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| PACKAGE OVERVIEW |
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| India is a fortunate land where Gautam Buddha spent his life gaining spiritual enlightenment. The Gangetic plains of Bihar and East Uttar Pradesh are dotted with several places that have stood testimony to many turnarounds in Buddha's life, which made him the creator of one of the most tolerant religions in this world. This tour is a spiritual journey through important Buddhism relevant historic sites with a combination of spiritual learning and meditation. While experiencing the Buddha circuit, the internal soul realizes that the Lord Buddha has called himself or God's own call is there to understand his nirvana. |
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| HIGHLIGHTS |
Region: North India & North- East India
Themes: Heritage, Religious & Culture
Attraction: UNESCO Heritage Sights
Attractions of this program:
 Rich in heritage since Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort in Delhi, Sarnath in Varanasi, Nalanda University Ruins all are heritage sites.- Rich in culture present in the form of Mughal, Buddhism and Hindu.
- Covering major pilgrimage centers related with Lord Buddha or Buddhism.
- Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
- Paradise for shoppers since diversified shopping options is available at New Delhi and Varanasi.
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| ITINERARY |
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DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI BY AIR
Late evening: On arrival at the DELHI Indira Gandhi International Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, as we exit the arrival terminal building, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to the hotel.
Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. In time the city conceals within its bosom annals of civilization\ that flourished for more than three thousand years. Since those early days many dynasties and rulers flourished on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of the character of the ruler. Today, the city is a curious blend of the modern and traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues perpetuate the Mughal passion of landscaping and architectural excellence. More important, however, Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India, an unceasing range of activity, a million ways of saying 'You are Welcome to our Beautiful Country "India"'.
We spend two nights at Crown Plaza, Okhla or similar, on bed-and-breakfast basis.
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DAY 2: IN DELHI
Morning: We will undertake a sightseeing tour of New Delhi.
We will first visit the Qutub Minar complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, laid the foundation of the Qutub Minar in AD 1199 to celebrate the defeat of the Rajput kings. He built the Qutub Minar and Qutub Jami Mosque by destroying 27 Hindu and Jain temples. The Minar is about 230 ft. high with a spiral staircase that has 379 steps. Qutub-ud-Din died in 1210 without completing the minaret. Later Islamic rulers completed, renovated and repaired it.
Later, proceed to the Humayun's Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), built in the 16th century as a memorial to the Mughal Emperor Humayun. The mausoleum was built from 1562-1572 AD with the help of Persian architects, who were brought in from Herat (Afghanistan). It is set in the middle of a geometrically arranged garden. In Islam, there is a concept that paradise or 'jannat' is a place set somewhere in the middle of the garden with water flowing through them: it is called the Char Bagh as the entire garden is divided into four parts. In Persian, "Char" means 'four' and "bagh" means 'garden'.
Thereafter, drive through the new imperial capital designed by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens and his assistant, Herbert Baker. A majestic, tree-lined and broad avenue was placed in the center of the new capital. At its eastern end a royal and raised pedestal with an Imperial Canopy covering the statue of King Emperor George V was installed. At the western end was the impressive Viceroy's mansion that now serves as the official residence of the President of India. To the east of the Viceroy's mansion were the south block (now Prime Minister's office) and north block (now Home Minister's office) of the central secretariat on either side of this avenue that was originally called the Kingsway. Its name was changed to Raj Path after independence of India. The circular building of the council chamber was built in the northeast of the central secretariat. It serves as the Parliament of India now. When the construction of New Delhi started, the memories of the First World War were still lingering. On February 10, 1921, the Duke of Connaught, laid the foundation of a war memorial. Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this memorial in the form of a triumphal, 160.8 feet high, arched Gateway at a short distance from the Imperial canopy with the statue of George V. It was designed to commemorate the 13,516 Indian and British soldiers of Imperial India who died in the First World War. The area around the India Gate was called Princes Park. Some of India's most important Maharajas of the states like Jaipur, Bikaner, Patiala, Baroda and Hyderabad built imposing mansions in this area. The Hyderabad House built by Luytens for the Nizam of Hyderabad is the most imposing of all these former royal residences.
We will lunch to taken by yourself at a city restaurant en route.
Late afternoon: Continue with sightseeing tour of Old Delhi - Shahjahanabad.
We will first visit the Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, commonly known as Jama Masjid, which is the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in the year 1656 AD, it is one of the largest and best-known mosques in India. Masjid-i-Jahan Numa means "the mosque commanding a view of the world", and the name Jama Masjid is a reference to the weekly congregation observed on Friday (the yaum al-jum`a) at the mosque. The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque also houses several relics in a closet in the north gate, including a copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin. We will view the majestic Red Fort from the mosque. The Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's new capital, Shahjahanabad, the 7th Muslim city in the Delhi site. The Red Fort stands at the eastern edge of Shahjahanabad, and gets its name from the massive wall of red sandstone that defines its four sides. From here, we will be taken on Cycle-rickshaws through the little lanes of the old town, where time has virtually stood still for hundreds of years. This ride will be most fascinating as we get a first-hand view of the merchants, the little food and artifact stalls and the teeming population, busy in their daily activities.
Later, we proceed to Raj Ghat, the serene memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
Evening: Dine at a city restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel, on bed-and-breakfast basis
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DAY 3 : DELHI - VARANASI BY AIR
After early breakfast, we will be transferred to Airport to catch the flight for Varanasi.
On arrival, we will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Mark Twain, the English author, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." According to the 'Vamana Purana', the Varuna and the Assi rivers originated from the body of the primordial Person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be 'Varanasi', the holiest of all pilgrimages. The word 'Kashi' originated from the word 'Kas' which means to shine. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the 'original ground' created by Shiva and Parvati, upon which they stood at the beginning of time. To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself.an experience in self-discovery. an eternal oneness of the body and soul.
Towards evening: We will be taken to the ghats to witness the Ganga aarti, which is held at sunset. The priests and the pious come together to chant slokas and sing bhajans (religious hymns) amidst of lighted diyas (lamps) floating down the river casting a magical spell.
We spend two nights at RADDISION or similar, on bed & breakfast basis.
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DAY 4 : IN VARANASI
The city's life revolves around its seven km long sweep of about 100 bathing ghats that skirt the west bank of the Ganges. Most of them are used for bathing. Some are used for cremating bodies. The best time to visit the ghats is at dawn when the river is bathed in a magical light and pilgrims come to perform puja to the rising sun. The best view of the ghats can be had from a boat midstream or from the Malviya bridge. Burning pyres, people getting their hair shaved off, the chanting of sacred slokas, giving of alms to Brahmins, Pandas (Brahmin Priests) sitting under huge umbrellas offering prayers for their clients, devotees praying and drinking water from the holy river are the common sight at these ghats.
Early morning: We will be transferred to the ghats for sunrise boat-ride on the Ganges river. Later, we will visit the ghats and the Vishwanath temple (Golden temple) from the outside (non-Hindus are not allowed inside).
Rest of the morning will be at leisure.
Afternoon: We take an excursion trip to Sarnath.
The Buddha came to this hamlet, 10km north-east of Varanasi, to preach his message "Maha-Dharma-Chakra Pravartan" (in Buddhist terminology, 'turned the wheel of the law') after he achieved Enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Later, the great Buddhist Emperor Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and near it erected a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adored lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses antiquities recovered from the ruins at Deer Park during excavations from 1905 onwards. Inside the museum, numerous sculptures of the Buddha and Bodhisatta, mostly of the Gupta period (4th-5th century AD) are displayed.
Stay overnight at the hotel, on bed & breakfast basis.
Note: The Sarnath Archaeological Museum remains closed on Fridays.
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DAY 5 : VARANASI - KUSHINAGAR
Early morning we will drive to Kushinagar (225 kms/ 05 hrs)
Noon: On Arrival, check-in at Hotel The Royal Residency
Kushinagar better which used to be known as Kushinara during Malla kingdom is one of the most important four holy sites for Buddhists. This is the place where Buddha attained Parinirvana (or 'Final Nirvana) after falling ill from eating the meal of a species of mushroom. Extending from latitude 26° 45´ North and 83° 24´ East longitude, Kushinagar District of Uttar Pradesh is only 336 km away from the capital city of Lucknow. Spread over an expanse of 2873.5 sq. km, Kushnigar District is flanked by Mahrajganj in the west, Gorakhpur in the southwest, Deoria in the south and Bihar in the east, respectively.
Your half day sightseeing will includes the following monument as mentioned below:
Mahaparnirvana Temple : Mahaparnirvana Temple lies behind the Nirvana Stupa on the same plinth level behind it. The temple is famous for an impressive reclining Nirvana statue of Lord Buddha, which is 6.10 m long. The statue is made of a single piece of a red sand stone. The statue represents the "Mahaparinirvana" with Buddha reclining on his right side and his face towards the west. The statue is placed on a large brick-platform with stone-posts at the corners. According to an inscription on the statue dated back to the 5th century AD, Mahavihara Swami Haribala presented it.
Nirvana Chaitya: Carlleyle excavated Nirvana Chaitya in 1876 AD, located just behind the Mahaparinirvana Temple. A copperplate was found in the excavation, which contained the text of the "Nidana-Sutra". It says that Haribala, who has also installed the great Nirvana Statue of Buddha in the temple, deposited the plate in the Nirvana-Chaitya. A copper vessel was also found, which contained silver coins of Kumargupta, the Gupta emperor during the 5th century A.D.
Ramabhar Stupa: is also known as the Mukutbandhan-Chaitya. Located 1.5 km from the Mahaparinirvana Temple, is the cremation place of Buddha. The colossal stupa has a circular drum measuring 34.14 m in diameter at the top and 47.24 m at the base.
Stay overnight at Hotel.
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DAY 6 : KUSHINAGAR - PATNA
After early breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Kushinagar and later proceed for Patna (240 kms/ 06 hrs)
Your early morning sightseeing will include Matha Kuar Shrine and visit to amazing structures.
Matha Kuar Shrine is a huge statue of Lord Buddha carved out of one single block of stone. The statue represents Buddha as seated under the "Bodhi Tree" and touching the ground with his right hand known as the "Bhumi Sparsh Mudra". The inscription at the base of statue can be dated back between the 10th and 11th century AD.
Proceed further to Patna (245 kms/ 06 hrs) and ask for packed lunch at hotel only.
Capital of Bihar, sprawled on the southern banks of river Ganges, the city of Patna offers us a very fascinating tale about its history. Renowned by a host of names in the earlier times, like Kusumpur, Pushpapur and Azeemabad, the place was best known as Pataliputra. Legends have it that Ajatshatru, the first Magadh King, built a small fort in Pataligram, on the banks of the river Ganga, which later became a famous Mauryan metropolis of Pataliputra ruled by Chandragupta Maurya and his grandson Ashok.
Stay overnight at hotel Chanakya in Patna on bed & breakfast basis.
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DAY 7: PATNA - RAJGIR VIA NALANDA
After early morning breakfast, proceed for Rajgir via Nalanda (110 kms/ 03 hrs)
Nalanda what was once the World's greatest university. Visit the extensive remnants of the university that clearly give an idea of its glorious period.
Nalanda was recognized as a Buddhist site for higher education from 427 to 1197 CE. Many Indian Emperors had patronized the site including Emperor Ashoka and Emperor Harshavardhana. Buddha visited Nalanda quite a number of times, but the centre boomed with the Gupta Empire. Ruins reveal a bow mark on the floor, which was the logo of the Gupta Empire. It was between the 5th and 12th centuries that the place prospered the most. Xuan Zang visited the place during the 7th century. He has written about the architecture, the monastic life and the learning process.The emblem of the University was set in terracotta. Later In 1193 the Turkish ruler Bakhtiyar Khilji ransacked the University of its Beauties because of which Buddhism suffered heavily and it never regained its status in India.
The sightseeing of Nalanda will include:
The Ruins: The ruins of Nalanda are spread over 14 hectares of land. This is supposedly only a fraction of the immense area that is believed to have supported 10000 students and 2000 teachers, apart from a large number of support staff. Among the ruins can be seen many Buddhist structures including stupas, chaityas, temples and monasteries. The dormitories of the students indicate the residential status of the university.
Stupa of Sariputta: This is one of the most noticeable structures among the ruins. Sariputta was one of the most prominent disciples of Buddha and became a celebrated Arhat, believed to have attained salvation. He was born in Nalanda and died here as well, according to beliefs. The stupa of Sariputta is an impressive structure. It has a pyramidal shape and towers above the entire complex. This place seems to have been surrounded by pillared structures which must have been a grand sight during the heydays of Nalanda.
Later on proceed to Rajgir and check-in into Hotel Indo Hokke in late afternoon on bed & breakfast basis.
Rajgir: "The ancient capital of Magadha, Rajgir is an important Buddhist and Jain pilgrim destination. Rajgir was the hotpot of political and religious activities in ancient India, still has relevance in modern times. Both, Lord Buddha and Mahavir Jain spent a significant portion of their lives at Rajgir. King Bimbisar even donated a monastery to Lord Buddha."
After having lunch at Hotel, proceed for the sightseeing of Rajgir that includes visit to the following monuments mentioned below:
Venu Vana : Lord Buddha had become popular during his life time and had earned a good many disciples among whom some were rulers. One of such rulers was king Bimbisar of Magadha. Bimbisar, out of respect, donated a monastery to Lord Buddha which is called Venu Vana Vihar.
Sonbhandar Caves : There are numerous folklores of mysteries associated with these caves. There are two halls inside the cave and as believed one of they served as guard room and another as treasure room. Local people are of opinion that some treasure from Bimbisar is still safe inside the cave. People try to get some clue from a non-deciphered inscription. Besides the treasure theory of Sonbhandar caves, the spot has great attraction for its historical links with Bimbisar of Magadha.
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DAY 8: RAJGIR - BODHGAYA
After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya (75 kms/ 02 hrs) enroute stopping at Gaya for sightseeing.
The holy town of Gaya, located 100kms south of Patna, is of great significance to Hindus. The town is on a slightly raised ground in the valley between the Ramshila and Pretshila Hills. An essential transit point to Bodhgaya, Gaya is a fly-blown and densely packed town. It is believed that this place has been blessed by Lord Vishnu with purificatory powers. Hindus traditionally come here to honour their parents a year after death by offering 'pind' - a gift of funeral cakes.
Legend has it that a gentle demon called Gaya, appalled by the sorrow caused by death, complained to Vishnu, and as protest, died, for the world. Impressed by his resolve, Vishnu blessed Gaya with the power to absolve sinners. Like Varanasi, and many other riverside towns, Gaya is said to be a 'tirtha' - a crossing across the celestial divide.
The sightseeing of Gaya is all about visit to Vishnupad Temple. This massive temple located in the central part of the old town is believed to have been built over the footprints of Lord Vishnu. Inside the temple, the 40 cm long `footprint' of Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock and surrounded by a silver plated basin. This Shikhara style temple was constructed in 1787, by Queen Ahilya Bai of Indore, on the banks of the river Falgu. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple. A flight of 1000 stone steps leads to the top of the Brahmajuni Hill, 1 km south-west of the Vishnupad Temple that affords a splendid view of the temple.
Afterwards proceed for Bodhgaya (13 kms/ 0.5 hrs) and check-in into Hotel The Royal Residency on bed & breakfast basis.
Bodhgaya: is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Asvatta tree (later termed Bodhi Tree). Buddhists all across the world consider the place the most sacred and this has become a pilgrim destination for them.
After having lunch at hotel proceed for sightseeing of Buddhism Pilgrimage centre that starts with the visit to Mahabodhi Temple. It is located at the place where Lord Buddha was enlightened. The temple has a 50m (170 ft) tower. The intricately carved railings which are in the south and west of the temple, bears the stamp of ancient India. There is a huge statue of Buddha inside the temple along with the Siva-linga.
Budha bathed in the nearby Niranjana (now called Lilanja) River. The Niranjana River is about 250m east of the temple. Prince Siddharta crossed this river to reach the Bodhi tree.
Later on proceed to Bodhi tree. It is that holy tree under which Buddha sat in his meditation & attained his 'Knowledge'. Under the tree is a red sandstone slab that is said to be the Vajrasana, the diamond throne on which Buddha sat and attained nirvana. The tree, located behind the temple is about 80 feet high. It is the fifth generation of Bodhi Tree.
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DAY 9: BODHAGAYA - DELHI VIA PATNA
After breakfast, we will drive down to various spots associated with the enlightenment of Prince Siddhartha Chankaramana "the sacred spot of Buddha's meditative perambulations during the third week after his pious enlightenment", Arimeshlochana "Buddha spent one week here looking towards the great Mahabodhi Tree without twinkling his eyes" and Ratnagar "It is believed that five colours came out of his body during his stay here". If interested you can visit monasteries set up by various governments.
After lunch at hotel proceed for to Patna Airport to catch the flight for Delhi and transfer to international airport to catch the flight for your home country.
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| HOTEL DETAILS |
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| Locations | Deluxe Hotels | Standard hotels |
| Delhi | Crown Plaza | Hotel Florence Inn |
| Varanasi | Hotel Radisson | Palace on Ganges |
| Kushinagar | Hotel The Royal Residency | Lotus Nikko Hotel |
| Patna | Hotel Chanakya (Deluxe) | Hotel Chanakya (Deluxe) |
| Rajgir | Hotel Indo Nikko (Deluxe) | Hotel Indo Nikko (Deluxe) |
| Bodhgaya | Hotel The Royal Residency | Lotus Nikko Hotel |
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| ITINERARY MAP |
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| PRICE |
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| Package Category | Deluxe Category per Person | Standard Category per Person |
| Rates | 920 £ | 740 £ |
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Services Included
- Meeting & Assistance on arrival.
- Arrival/Departure transfers, tours and all over land travel in Private Aircon Car.
- Accommodation for total 08 nights on twin sharing basis inclusive of buffet Breakfast daily.
- Day sightseeing tour at Delhi, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Rajgir, & Bodhgaya with English Speaking Guide.
- Boat ride at Ganges River during the sunrise time along with the walk through the narrow streets of Varanasi.
- Rickshaw ride in old Delhi Market.
- These rates are valid for the peak season other then Christmas period and New Year Period.
- 24 hr point of contact, while your stay in India.
- Internal flights between Delhi - Varanasi & Patna - Delhi
- All presently applicable taxes including 4.9 % service tax.
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Rates do not include:
- New year and Christmas charges / Supplement
- Any services other than the ones mentioned above
- Visa charges
- Any extras like table drinks, telephone calls, any tips, laundry etc or any other items of personal nature
- Still camera or video camera fees
- Entrance Fees at the place of visit.
- Tips at Restaurant \ Hotels
- Any tips to driver \ guide \ escort
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| TERMS AND CONDITION |
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Conditions
- All rooms are Base Category Rooms until Unless specified
- All hotels given above or similar depending upon availability at the time of booking.
- Check In Time 1400 Hrs-Check out timing 1200 Hrs at all hotels ( strictly)
- International, Domestic flights & Railway tickets are non refundable
- Deposit amount Non Refundable
- 50% of package Non Refundable if cancelled 45 days Prior to Departure
- 75% of package Non Refundable if cancelled up to 30 Prior to Departure
- 100% of package Non Refundable if cancelled anytime later than 30 days prior to Departure
- We strongly recommend you to purchase your fully comprehensive overseas travel insurance before undertaking your trip.
- Any compulsory meal supplements during festive season
- All services are subject to availability at the time of booking as we are not holding any reservations for you at this point of time.
- Balance to be paid 2 months prior to departure from your home country.
- Delay in payment is subject to $100 Per Person as penalty.
- 3% surcharge on payments thru Master & Visa Credit Cards. Debit Cards, bank Transfers & Cheque payments are without any surcharges.
- Change of schedule/cancellation of flights at last moment will not warrant any compensation and should be claimed thru your respective insurance companies.
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Heritage and Culture
