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Home , Nalanda, Patna Museum

Buddhist Tour Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days Places Covered: Delhi or Calcutta - - - - Bodhgaya - - - - Balrampur - Lucknow - Agra – Delhi. Day 01 : Arrive Calcutta or Delhi Half Day Sightseeing of the city. Overnight at hotel. Day 02 : Calcutta/Delhi - Patna - Bodhgaya Leave Calcutta/Delhi for Patna by air. Drive to Bodhgaya (125 kms. / 3 hrs.) where the Buddha attained enlightenment and which is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for the Buddhist. Enroute visit Nalanda and Rajgir. Nalanda-a great center of Buddhist learning and one of the most famed university citadels of ancient times. Rajgir-it was once the ancient capital of the powerful kingdom of Maghada. From the out skirts of Rajgir, a historic road leads to Gridha - Kuta or vultures peak where the Buddha preached, here the first Buddhist Council was held after the Lord's Mahaparinirvana. Day 03 : Bodhgaya Sightseeing of Bodhgaya. Here under the , Shakyamuni Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, "the Enlightened one" the propounder of one of the great relegious of the world. River Nirajnana in which the Buddha bathed after attaining elightment flows qulitely outside the tiny hamlet. Overnight in Bodhgaya. Day 04 : Bodhgaya - Varanasi Morning leave Bodhgaya for Varanasi (275 kms. / 7-8 hrs.) by Surface. Later, excursion to the place Lord Buddha gave its sermon. Overnight in Varanasi. Day 05 : Varanasi - Kushinagar Early morning boat ride on the River to see the sun rise and the bathing ghats of an ancient Hindu city. Later, leave Varanasi for Kushinagar (250 kms. / 7-8 hrs.). Overnight in Kushinagar. Day 06 : Kushinagar - Lumbini Morning visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar . Later drive to Lumbini by surface (170 kms. / 4 hrs.). Sightseeing of Lumbini where the Lord Buddha was born. Visit the pillar raised by Emperor Ashok, In the twenty first year after his coronation at the birthplace. Proceed to Balrampur (197 kms. / 6 hrs.). Day 07 : Balrampur - Sravasti - Lucknow Leave Balrampur for Lucknow enroute visit Sravasti ( Sahet-Mahet) capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, an active centre for . Overnight in Lucknow. Day 08 : Lucknow – Agra After breakfast drive to Agra. On arrival check-in at hotel and relax. Overnight Agra Hotel. Day 09 : Agra – Delhi Visit sunrise time around 0500 hrs. Back to hotel for breakfast. Morning sightseeing of and city. Afternoon drive back to Delhi via sightseeing of Sikandra Tomb and Akshardham Temple. Overnight Delhi Hotel. Day l0 : Leave Delhi Day at leisure in Delhi. In time departure transfer to airport to catch return flight. Ruins of Buddhism Tour Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days Places Covered: New Delhi - Lucknow - Sravasti - Kushinagar - Patna - Rajgir - Bodhgaya - Varanasi Day 01 : Flight to (New Delhi) You arrive in Delhi by international flight. After a traditional 'Swagat' (welcome) our representatives would assist to our hotel for check in and overnight stay. Day 02 : New Delhi - Lucknow (by train) This morning city tour of old and New Delhi. In the afternoon we will drive to the railway station for the train to Lucknow. Overnight in Train. Day 03 : Lucknow - Sravasti (about 170 km) Upon arrival in Lucknow, we will drive further to Sravasti. Sravasti (ancient Savatthi) was the capital of Kosala Mahajanapada and was the biggest town in the Gangetic plains during the Buddha's lifetime. Sravasti was host to the Master for 25 year during the annual vassavasa (rain retreat) when the congregated at one place. Sravasti is situated in Gonda district in eastern Uttar Pradesh called Sahet- Mahet. In Sravasti we visit the famous where Lord Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons preaching. Day 04 : Sravasti - Kushinagar (about 380 km) Today in the morning drive from Sravasti to Kushinagar. Kushinagar is the place that the Buddha chose for his Mahaparinirvana, or final exit from this earth. Kushinagar or Kushinara as it was then known was the capital of the Malla Republic, one of the republican states of northern India during the 6th and 5th centuries BC. There are several new and temples. Today we visit the Rambhar Stupa that marks Buddha's cremation ground. Mahakashyapa lit the funeral prayer at Mukutabandha (Rambhar Stupa) in Kushinagar. Today not much remains of this stupa except a large brick mount rising to a height of almost 15 metres set within a well-kept park. We also visit the large Burmese Chandramani Bhikshu Bharamasala. This is the oldest monastery in Kushinagar. We will also visit the Kushinagar Museum. Day 05 : Kushinagar - Patna (about 253 km) In the morning after having breakfast we drive further to Patna. Patna, the was thriving township ancient Indian town of was thriving townshipduring the Buddha's lifetime. Patna, the state capital of is situated on the banks of the Ganga. It is the major Entry point for pilgrims who wish to travel in the footsteps of the Buddha. Today we will drive to Kumrahar to see the ruins of Pataliputra which is about 6 km from . The remains of a massive assembly hall with bases of 80 pillars have been excavated at the site, of which only one pillar remains intact. Day 06 : Patna Today after having breakfast we have sightseeing in Patna. Today we visit Patna Sahib,The British Museum, , Patna established the in the year 1917. This museum has more than 50,000 rare and valuable antiquities and art objects. The most prized possession here is the Holy Relic Casket containing the sacred ashes of the Buddha, unearthed in . Golhar is a mammoth concrete granary built by the British, subsequent to the great famine of 1770. Two spiral staircases from either side lead to the top, which affords a panoramic view of the Ganga and the town. Gurudwara Har Mandir Sahib, popularly known as Patna Sahib is the sacred shrine of the Sikhs. The site is hallowed as the birthplace of the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh. Between Patna Sahib is Gulzarbagh, where the opium factory and the storehouses of the British were located. It now houses the Government Printing Press. Day 07 : Patna - Nalanda - Rajgir (about 100 km) In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Rajgir. Enroute we visit Nalanda, the ancient Buddhist University. During the lifetime of the Buddha Rajgir (Rajgriha) was the capital of the powerful Magadhan Kingdom, ruled by the virtuous king Bimbisara. Rajgir is about 100 km from Patna. This town attracts various pilgrims and tourists. The town also boasts the largest number of horse drawn carriages. Today we will visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. It is a marble structure with niches bearing golden images of the Buddha, built by the Nipponza Myohoji sect of . Opposite the Stupa stands the Saddharma Buddha Vihara. Then we will drive further to Griddhakuta. The strange rock protrusion resembling a vulture's beak probably gave the hill its name. In the rock cut caves here the Buddha spent many rainy seasons, meditating and preaching. Rajgir is also famous for its seven hot Sulphur Springs, Satadhara. Satadhara is situated at the foot of Vaibhava Hill. The hot springs are a part of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex. Day 08 : Rajgir -Bodhgaya (about 70 km) In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya (once Uruvela village) is the place where 2500 years ago in the 6th century BC, a young ascetic, Siddhartha attained enlightenment to become the Buddha and found Buddhism one of the world's oldest religions. Bodhgaya is the spiritual home of the Buddhists. Today we visit the built to mark the spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The famous Mahabodhi temple, which stands in the centre of the Mahabodhi Temple complex has been restored and rebuilt over the centuries. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex houses all the major pilgrimage spots. A large circular stone with the Buddha's footprints is kept in a small shrine on the left. We also visit the Bodhgaya museum that is located near the Mahabodhi temple. It houses antiquities excavated in and around Bodhgaya. It has a large collection of Buddhist and Hindu relies (terra cotta) seals, scriptures and pillars from the Sunga period. Day 09 : Bodhgaya -Varanasi (about 242 km) In the morning we drive further to Varanasi. Varanasi is without doubt India's most sacred city and thus visited by over one million people. Varanasi is also called the city of light -Kashi or Benaras. Buddha visited this city in 500 BC. Varanasi is regarded one of the oldest and the holiest city. According to the Indian chronicles, Varanasi was established as a city around twelve hundred years ago before the Christian era. Day 10 : Varanasi In the early morning we take boat -ride on the holy River Ganges and enjoy sunrise on the boat. Ghats (flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that, are the principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. In the noon we visit the city of Varanasi Day 11 : Varanasi - New Delhi (by air) In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight out from Varanasi to New Delhi. In New Delhi we have rest of the day at leisure. Rooms are available to get fresh and change before we depart to the airport with our representative. The Land of Buddha Tour Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days Places Covered : Delhi - Agra - Varanasi - Sarnath - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar - Lumbini - Balrampur - Sravasti - Lucknow - Delhi Day 0I : Delhi Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India. You will be received and transferred to your hotel. You have the remaining day to brace up for the excitement ahead. Day 02 : Delhi Daylong sightseeing tour of Old Delhi (Shahajahanabad) and New Delhi (Lutyen's Delhi). The tour covers the rich monumental and cultural heritage that the capital of India is proud of. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Varanasi - Bodhgaya Early morning boat-ride on the River Ganges. Thereafter, leave Varanasi by road for Bodhgaya (242 kms / 6-7 Hrs) one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the state of Bihar. It was here that Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the "Bodhi" tree Satabodhi Temple. Overnight at hotel. Day 06 : Bodhgaya Morning visit temples in Bodhgaya. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel. Day 07 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna Leave Bodhgaya for Patna (229 kms / 6-7 Hrs) en-route visiting Rajgir & Nalanda. Patna is 2500 year old capital city of Bihar. Rajgir was capital of 6th century Empire and was revered site of Buddha's discourses. Buddha spent many years here. Nalanda is world's oldest university founded in the 5th century. Overnight at hotel in Patna. Day 03 : Delhi - Agra - Varanasi Leave Delhi for Agra by road (203 kms / 4 Hrs). Afternoon sightseeing tour of Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. Evening leave Agra for Varanasi by overnight train. Day 04 : Varanasi - Sarnath Arrive Varanasi early in the morning. On arrival check-in at hotel and refresh for a visit to Sarnath -the place where Lord Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visiting Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvyapi Mosque, Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Ram Nagar, Fort and Museum. Overnight at hotel. Day 08 : Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar Morning leave Patna for Kushinagar (253 kms / 8 hrs) en-route visiting Vaishali -located 60 kms from Patna and holds special significance for Buddhist devotees. Kushinagar is the place where Buddha passed into Maha-. Afternoon visit Kushinagar the various and temples. Overnight at hotel. Day 09 : Kushinagar - Lumbini - Sravasti Leave Kushinagar by road for Lumbini (170 kms / 4-5 Hrs) - the birthplace of Buddha and is located just a few kilometres inside Nepal. Sightseeing tour of Lumbini and thereafter leave for Sravasti by road (225 kms / 6 hrs). On arrival transfer to hotel and overnight stay. Day l0 : Balarampur - Sahet & Mahet - Lucknow - Delhi Morning visit to Sahet & Mahet -15 kms from Balrampur and the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kosala. Sravasti has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Vihar and has the famous Anand Bodhi tree, age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here. After sightseeing leave for Lucknow by road (175 kms). Commence from Lucknow to Delhi by air or train. On arrival check-in at hotel and overnight stay. Day 11 : Day at leisure Transfer to international airport for flight to onward destination (Hotel Checkout 12:00 Hrs).

The Land of Buddha & Dharmshala Tour Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days Places Covered : Kolkata – Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Sravasti – Varanasi – Nalanda – Rajgir – Delhi – Dharamshala – Delhi Day 01: Arrive Kolkata Arrive Kolkata. Meeting & Greetings at the Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Kolkata.

Day 02: Kolkata – Patna Morning sight-seeing tour of Kolkata visiting the Victoria Memorial, Birla Planetarium, Fort William. Later transfer to Railway Station to connect Train (#12033) Jan Shatabadi Exp. departure at 14:05 hrs and arrival Patna at 22:15 hrs. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Patna.

Day 03: Patna - Vaishali – Kushinagar (253 kms / 6 hrs) Morning drive to Kushinagar en-route visit Vaishali. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 04: Kushinagar – Lumbini (160 kms / 4 hrs)

Morning sightseeing of Kushinagar visiting various stupas and Mahaparinirvana temple - which houses the recumbent figure of Lord Buddha. Later drive to Lumbini. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Lumbini. Day 05: Lumbini – Sravasti ( 150 Kms / 04 hrs drive) Morning sightseeing of Lumbini where Lord was born. Emperor , in the twenty first year first year after his coronation, visited this Birthplace and raised a pillar on the spot. Later drive to Sravasti.

Day 06: Sravasti – Varanasi (330 Kms / 6 hrs drive) Morning drive to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Varanasi. Day 07: Varanasi Early Morning boats ride on River Ganges to visit Bathing Ghats, return to hotel for breakfast. City tours of Varanasi visiting various temples and noted Banaras Hindu University. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath. It was here that the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and set in motion the wheel of law of Buddhist faith. Overnight

Day 08: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (275 kms. / 7 hrs.) Morning drive to Bodhgaya. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Bodhgaya. Day 09: Bodhgaya After breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya visiting Mahabodhi Temple - depicting the various phases of Buddha's journey towards enlightenment, showing different aspects of his life; Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum - houses a small collection of Buddhist sculpture from the 1st century B.C, to the 11th century A.D; Jagannath Temple close by has a four armed statue of in black stone. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 10: Bodhgaya-Nalanda-Rajgir –Bodhgaya-Delhi Morning excursion to Nalanda and Rajgir. Nalanda-a great center of Buddhist learning and one of the most famed university citadels of ancient times. From the out skirts of Rajgir, a historic road leads to Gridha - Kuta or vultures peak where the Buddha preached, here the first Buddhist Council was held after the Lord's Mahaparinirvana and return back to Gaya Railway Station to connect Train ( #12301) Cal Rajdhani Exp. departure at 22:39 hrs. Overnight on Board. Day 11: Delhi Arrive Delhi at 09:55 hrs. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Later sightseeing of Delhi visiting of Old Delhi visiting Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Emperor Shahjahan, , Raj Ghat- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon Sightseeing of New Delhi & Drive past the President’s House & Parliament House, Humayun’s Tomb (a memorial of the Mughals, its design is inspired by the Taj Mahal), Qutab Minar. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 12: Delhi -Dharamshala Full day free for own activities. Evening transfer to Railway Station to connect Train (#11077) Jhelum Exp. departure at 21:05 hrs. Overnight on board. Day 13: Dharamshala Arrive Dharamshala at 06:50 hrs. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Later sightseeing of Dharamshala visiting Dal Lake, Bhagsu Nath Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, and Dalai Palace etc. Overnight in Dharamshala.

Day 14: Dharamshala - Delhi Full day free for attending the religious functions inside the temple. Evening transfer to Chakki Bank Railway Station to connect Train (#12426) Jammu Rajdhani Exp. departure at 21:30 hrs. Overnight on Board.

Day 15: Delhi Arrive Delhi at 05:00 hrs. On arrival transfer to Hotel. On arrival Delhi transfer to International Airport to connect flight for onward destination.

INDIA AND NEPAL BHUDDHIST PLACES TOUR DURATION: 12 NIGHTS / 13 DAYS PLACES TO VISIT – DELHI – VARANASI – BODHGAYA – NALANDA – RAJGIR – PATNA – VAISHALI – KUSHINAGAR – LUMBINI – KATHMANDU Day 01 : Arrive Delhi Arrive Delhi. Our representative will be at the airport holding a sign-board on your name. After meeting and greeting he will escort you to hotels and will help you for check-in. Overnight in Hotel. Day 02 : Delhi Today, leave for sight-seeing tour, which includes Jama Masjid - the largest mosque of Emperor Shahjahan. Later proceed to Red Fort, Raj Ghat- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, to India Gate - a 42 meter stone arch built in the memory of the Indian Soldiers who died in World War II, Drive past the President's House & Parliament House, Humayun's Tomb (a memorial of the Mughals, its design is inspired by the Taj Mahal), the Qutab Minar & Lotus Temple. Overnight in Hotel. Day 03 : Delhi - Varanasi Transfer to Airport to connect flight IC 806 dep. 11:00 / arr. at Varanasi at 12:15 hrs. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Evening drive back to Varanasi and watch "aarti" at Ganga Ghats. Overnight in Hotel. Day 04 : Varanasi Early morning boat ride on River Ganges. After breakfast leave for full day sightseeing of the city. The places of interest are Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas and the Banaras Hindu University. Overnight in Hotel. Day 05 : Varanasi - Bodhgaya Morning proceed for Bodhgaya which is about 247 kms / 6-7 hrs drive. Bodhgaya is the place where attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. On arrival check into hotel and the rest of the day is free. Overnight in hotel. Day 06 : Bodhgaya Sightseeing of Maha Bodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree. Visit the Chinese Temple. In the afternoon visit Niranjana River and Sujata Temple. Also visit the school of the destitute. Overnight at Bodhgaya. Day 07 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna Early morning proceed to visit the historical towns of Rajgir & Nalanda (72 kms / 2 hrs). Rajgir was the lifetime of the Buddha and was the capital of the powerful Magadhan kingdom, ruled by the virtuous King Bimbisara. Nalanda was the most renowned university in ancient India. Established in the 5th century B.C. it remained a live center of learning till the 12th century A.D. Proceed to Patna after lunch (70 kms / 2 hrs). Overnight at Patna. Day 08 : Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar Morning leave Patna for Kushinagar (260 kms / 7 hrs). En-route visit Vaishali - located 60 kms from Patna and holds special significance for Buddhist devotees. Kushinagar is the place where Buddha passed into Maha-Parinirvana. Day 09 : Kushinagar: - Sravasti Morning visit Kushinagar the various stupas and temples. Kushinagar is the Place where Buddha entered perfect tranquility - the state of Mahaparinirvana. Continue to Sravasti (270 kms - approx. 07 hrs drive). O/N Sravasti Day 10 : Sravasti - Lumbini Morning visit Sahet Mahet (Capital of ancient kingdom of Kosla, Jetawana Gardens Buddhist temples etc. Afternoon drive Lumbini, which is 190 kms approx. & 05 hrs drive. On arrival transfer to hotel. Evening visit Buddhist temples for prayer. Overnight at hotel. Lumbini is the place where enlighted Gautam Buddha was born.

Day 11 : Lumbini - Kathmandu Morning visit & stupas. Transfer to airport to connect flight for Kathmandu. Afternoon tour of Katmandu City - Durbar Square complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Katmandu(Nepal). Day 12 : Katmandu Morning visit the Swoyambhunath Stupa - watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the Katmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Afternoon visit Patan City - Like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and former Royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze status and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu go Krishna, built entirely of stone Day 13 : Kathmandu - Departure Morning visit Bhaktapur. The main tourist attractions are The lion gate and TheGolden gate. Evening transfer to international airport to connect onward destination.

K) Buddhist Palaces Tours

1) 10 Nights/ 11 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

2) 10 Nights / 11 Days Ruins of Buddhism Tour

3) 10 Nights/11 Days The Land of Buddha Tour

4) 14 Nights / 15 Days The Land of Buddha & Dharmshala Tour

5) 12 Nights / 13 Days India & Nepal Buddhist Places Tour