Buddhist East India Tour – Delhi, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Darjeeling

Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, meet & greet with Traditional Indian welcome. Transfer to the hotel.

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Old Delhi. It was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce.

Also take a Cycle Rickshaw Puller Ride through the bustling and colorful market of the old city is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon, visit New Delhi. It was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight cities - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. drive pass through the Raisina Hill, ceremonial avenue past the imposing India Gate, Government Buildings, President House and Parliament House. Also visit Sikh Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to see the worship etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to airport to board the flight for Varansai. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together" upon arrival check into hotel.

Later, proceed for the excursion of Sarnath.  Sarnath – is 10 kms from the holy city of Varanasi, is the blessed locale where more than 2,500 years ago Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon, after attaining Nirvana. The five disciples who had followed him were surprised to see the mesmerizing glowing countenance of Buddha, who convinced them and delivered his first sermon before them, now termed Dharma chakra Pravartan. This set in mot in the great Buddhist tradition of the Sangha, for popularizing the teachings of the great ascetic, worldwide. Gautam Buddha with his five disciples formed the first Sangha along with Yasa of Varanasi and his 54 friends. The beginning of the celebrated Mantra, “Buddham Sharanam Gachhami” owes its origin to Sarnath. The three jewels “I go for refuge to the Buddha, I go for refuge to the Wheel of Law, I go for refuge to the Sangha” first laid down here, have remained unchanged ever since. Hence rightly, every Buddhist Pilgrim after Bodhgaya endeavors to be blessed with a visit to Sarnath in his lifetime. Drive back to Varanasi. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Bodhgaya, the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage located in the state of Bihar, India. Bodhgaya is the place where Buddha attained nirvana. Upon arrival, our representative transfers you to your pre-booked hotel. Later visit the Mahabodhi Temple (a world heritage site) in the evening for prayers. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for the city tour. Visit Vishnupaad temple for Ritual Pinda Dann pooja and Mangala Gauri Darshan. Visit Mahabodhi temple, Bodhi tree, Great Buddha statue, Chinese temple, Barabar caves, Ajapala Nigrodha tree, and Royal Bhutan monastery. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After hearty breakfast at the hotel drive to Patna visiting en route Rajgir and Nalanda. On arrival in Patna (the capital of Bihar), Indian Luxury Tours representative transfers you to your pre-booked hotel.

Nalanda- Nalanda is world famous for the ruins of Nalanda International University. The university was the first residential international university of the world with the strength of 10000 monks’ students and 2000 teachers from all over the Buddhist world. In Nalanda, you will visit the ruins of Nalanda University and the Nalanda Archaeological Museum.

Rajgir- Rajgir is a picturesque hill town in Bihar. Lord Buddha spent many years in Rajgir and delivered some of the most important discourses here. In Rajgir you will visit Japanese Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Gridhkut Hill and Venu Vana among other attractions. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Kolkata (the capital city of West Bengal). Upon arrival check into the hotel. Freshen up and relax at the hotel. Have a comforting overnight stay at the hotel.

Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit the famous flower market on the riverbanks of Howrah. Enjoy boat ride over Hooghly River. Visit the imposing Victoria Memorial. Visit the St Paul’s Cathedral Church. Visit the Indian Museum that houses one of the best collections of Indian art. You will be then transferred to the Railway Station to board overnight train of Darjeeling. Dinner will be onboard the train.

Proceed for the early morning tour to Tiger Hills to view the sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak (subject to clear weather). On your way back, visit Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery.

After Breakfast, enjoy the city tour of Darjeeling. Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalaya zoological park, Himalayan mountaineering institute, Happy valley tea estate, Tenzing rock & Gombu rock & Tibetan refugee self – help center. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Darjeeling. Today White Pagoda, Ava art gallery & Natural history museum. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Kalimpong. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Later, proceed for the sightseeing. Visit Deolo hills, Dr. Graham’s home, Flower nurseries, Jang-Dong-Palriffo Brang, and Durbin Dara hills. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Take your breakfast at the hotel & drive to Gangtok. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and spend a leisurely evening. Explore the beautiful and quaint hill town, dotted with charming monasteries and breathtaking landscapes. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, get ready for a day of local sightseeing in Gangtok. Visit Handicraft centre, followed by a visit to Bakthang falls. Then proceed to Tashi viewpoint, Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten, Namgyal institute of Tibetology, and Flower Show. 

Next, visit MG Marg where you can try the local tea. You can also shop at the local market here. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Take your hearty breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra airport to catch the flight to Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata, our representative transfers you to your pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel. 

After breakfast, pack your luggage and say goodbye to this fascinating land and transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi for onward destination.

The above itinerary can be further customized as per your travel requirements.