buddha preached his 1st sermon
after gaining enlightenment. Also visit Dhamekh and Dharmarajika stupas.
|
Day 09 : Kushinagar |
Afternoon drive to Kushinagar - the place where Buddha passed into
Parinirvana. Visit Ramabha stupa which stands on the spot where the body of
the Lord was cremated. Also visit Natha Kumarka Kot enshrining the large
recumbent figure of Buddha in the state of Nirvana. Overnight at hotel.
|
Day 10 : Lumbini |
Morning excursion to Lumbini, the place where Buddha was born. An
ancient shrine with an image representing the nativity of Buddha is still
preserved. Afternoon drive to Balrampur and visit Sravasti and other
Buddhist shrines en route. Overnight at hotel.
|
Day 11 : Depart
Delhi |
Drive to Lucknow to catch flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to
international airport for flight to onward destination.
buddha
tours in india
