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5D4N JAN 28 – FEB 1, 2020 Turning the Dhamma Wheel Tour : Bodhgaya, , Nalanda &

D1 JAN 28 TUE: Arrival – - Varanasi (D) 12.20pm flight to Varanasi; arrival 2.30pm (Malindo OD290 KUL 1220 VNS 1430).

Transfer to Sarnath (also known as Isipatana) to visit the Deer Park, where Lord gave his first sermon and ordained the first 5 monks (therefore Sarnath is considered the birthplace of the Maha-, the Buddhist Monastic Order). His first sermon started the spread of Dhamma (“Universal Truth”); hence he started “Turning the Dhamma Wheel” at Sarnath. Here is located the Dhamekha , erected 500AD at the site said to be where the first sermon took place.

Next visit the Sarnath Museum, housing artifacts excavated from Sarnath.

Then visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihara temple (famous for some of the most magnificent and colorful Frescoes made by Japan's foremost painter Kosetsu Nosu).

Transfer to Varanasi hotel for check-in and dinner. Overnight in Varanasi.

D2 JAN 29 WED: Varanasi - Bodhgaya (B/L/D)

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is the cultural capital of India and considered holiest by the Hindus. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India. Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the holy water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted. Then enjoy a pedal-powered traditional rickshaw ride (2 persons per rickshaw) in the old quarter of Varanasi.

Transfer to Bodhgaya (about 5 hours), a religious site and place of pilgrimage, famous as the place where Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree to become the Buddha.

Arrival Bodhgaya, check-in hotel and have lunch. Then visit UNESCO World Heritage (stupa and temple built over the site of Buddha’s enlightenment) and the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha meditate to attain enlightenment. Transfer for dinner. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

D3 JAN 30 THU: Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir - Bodhgaya (B/L/D) After breakfast, transfer to visit UNESCO World Heritage Nalanda, ruins of the famous ancient Buddhist university that existed from 5th AD to the year 1197 AD; known as “one of the first great universities in recorded history". It was already established by the time of King Asoka rule (273–232 BC) but flourished from 427AD to 1197AD, until it was sacked by Turkic Muslim invaders.

Visit nearby Nalanda Archaeological Museum, where many of the archaeological artifacts from Nalanda ruins are on display.

Next to Rajgir, which during the Buddha’s days was the capital of the Kingdom under King Bimbisara. After lunch, visit Gridhkuta Peak (Vulture’s Peak) where the Buddha and his monks stayed on many occasion (includes return ropeway ride ticket).

Then visit Venuvanaram (Bamboo Grove Monastery), which was donated to the Sangha (community of monks) by King Bimbisara; it is the first Buddhist monastery to be established. A short stop at the site of Bimbisara Jail (where King Bimbisara was locked up by his usurper son Prince Ajatasattu and died). Drive back to Bodhgaya for dinner at hotel and overnight. D4 JAN 31 FRI: Bodhgaya - Varanasi (B/L/D) Morning, visit to Sujata Village; including stupa of Sujata (Sujata was the lady who gave alms food to the renunciant Siddhartha, ending his ascetic fasting practice and giving him strength for meditation towards attaining enlightenment), Niranjana River and the Prag Bodhi Cave in Uruvela forest (where before enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama went through 6 years of asceticism).

Back to Bodhgaya to visit some of the various monasteries built by various Buddhist countries / communities (such as Bhutan, China, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam); the number of monasteries visited subject to time available.

Proceed for lunch. Then transfer to Varanasi (about 5 hours). Arrival at hotel for check-in and dinner. Overnight in Varanasi.

D5 FEB 1 SAT: Varanasi – departure (B/L) After breakfast, transfer to visit Bharat Mata Temple which houses, instead of gods and goddesses, a huge relief map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent. Then some free time for shopping. 10.30am, transfer to restaurant near airport for early lunch at 11.30am. 12.30pm, drop off at Varanasi airport for 3.30pm flight home (for international flights, check-in 3 hours before flight departure). Arrival KLIA at 10.50pm. (Malindo OD291 VNS 1530 KUL 2250).

RATES: per person, twin share basis

12 to 14 paxs with accompanying tour leader: RM 2,790

15 to 16 paxs with accompanying tour leader: RM 2,690

Single Supplement: RM 920

Rates & itinerary subject to change in Forex rates, unforeseen surcharges, weather, local conditions, etc.

INCLUSIVE: a) Airport transfers and tour excursion using air-con mini-coach on private basis: b) 4 star Hotel accommodation: Varanasi (2 nights): Rivatas by Ideal or similar Bodhgaya (2 nights): Oaks Bodhgaya or similar c) Full board Meals from Day 1 Dinner to Day 5 Lunch d) English speaking guides for Sarnath-Varanasi and Bodhgaya-Nalanda-Rajgir sectors e) Entrance fees for attractions as per itinerary including return ropeway ticket at Gridhkuta Peak. f) Private group boat trip on Ganges River & rickshaw ride (2 paxs/rickshaw) at Varanasi g) Tipping for tour guides and driver h) Accompanying Malaysian tour leader i) Bottled Drinking Water: 1 bottle/pax (Day 1 & 5) and 2 bottles/pax (Day 2, 3 & 4) EXCLUDING: a) Air tickets, Airport taxes and fuel surcharges (itinerary based on Malindo Air flights) b) India visa: approx. USD25 (single entry visa; duration 30 days); application online via India government’s e-visa website c) Travel insurance: can be arranged separately, RM40 per person, 5 days coverage d) Camera/Video fees at attractions where required e) Miscellaneous tipping such as for hotel, restaurant and porterage staff. Note, in India it is customary to tip above persons for services rendered. f) Expenses of personal nature like other optional activities not in itinerary, drinks during meals, laundry charges, etc.