Our Recommendation : Pilgrimage
Itinerary
Arrive Delhi by flight. Welcome to India- a country where hospitality is a way of life; to a culture steeped in tradition, a land where history lives in music and dance. You will be received at the airport in a traditional manner with garlands and proceed to your hotel.
Morning after a relaxed breakfast we will take you to a tour of Delhi. Pulsing with energy and colour, Old Delhi is laced by a maze of narrow lanes, which twist and turn between the tall, leaning buildings. You will witness the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars where you will experience the full sights, sounds and aromas indicative of the Indian sub continent. In Old Delhi you will visit the famous Red Fort (closed on Monday) surrounded by shops and bazaars, the Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and Chandni Chowk. In Old Delhi you will also have an opportunity to experience a rickshaw ride. As a complete contrast, New Delhi stands in formal splendor.Visit India Gate,Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.
In time transfer to Delhi airport to board flight for Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi and transfer to hotel. Later enjoy the pleasure trip to Sarnath few kilometres from Varanasi. Sarnath, about 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi, is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. The celebrated Mantra, ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachhami’, owes its origin to Sarnath. Return to Varanasi and Evening we will head towards the Dasaswamedh Ghat (One of the banks of Ganges River.close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple) to witness Ganga Aarti (Evening Prayer). Take a stroll through the Local Market which is very colorful during the evening with lights.
Early morning enjoy an inspiring and beautiful Sunrise boat ride along the river’s edge to view the temples and the ancient rituals of the thousands of pilgrims who worship here daily. After the boat ride come back to hotel for breakfast. Post breakfast proceed for city tour of Varanasi. Starts from the visit of Durga temple called as the Sankat Mochan temple and the Bharat Mata temple. The Benaras Hindu University, one the most presumed educational institutions in India. Also visit weaver colony to during the sightseeing to see how silk is process made into clothes.
Morning after breakfast drive to Bodhgaya (Approx.250 Kms/ 5 hrs drive). Arrive Bodhgaya and check in at hotel. Afternoon visit to Mahabodhi temple.
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing visiting Mahabodhi Temple. Free for religious activities. Afternoon sightseeing of Niranjana River, Sujata Village and Monasteries.
Morning proceed to Rajgir.Rajgir is a place of great significance for Buddhists and Janis. Lord Buddha spent 12 years at Rajgir and the first Buddhist council was held here. From Rajgir you will be driven to Nalanda (20 km.). Nalanda was a great center of learning in ancient time. Nalanda was one of the greatest monastic university of the ancient world.Later drive to Vaishali.
Morning sightseeing of Vaishali and then proceed to Kushinagar ( Approx. 235 Kms/ 4 ½ hrs drive) Kushinagar is the place where Buddha had passed into Pari-nirvana and therefore is a prominent Buddhist site.
Early morning proceed to Lumbini ( Approx. 165 Kms/ 3 hrs drive) .The birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Lumbini lies in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. There after drive to Sravasti ( Approx. 180 Kms/ 4 hrs drive).
Leave for Lucknow ( Approx. 175 Kms / 4 hrs drive) railway station to board train to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and then drive to Delhi airport to board flight back home.