Destinations covered : Calcutta/Delhi- Patna- Nalanda- Rajgir- Bodhgaya- Varanasi- Kushinagar- Lumbini- Balrampur- Lucknow- Delhi- Agra
The 11 days Buddhist temple tour includes the places where Lord Buddha was born and attained the supreme knowledge. Kushinagar where he passed into Mahaparinirvana and Sarnath where the wheel of law was set into motion and Kushinagar. It also includes sightseeing of Delhi and home of world’s seventh wonder- Taj Mahal.
Arrival at Delhi or Calcutta
The day of the trip begins with sightseeing of the city for half day. Stay overnight at lodge.
Delhi/Calcutta- Patna- Bodhgaya
Leave Delhi/Calcutta for Patna by airways. Drive to Bodhgaya that is located at a distance of 125 kms and take 3 hours. Bodhgaya is the place Buddha accomplished enlightenment. On the way to visit Nalanda and Rajgir. Nalanda that is famous for Buddhist learning centre and a famed fortress of ancient times. Rajgir, on the other side was the powerful kingdom of Maghada. In the vicinity of Rajgir, there is a road which leads to vulture’s peak or Gridha-Kuta, at this place Mahatma Buddha delivered sermon. Also, after the Lord’s Mahaparinirvana, first Buddhist council was held at the same place.
Bodhgaya
Third day of the trip comprises the sightseeing of Bodhgaya. At this location, Shakyamuni Gautama attained the enlightenment under a peepal tree to become Buddha; he became the founder of one of the great religions of the world. Also, Lord Buddha took bath in Niranjana River after attaining supreme knowledge outside the small village. Stay for a night in Bodhgaya.
Bodhgaya- Varanasi
Drive to Bodhgaya for Varanasi by surface that will take 7-8 hours and settled at a distance of 275 kms. Afterward, touring to Sarnath, the prominent site where Lord Buddha delivered speech. Stay for a night in hotel at Varanasi.
Varanasi- Kushinagar
The day starts with early morning boat ride on river Ganges to see the awe-inspiring view of sunset and sacred bathing ghats of ancient city Varanasi. Later on, drive to Kushinagar (7-8 hours/250 kms). Spend a night in your accommodation place at Kushinagar.
Kushinagar- Lumbini
Morning drive to Ramabhar Stupa and Mahaparinirvana temple. Afterward, reach Lumbini by roadway, which is 170 kms away and a journey of 4 hours. Visit tourist places of Lumbini like the place where Lord Buddha was born. Also, the pillar that was erected by Emperor Ashok after his coronation at the place of his birth. Then, move to Balrampur (6 hours/197 kms).
Balrampur- Sravasti- Lucknow
Depart Balrampur and drive to Lucknow by visiting places at Sravasti like Sahet- Mahet, the ancient capital of Kingdom Kosala that was an active and dynamic Buddhist learning centre. Stay overnight in lodge at Lucknow.
Lucknow- Delhi
Leave Lucknow and board flight for Delhi via air. Half day for your personal doings and rest of the day includes the sightseeing of New and Old Delhi tourist places like Qutub Minar- one of the tallest monument, Jama Masjid- one of the best specimen of Mughal architecture, Red Fort- the grandiose edifice built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and prominent secretarial buildings. Stay at your hotel for overnight.
Delhi- Agra- Delhi
Drive to Agra, which is positioned at a distance of 208 kms and takes around 4 hours. Arrival at Agra. Visit fascinating places of Agra like Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort and grandiose monument Taj Mahal that will leave you speechless for couple of minutes.