Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel, later proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi - the father of the nation, moving on to Red Fort and Jama Mosque. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi - Agra (by Train)
Early morning transfer to railway station to board Shatabdi Express for Agra, on arrival transfer to hotel, followed by city tour of Agra visiting world famous Taj Mahal - built in 1652 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal; Agra Fort - built by four successive emperors, within its walls is the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque). Also visit Sikandra - tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Agra - Varanasi ....(by Train)
In the morning transfer to Tundla railway station to board train for Varanasi. On arrival transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 04: Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the Sunrise and visit the bathing Ghats, return to hotel for breakfast. Half day city tour of Varanasi visiting Vishwanath Temple - the most sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva; New Vishwanath Temple - the whole Gita engraved on its marble walls; Tulsi Manas Temple - with text of Ram Charit Manas engraved on its wall; and Banaras Hindu University. In the afternoon, excursion to Sarnath, at the sacred Buddhist Center, the Dhamek Stupa marks the spot of Buddha's first sermon. Evening return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 05: Varanasi - Bodhgaya ( By Surface 245km/5 hrs)
After early breakfast proceed to Gaya, on arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06: Bodhgaya
Full day for religious activities at the Mahabodhi Temple - where Gautam Buddha got the supreme enlightenment under a Bodhi tree 25 centuries ago. The 55m high temple is substantially the same temple that existed in the 7th century. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna (By Surface 150kms / 3hrs)
After breakfast drive to Patna, en-route visiting Rajgir - the town where Buddha meditated and preached. Here at Gridharkuta Hill we shall see the monastery Venuvan Vihar, built by King Bimbisar as an offering to Buddha, also visit Nalanda - the great Buddhist University which came up after Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana, on arrival check-in at the hotel in Patna for overnight stay.
Day 08: Patna - Kushinagar( By Surface 350km/8hrs)
After early breakfast we drive towards Kushinagar, en-route visiting Vaishali - the town Buddha visited on three occasions and where he announced his approaching Nirvana; continuing onto Kushinagar - where Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana. At Kushinagar, while entombing the relics of the Buddha, the architectural form of the stupa was created. Later, generations of devotees built stupas, chaityas and viharas here. On arrival check-in at the hotel, followed by a visit to monasteries. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Kushinagar - Lumbini (By Surface 140kms / 4 hrs)
After breakfast leave for Lumbini (Nepal). On arrival, check-in at the hotel at Bhairawan. In the afternoon excursion to Lumbini - the birth place of Lord Buddha, return to Bhairawan for overnight stay.
Day 10: Lumbini - Balrampur (By Surface 180kms / 5hrs)
After breakfast proceed for Balrampur, en-route visiting Kapilvastu - the ancient capital of the mighty Shakya clan, where Buddha's father King Suddhodana ruled. Arrive Balrampur and check-in at the hotel, in the afternoon excursion to Sravasti - where Buddha confounded his critics with a million fold manifestation of himself seated on a thousand petaled lotus while fire and water emanated from his body, back to Balrampur for overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11: Balrampur - Lucknow ( By Surface 175kms / 5 hrs)
After breakfast proceed for Lucknow - the 18th century capital of Nawab - Wazirs, Lucknow created by Asaf-ud-Daullah - a great patron of art and of beautiful courtesans. On arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 12: Lucknow - Delhi ......by Train
In the morning, proceed for sightseeing tour of Lucknow visiting Bara Imambara - one of the most imposing of India's buildings built by Nawab Asaf-ud- Daullah in 1784 and of great elegance where the main hall (50 ft) is the largest vaulted apartment in the world; also visit Chhota Imambara and Museum. After lunch transfer to railway station to board Shatabdi Express for Delhi, on arrival transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13: Delhi - Onward Destinations
Morning visit sights of New Delhi - Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar, India Gate, President House, Parliament House and drive through Rajpath, later in the evening transfer to International airport for your flight to onward destination. |
