Buddhist Trail Tour is a peaceful discovery of incredible experiences in the land of Buddha. From the epicenter of Buddhism, the journey moves towards Rajgir, the ancient Magadha capital Rajagriha where Lord Buddha gave many discourses. In the middle of this itinerary, the Buddhist trail reaches Sarnath near Varanasi, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon of Middle Path to his first five followers. Thereon, the tour moves towards Kushinagar, the site of his final parinirvana. The journey brings the rapturous bliss for a tourist or pilgrim who visits the contrasting site of the lord's birth in Lumbini. The last destination in the Buddhist trail is Sravasti or Savatthi, where Lord Buddha spent his 24 monsoon retreats and gave many enlightening discourses. The Buddhist trail tour ends in another iconic city of India, Agra where the luminous beauty of Taj Mahal rests in peace. | |
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Day 01 : Arrive Gaya (L/D)
Arrive Gaya, the spiritual gateway to Bodhgaya, one of the prominent Buddhist pilgrimage centres in India. Reach Bodhgaya via surface. Here only, Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the serene shade of the "Bodhi Tree." Continue visiting Mahabodhi Temple built by Ashoka the Great in 3rd Century BC. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
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Day 02 : Bodhgaya-Rajgir-Bodhgaya (B/L/D)
After breakfast, continue Buddhist Trail Tour with a full day excursion to Rajgir, the capital of 6th century Magadha Empire. Visit Gridhakuta - Vulture Peak, Saptaparni Caves, Ajatshatru Fort, Bimbisara Jail and Venuvana Vihara. Continue day's excursion to Nalanda, the world's oldest university founded in the 5th century. Return back to Bodhgaya. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya. |
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Day 03 : Bodhgaya (B/L/D)
Day 3 is dedicated to explore Bodhgaya, the Buddhist city in full swing. Visit Sujata Temple, 2km west of Bodhgaya, near the Phalgu River, dedicated to an Uruvela tribeswoman who offered rice and milk to the starving Siddhartha during the peak of his meditation. Also visit Niranjana River, the stream that played an important role in the life of Prince Siddhartha. He crossed this river to reach the Bodhi Tree. According to the legends it is said that the prince threw his begging bowl upstream in this river. He made a solemn declaration that if he is going to find the answers and become awakened Buddha; the bowl would float upstream and join those of the previous Buddhas. The bowl floated upstream as he desired. Gaya and Bodhgaya are the most famous and important locations on the banks of the Niranjana River.
Overnight in Bodhgaya. | | |
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Day 04 : Bodhgaya-Varanasi (B/L/D)
Early morning post breakfast, check out Bodhgaya and proceed for Varanasi, the oldest continuing city of lights and learning. In afternoon, visit Sarnath, the principle centre where Buddhism was established with the first sermon and turning the wheel of law by Lord Buddha himself after enlightenment.
Overnight in Varanasi. | |
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Day 05 : Varanasi-Kushinagar (B/L/D)
Early morning continue exploring the richness of Varanasi with a boat ride on river Ganges to see the beautiful sunrise and spot on the rituals along side River Ganges. Drive to Kushinagar, the site of Lord's Mahaparinirvana. Upon arrival, begin the sightseeing of Kushinagar. Visit Ramabhar Stupa which commemorates the spot where the body of the Lord was cremated. Also, visit Mahaparinirvana Temple which is enshrining large recumbent figure of Lord Buddha in the state of Nirvana.
Overnight stay in Kushinagar. | | |
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Day 06 : Kushinagar-Lumbini (B/L/D)
After breakfast, proceed towards Lumbini, the site of Lord Buddha's birth. Here the Buddhist sites are stringed together in the form of Maya Devi Temple, Pushkarini Pond and Ashokan Pillar, besides the presence of many Buddhist monasteries established by different Buddhist countries.
Overnight in Lumbini
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Day 07 : Lumbini-Sravasti-Gonda-Agra (B/L/D)
Proceed for Sravasti, the site of Buddha's monastic rain shelters. Upon arrival, begin the sightseeing of Sravasti. This ancient capital of the Kosala Kingdom was an active centre for Buddhism. Visit Sahet Mahet. Jetvana Vihar in its glory had the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons and is known by numerous stupas including the famous Anand Bodhi tree, Angulimala stupa, majestic monasteries and several temples. Lord Buddha is known to have performed some miracles here. Later proceed for Gonda Station to board the connecting train for Agra
Overnight on Board.
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Day 08 : Arrive- Agra (B/L/D)
On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Visit Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world and an epitome of Mughal majesty. Then tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort.
Overnight stay in Agra. |
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Day 09 : Agra - Delhi Depart (B/L/D)
In morning, proceed for Delhi. On arrival, begin the sightseeing of Delhi via visiting India Gate, President House and Temples, etc. After dinner, transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward destination.
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