Buddhist Circuits | Varanasi Tours | Buddhist Temples in India

Today Arrive Delhi, The Capital of India. You are greeted with a traditional Indian Welcome and escorted transfer to Hotel.

New Delhi - 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, Lateens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight cities - New Delhi. Lateens 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. Visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Qutub Minar, Louts Temple, Drive pass through the Raisina Hill, past the imposing India Gate, President House and Parliament House.

Old Delhi - 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 view 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 visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the Largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts.

Transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board the Lucknow Swran Shatabdi Express at 0615 hrs. Arrive Lucknow – The Capital of Uttar Pradesh, the Largest State in India – arrive at 1230 hrs. Upon arrival proceed to Balrampur 163 kms. from Lucknow & 29 kms. from Sravasti. 

Balarampur – an important Buddhist pilgrim centre nestling near the foothills of the Himalayas. The Buddhist circuit road passes through, enabling pilgrims to walk in the footprints of the Enlightened one. Sravasti – the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens. Also known as Sahet – Mahet, are two different sit’s the main one being Sahet and about 500 meters away is located Mahet. The city believed to be founded by the mythological king Sravast, has age-old stupas, majaestic monasteries and several temples. Budha is said to have performed some miracles here. This holy place also has the famous Anand Bodhi tree, an offspring of the one said to have been planted by Buddha’s main disciple Anand. Sightseeing of Sahet & Mahet. Overnight stay at Balrampur. 

Morning drive to Lumbini birth place of Lord Buddha en route visit Kapilavastu (Piprawaha). Kapilavastu was the ancient capital of the Sakya Clan whose ruler was the Father of Buddha, for which reason the Buddha is also referred to as the Sakyamuni. Prince Gautam, as the Buddha was then known, left his palace in Kapilavastu at the age of 29 & revisited it 12 yrs. later, long after he had attained enlightenment. A large Stupa stands at the ancient sight which is said to have the bone relics of the Buddha. We continue our drive to Lumbini (95 kms. from Kapilavastu). Situated across the Border in Nepal, Lumbini is the Birth Place of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival check in hotel. Later on visit to Ashkokan Column, the famous rummindei pillar, which commemorated the emperor’s visit in 249 B.C., still stands to mark the sacred spot of the Buddha’s nativity. Overnight stay at Lumbini.

Morning drive to Kushinagar via Gorakhpur 55 kms away from Kushinagar. Kushinagar is one of the principal center of the Buddhist pilgrimage, is the place where Lord Buddha left his corporeal self and attained Mahaparinirvana. The monuments of Kushinagar are situated in three distinct groups compromising the main sight of the Nirvana Temple, the central stupa & surrounding monasteries, the Mathakuarkot to the South West & the Ramabhar stupa, a km. to the East. Upon arrival check in hotel. Overnight stay at Kushinagar.

Morning drive to holy City of Varanasi. En route visit to Sarnath – 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 Dharmachakra 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, endeavvours to be blessed with a visit to Sarnath in his lifetime. Upon arrival check in hotel.

Evening you can see “Aarti” Ceremony on the River Ganges & Stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world-famous Banaras Silks. Overnight stay

Morning visit some of the Hindu Temples that line the river Ganges & Boat excursion on the Holy River Gangas to see the Bathing ghats and crimination sites. Watching people bathing and worshiping at the ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. Later city tour Bharat Mata Temple with a big relief map of India in marble, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University etc.

Morning drive to Bodhgaya – in the state of Bihar where Lord Sakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) entered in to meditation after being moved the sufferings of mankind. The giant Budhi tree (Peepal) that we see today is believed to have grown from the original Budhi tree under which, sitting of the raised platform, Prince Siddhartha meditated & finally attained Nirvana upon arrival check in hotel.

Morning visit just Adjacent to the Maha Bodhi temple is the Shaivite Monastery that has a cluster of four temples. Also visit Jaganath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has the statue of the deity, carved in the glistening black stone and visit to Bodhgaya archeological museum. Later drive to Rajgir en route visit Barabar Caves and Nalanda - the famous and ancient seat of learning. The ruins of one of the World’s most ancient university upon arrival check in hotel. Overnight stay at Rajgir

Morning City tour of Rajgir – the Ancient Capital of Magadh Kings. Buddha often came here. Is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus as the temple complex here is to the Sun God. Visit to Swarana Goofa, where a treasurer house of gold is supposed to be hidden, Gridhakuta (Vulture’s Peak) where Buddha meditated, today in modern temples – the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Drive to Patna. Upon arrival check in hotel. Overnight stay at Patna

Morning return excursion to Vaishali (63 kms. from Patna) - A small village surrounded by banana & mango groves and rice fields. vaishali, on the left bank of Gantak river, is spiritually supreme ; Lord Buddha visited this place frequently and at Kolhua, close by Preached His last sermon. Later drive back to Patna airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to International airport to board the flight for Onward Destination.

• Delhi Red Fort closed on Monday