INDIA SACRED JOURNEY-FOOTSTEPS OF THE BUDDHA

Day 1: ARRIVE DELHI

On arrival in Delhi, meet your representative, who will transfer you to your hotel in Delhi. The evening will be free for leisure.

Overnight Delhi

Day 2: DELHI

After breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi & New Delhi. Old Delhi - visit the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; and Juma Masjid, the largest mosque in India.

New Delhi - Visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, and a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, and the President's Residence and end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Overnight Delhi (B)

DAY 3-VARANASI

After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.

Varanasi, known to the devout as Kashi, is said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. One of the oldest living cities in the world, and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years.

Evening visit Dashaswamedh Ghat for glittering “aarti” ceremony of the holy river Ganges.  Huge lamps are set ablaze and the priest holds forth the lamp as the multitude chants the hymns. You will be driven to a place called Beniabagh and from there walk to Dashaswamedh Ghat amidst crowded local market famous for spices, local shops, cloths and daily vendors  selling fruits, pickles, vegetables etc on hand pulled carts. 

Overnight Varanasi  (B)

DAY 5:  VARANASI- BODHGAYA  

Leisurely breakfast, then private car drive to Bodhgaya, about 6.5 hours.  Upon arrival check in at the hotel, and enjoy a late lunch. 

Afternoon visit Bodhgaya with private guide.  Mahabodhi Temple- Known to the world as a heritage site, Mahabodhi Temple is the spiritual centerpiece of Bodhgaya which is deeply connected to Lord Buddha’s life and teachings. Apart from its religious associations, the temple is a great example of Asokan architecture. Built entirely in brick, the temple’s sculpted stone balustrades are an outstanding early example of sculptural reliefs.

Mahabodhi Tree - Almost every Buddhist devotee wants to sit under the shade of Bodhi Tree. Just to experience the spiritual calm, surrender and awakening as Buddha himself experienced 2600 years ago. Botanically a Banyan Tree, Mahabodhi Tree shelters every spiritual soul under its soothing shade. Presently, the fifth generation of the original tree blesses the center of spirituality.

Vajrasana - Vajrasana is another sacred site in Bodhgaya where Lord Buddha sat in meditation and achieved enlightenment. In the evening join with large numbers of monks and devotees at  at Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO world heritage site) chanting of hymns.) 

Overnight in Bodhgaya

DAY 6: BODHGAYA

After breakfasts proceed for city tour of Bodhgaya...

Monasteries - Monasteries or Viharas form an important base to explore unique traditions of Buddhism uniquely associated with the different countries. Almost all Buddhist countries have their representative monasteries built in their own distinctive styles enshrine their presence in this holy land. 

Wat Thai (Thai Temple)

In the year 1957 the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru invited the Royal Government of Thailand to build a monastery in Bodh Gaya to commemorate the 2500 years of Buddhism and strengthen Indo-Thai friendship. The king responded by constructing a temple which is a classic specimen of Thai architecture. Considered as one of the most beautiful monasteries in Bodh Gaya it has a large ‘ashtadhatu’ statue of Buddha inside the Temple. 

Chinese Monastery

One of the oldest monasteries built in Bodh Gaya it was constructed in the year 1945 CE in traditional Chinese style.  It was later renovated in 1997.  This monastery has three, elegantly carved, Buddha statues in three contrasting patterns. It is located at a very short distance from the Mahabodhi Temple. 

Burmese Vihara ( Myanmar Buddhist Temple)

Built in 1936 CE this monastery was established by the Venerable Nandamala, and its construction reflects Myanmar’s culture.  Located less than a kilometer from the Mahabodhi Temple, it  has two prayer halls, a meditation hall and a guest house for the convenience of pilgrims.

Vien Giac Instituteiac (Trung Tam Vien Giac) Viatnam Temple

Located very close to the Mahabodhi Temple the Vien Giac Institute was constructed in the year 2002 CE. The temple architecture reflects the Vietnamese culture and traditions. The temple houses a statue of Avalokiteswara (in a relaxed form). The temple has a prayer hall and a library.

In the evening join with large numbers of monks and devotees at  at Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO world heritage site) chanting of hymns.

Overnight in Bodhgaya

DAY 7: TRANSFER TO PATNA

After breakfast, you are taken by private car to Patna. Enroute visit Rajgir and Nalanda.

Rajgir just 15 kms from Nalanda is located the complex of temples and monasteries. It is one of the most important tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. The small hill grit town is covered with lush green forest which add to the beauty of the place. Rajgir was the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State) when Patliputra was not formed. In those days it was called Rajgrih. Rajgir or Rajgrih means the home of Royalty. 

This place has been associated with Lord Buddha and Buddhism. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir but also delivered sermons here and proselytized Emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill. The Jivekarmavan monastery was the favorite residence for Buddha. Even Bimbisar gave Venuvan Vihar to Buddha for his residence. It is said that it was at Rajgir that physician treated Buddha, Jivak after he was injured by his cousin Devdatta. The teachings of Buddha was penned down at Rajgir and it was also the venue for the first Buddhist Council. 

Today Rajgir has come up as one of the most important pilgrimage for the Buddhist. Rajgir also has some very beautiful Hindu and Jain temples which attracts Hindus and Jains also to the place. Not only as a place for worship, Rajgir has come up as health and winter resort with its warm water ponds. These ponds are said to contain some medicinal properties which help in the cure of many skin diseases. The added attraction of Rajgir is the Ropeway which takes you uphill to the Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees on top of the Ratnagiri hills.

Later visit Nalanda, founded in the 5th century AD, is famous as the ancient seat of learning. The ruins of the world's most ancient university lies here which is 62 km from Bodhgaya and 90 km south of Patna. Though the Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous center of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th-12th centuries. Hieun Tsang stayed here in the 7th century AD and left detailed description of the excellence of education system and purity of monastic life practiced here. He also gave a vivid account of both the ambiance and architecture of this unique university of ancient times. In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 monks students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied here. Later, continue on to Patna.  Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

Overnight in Patna

DAY 13: AGRA

After breakfast city tour of Agra.

Taj Mahal- Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Afternoon visit Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The Agra fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city.

Afternoon visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri is a fascinating ghost city built in the 16th century between 1569 and 1585,  it was intended to be the joint capital with Agra, but was soon deserted because the water system could not support any residents. It remained untouched for over 400 years now and its palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the Mughals Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. 

Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Note: Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday.

Overnight in Agra

DAY 14: DELHI AND DEPARTURE

After breakfast drive to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer straight to International airport to board flight for onward destination.