Buddhist Trail - Delhi, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Lumbini & More

Morning drive to Varanasi,  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.

Early Morning, visit some of the hindu temples that line the river ganga & boat excursion on the holy river Ganga 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 drive to Bodhgaya enroute visit the Mahabodhi Temple. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning - proceed to Patna, en route visit Rajgir & Nalanda. In Nalanda you will visit the university which was a seat of Buddhist learning. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Shravasti – 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. After sightseeing drive to Lucknow Station to board the Shatabdi Express at 15:35 hrs. for Delhi. Arrive at Delhi at 22:10hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning visit the Kushinagar – earlier known as Kushinara, it is believed that Buddha attained ‘Mahaparinirvana’(release from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth) here. The statue of the reclining Buddha at the temple is one of the most sacred sights for the pilgrim and a mound of bricks marks the place where Buddha is said to have been cremated. Arrive Lumbini – the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. He renounced riches in favor of seeking peace and enlightenment as Gautama Buddha. Here is the seat of Buddhism, a religion that blossomed and spread across the world. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning drive to Sravasti enroute visit to Balrampur – an important Buddhist pilgrim centre nestling near the foothills of the Himalyaas. The Buddhist circuit road passes through, enabling pilgrims to walk in the footprints of the Enlightened one. Arrive Sravasti. Rest of the time is free for rest & relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Shravasti 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. After sightseeing drive to Lucknow Station to board the train for Delhi. Arrive at Delhi & transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at 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.

After breakfast start the day with Old Delhi tour. 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. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi.

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. In1911 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. Visit two monuments from Delhi's past -Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar & Lotus Temple. Drive pass through the Raisina Hills past the imposing India Gate,President House and Parliament House.

Later proceed to International Airport to board the flight for onward destination.

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