Buddhist Pilgrimage with Taj Mahal
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Patna - Bodhgaya - Nalanda - Rajgir - Varanasi - Kushinagar - Sravasti - Lumbini - Agra - Delhi
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi. On arrival at the airport, you will meet our representative and be transferred to hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
Today, leave for sight-seeing tour, which includes Jama Masjid - the largest mosque of Emperor Shahjahan. Later proceed to Red Fort, Raj Ghat- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, to India Gate - a 42 meter stone arch built in the memory of the Indian Soldiers who died in World War II, Drive past the President's House & Parliament House, Humayun's Tomb (a memorial of the Mughals, its design is inspired by the Taj Mahal), the Qutab Minar & Lotus Temple.
Day 03 : Delhi - Patna - Bodhgaya
Morning transfer to airport to connect flight IC409 dep. 07:05 hrs. / arr. Bodhgaya at 08:30 hrs. Drive to Bodhgaya (215 kms / 7 hrs). Enroute visit Nalanda and Rajgir. Nalanda-a great center of Buddhist learning and one of the most famed university citadels of ancient times. Rajgir, it was once the ancient capital of the powerful Kingdom of Maghada. From the out-skirts of Rajgir, a historic road leads to Gridhakuta or vultures peak where the Buddha preached. Here the first Buddhist Council was held after the Lord's Mahaparinirvana. Arrive in Bodhgaya and overnight in Bodhgaya.
Day 04 : Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya in the state of Bihar, reckoned as the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centre, is the place where Lord Sakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) entered into meditation after being moved by the sufferings of mankind. Visit Mahabodi Temple, Nilanjana. The magnificent Maha Bodhi temple in Bodhgaya is an architectural amalgamation of many cultures. Morning Sightseeing of Bodhgaya visiting Mahabodhi temple.
Day 05 : Bodhgaya - Varanasi
Morning leave Bodhgaya for Varanasi by surface (250 kms / 8 hrs). On arrival transfer to hotel.
Varanasi : The eternal city is one of the most important Pilgrim sites in India and also a major tourist attraction, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges. The name Varanasi derived from two rivers. The Varuna and Assi. It is a great centre of learning and civilization. It is also known as Kashi and Banaras. Afternoon visit Sarnath about 10 kms from the holy city of Varanasi- is the blessed locale where more than 2500 years ago Buddha choose to deliver his first sermon. Overnight hotel - Varanasi.
Day 06 : Varanasi - Kushinagar
Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges to see the sunrise and the bathing Ghats of an ancient Hindu city. Later leave Varanasi for Kushinagar (260 kms / 8 hrs). Overnight in Kushinagar.
Day 07 : Kushinagar - Lumbini
Leave Kushinagar for Lumbini (in Nepal) (170/ 4 hrs) by surface. Sightseeing of Lumbini where Lord was born. Emperor Ashoka, in the twenty first year first year after his coronation, visited this Birthplace and raised a pillar on the spot. Overnight in Lumbini.
Day 08 : Lumbini - Sravasti
Morning proceed to Sravasti (Sahet-Mahet) which is about 150 kms / 04 hrs drive. Visit Sravasti (Sahet-Mahet), capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, an active centre for Buddhism. Overnight in Sravasti.
Day 09 : Sravasti - Lucknow
Morning proceed to Lucknow (180 kms / 5 hrs) and connect train - 4201 / Lucknow - Mtj Express dep. 23:30 hrs. for Agra. Overnight on train
Day 10 : Agra
Arrive Agra at 07:00 hrs. Full day city tour of Agra visiting world famous Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah. Overnight in hotel. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Day 11 : Agra - Delhi- Departure
Drive to Delhi (203 kms / 4 hrs) and connect flight for onward destination. Drive to Delhi and transfer to airport to connect onward flight.
