Enhancing Buddhist Tourism in India

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel. Check in and Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Red Fort , Made by Mughal Emperor Shahjehan , Jama Masjid , The largest in India, It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Chandni Chowk, this main street of Old Delhi is the colorful shopping bazaar, known as Chandni Chowk. It has very sharp contrast to the open, spacious streets of Delhi. Laxmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. India Gate, this 42ms high stone of triumph is a war memorial. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian army soldiers, who died in the campaigns of WW I .Rashtrapati Bhawan - This palace-like building is the official residence of the President of India and an interesting blend of Mughal and western architectural styles. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast depart by surface to Jaipur, the fabled pink city of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. This is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe through the nine rectangular sectors subdividing it. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors are now living. On arrival transfer to Hotel.

Later excursion to Amer Fort - Amber is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and look even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front; one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion.  Continue with city tour visiting City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen. Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, is perhaps the most beautiful example of Rajasthani forts and gives a grand view of the city down below. Other attractions include the Jaigarh Fort, Birla Mandir, and Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast depart by surface to Agra, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri-a perfectly preserved red sandstone ghost town which was the estranged capital of Mughal emperor Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Arrive Agra & proceed to city tour visiting Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Besides the Taj, the Agra Fort (also called the Red Fort) makes an interesting sight. Other major attractions include the tomb of Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra, Rambagh, the Mughal Garden and Dayal Bagh Temple, Itmad Ud Dauula. Besides the historical monuments, one can also explore Agra Handicraft

In time transfer to railway station to board train for Varanasi. Overnight on board.

Morning arrive Varanasi -said to be the India’s most sacred city situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. It is also the oldest living city in the world. As a place for devotion and worship, with hundreds of temples dotting the city, sunrise on the river front as seen from a boat can be a spiritually uplifting sight. It has a fascination uniquely its own, a quality of sublime beauty, a timeless eternal appeal. Varanasi is the city which cannot be described, only experienced. On arrival you will be met & transferred to Hotel. Later excursion to Sarnath -where the Buddha preached his first sermon in the Deer Park, contains the most impressive remains, as well as a modern temple. Evening view Aarti ceremony on the Ghats. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast depart by surface to Bodhgaya. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Bodhgaya -As the place of the Buddha’s Enlightenment, Bodhgaya is the spiritual home of Buddhists. Bodhgaya situated near the river Niranjana, is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centres since it was here that Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Later visit Mahabodhi Temple, Niranjana River, Sujata Village. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast depart by surface to Patna, en-route sightseeing of Nalanda & Rajgir. Rajgir -The picturesque Rajgir, or Rajagriha as it was known in the past (literally, the abode of kings) is surrounded by the meandering river Banganga and 5 hills. During the lifetime of the Buddha this was the capital of the powerful Magadhan kingdom, ruled by the virtuous King Bimbisara. The hills and caves surrounding Rajagriha were home to spiritual teachers, ranging from the materialism of the early Charavaka School to the metaphysics of Upanishadic philosophers. Like many others in search of truth, Prince Siddhartha, after he renounced his royal heritage came to this city to seek the path of vation. Nalanda -Nalanda was the most renowned university in ancient India. It derived its name from Na-alam-da, meaning Insatiable in Giving, one of the names by which the Lord Buddha was known Lunch at nice city restaurant at Rajgir. On arrival Check-in to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel. 

After breakfast depart by surface to Kushinagar, enroute visiting Vaishali. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Kushinagar-Kushinagar is where the Buddha finally attained Mahaparmirvana. Amongst the ruins are the Mukutbandhan Stupa and a beautiful statue of the reclining Buddha. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple & Stupas, later depart by surface to Lumbini. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Lumbini - the birthplace of the Buddha was located in 1890 after being untraced for 1,500 years. Evening sightseeing tour of Lumbini including a visit to the birth Place of Lord Buddha. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast depart by surface to Lucknow, enroute Sravasti. Sravasti-the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens. The city believed to be founded by the mythological king Sravast, has age-old stupas,majestic monasteries and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here. In Sravasti visit Saheth - Maheth & Jetvan. On arrival in Lucknow & transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival meeting & assistance and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

In time transfer to airport to board connecting flight onward destination.

End of Our Services  ( Check-in/ Check-out time is 1200 Hrs. at all hotels )