DURATION

8 Days, 7 Nights

Start City: DELHI

End City: DELHI

Type of Trip: TRAIN / ROAD / FLIGHT

BUDDHIST CIRCUIT TOUR

In the Mahaparinirvana sutra, the Buddha tells his followers that they can attain merit and a noble rebirth by going on pilgrimage to the places where he was born Lumbini, gained enlightenment Bodhgaya , first taught Sarnath, and attained Nirvana Kushinagar. India, the country where Buddhism originated has rich memories of the Buddhist legacy. As part of its drive towards austerity, the only kind of art and architecture that it supported were Stupas (stone cased moulds that commemorated relics of Buddha), Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (cells for the monks). Buddhist Train India will help you visit all these places up close for a truly religious experience.

ITINERARY

    Day 1: DELHI - LUCKNOW - SHRAVASTI

  • Early morning transfer to railway station to connect train for Lucknow. Upon arrival at Lucknow meeting and assistance followed by transfer to Shravasti. On arrival at Shravasti check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Day 2: SHRAVASTI - LUMBINI

  • After breakfast visit Sahet & Mahet. Later drive to Lumbini enroute visit to Kapilvastu, Kingdom of king Suyodhan, father of prince Siddhartha. On arrival at Lumbini check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Day 3: LUMBINI - KUSHINAGAR

  • Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to visit birth place of Lord Buddha, Ashoka pillar and Maya devi temple. Later drive to Kushinagar. On arrival at Kushinagar check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel

    Day 4: KUSHINAGAR - PATNA

  • Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to visit Rambhar stupa and Mahaparinirvana temple. Afternoon drive to Patna via Vaishali. On arrival at Patna check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Day 5: PATNA - BODHGAYA

  • Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bodhgaya. On arrival at Bodhgaya check-in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya. The Mahabodhi Temple built on the east of the sacred tree stands majestically 17 feet high on a base 5 feet square, and consists of a soaring pyramidal tower surmounted by a stupa. The Vajrasana or Diamond Throne lying between the Bodhi Tree and the temple marks the actual Spot. where Buddha sat in meditation and attained supreme knowledge. A gilded Buddha smiles upon the visitors from a niche in the wall of the temple, and his footsteps carved in stone hold flower offerings from the devout. Unbelievable peace pervades the atmosphere giving credence to legend, besides the Mahabodhi temple, we would visit several Buddhist temples built by the followers of Buddhism from all over the world. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Day 6: BODHGAYA - VARANASI

  • Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Day 7: VARANASI

  • Morning boat cruise at the river Ganges to observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. Later an excursion to Sarnath. It enjoys the extraordinary privilege of Lord Buddha delivering his first sermon after attaining enlightenment 2500 years ago. It is about 10 km from Varanasi and holds a number of Buddhist sites that include the famous Dhamekh Stupa, the seat of the holy 'Buddha'. You can also visit the ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa and Mulagandhakuti Temple, where Lord Buddha is said to have rested and meditated while in Sarnath. The Ashoka Pillar built by the emperor Ashoka is a must see in Sarnath. The Lion Capital on top of this pillar is now the National Emblem of India and stands apart for its excellent artistry and carvings. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Day 8: VARANASI - DELHI

  • Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi.