Embark on a profound spiritual and cultural journey with this thoughtfully designed itinerary through India and Nepal. Begin in Delhi, where you’ll explore the capital’s historic and cultural landmarks. Travel to Agra to witness the iconic Taj Mahal, then continue to Gorakhpur, the gateway to Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Kushinagar, where he attained Nirvana. Explore the ancient cities of Rajgir and Nalanda, rich in Buddhist heritage, before reaching Bodhgaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment. Conclude your journey in Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, and nearby Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Return to Delhi, having experienced an enriching blend of spirituality, history, and culture across two nations.
Arrived Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport in mid night meet at the airport by Recreation Travel’s representatives and the group’s professional escorts. Welcome with garland. Upon arrival keep your luggage in Air conditioned buses and straight drive to Agra – The Mughal City. This drive takes 4-½ hrs /200 kms to Agra.
Enjoy the Magnificent Taj Mahal – The Monument of Love in the warm glow of Sunset, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. After lunch drive to New Delhi railway station to board the train. Overnight train Journey Air conditioned sleepers.
Arrive Gorakhpur in the morning. Drive to Lumbini (birth place of Lord Buddha). Lumbini Situated across the Border in Nepal.
After lunch visit Ashokan Column, the famous pillar, which commemorated the emperor’s visit in 249 B.C., still stands to mark the sacred spot of the Buddha’s nativity. Drive to Kushinagar. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast visit Mahaparinirvana Temple- large 6.10 m long Stupa Reclining Buddha stands at the ancient sight, which is said to have the bone relics of the Buddha.
Arrived Rajgir - earlier called Rajgriha, which means the 'Home of Royalty'. This place is significant because Buddha spent many years in Rajgir and also delivered some important discourses here. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, proceed for the morning city tour of Rajgir – the Ancient Capital of Magadh Kings. Buddha often came here. Is an important place of pilgrimage for hindus. Visit to Swarna Gufa, where a treasurer house of gold is supposed to be hidden, Gridhakuta (Vulture’s Peak) where Buddha meditated, and today in modern temples – the Vishwa Shanti Stupa.
Proceed for excursion to Nalanda- The famous ancient university & a rich library established in 5th century AD. It is the first residential international university of the world with strength of 2,000 teachers and 10,000 monks' students from all over the Buddhist world. Visit Barbara Caves and Nalanda, the famous and ancient seat of learning. The ruins of one of the world’s most ancient university. Drive back to Rajgir.
Afternoon drive to Bodhgaya - in the state of Bihar where Lord Sakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) entered into the meditation after being moved the sufferings of mankind. The giant Bodhi tree (Peepal) that we see today is believed to have grown from the original Bodhi tree under which, sitting of the raised platform, Prince Siddhartha meditated & finally attained Nirvana. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning visit just adjacent to the Maha Bodhi temple is the Shaivite Monastery that has a cluster of four temples. Also visit Jagannath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has the statue of the deity, carved in the glistening black stone and visit to Bodhgaya archaeological museum.
Later drive to Varanasi. Arrive 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. Overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, enjoy boat excursion on the Holy River Ganges 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.
Excursion 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 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.
Transfer to the airport to board the flight to New Delhi. Arrive Delhi & say good-bye to this fascinatinglLand with sweet and memorable memories. Late night transfer to international airport to board the flight for onward destination.
The above itinerary can be further customized as per your travel requirements.
We specialize in tailor-made tours. Give us a call or drop a message anytime, our travel experts will be happy to design an itinerary that caters to your unique interests & preferences.
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Brian Cowling & Group from Australia
My friends and I have many thoughts of our tour of India for good memories. Overall we had a "Glimpse of India" that was good value for money. The hotels were very good. The rooms on whole were clean and comfortable. Service in the hotels was excellent everywhere and the food also.
Anne Cowling & Group from Australia
I also would like to thank you for organizing our trip and I am really glad that I have visited your country and seen some of your wonderful sites. I agree with all that Brian has said and I would like to commend your tour manager as he put up with a lot from us and was always helpful, polite and...
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Michael John Mogoseanu from United Kingdom
- Excellent service
- Very good food
- Car in top condition
- Drivers very cooperative and skillful
- Guides extremely Knowledgeable and with excellent communication skills
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