This tour takes you from the Ajanta caves, created nearly thousand years after the Nirvana of Lord Buddha to the place where he attained his enlightenment. On this tour you will visit Mumbai,Aurangabad, Bhopal, Agra, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Delhi, and more.he Mahaparinibbana Sutta discoursed by Buddha himself stated that for purification of soul, one should travel through the sites where he traversed and found the real meaning of life beyond pain and suffering. The Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour by India Rail Tours takes a pilgrim to the sites where Buddha had his birth, attained enlightenment, discoursed his first sermon, attained Parinirvana along with sites where he travelled extensively and lived his life’s different episodes. Other than that are edicts, Stupas, universities and Viharas of Buddhist importance.
Day 01 : Arrival in Delhi & transfer to Hotel
Day 02 : Delhi Sightseeing
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra - Varanasi
Day 04 : Varanasi - Sarnath - Varanasi
Day 05 : Varanasi - Bodhgaya
Day 06 : Bodhgaya Sightseeing
Day 07 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna
Day 08 : Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar
Day 09 : Kushinagar - Lumbini - Sravasti
Day 10 : Saravasti - Sahet & Mahet - Lucknow - Delhi
Day 11 : Delhi - Onward destination
Day 01 : Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India. You will be received and transferred to hotel. You have the remaining day to brace up for the excitement ahead.
Day 02 : Delhi
Daylong sightseeing tour of Old Delhi (Shahajahanabad) and New Delhi (Lutyen's Delhi). The tour covers the rich monumental and cultural heritage that the capital of India is proud of. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra - Varanasi
Morning transfer to Railway Station to connect Train # 2002 Bhopal Shatabdi Express dep. 06:00 hrs. arr. Agra at 07:55 hrs. Later leave for sightseeing tour of Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itamad-du-daula. Evening transfer to Railway Station to connect Train # 4854 / 4864 Marudhar Express dep. 21:15 hrs. Overnight on board. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Day 04 : Varanasi - Sarnath - Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi at 09:30 hrs. 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. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visiting Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvyapi Mosque, Durga Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Ram Nagar, Fort and Museum. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : Varanasi - Bodhgaya
Early morning boat-ride on the River Ganges. Afternoon transfer to Railway Station to connect Train # 3030 Doon Express dep. 16:25 hrs. arr 21:42 hrs. Overnight in hotel. Bodhgaya is 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 hotel.
Day 06 : Bodhgaya
Full day visit to temples including Mahaparinirvana Temple in Bodhgaya. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna
Leave Bodhgaya for Patna (229 kms / 6-7 Hrs) en-route visiting Rajgir & Nalanda. Patna is 2500 year old capital city of Bihar. Rajgir was capital of 6th century Magadha Empire and was revered site of Buddha's discourses. Buddha spent many years here. Nalanda is world's oldest university founded in the 5th century. Overnight at hotel in Patna.
Day 08 : Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar
Morning leave Patna for Kushinagar (253 kms / 8 hrs) en-route visiting Vaishali -located 60 kms 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 hotel.
Day 09 : Kushinagar - Lumbini - Sravasti
Leave Kushinagar by road for Lumbini (170 kms / 4-5 Hrs) - the birthplace of Buddha and is located just a few kilometres inside Nepal. Sightseeing tour of Lumbini and thereafter leave for Sravasti by road (225 kms / 6 hrs). On arrival transfer to hotel and overnight stay.
Day 10 : Saravasti - Sahet & Mahet - Lucknow - Delhi
Morning visit to Sahet & Mahet -15 kms from Balrampur and the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kosala. Sravasti has the honour 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 kms) and connect Train # 2557 Sampark Kranti Express dep. 22:55 hrs. Overnight on board.
Day 11 : Delhi - Onward destination
Arrive New Delhi at 07:35 hrs. Transfer to international airport for flight to onward destination (Hotel Checkout 12:00 Hrs).
Duration: 11 Days
Program Type: Sightseeing Tour
Max. Altitude: 2500 m
Minimum Pax: 02
Mode of Travel: Flight/Overland
Start Trip: Delhi.
End Trip: Delhi
Grade: Moderate
Trip Cost Include:
| » | Airport pick up and drop |
| » | All accomodation with breakfast |
| » | All Transportation by car van/Bus/Coaster |
| » | One English Speaking Guide |
| » | Sightseeing Entry fee |
| » | Airfare |
| » | Bottle Drinks |
| » | Personal expenses |
| » | India visa fee |