General
Indian subcontinent is the place where Buddhism originated and later became a major world religion. This religion is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who was born as a prince of the ancient Kapilavastu Kingdom which is now in Lumbini. The journey offers you the opportunity of knowing the life story of Lord Buddha also known as Siddhartha Gautama. All these Buddhist sites are matchless in their own way.
Why you choose this package!
- Sarnath -the place where Lord Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC
- Early morning boat-ride on the River Ganges
- “Bodhi” tree Satabodhi Temple
- Nalanda is world’s oldest university founded in the 5th century
- Lumbini – the birthplace of Buddha
- Ashoka’s pillar (249 BC) rediscovered in 1890’s
ITINERARY
Day 1: Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, the National capital of India. You will be received by our company representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
In the morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi that will include visits to Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and Jama Masjid, Laxmi Narayan Temple, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutab Minar. Enjoy shopping and food there. Overnight Stay at hotel.
Day 3: Delhi – Varanasi
In the morning take breakfast then proceed to board flight for Varanasi. On arrival check-in at hotel and refresh for a visit to Sarnath -the place where Lord Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Varanasi
Early morning boat-ride on the River Ganges. Later ready for sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visiting Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvyapi Mosque, Durga Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Ram Nagar, Fort, and Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Varanasi – Bodhgaya
In the morning leave Varanasi by road for Bodhgaya (242 km / 6-7 Hrs) one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the state of Bihar. It was here that Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the “Bodhi” tree Satabodhi Temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is counted one among the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Morning visit temples in Bodhgaya. Visit places like the Great Buddha Statue, Niranjana River and Sujata Temple. In evening attend prayer at Mahabodhi temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna
Leave Bodhgaya for Patna (229 km / 6-7 Hrs) en-route visiting Rajgir & Nalanda. Patna is the 2500-year-old capital city of Bihar. Rajgir was the capital of the 6th century Magadha Empire and was the revered site of Buddha’s discourses. Buddha spent many years here. Nalanda is the world’s oldest university founded in the 5th century. Overnight at the hotel in Patna.
Day 8: Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar
In the morning leave Patna for Kushinagar, en-route visiting Vaishali -located 60 km from Patna and holds special significance for Buddhist devotees. Kushinagar is the place where Buddha passed into Maha-Parinirvana. Afternoon visit Kushinagar the various stupas and temples. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Kushinagar – Lumbini
In the morning leave Kushinagar by road for Lumbini (170 km / 4-5 Hrs) – the birthplace of Buddha and is located just a few kilometers inside Nepal. (While going to Lumbini i.e Nepal, complete all the formalities at India/Nepal border for Visa/Immigration.)Sightseeing tour of Lumbini and Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 10: Lumbini – Kapilvastu – Sravasti
In morning visit to Ashoka’s pillar (249 BC) rediscovered in 1890’s inside thick sal forest, a temple of Mayadevi, the ruins of an old monastery and some new stupas, then in the afternoon proceed to Balrampur en route visiting Sravasti where you will see the extensive ruins of this ancient city & Jetavana Monastery. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel
Day 11: Sravasti – Sachet & Mahet – Lucknow
In the morning get ready to visit Sahet & Mahet -and the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kosala. Sravasti has the honor for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Vihar and has the famous Anand Bodhi tree, age-old stupas, majestic monasteries, and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here. After sightseeing leave for Lucknow by road (175 km). On reaching Lucknow stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Lucknow – Delhi
After breakfast go for local sightseeing of the historical monuments in Lucknow. Visit the famous Imambaras and Bhulbhulaiya. Board the evening flight back to Delhi International Airport to board your flight to board the return flight for your onward destination.