Special Buddhist Tour is a journey of life trailing across the special heritage sites of India closely connected with Buddhism and its roots. From Delhi, the special itinerary takes tourists through the first Buddhist site, Sravasti. The next halt is in Lumbini, the gardens where Queen Mayadevi delivered baby Siddhartha, the future Lord Buddha. Towards the middle, the tour reaches Kushinagar, the site of his Mahaparinirvana. Later special attractions of this tour include Bodhgaya and Sarnath near Varanasi. | |
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Day 01 : Arrive Delhi (D)
Arrive Delhi via a scheduled International flight and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
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Day 02 : Delhi - Lucknow - Sravasti (B/L/D)
After breakfast, begin transfer to railway station to board Shatabdi Express for Lucknow. On arrival in Lucknow, begin a drive to Sravasti. Begin sightseeing of Sravasti, which has the honour of sheltering Lord for 24 rainy retreats. Also visit Sahet Mahet ruins, Angulimala Stupa, Cave and other monasteries in Sravasti. Overnight in Sravasti. |
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Day 03 : Sravasti - Lumbini - Kushinagar (B/L/D)
After breakfast, leave Sravasti for Kushinagar, the site of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana. Enroute visit Lumbini, the sacred garden which witnessed the birth of Buddha 2,500 years ago. Visit Maya Devi Temple, dedicated to Queen Maya, mother of Siddhartha Gautama. There is a sacred site symbolizing a pond where she took bath before delivering Buddha. Later drive and arrive in Kushinagar. Overnight in Kushinagar. |
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Day 04 : Kushinagar - Vaishali - Patna (B/L/D)
Kushinagar is the site that the Buddha chose for his Mahaparinirvana, or final exit from this earth. Visit the Rambhar Stupa marking the Buddha's cremation ground. Drive to Patna. Enroute visit Vaishali. Patna, the ancient Indian town of Pataliputra was thriving township during the Lord Buddha’s lifetime. Overnight stay.
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Day 05 : Patna - Rajgir - Nalanda-Bodhgaya (B/L/D)
After breakfast, drive to Rajgir and enroute visit Nalanda, the ancient Buddhist university belonging to 5th century. After visiting Nalanda, drive to Rajgir, dotted with Buddhist attractions and richly steeped Buddhist culture. The ancient capital of the powerful Magadh Kingdom under Bimbisara and Ajatshatru; Rajgir is known for prime Buddhist attractions including Griddhakuta or Vulture’s Peak, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Venuvana Vihara, the monastery built by King Bimbisara for Lord Buddha. Later drive and arrive Bodhgaya during Special Buddhist Tour. Overnight in Bodhgaya. |
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Day 06 : Bodhgaya - Varanasi (B/L/D)
Visit Mahabodhi Temple built by Ashoka the Great in 3rd Century BC. Entire Bodhgaya is dotted with numerous Buddhist attractions including Animesh Lochan Chaitya, the landmark Buddha statue, Chankramana, Muchalinda Lake, Bodhi Tree, Sujata Village, Niranjana River. Proceed for Varanasi. Overnight in Varanasi.
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Day 07 : Varanasi - Agra (B/L/D)
Early morning boat ride at holy river "The Ganges" to see spiritual sunrise in this city of lights and rituals. Proceed for a day tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Also visit the Banaras Hindu University considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the principle centre of Buddhism. It was here around 530 B.C that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. As per schedule, transfer to Varanasi railway station to connect train for Agra overnight on board.
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Day 08 : Agra - Delhi Depart (B/L/D)
Early morning arrive at railway station. Taj Mahal is the modern day architectural wonder of the world and a fine example of blending many architectural styles. Begin exploring Taj with the Agra city tour. Later visit Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Yamuna. Then drive to Delhi. In time, transfer to International Airport to connect flight back home and sum up Special Buddhist Tour. |
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