In the Footsteps of Buddha

09 Days/ 08 Nights

Delhi – Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Patna – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Sravasti – Delhi

In the Footsteps of Buddha

09 Days/ 08 Nights

Delhi – Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Patna – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Sravasti – Delhi

Day 01

Arrive Delhi

Capital of India. Traditional welcome and transfer to hotel. Overnight.

Day 02

Delhi

After breakfast full day sightseeing of Delhi visiting Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Gurdwara Sis Ganj, Raj Ghat. After lunch visit Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, India Gate, Qutab Minar, Chattarpur Temple and Lotus Temple. Overnight.

Day 03

DELHI – VARANASI

Morning transfer to airport to connect flight to Varanasi - is a city on the banks of the Ganges. It is holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism. On arrival transfer to hotel followed by excursion to Sarnath - After Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya he came to Sarnath. Here in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motion the wheel of Law (Maha- Dharmachakra Pravartan). On the day before his death Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers.

Day 04

VARANASI - BODHGAYA - (242 Km /6 ½ hrs)

Early Morning enjoy a boat ride in the Ganges which gives the magnificent view of the early morning ceremony and prayers on the ghats of the Ganges. Return back to hotel and after breakfast visit Durga temple called as the Sankat Mochan temple and the Bharat Mata temple. Proceed to Bodhgaya where Buddha attained enlightenment and now is the most important place of Buddhist Pilgrimage, drawing people from across the globe. UNESCO has declared Mahabodhi Temple Complex as the World Heritage Site. It is the most worshipped city for Buddhist. Visit the Thai temple and the Mahabodhi temple complex. The chants of meditating monks, and nuns add on to the spirituality of the entire ambience of the Temple. Overnight.

Day 05

BODHGAYA – PATNA – (198 km / 5 hrs)

Morning visit Temples. After breakfast drive to Patna, en-route sightseeing of Rajgir. It abodes the Japanese built Vishwa Shanti Stupa, where Buddha delivered sermons. Other places include the Venu Van and Saotarangi Cave. Later visit Nalanda where one can still find the ruins of the world-renowned 5th century Nalanda University. It is a site where Buddha went several times to deliver his sermons and teachings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06

PATNA – KUSHINAGAR – (253 km / 8 hrs)

Early morning visit Patna Sahib Gurdwara. After breakfast depart for Kushinagar enroute stop at Vaishali where Gautam Buddha visited in the fifth year after his attainment of Nirvana. Kushinagar too holds a significant position in the Buddhist pilgrimage, as it is a place where Lord Buddha died and attained Parinirvana. Arrive Kushinagar. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07

KUSHINAGAR – LUMBINI – (161 km / 4 hrs)

Morning sightseeing of Kushinagar including, Mahaparinirvana Temple & Stupas. Later drive to Lumbini - the birthplace of Lord Buddha. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Evening sightseeing tour of Lumbini including a visit to the birth Place of Lord Buddha. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08

LUMBINI - SRAVASTI – (209 km / 7 hrs)

Morning depart for Sravasti. On Arrival transfer to Hotel. It was the capital of Kosala Mahajanapada , which was the biggest town in the Gangetic plains during the Buddha's lifetime. Saravasti was host to the Master for 25 years during the annual Vassavasa (rain retreat) when the Sangha congregated at one place. The ruins of the past can be not only found in physical substance but metaphorically in the minds of the people. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09

SRAVASTI - LUCKNOW - DELHI - ONWARD DESTINATION

Morning depart Sravasti for Lucknow capital of Utter Pradesh to connect flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi. Transfer to International airport for flight for onward destination.

NOTE : The journey Delhi – Varanasi and Lucknow – Delhi can be provided by overnight train also.