Journey to the sites of Buddha’s life: Lumbani (his birth place), Kushinagar (his mahaparinirvana--final exit), Patna (cremation site), Bodh Gaya (his enlightenment),Sarnath (his first sermon),Vaishali (his last sermon), Rajgir & Saravasti (where he spent 25 monsoons after enlightenment).
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart home.
Day 2:
Enroute to India.
Day 3:
Arrive Delhi, transfer to The Park Hotel
Day 4:
Delhi Morning orientation & relax; afternoon sightseeing of Old Delhi & New Delhi.
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Day 5:
Delhi Balrampur via Lucknow
Early morning transfer to Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express for Lucknow. Upon arrival transfer to Balrampur. Maya Hotel
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Day 6:
Balrampur – Sharavasti – Lumbani
Morning drive down to Shravasti – Buddha spent 25 monsoons of his life here after he got enlightment. Later continue your drive to Lumbani. Hotel Hokke
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Day 7:
Lumbani – Kushinagar
Morning visit Lumbani--the birth place of Buddha. Afternoon drive to Kushinagar--where Buddha had his Mahaparinirvana (final exit). For many generations following the decline of Buddhism in India, this revered place was forgotten. Thanks to the work of dedicated archeologists, Kushinagar has been rediscovered. The great stupa marking the spot where Buddha was cremated dominates the town. Around it, the foundations of a vast complex of religious structures have been revealed. A 6.1 meter statue of the Buddha lying on his right side has been restored and temples built by Taiwanese, Burmese, Thais, and Japanese in collaboration with the Sri Lankans, reflect the grace of their unique architectural styles. Hotel Lotus Nikko
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Day 8:
Kushinagar – Patna
Morning visit the Sal tree and Rambhar Stupa – where the body of Buddha was cremated. After lunch drive to Patna. Hotel Maurya
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Day 9:
Patna – Vaishali – Patna
Full day excursion to Vaishali – the place where Buddha preached his last sermon.
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Day 10:
Patna – Rajgir
Morning city tour of Patna. Afternoon drive to Rajgir enroute visiting Nalanda – ruins of ancient Buddhist University. Hotel Centaur Hokke
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Day 11:
Rajgir
Rajgir – Buddha spent 11 monsoons of his life here after enlightment and the Buddhist Council was held here after Buddha passed away. Morning visit to Buddhist Stupa at Rajgir and ruins of Ajat Shatru’s fort.
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Day 12:
Rajgir – Bodh Gaya
Morning drive to Bodh Gaya. Upon arrival check-in the hotel. Afternoon visit Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi tree and throne-- where Buddha received enlightment. Evening meditation led by Arun. Hotel Ashoka
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Day 13:
Bodh Gaya
Independent day to meditate, visit the various temples of the other Buddhist nations.
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Day 14:
Bodh Gaya-Varanasi
Early morning drive to Varanasi. After hotel check-in, visit Sarnath –where Buddha gave his first sermon to five of his disciples after his enlightment. We shall walk the Buddha's path from Raj Ghat, passing by the Krishnamurti Foundation and School through timeless villages. Visit the outstanding museum there. At 6 pm we will join the local Buddhists for chanting at the temle; they chant the words of Buddha's last sermon. Ganges View or Temple Ganges
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Day 15:
Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the sacred river Ganga. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afternoon independent to explore this gloriously energized spiritual city.
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Day 16:
Varanasi - Agra
Afternoon transfer to the airport for flt to Agra CD 7408 1500/1650. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Taj View, (Taj facing rooms)
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Day 17:
Agra – Delhi
Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal, afterwards visit Agra Fort. Return to hotel for breakfast, then drive to Delhi. Transfer to Bristol Hotel (5 star near the airport) for lunch, relax, wash/change and dinner. Transfer to international airport for flt home.
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Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
International flts included departing frm NY, LA, SF; small add-on fee for other departure cities; land only price for European travelers. Prices subject to change.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Spiritual Odyssey
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
Cultural Journey
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