BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE & CULTURAL TOUR OF INDIA

Morning after breakfast, drive to Agra (238 kms/6 hrs) en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted Mughal Capital. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Assistance on arrival Mughal Sarai Railway Station at 0725 hrs and transfer to hotel in Varanasi (16 kms/45 min).
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath the fabled place bear testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples expounding the principles of Buddhism. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges to see the sunrise and visit the bathing Ghats. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Later half-day city tour of the temples of Varanasi including Durga Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, consort of Lord Shiva. Bharat Mata Temple: This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and houses one of the most perfect relief of India carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Temple: Built in white marble this unique temple has the whole of Ram Charit Manas (Ramayana) inscribed on its wall. Well laid out landscaping around the temple adds to its beauty and Banaras Hindu University. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning depart by surface to Gaya (250 kms/7 hrs) and upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning excursion to Bodhgaya, the Mecca of Buddhism. Full day religious activities at Mahabodhi Temple. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning depart for Patna (116 kms/4 hrs approx) en route visiting Nalanda-the Buddhist University. Also visit Karanda Tank-where Buddha used to bath. Evening arrive Patna. Visit museum and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning surface drive to Gorakhpur (this is a long day with lots to seen) en route visiting Vaishali-place where Buddha announced his approaching nirvana, continuing to Kushinagar - where Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning depart by surface to Lumbini and on arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon excursion to Lumbini-the birth place of Lord Buddha. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning depart by surface to Balrampur (240kms/5½hrs) en route visit Kapilvastu-ancient capital city. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon excursion to Sravasthi-where Lord Buddha is sitting on a lotus. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning depart by surface to Lucknow (165kms/4½hrs) -the eighteenth century capital of the Nawabs. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning half day city tour of Lucknow visiting Bada Imambara-an elegant building with a main hall (50fts) is the largest vaulted apartment in the world, Chotta Imambara, Hausainabad market famous for its gold /silver brocades and silverware, Museum and Clock tower.
Afternoon departure transfer to railway station to board train Shatabdi Express 1540-2145 hrs to Delhi. Assistance on arrival at the Railway Station and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

In time departure transfer to the airport to board flight back home.