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Buddhist Influence offered by supplier M17019 (read about supplier) Key Information: Tour Duration: 20 day(s) Group Size: 2 - 18 people Destination(s): India   Specialty Categories: Pilgrimage/Spirituality   Cultural Journey   Season: January - December Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: Yes Minimum Per Person Price: 2000 US Dollar (USD) Maximum Per Person Price: 4000 US Dollar (USD)

Indian sculptures flourished in the 3rd century BC under the Buddhist religion, especially under the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who had embraced the religion. Around 85,000 stupas or dome-shaped monuments, with the teachings of Buddhism engraved on rocks and pillars, were constructed. The famous Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath in Madhya Pradesh, attracts scores of visitors around the year. The sacred wheel of law or the dharmachakra is symbolic of the first sermon that Buddha delivered at Sarnath. The lion depicted in the same has been adopted as part of the national emblem of India.

Though, Buddhism deplored idol worship, this was an inevitable change as the popularity of Buddhism spread far and wide. To emphasize his divinity, this human form was depicted with features like a halo around the head, the dharmachakra engraved upon his palms and soles of his feet, and the lion throne representing his royal ancestry.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata.

Day 2: Fly to Bagdogra. Upon arrival drive to Kalimpong enroute visiting Salugara Monastery. Overnight at Kalimpong.

Day 3: Visit of Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery during prayer time and enjoy beautiful sunrise from Durpin Dara. Visit of Dharmadaya Vihar, Tharpa Choling Monastery and the Thongsa Gumpha. Overnight at Kalimpong.

Day 4: Drive to Gangtok. City tour of Gangtok and Enchay Monastery. Overnight at Gangtok.

Day 5: Visit of Phodong Monastery, Labrong Monastery. After lunch visit the famous Rumtek Monastery. Overnight at Gangtok.

Day 6: Drive to Pelling, en route visit the Rolang Monastery. Overnight at Pelling.

Day 7: Visit of Pemyangstse Monastery and Tashiding Monastery. Afternoon visit of Khacheodparli Lake. Overnight at Pelling.

Day 8: Drive to Siliguri. Overnight at Siliguri.

Day 9: Board the flight to Kolkata. Board the Overnight train to Bhubaneshwar.

Day 10: Meeting and assistance on arrival at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Later excursion to Dhauli Giri Peace pagoda. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Excursion to Ratnagiri, Lalit giri and Udaigiri excavated site and Langudi Hill area. Overnight at Bhubaneshwar.

Day 12: Excursion to Konark and Puri en route visiting the Buddhist excavated site at Kuruma. Overnight at Bhubaneshwar.

Day 13: Board the train to Varanasi.

Day 14: Excursion to Sarnatha and city tour of Varanasi. Overnight at Varanasi.

Day 15: Drive to Bodhgaya. Overnight at Bodhgaya.

Day 16: Full day sight seeing of Bodhgaya area visiting Mahabodhi Temple/Tree under which Prince Sidharth meditated and finally obtained Nirvana the enlightenment, Tibetan monastery and all other Buddhist temples around Bodhgaya. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: After early breakfast depart for Patna and en route visit Nalanda. Nalanda is a site of a Buddhist University of great repute. Visit the ruins of University and the museum. Then proceed to Rajgir and visit Vulture’s Peak where Lord Buddha has delivered many of His Sermons. Then visit Japanese Peace Pagoda by an aerial Ropeway. Check in Hotel at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18: Excursion to Vaishali where Lord Buddha has delivered His last sermon. Visit a huge Pilar erected by Emperor Ashok to commemorate the spot of the last Sermon. Vaishali is also known for Amrapali - a beautiful dancer who offered Buddha a mango orchard and later became Nun. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19: Fly to Kolkata. Overnight at Kolkata.

Day 20: Depart Kolkata for international connection.

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Price Includes:
- Accommodation as per your budget/requirement as per above given range
- Service of the vehicles as per the entire program
- Service of the knowledgeable, experience and Government of India Tourism approved licensed guide
- Entrance fees to the Monuments
- Toll, tax, parking and all travel related taxes for the tour.

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Also see tour packages in:
Asia   India   Spiritual Odyssey   Pilgrimage/Spirituality   Cultural Journey  

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