Footsteps of Buddha 09 Nights 10 Days

• Tour Name: Footsteps of Buddha Option 03
• Itinerary :Bodh Gaya, Patna, Delhi, Rajgir, Varanasi, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sravasti, Vaishali, Lucknow, Agra and Sankasia
• Duration: 09 Nights/10 Days
• Highlights of Tour:
  • Sightseeing famous Buddhist centers like Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sarnath and Bodh Gaya
  • The ancient Nalanda University, the oldest university in the world

Day 1 – Reach Delhi

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.

Day 2 – Travel by air from Delhi to Varanasi

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.

Day 3 – Cover a distance of 250 kms from Varanasi to Bodh Gaya in 6 hours

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 3^rd 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.

Day 4 – Depart from Bodh Gaya and head to Patna and Rajgir

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 5^th 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.

Day 5 – Travel from Patna and move to Kushinagar and Vaishali

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 3^rd 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.

Day 6 – Leave Kushinagar and make a move to Lumbini

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.

Day 7 –Depart from Lumbini and drive to Sravasti

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 2^nd 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 7^th 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.

Day 8 – Start from Sravasti and head to Lucknow

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.

Day 9 – Depart from Lucknow and make a move towards Sankasia and Agra

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.

Day 10 – Move from Agra to Delhi for your departure

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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