As soon as you reach Delhi, our company representative will have you received at the airport and drive you to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Post your breakfast you are all set to board the Varanasi flight in morning. Once you reach Varanasi you walk in to your hotel. Later in the day you start exploring Sarnath, which is a reputed center for Buddhism. Back in 530 B.C. in Sarnath, Gautama Buddha gave his first lecture after he attained enlightenment. Towards the evening you can roam around the nearby marketplace and also witness the traditional Indian Puja. You can further experience a peaceful boat ride on the sacred Ganges and return to your hotel to stay overnight.
Your day starts with a serene boat ride on the Ganges followed by a visit to the popular Bharat Mata Temple and Banaras Hindu University. You return to your hotel for completing breakfast and start for Bodh Gaya, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site. Here Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment under a famous Bodhi Tree. Start by exploring Mahabodhi Temple constructed by Ashoka in 3rd century B.C. Walk over to Sujata House, a well-known temple constructed in honour of a tribal woman from Uruvela, who fed Buddha when he was starving. Situated close by is a shrine and purlieu that induces an element of divinity and piousness. Niranjana River close by is another popular tourist attraction. Post sightseeing you return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
You will be covering a distance of 200 kms in about 6 hour’s time. Post your breakfast you are all set to reach Rajgir and visit Nalanda University, the oldest university round the globe on your way. Founded in 5th century B.C this university is a principal spot for Buddhism. Nearby are located some beautiful temples and quaint monasteries famous for its Hindu and Buddhist images. Hop over to the esteemed Institute for research in Buddhism and Pali literature, that has safely preserved rare manuscripts and see it. After Nalanda you head towards Rajgir, which during Gautama Buddha’s lifetime was known as a capital city of grand Magadh kingdom, with King Bimbisara being the then ruler. Here you can travel aroundVishwa Shanti Stupa made of marble and having few finest Buddha images constructed back in past by Japan’s Nipponza Myohoji sect. From here you are taken to Griddhakuta, an uncommon rock flange which has the shape of a vulture’s beak. Probably that’s how its name is derived. Within these rocky cave structures Buddha used to preach and meditate for several rainy seasons. You will be guided toVenuvanaVihar monastery established by King Bimbisara, so that Buddha can reside there as his first offering to Buddha. Spend few moments at Jivakameavan Gardens, a center of eminent physicians. Jivaka, a prominent physician who practiced under the rule of Bimbisara and Ajatshatru, cured Buddha once when he was brought here. From here you head towards Patna and check-in to your hotel for overnight stay.
This trip duration is for 7 hours where you cover a distance of 235 kms. As you complete breakfast you leave for Kushinagar and visit Vaishali on your way. Going by history, Gautama Buddha frequented Vaishali during his lifetime. Furthermore, at Kolhua located nearby he delivered his last lecture. Venerating this occasion, in 3rd century B.C King Asoka had created his famed lion pillars. Close to hundred years post Gautama Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana, in Vaishali was conducted a second prominent Buddhist Council where two stupas were build celebrating this episode. You return to your hotel to stay the night.
Your total distance covered here is 180 kms. It’s a 6 hours journey, where you reach Kushinagar, a site well-known for Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana i.e. Buddha’s final departure from this planet. The place boasts of striking temples and monasteries that you can stop by and see. Also stopover at RambharStupa, Lord Buddha’s cremation spot, where Mahakashyapa at Mukutabandha Vihara had lit the holy funeral pyre. Over time this site has been reduced to a big brick mound that is about 15 meters high and encompasses a quaint park within. Make it a point to visitMahaparinirvana Temple and then make a move for Lumbini and stay overnight at the hotel.
Within 7 hours you will reach Sravasti from Lumbini by covering a distance of 225 kms. Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini. A prominent site to visit here is Maya Devi Temple, created in the name of Maya Devi, Buddha’s mother in 2nd century B.C. Located in the vicinity of this famed temple is a pond which too is famous as it is said that Maya Devi took her bath here. Presently, the reputed Japanese Buddhist Federations have been working to reconstruct this temple in a new way. Another popular attraction here is the Ashoka Pillar, established in 259 B.C by King Ashok, who happened to be a devout disciple of Lord Buddha. It is said during the construction of this esteemed pillar, the King set villagers free from submitting taxes. He further donated hundred golden coins amidst them. Unfortunately, this pillar underwent an attack of a lightning in 7th century B.C and was broken in two parts. Surprisingly, this sacred site got lost as it was covered by a dense forest. Finally, it could be discovered back again in 1895 and all the necessary works has been done. The place was cleared of clutter, pillars were re-established and the sacred pool too rearranged. Here you finish your lunch and move to Lumbini. You sign in your hotel to spend the night.
You complete this journey within 4 hours by covering a distance of 140 kms. Post your breakfast you start your sightseeing in Sravasti. Make sure you land up in Sahet and Mahet, once the capital of Kosala Kingdom and also an eminent Buddhist center. Move over to popular JetvanaVihar where Gautama Buddha stayed for about 24 rainy seasons and which also houses the famed Anand Bodhi Tree along with magnificent monasteries, ancient stupas and quaint temples. Complete lunch and then head towards Lucknow, walk in to your hotel and stay overnight.
This journey is a 10 hours drive approximately. As you complete your breakfast you take the drive to Agra and visit Sankasia on the way. You spend the night at the hotel.
It’s a distance of 205 kms to be completed in 5 hours time. Post your breakfast spend time at the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal. Later on drive down to New Delhi and experience local shopping. Post this you will be transferred to the International Airport so that you can take the flight for your onward destination.
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Our trip to South India was fabulous. The beautiful temples and serene beaches were enchanting. We will never be able to forget such a warm welcome from your company. You took care of our every requirement. The hotels were perfect, staff was friendly, guide, vehicles were the best. You did a wonderful job for us.
Thank you and for assistance of all your representatives, it was a great tour. Special thanks for our driver, he was excellent. Surly I will recommend your services to others when they interested to make tour in India, and I am quite sure that it was not our last visit in your country.
I want to thank the company "Minar travel" for the great organized tour of the Golden Triangle! All hotels on the tour were great, transportation is very convenient and comfortable! The organization of the tour was at the highest level, starting with a meeting at the airport and checking into the hotel and ending with the landing on the flight to Goa at the end of the tour. All tours were very informative and interesting. We do not have to be bored and time flew by! India remained in the memories of a bright and wonderful country! Many thanks for the great time! I look forward to continued cooperation in the future.
We had a very nice trip and we enjoyed of what the company arranged for us. The sightseeining of city and shopping all Minar guiders were kind and warm & sympathies like most Indian people that are met during last week. The driver that took us to Agra and Delhi also had Very patience. We are thankful of every thing. We were going to miss India and hope to come back again. We also invite you to come to Iran and we do also our best for enjoyment.
We had a wonderful time here in India, with your perfect coordination, choice of hotels, meals at restaurants and transport. The guides were knowledgeable. Everything was just perfect!
We are grateful for this wonderful trip! Though I travelled a lot, it's my first trip to India, and we enjoyed it very much :) Exceed expectations!
Your country is very special, and most of all we appreciated your ancient culture and were deeply touched by kindness and hospitality of Indian people. Special thanks to your representative Mr. Jagdeep Singh, who helped us so much and took special care of my mother ... We were really lucky to be accompained by excellent driver and guide - Mr Soni Ajay. He made our trip unforgettable. Also many many thanks to our guide. He is very professional and knows a lot! His language is very good and considers his job very seriously :). Thank you very much ! We will recommend your esteemed company to our friends and hope to come again...Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of a group of 14 pax we express you gratitude for perfectly organizing trip from 13/02 to 27/02 to Golden Triangle + Nanu Beach Resort, Goa, for your personalized attention and excellent professionalism of all employees of Minar Travels. The tourists express special gratitude to the accompanying guide. The tour leader have expressed desire to arrive next year with the group once again through Minar. Thank you.Minar is the best! We travelled from Moscow to Delhi in a group of five and travelled to Delhi, Agra & Jaipur from 06.03.2011 on 10.03.2011. We are Very grateful for these excursions to Agra and Jaipur with guide Deepak Sharma. We are thankful to him for a good and friendly attitude towards tourists. Minar is a truly professional organization. We are happy to travel with your firm. With gratitude, Tutachkova L, Rakhmatullina R, Hasyanova R, Lee, T
Dear Minar People,
I Wanted To Let You Know How Much Fun My Family And I Had At Your Country,You Were A Fabulous Hostess.Your Welcoming For Us In Both Your Beautiful Place Of Mumbai & Goa Were Awesome Also You Made Us Feel So Welcome.It Was Worthy For Us That You Answer All Of My Question Honestly And Made Us Comfortable
Hi, Just a quick note to share our appreciation for the outstanding support, that we receive from all MINAR staff, during our stay in India.From the arrival till departure hour, we were fully supported and attended, with a great level of service.Keep on the good work and have a great 2012.
I extend to you our most profound appreciation for making our trip to India a remembrance one, we wish particularly to thank team of Delhi office for the accommodation, and our wishes also and appreciation to your representatives in New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra for receiving us graciously and making our stay enjoying.
Last but not least, I wish to express heart-full thanks to the driver you organized for us; Who has been accompanying us throughout the trip; his profession and great humour made a lasting impressing on my wife and myself.
Thank you for organizing our tour to India. My husband liked it very much and we thank you for such an interesting program. At all cities we got the best Russian-speaking guides. On this tour, starting from: New Delhi, Jaipur, Fatehpur, Khajuraho and Varanasi , everything was included. With the Indian company Minar, you can send people who absolutely do not speak English, meeting and subsequent transfer of us walked out of "hands", the tour was organized in excellent way. All the meetings, wires, landing on the train and tour all went right on schedule. Everything was clear and understandable to us. Thanks for a good trip, look forward to working with you.
I want to thank you for arranging our norooz tour on the behalf of all group. We had a very good start at the airport, our hotel on Cochin was very good and had beautiful garden & nice pool. We enjoyed the city tour & water fall and loved folk dance. Our driver and his aid & our tour leader were very helpful & nice people. I believe Zuri hotel is the best hotel that we visited in this trip and also house boat tour was really good. Leela hotel was realy the high end hotel in kerala with nice view and pool and the room also was excellent with arabian see view . We all realy enjoy our visit elephant camp& jungle. Again we end our trip to india with great memories!
All at Minar Travels India,
I was booked on a travel itinerary from Delhi-Kullu-Manali-Shimla-
My family and myself enjoyed the exceptional service provided by the Minar Travels team on each and every stop along the way. I now do understand why Minar Travels is considered to be the best in it's class.
Special thanks to Sunder (Delhi), Satish (Goa), Ali (Goa) and Aquef (Goa) for rendering assistance when required.
Once again, thanks for making our holiday a pleasant one.