Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Today after a yummy breakfast at the hotel, start your full-day sightseeing tour in Delhi. During the first half of the day, you will visit one of the biggest minarets in India, Qutub Minar. Then visit the well-known mosque in India, Jama Masjid. Later on, explore some other places like the iconic India Gate, the monument which is dedicated to 82,000 Indian and British soldiers who died in World War I. Other attractions you will be exploring include the Parliament House and Humayun's Tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monument built of white marble and red sandstone is a perfect example of Persian and Mughal architecture.

Before starting the second half of the tour, enjoy a tasty meal at one of the numerous food joints. Post lunch, continue your tour by visiting the Birla Mandir. One of the major Hindu temples, Birla Mandir is also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. No doubt, it is really one of the stunning pieces of architecture especially when illuminated at night.

Later, in the evening visit Red Fort and get mesmerized by the beauty and the history of this monument. In addition to its grand structure, here you will watch the amazing Sound & Light Show which portrays the history of Mughal and Delhi in a whimsical way.

After an eventful day of sightseeing, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Today after a tasty breakfast, check-out from your hotel and head towards Jaipur. Famous for its grand forts and palaces, Jaipur is a perfect example of a royal dynasty. On reaching Jaipur, check-in at the hotel and relax for a while. Then get ready to embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of the city. The first site that you will visit is Hawa Mahal. Also known as the Palace of Winds, the monument has 953 windows behind which the Rajput royal ladies used to watch the daily life on the street below, without being noticed by any outsider. Next, visit City Palace. A big structure covering nearly 1/7th of the city boasts of the amazing combination of Rajasthani, Mughal and European architecture. Also visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory that was used to analyze the position of stars and other planets.

Then have lunch and continue your tour by visiting the Government Central Museum. Also known as Albert Hall, the museum houses a unique collection of local king's portraits, artifacts, handicrafts and paintings of the remarkable past of the city and the royal families. The main attraction of this museum is one of the six 'Egyptian Mummies in India'.

After completing the sightseeing, it's time to return to the hotel for dinner and a comfortable night.

Today wake up early in the morning, have a delicious breakfast and leave for not to miss the elephant ride at Amber Fort. The fort which is built with red sandstone and white marble looks astonishing in the morning sun.

Later, you can explore the local markets like Hathi Pole Market, Bada Bazaar and Tibetan Market which are famous for traditional outfits, jewelry and much more. After shopping, visit Chokhi Dhani. Here you can enjoy tasty and authentic Rajasthani cuisine along with folk dance.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

On day 5 of your Buddhist pilgrimage tour, satisfy your taste buds with a delicious breakfast and then start your journey towards Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Famous for its remarkable mosques and palaces, Fatehpur Sikri offers a treat to the history lovers. After visiting a few of the famous attractions like Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, Jodha Bai Palace, Birbal Bhawan and Panch Mahal. You will leave for Agra. On reaching, check-in at your pre-booked hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can go on a shopping spree at the Kinari Bazaar.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Today after a healthy breakfast begin your day by visiting the Agra Fort. Spread over a total area of 94 acres of land, this massive red sandstone fort is famous for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Next, visit Itimad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb (3 km from Agra Fort) also known as the 'Baby Taj' and 'Jewel Box'. It's believed that Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir made this tomb for her father Mirza Ghiyasuddin.

Also visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. This exquisite structure, which was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz presents a sight to behold. To truly experience its heavenly beauty, take a stroll through the grounds or just sit and admire the beautiful architecture, reflective pools and lovely gardens within the premises.

Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the railway station to board a train to Varanasi. Have a comfortable journey overnight.

Today upon reaching Varanasi, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in and short relaxation. After taking some rest, proceed towards Sarnath which is 10 km far from the holy city of Varanasi. Sarnath which is also known as the Buddhist center of religion is the place where Lord delivered his first speech about the concept of Dharma. Besides, this is the place where Emperor Ashoka constructed a number of stupas and monuments for spreading Buddhism.

At Sarnath, you will admire the beauty of Chaukhandi Stupa. It's believed that this is one of the main stupas built by Ashoka after he adopted Buddhism. Next, explore Dhamek Stupa. Made from stone and bricks, this stupa is 28 meters in diameter and 43.6 meters in height. Some alternate theorists and historians claim that the dome of this stupa indirectly specifies the aliens and UFOs.

Last but not least, to gain more insight into Buddhism, you can visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and Sarnath Museum.

After the excursion, drive back to Varanasi and stay overnight at the hotel.

Today after having early morning breakfast at the hotel, you will leave for a boat ride on the river Ganges. After boating, take a dip in the holy waters of Ganges. It's believed that taking a dip in the holy waters offer salvation and purifies of the soul. Later, you can spend some time at the beautiful Ghats of this temple city.

Post lunch, continue your excursion and explore attractions like Bharat Mata Temple, Banaras Hindu University and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti. Marvel at the spellbinding view of the illuminating Diyas (oil lamps made from clay) and bask in the bliss amidst religious chanting.

After completing Aarti, you will drive back to the hotel for a night stay.

Today after breakfast at the hotel, you will drive towards Bodh Gaya, one of the prominent Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Commonly known as the enlightenment place of Buddha, Bodh Gaya is dotted with plenty of monasteries and temples built by several Buddhist communities. Upon reaching the place, check-in at the hotel and relax for a short period of time. Thereafter, you will visit the Mahabodhi Temple. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabodhi Temple is not just a shrine but Buddha's actual enlightenment place. So, sit here and pray for some time to get acquainted with your inner-self. Next, explore the most sacred part of the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree. It's believed that this is the tree under which Lord Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment (around 2500 years ago).

Later on, head back to the hotel for a night stay.

After a hearty breakfast, embark on the Bodh Gaya city tour and visit the major attractions including the Great Buddha Statue. The 25 meters tall statue is the largest statue of Buddha in India. Next, visit Niranjana River and Sujata Temple. Just 2 kilometers away from Bodh Gaya, Sujata Temple is dedicated to the famous tribal woman and follower of Buddha, Sujata. It is believed that Sujata was the first person who offered kheer, a sweet dish, to Buddha after he broke his long fast.

Later on, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Refresh yourself with a delicious breakfast in the morning and proceed to check out from the hotel. Post-check-out, you will set out for a scenic drive towards the picturesque little town of Rajgir. Surrounded by five holy hills, Rajgir is one of the important places for Buddhists as well as Jains. After visiting a few of the famous attractions like Vulture Hill, World Peace Stupa and Bamboo's Garden, you will move towards the Nalanda (18 km far from Rajgir). Here you will visit the oldest university in the world. Founded in the 5th-century AD, Nalanda University is an important Buddhist center of academic excellence. It's said that Nalanda's three libraries were so extensive that they burnt for six months when foreign invaders destroyed the university in 1193.

Later, drive towards Patna. On reaching the capital of Bihar, check-in at the hotel and stay overnight.

Today after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and depart for Kushinagar which is approx. 253 km away from Patna. En-route, visit Vaishali, a small district which is also adored as Hindu, Buddhist and Jain worshipping site. Upon reaching the place, check-in at the hotel and relax for a while. Thereafter, get ready for an excursion to some major attractions like Mahaparinirwana Temple. It is not just a temple but the place where Buddha took his last breath. The main highlight of this serene temple is six meters tall statue which depicts Buddha on his deathbed in the parinirvana position. Then, stop at Rambhar Stupa, the cremation site of Lord Buddha. You will also visit Japan Temple en route.

Later on, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Today after having breakfast, check-out from the hotel and start your 4-hour road trip to the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and after relaxing for a while, move towards the spiritual heart of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple. This is the place where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Gautama Buddha. Besides the place, you will find a pillar of Ashoka, one of the main followers of Buddhism. Other stupas and ancient ruins also dot the place.

Later on, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Note: While going to Lumbini (Nepal), one must complete all the formalities at India/Nepal border for Visa/Immigration.

On day 14 of your Buddhist pilgrimage India tour, have a healthy breakfast at Lumbini, check-out from the hotel and head to Shravasti. En-route you'll enjoy a short halt in the Kapilvastu. On reaching Shravasti, check-in at the hotel, freshen up and visit the attractions like Sahet-Mahet. Spread over an area of 32 square kilometers, Sahet-Mahet is a famous pilgrimage site with various temples, stupas and monasteries. Next, visit Jetavana Monastery. This is the place where Lord Buddha spent 19 rainy seasons. You can also visit Anandabodhi Tree, Ananda Kuti, Gandhakuti and Shobhnath Temple. This temple is said to be the birthplace of the Jain Tirthankara Sambhavnath. It is believed that he took 'diksha' at Ahetuk forest nearby and achieved the ultimate source of knowledge through meditation.

Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the Balarampur Railway Station which is 19 km from Shravasti to board your train for Delhi. Have a comfortable journey overnight.

On the 15th day of the tour, post breakfast in the morning, you will embark on the sightseeing tour. You will visit the attractions in Sravasti including Angulimala Stupa, Anathapindika's Stupa, Jetvana monastery, and an old Jain temple. Later, leave by road for Varanasi. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. If you wish, you can go out and attend the evening Ganga Aarti or relax in your room.

Stay overnight in the hotel.

This is the last day of the tour and enjoys the breakfast. The morning is free to relax and do things at your own will. Later, you will be transferred to the Varanasi airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival, savor the scrumptious dinner at a city restaurant and drive to the international airport to board flight back home.