ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Varanasi
Arrive by flight; upon arrival you will be met by our representative, after a traditional ‘Swagat’ (welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for overnight stay. Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Varanasi picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha’s life & Buddhism.
Today we start our day with a boat ride on the river Ganges. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. Later in the afternoon we visit Vishwanath Temple, Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India. We continue of sightseeing of Varanasi we visit “Bharat Mata Temple” The Bharat Mata temple at Varanasi is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The Bharat Mata temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The statute of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, later we visit “Durga Mata Temple” is also known as the “monkey temple” is one of the important temples of Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. According to legends, the present statue of Goddess Durga was not made by man but appeared on its own in the temple. The Durga temple is also called Monkey temple because of the presence of large number of monkeys. Overnight Hotel – Varanasi.
Day 02: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (255 Km / 05 Hrs)
Post breakfast we checkout from Hotel and drive to Delhi Airport to board flight to Varanasi. Arrive at the Airport, get on time assistance by our representative.
We will visit Sarnath. Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.
Later we will drive to Bodhgaya.
Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centre where Lord Buddha attained spiritual birth. Overnight Hotel – Bodhgaya.
Day 03: Bodhgaya – Rajgir Visit – Nalanda Visit – Patna
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple, the giant Bodhi tree which is believed to have grown from the original Bodhi tree where the Buddha attained Nirvana.
Later drive to Patna enroute sightseeing Rajgir & Nalanda, Rajgir is capital of 6th century Magadha empire. It was revered site of Buddhas discourses. Buddha spent many years here. We will visit in Rajgir Rajgir’s Vulture Peak, Piphali Cava. Visit Gridhrakula, Sapataparni cave, Ajatsatru fort and Venuvana.
Afternoon visit Nalanda – the world’s oldest university founded in the 5th century. Also visit monasteries and temples with impressive Buddhist & Hindu images. The Institute for research into Buddhism and Pali literature which houses rare manuscripts, is also worth visiting for the enthusiasts. Archaeological musuem is also not to be missed for the rare collections,
Arrive Patna, check-in to the hotel. Overnight Hotel – Patna
Day 04: Patna – Vaishali Visit – Kushinagar
We have our Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning drive to Kushinagar en-route visit Vaishali. Visit the Kutagarshala Vihara, Buddhist Stupa, Abhishek Pushkarini, Coronation Tank, Site Museum in Vaishali.
On arrival, check–in to the hotel. Overnight Hotel – Kushinagar
Day 05: Kushinagar & Kapilvastu – Lumbini
We have our Breakfast at the hotel. Kushinagar is the place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana or the final exit from the earth. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Sri Lanka-Japan Monastery, Burmese Chandramani Bhikshu Bharamasala, Chinese Temple, Sri Lanka Japanese Foundation Meditation Center and Kushinagar Museum.
Later drive to Lumbini, en-route visit to Kapilvastu (Nepal side). Overnight hotel – Lumbini.
Day 06: Lumbini HD & – Varanasi. N/S at Varanasi
We have our Breakfast at the hotel.
Lumbini – Birth place of Lord Buddha, visit the Ashoka’s Pillar, Mayadevi Temple, the ruins of an old monastery and some new stupas.
Later drive to Varanasi. On arrival, check into the hotel. Overnight hotel – Varanasi
Day 07: Depart Varanasi
Post Breakfast, we will drop you to Varanasi Airport/Railway Station.
*****Tour Ends with Sweet Memories*****