Upon arrival in Delhi you are met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present.
Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight at hotel of stay.
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid, one of Asias largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built when the Moghul Empire was at its peak.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind.
The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President`s residence, Humanyun`s tomb and Qutub Minar.
Return to the hotel after sightseeing.
Overnight at hotel of stay.
Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to airport to connect flight to Patna. On arrival into Patna drive to Bodhgaya.Upon arrival, check in to the hotel for freshen up. Here Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating under a bodhi tree. There is a serene temple here, as well as the offshoot of the tree that offered shade to Buddha. The original tree was destroyed, but a sapling of it was saved in time and planted in Sri Lanka by his daughter. A sapling of that tree was brought back to Bodh Gaya, which still stands to tell this tale.From Bodh Gaya one can visit Dungeshwari cave temples located 13 kms away. Here Buddha spent years of penance before attaining nirvana or enlightenment.
Overnight at the Hotel of stay.
Morning drive to Rajgir. On arrival check into your hotel . Later on visit sacred places. Rajgir was the capital of the Magadha kingdom and is a pilgrimage for Jains and Hindus as well. The Japanese Buddhists have built the massive Vishwashanti Stupa on the Ratnagiri Hill which can be accessed by a chairlift. The stupa has statues of Buddha at the four stages of his life birth, enlightenment, teaching and death.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel of stay.
Morning drive to Nalanda located 12kms away. Spread over 14 hectares, the Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex is set amidst expansive lawns which offset the spectacular layout and carvings of this ancient university. The monasteries and the viharas are separated by a central valley. Interesting structures to look out for include: steps leading up to perhaps a dais for professors and stupas with images of the Buddha carved in.
Return to Rajgit late in the afternoon.
Overnight at the Hotel of stay.
Morning proceed for Patna. Patna is Bihar`s capital city and can be used as a base to visit the Buddhist sites of Vaishali and Kesariya. It also rests on its ancient past as Pataliputra, the capital of the various dynasties that ruled over the region.
Afternoon take a local sightseeing tour of Patna. This would include: Golghar (built as a granary), Gandhi Museum, Patna Museum, Har Mandir Takht, Qila House or Jalan Museum with some really rare relics like Napolean`s bed and Marie Antoinettes porcelain; and the ruins of Pataliputra.
Overnight at the Hotel of stay.
Early morning, depart for Vaishali. This is where Buddha preached his last sermon. The ruins of the Kolhua complex enclose the 2300 year old Ashoka pillar. A Japanese Peace Pagoda has also been built here. After lunch, proceed to Kesariya, 70 km. Kesariya marks the site where Buddha gave away his begging bowl before his death. A massive Buddhist stupa built during the rule of the Pala kings is being excavated here. Return to Patna. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at the Hotel of stay.
Morning, depart for Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha breathed his last,
leaving a message for all mankind to find their salvation. Several monuments built by devotees from across the world can be found here.The Ramabhar Stupa, or the Mukutbandhan Stupa is the site of the cremation of Buddha.
After the visit continue to Gorakhpur for a night`s stay.
Overnight at the Hotel of stay.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, leave for Varanasi. Arrive and proceed to the hotel
After freshening up continue to Sarnath 11 kms away.
At Sarnath, Buddha gave his first sermon to a small band of followers after attaining nirvana. Sarnath is one of the four main sites of the Buddhist religion, the others being Bodhgaya, Kushinagar and Lumbini in Nepal. Return to Varanasi.
Overnight at the Hotel of stay.
Morning take a tour of the holy city. The River Ganga is the lifeline of the city, and all spiritual and religious activities are performed along its banks. Take a cruise along the river between the Dasaswamedha Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat and visit the temples.
Your Buddhist Pilgrimage tour comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport to connect the flight for your onward journey . Tour ends with Happy Memories !!!
Lydia and I had a wonderful time in India, thanks to all the arrangements made by you and MYSHA. The trip accomplished everything that we wanted to see in this short time. We were very impressed by your team's professional, courtesy and timeliness. Your staff was there at every level and every occasion from the time we arrived in Delhi to the time we left India. They were there at every hotel and venue to ensure that everything was properly taken care of. Any issue we encountered was promptly handled and resolved. Your staff was always available on the phone and you giving us a local phone was excellent and made us very comfortable.
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