Buddhist Trail
Trip Name: Buddhist Trail
Duration: 08 days
Destinations Covered: Delhi- Patna- Rajgir- Bodhgaya- Vanarasi- Sarnath- Kushinagar- Gorakhpur- Balrampur- Lucknow- Delhi
Itinerary
Day 01: Delhi/Patna
Depart Delhi by morning flight to 2500-year-old ancient city of Patna. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon excursion to Vaishali (1 hour) the place where the Buddha preached his last sermon, announcing his approaching Nirvana. Visit the stupa, holding urns containing ashes of the Buddha and the Ashoka pillar, which were erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to mark the place sanctified by the Buddha. Vaishali is also famous for Madhubani paintings on the walls of village houses. Overnight Patna.
Day 02: Patna/Rajgir
Morning drive to Rajgir (2 hrs) capital of the 6th century Magadha empire. It was the revered site of the Buddha's religious discourses. The Buddha spent many years here, tending the regions hills and wilderness deal for contemplation. Visit the Gridhrakuta, Saptaparni Cave, Ajatasatru fort and Venuvana. After noon, visit to Nalanda, the worlds oldest university founded in the 5th century. Visit the monasteries and temples with impressive Buddhist and Hindu images, also visit Institute for Research into Buddhism and Pali literature which houses rare manuscripts. Also visit archeological museum. Overnight Rajgir.
Day 03: Rajgir/Bodhgaya
Early morning drive to Bodhgaya enroute visit Borobar coves (4 hrs walk) earliest examples of rock cut sanctuaries. Mast impressive craftsmanship of carving and inscriptions can be seen. The caves are also the inspiration of the setting of E.M.Foresters "A Passage to India". Arrive Bodhgaya in The evening. Check into hotel. Overnight Bodhgaya.
Day 04: Bodhgaya
Is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centers, for, it was here that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment to become the Buddha. Visit the Stahabodhi temple, Japanese and Tibetan monasteries, Magadha University and museum. Overnight Bodhgaya.
Day 05: Bodhgaya/Varanasi
Early morning depart for Varanasi (optional by train from Gaya). Arrive by lunch. Check into hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing visiting ghats and temples. Evening boat cruise on the Ganges. Overnight Varanasi.
Day 06: Varanasi/Sarnath/Kushinagar/Gorakhpur
Morning, excursion to Sarnath (10km). The principal center of Buddhism. It was here around 530 BC that Buddha preached his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamekh and the Dharmorajika stupas and the Buddhist shrines. Afternoon, drive to Kushinagar, the place where the Buddha passed into parinirvan or Visit stupas and monasteries. Overnight Gorakhpur.
Day 07: Gorakhpur/Balrampur
Visit Sravasti & Buddhist shrines Overnight Balrampur.
Day 08: Balrampur/Lucknow/Delhi
Drive to Lucknow (150 kms) to board for flight to Delhi.
Cost Includes & Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis with daily buffet breakfast.
- Transportation by Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Sightseeing as per package details.
- Entrances Fees at Monuments (Except in the museum visit and camera fee)
- Service of Local English Speaking Guide
- All Applicable Taxes including 4.08 % Service Tax
Cost Excludes
- Meals at hotels except those listed in above inclusions.
- Entrance fees to the museums and camera fee.
- Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc.
- Inland / International flights any
- All other than those listed in above inclusions
- Price excludes any supplement for Christmas & New Year Eve
Note: Hotels are subject to availability, please note that due to peak season starting from Oct onwards, most of hotels in 4- 5category are already fully booked for many dates starting from october, Once you finalise the booking, we shall start booking the hotels. It may be possible that we may have to go for a higher / lower category of hotels/ rooms in any place & we shall advice you of any supplement / reduction in the price.
