Day 01 : Delhi - Agra (200 km)
Arrive
Delhi IGI Airport, meet & greet by our representative and get transfers
to Agra. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Check in and time to freshen
up. In the afternoon, proceed to visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by
Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 in memory of his beloved wife "Queen Mumtaz"
to enshire her Mortal remains. Also visit Agra Fort built by Akbar,
reflecting the skills of ancient Indian Architects. Overnight in Agra.
Day 02 : Agra - Sankasya (150 km) - Kanpur (160 km) - Lucknow (87 km)
After breakfast transfer to Sankasya, which is presently in Basantpur
village in district of Farrukhabad in central Uttar Pradesh, which lies in
the ruins of an ancient fort. About 500 yards from the village, in a sacred
spot, is a temple is dedicated to Bisari Devi, which stands on stupa. It is
believed that Buddha descened on this spot after preaching the Abhidharma
(Sermon) to his mother in Trayastrima heaven. Later proceed to Lucknow for
overnight stay.
Day 03 : Lucknow - Sravasti (168 km)
After breakfast proceed to Sravasti which is intimately associated with the
life of Buddha. Sravasti, is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Khosala,
lounded by the mythological king Sravast. Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons in
Jetwana garden of this prosperous city. This important city emerged as a
nucleus for Buddhism during the life of Buddha and later too. Age-old stupa,
majestic monasteries and several temples near the village of the Sahet-Mahet
highlights its relevance for Buddhists. Overnight stay in Sravasti Hotel.
Day 04 : Sravasti - Saunauli Border(160 km) - Lumbini (27 km)
After breakfast drive to Lumbini. Lumbini grove, the sacred site of Lord
Buddha's birth, is today in Nepal, 17 km from Sonauli on the Indo-Nepal
border, north of Gorakhpur. It is being developed under a central master
plan, for which the area has been divided into three zones: The Sacred
Garden, International Monastic Zone and the new Lumbini Village. Overnight
stay at Lumbini Hotel.
Day 05 : Lumbini - Kushinagar (202 km)
Breakfast
at the hotel. Late afternoon transfer to Kushinagar-is a revered place for
Buddhists. Here Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana in his eightieth year. A
temple dedicated to this event stands amidst a serene 'Sal' grove. The huge
statue of the reclining Buddha exacavated in 1876 is an amazing sight. Also
visit all other famous sights Overnight stay at Kushinagar hotel.
Day 06 : Kushinagar - Kesariya (122 km) - Vaishali(51 km)
After breakfast transfer to Kesariya. One of Buddha's most celebrated
discourses is the Kalama Sutta in which he advised that his teachings will
be accepted only after careful scrutiny and reflection. This discourse was
delivered to the Kalam people while Buddha was staying in their chief town-
"Kessaputta" on his way from Vaishali to Kushinagar. After
visiting Kesariya we proceed to Vaishali. This place holds special
significance for Buddhist devotees. At Kolhua, lord Buddha delivered his
last sermon before reaching Kushinagar, hinting at his impending departure
from the mortal world. Later, Emperor Ashoka erected a huge pillar to
commemorate the event. Overnight stay in Vaishali.
Day 07 : Vaishali - Nalanda (150 km)
After breakfast transfer to Nalanda. Nalanda was the most renowned
university in ancient India. It's name is derived from Na-alam-da, meaning
'insatiable in giving', one of the names by which Lord Buddha was known.
Established in the 5th Century BC, it remained a center of learning till the
12th Century. Overnight stay in Nalanda .
Day 08 : Nalanda - Rajgir(18km) - Bodhgaya (74 km)
After
breakfast proceed to 'Rajgir' Meaning ' The Royal Palace' it is a site of
great sanctity and significance for Buddhists. The Gridhakuta hill was the
seat from where Buddha delivered many of his sermons. After sightseeing of
Rajgir proceed to Bodhgaya . Bodhgaya is a place where the Lord attained
enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree as the 'All knowing one'. After attaining
enlightenment Buddha spent seven more weeks in meditation in seven different
places around the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Mahavihara beside the Bodhi tree
was declared a world heritage site in 2002. Overnightstay in Bodhgaya.
Day 09 : Bodhgaya - Sarnath (268 km) - Varanasi (18 km)
After breakfast proceed to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon
called the Dharamchakra Pravartana or 'Turning of the wheel of law' in the
deer park, which contains the most impressive remains as well as a modern
temple. The Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dhamek Stupas are outstanding.
There are also the remains of a monastery and the beautifully polished lion
capitol of Ashoka. After sightseeing tour of Sarnath proceed to Varanasi for
overnight stay.
Day 10 : Varanasi
After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Varanasi including
the Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple and Tulsi Manas
Temple. After attending the evening Aarti at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple,
transfer to your hotel.
Day 11 : Varanasi - New Delhi (By Flight / Train)
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the Airport or Railways station to
board yourflight /train to Delhi.
