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11 Days
Daily Tour
30 people
English
Route: Delhi – Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Sravasti – Lucknow – Agra – Delhi
Experience India’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites combined with the iconic Taj Mahal. This journey takes you from Delhi and spiritual Varanasi to Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Sravasti, Lucknow and Agra, offering a meaningful blend of Buddhist heritage, spirituality, history and Mughal architecture.
Meeting and assistance on arrival by company representative and transfer to hotel by AC transport.
Delhi
India's largest city, Delhi, has been one of the country’s commercial and economic hubs for centuries and, as a result, is incredibly rich in culture and history. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful architecture, notable monuments and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Other key attractions include the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, particularly for jewellery and traditional Indian saris; the iconic Bahi Lotus Temple an award-winning architectural gem; and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast, transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
Varanasi
An ancient and deeply sacred city, Varanasi rests along the banks of the holy River Ganges and encompasses a wealth of beautiful riverside temples, stately old forts and vibrant markets. It's considered the spiritual capital of Hinduism, and it's widely believed that dying here will bring salvation. As a result, the city is home to a multitude of Ghats - stone steps leading to the river - some of which are used for bathing rituals and others as cremation sites. An early morning boat ride along the Ganges offers an excellent way to take in the Ghats and the bustling activity centered on them.
After lunch visit Sarnath Stupa and Museum.
Evening enjoy Aarti ceremony at river Ganges.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Sunrise boat ride on Ganges. Later back to hotel, enjoy your breakfast. Later drive to Bodhgaya.
Bodhgaya
A sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, Bodh Gaya is where Gautama Buddha is said to have reached enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is one of four Buddhist sites related to the life of Buddha; two others can be found in northern India and one in Nepal. The giant Bodhi Tree commands an impressive presence alongside the temple. Visitors are able walk beneath its sacred green canopy to see the site where Buddha sat in deep meditation. Today, the temple complex includes the 50-metre-high Grand Temple - built in the 3rd century B.C by Emperor Asoka, a patron of Buddhism - the Bodhi Tree and six sacred sites, surrounded by numerous stupas (commemorative monuments).
Upon arrival, check-in at hotel and enjoy your hot lunch.
After lunch visit Bodhi tree, Mahabodhi Temple, Monasteries.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Patna en-route visit Rajgir, 120 kms from Bodhgaya. Visit Griddhkuta “Hill of Vultures”, where Buddha delivered some of his most famous sermons. On the top of hill can visit Shanti Stupa. Visit Saptparni caves where first Buddha Council was held which is also the source of Rajgir’s hot springs, visit Venuvana, first Buddhist monastery ever given to Buddha by King Bimbisar.
Then after lunch take a 20 kms drive to Nalanda, founded in the 5th century B.C. Visit an archeological museum houses the Nalanda University seal, sculptures and other remains found on the site. Then drive to Patna, 90 kms from Rajgir and check-in hotel.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Vaishali, where the Lord Buddha preached his last sermon. The excavations carried out in Vaishali have brought to light Buddha stupa 1 and 11 (14th century B.C) built in brick with a casket containing part of ashes of Buddha. Visit Ashok Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashok to commemorate the spot of the last sermon. After lunch drive to Kushinagar.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar is a city situated in Uttar Pradesh, India. This town is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhism followers. Major sites found in Kushinagar includes Buddha's cremation stupa, the Parinirvana Stupa and the Wat Thai Kushinara Temple that houses the Golden Statue of Buddha.
Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Later visit reclining Buddha.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Lumbini - birth place of Lord Buddha.
Lumbini
According to Buddhist belief, the Lord Buddha (originally known as Siddharta Gautama) was born in the sacred gardens of Lumbini circa 600 BC. As a result of this connection, the city has developed into an important Buddhist holy place and pilgrimage site. It encompasses an impressive archaeological complex that contains beautifully preserved remains of Buddhist temples, monasteries, pagodas and shrines dating as far back as the 3rd century BC. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the late 1990s. Two key attractions within the holy complex are the ancient Ashoka temple, dating to the 3rd century and bearing an inscription that declares Lumbini as Buddha's birthplace, and the modern Maya Devi Temple, said to mark the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to her now-famous son.
After lunch visit Lumbini temple & monasteries.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Sravasti (176 kms/04 hrs).
Sravasti
The ancient city of Shravasti (Sravasti) deemed sacred by both Buddhist and Jains, is at present a collection of ruins named Sahet - Mahet. This twin name refers to two distinct groups of remains: Maheth where you will find the fascinating remains of the ancient city; and Sahet which is primarily known as the site of the Jetavana monastery. It is widely believed that the Buddha spent 25 years in this ancient city. His hut, now adorned with a carpet of flowers continuously left by devoted pilgrims, is one of the most significant and sacred Buddhist sites in the area.
Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
After lunch sightseeing of Sravasti visiting Sahet Mahet, Angulimala Cave.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Sravasti (176 kms/04 hrs).
Sravasti
The ancient city of Shravasti (Sravasti) deemed sacred by both Buddhist and Jains, is at present a collection of ruins named Sahet - Mahet. This twin name refers to two distinct groups of remains: Maheth where you will find the fascinating remains of the ancient city; and Sahet which is primarily known as the site of the Jetavana monastery. It is widely believed that the Buddha spent 25 years in this ancient city.
Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
After lunch sightseeing of Sravasti visiting Sahet - Mahet, Angulimal Cave
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Lucknow – The capital city of Nawabs. Upon arrival check-in at hotel.
After lunch visit Bara Imambara - A holy shrine of the Muslims, Bara Imambara is an architectural marvel, where you can witness the exclusive Mughal architecture and engineering. The Bhul Bhulaiya maze is located on the upper floor of the monument
Also visit, Chhota Imambara - Chhota Imambara preserves the graves of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother. The 19th-century building is embellished with chandeliers and decorations on special occasions. The gilded golden dome, vibrant stucco, and gilt-edged mirrors also enhance its beauty. You can witness the mix of Persian, Indo-Islamic, and Charbagh architecture. Moreover, you would marvel at the Islamic calligraphy of Quranic verses on the exteriors and Arabic glasswork.
Evening free for roaming in local bazars.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra.
Agra
Home of the world-famous Taj Mahal, Agra is one of India's prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights. These include the red-hued Agra Fort, the sacred Jama Masjid mosque and Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb, with its white marble facade embellished with intricate inlaid designs and semi-precious gems. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and needless to say is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions.
Afternoon visit Taj Mahal & Agra fort.
Evening free for roaming in local bazars.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Drive to Delhi (203 kms/04hrs)
Lunch at local restaurant
Half day city tour of Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi includes visit to Raj Ghat, drive past the Red fort (OUTSTDE) and Jama Masjid.
New Delhi tour includes, drive past India Gate, President House (outside), Parliament House and visit Qutab Minar.
Dinner at local restaurant. Late evening transfer to airport for onward flight.
The tour covers Delhi, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Sravasti, Lucknow and Agra.
Yes. The itinerary includes Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, along with its temples and Buddhist monasteries.
Yes. The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort are visited on Day 10 during the Agra sightseeing program.
Is Varanasi included in the tour?
Yes. The tour includes Sarnath, a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and an evening Ganges Aarti experience.