Learning the Buddhist way of Life with Cultural India
Places covered : Delhi – Kolkata – Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir - Bodhgaya - Varanasi - Kushinagar – Lumbini – Sravasti – Lucknow – Jaipur – Samode – Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Delhi Out
Duration - 15 Nights / 16 Days
At a Glance: Discover the major Buddhist Pilgrimage places in India & Nepal like Bodhgaya (enlightenment), Sarnath(first-sermon), Kushinagar (final Mahaparinirvana) and Lumbini in Nepal (birth) to learn to be like Buddha and practice the life based on middle path. Along with these religious places, you will also get a chance to explore some historic sites and the most exciting Taj Mahal.
Day 01: Arrive Kolkata by International flight. (D)
Upon entry, meet and welcome by our agent at the air terminal and exchange to lodging for registration.
Welcome to Kolkata (some time ago Calcutta), the capital of West Bengal, one of the biggest urban areas in India. Considered the social capital of India, home to the Bengal Renaissance, eras of well known artist, essayists, film executives and Nobel Prize champs have their roots followed to this awesome city arranged on the Hooghly waterway bank.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02: Kolkata (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: You will be escorted to the city where there is much to see, visit and do, places we recommend are highlighted below.
Begin your tour with the Indian Museum (Closed on Mondays) located on Chowringee road you will find this amazing structure housing a wealth of knowledge. Standing tall since 1877, this aesthetically pleasing Italian style of architecture is hard to miss. Peruse various collections of exhibits, unique fossils, Buddhist Gandharan art and many more exciting spectacles.
Be sure to check out St. Paul’s Cathedral, her gothic style stained glass windows and Florentine frescoes are quite amazing. Constructed in the early 1800s, this is the largest cathedral in the city, located right next to the Birla Planetarium.
Mother Teresa’s House (Closed on Thursday) - Later visit Mother Teresa’s home and “Sishu Bhawan” – orphanage for the homeless kids. She was probably one of the greatest women in the history of the world who dedicated her entire life serving humanity. Born in Yugoslavia, she came to India in 1929.
Lunch at Local Restaurant/Hotel.
A true beauty, Victoria Memorial (Closed on Mondays), since 1921 this structure has been considered a symbol of Kolkata. White marble surrounds the wonderful garden, housing a museum that contains memorabilia connected to Queen Victoria during the British Raj. A great place to walk in the morning, light and sound shows care also held here in both English and Bengali.
Allow your guide to take you to Eden Gardens, where you can find Kolkata’s cricket stadium. Named after Lord Auckland’s sister, this serene garden contains a tiny Burmese pagoda at a small lake.
You may notice that one of the important spectacles that frame the skyline of the riverfront is Howrah Bridge. Head over and discover a peaceful ambiance, much can be seen from this great structure. After sightseeing, evening return to hotel.
Dinner at hotel.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 03 : Kolkata – Patna By Flight 6E-339, 09:30 / 10:35 hours
Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir - Bodhgaya Approx. 180 Kms / 4 Hrs drive (B, L, D)
Early breakfast at hotel.
Morning: On time exchange to Kolkata Airport to load up flight for Patna.
Upon landing, meet and welcome at Patna air terminal and drive to Bodhgaya. While driving, a system introduction will be given along with escort. Additionally enroute your will visit Nalanda and Rajgir.
Nalanda – an extraordinary focal point of Buddhist learning and a standout amongst the most celebrated internationally college strongholds of antiquated time. UNESCO has proclaimed the remnants of Nalanda Mahavihara – a World Heritage site. With the consideration of Nalanda, this would be the second UNESCO Heritage Site after Mahabodhi sanctuary in Bodhgaya.
Rajgir-First said in the antiquated Hindu epic Mahabharata as the capital of Magadh, ruled by the relentless King Jarasandha, this city is evaluated to be around 3,000 years of age. Buddha went to this city different times and conveyed a celebrated sermon on the Gridhakuta (Vultures Peak). Visit the highest point of the slope and you will find a stupa worked by the Japanese government, while on top of another slope you will discover a hole where the primary Buddhist board was held.
Lunch at hotel in Rajgir.
Evening: Arrive Bodhgaya and exchange to lodging for registration.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04: Bodhgaya (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Tour starts with the instructions about Bodhgaya by went with Escort.
Begin the touring with visit to Mahabodhi Temple.
The sanctuary is a colossal appreciation for the Buddhists, and stands close to the Maha Bodhi tree under which Tathagat, or Gautama accomplished edification. The aggregate tallness of the sanctuary is 170 ft. Its storm cellar is 48 square feet and it ascends as a thin Pyramid till it achieves its neck, which is round and hollow fit as a fiddle. It is an absolute necessity visit because of its significance as well as for the design and the workmanship objects. The Shiva Lingam inside sanctuary was introduced on ninth century starting is an awesome bit of figure.
Lunch at hotel.
Evening: Visit to Mahabodhi Tree and Vajrasana.
Mahabodhi Tree - The tree is viewed as heavenly since Lord Buddha gained edification under it. It is presumably the fifth progression of the first tree. Anybody, who prefers a mood of quietness, would comprehend this present spot's surroundings to be superbly weathered for reflection.
Vajrasana - The stone stage, where Lord Buddha sat in reflection while he achieved edification is known as Vajrasana. The spot is confined for any visitor movement on it; be that as it may, the sight doesn't neglect to energize the most profound sense of being of the watcher.
Before supper go to an address on Buddha's life by a neighborhood Buddhist Monk and Scholar.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05: Bodhgaya – Varanasi (Approx. 275 Kms / 6 Hrs drive) (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Drive to Varanasi enroute you will be entertained by the went with Escort. Upon landing exchange to inn for registration.
Lunch at hotel
Evening: Time toward the evening to unwind. Later toward the evening continue to witness "Aarti" service at Dasaswamedh Ghats. Varanasi is loaded with restricted winding paths and rear ways and that is the reason bigger vehicles are not permitted to the back rear ways and just auto/cycle rickshaws and engine bicycles can get past. We would likewise need to take a cycle rickshaw to reach Dasaswamedh Ghats. Ganges Aarti happens around 6.45 PM at night after the nightfall for around 45 minutes. Fans begin coming to see the Ganges Aarti no less than one hour before to have their spot for a superior perspective of Aarti service. The best view is through cruising on a watercraft at stream Ganges. The Aarti is performed on a phase by a gathering of youthful pundits, all are hung in saffron shaded robes with their puja plates spread out before them. It starts with the blowing of a conch shell, proceeds with the waving of incense sticks in intricate examples and hovering of expansive flaring lights which make a brilliant shade against the obscured sky. The development of the lights, held in the pandit’s hands, is firmly synchronizing to the cadenced serenades of songs and bang of cymbals. The overwhelming fragrance of sandalwood thickly saturates the air.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06: Varanasi (B, L, D)
Before breakfast, begin your day with the early morning pontoon ride on the waterway Ganges to see the customs performed at the Ghats along the Ganges.
Banaras is never at any point as excellent as over the day break. The old structures, ashrams and spots along the stream side look as beautiful as rainbow when the daylight hits them. Watching individuals talking shower, performing ceremonies, worshiping to the Sun is dependably an interesting knowledge.
Later come back to hotel for breakfast.
Morning: Enjoy touring voyage through the city including the Bharat Mata Temple with a major alleviation Map of India in Marble, Kashivishwanath Temple and Banaras Hindu University which is a workmanship Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb based on a site of an antiquated Hindu Temple.
Lunch at hotel.
Evening: Excursion to Sarnath which is situated at a separation of just 10-km from Varanasi, subsequent to achieving Enlightenment the Buddha went to Sarnath. Ruler Buddha had gone to Sarnath searching for his five associates who deserted him in Rajgir while they veered off from the perspective of Lord Buddha on self-embarrassment. Here in the Deer Park, Lord Buddha conveyed his first sermon, get under way the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharma chakra Pravartan). The Emperor Ashoka, who spread the Buddha's message of adoration and sympathy all through his tremendous domain, went to Sarnath and raised a stupa here. A few Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the third century BC and the eleventh century AD, and today it introduces the most far reaching ruins amongst spots on the Buddhist trail. The remnants, the archeological exhibition hall and sanctuary are all inside strolling separation. (Sarnath Museum stays shut on each Friday.)
Take part in a discourse given by a neighborhood Buddhist Monk and Scholar. In the wake of touring, come back to lodging.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 07: Varanasi – Kushinagar (Approx. 300 Kms / 07 Hrs drive) (B, L, D)
Early breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Drive to Kushinagar where Buddha had his final gasp. After the Buddha passed another engineering structure rose in India; structures were built by distressed and dedicated Kings.
Upon entry, exchange to lodging for registration.
Lunch at hotel.
Evening: Visit Kushinagar – one of the guideline focuses of Buddhist Pilgrimage and a spot where Lord Buddha passed away. Here are a few serene, current sanctuaries where you can stay, talk with friars or essentially ponder your place on the planet. The Monuments of Kushinagar are arranged in three areas including the primary site of Mahaparinirvana sanctuary, the Rambhar Stupa where Lord Buddha was cremated and surroundings Monasteries.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 08: Kushinagar – Lumbini (Approx. 200 Kms / 6 Hrs drive) (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Start your drive to Lumbini (Nepal) where Lord Buddha was conceived while his mom was en route to Parental home from Kapilavastu. Lumbini ought to be gone by and seen by a man of dedication. Lumbini is the Mecca of each Buddhist, being one of the four sacred spots of Buddhism. Upon entry exchange to lodging for registration.
Lunch at hotel.
Evening: Enjoy touring of Lumbini.
The spot itself is fascinating all in all, the scenes and the green ranger service. However Maya Devi sanctuary (the origin of Buddha) and the Stupas and the Pillars - a progression of segments raised with proclamations by the Mauryan King Ashoka are truly justified regardless of a visit. A visit to Lumbini is for otherworldly edification as well as for comfort and fulfillment that one gets in such a quiet and tranquil spot.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09 : Lumbini - Sravasti (Approx. 250 Kms/ 6 Hours drive) (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Begin your visit with project introduction and drive to Sravasti. Upon landing, exchange to inn for check in.
Lunch at hotel.
Evening: Proceed to visit Sravasti otherwise called Sahet-Mahet - capital of the antiquated kingdom of Kosala, a dynamic place for Buddhism. The Major fascination of Sravasti is Jetavana.
The Jetavana is said to once have Lord Buddha and his explorers, where one of his supporters, a rich dealer, made the entire progress of the recreation center (vana) with gold coins. Ruler Buddha utilized these coins to manufacture a Vihara here. There are a few models worked by The Ashoka which are none the less appealing than different landmarks worked by him.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10 : Sravasti – Lucknow (Approx. 175 Kms / 4 Hrs drive)
Lucknow – Delhi By Flight 9W- 367, 15:10/16:25 Hours
Delhi – Jaipur By Flight 9W-2253, 18:15/19:15 Hours (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Drive to Lucknow. Upon landing exchange to lodging for Lunch.
Early Lunch at hotel.
Evening: On time exchange to Lucknow airplane terminal to load up flight for Jaipur by means of Delhi.
Upon landing, meet and welcome at Jaipur air terminal by our agent and exchange to inn for check in.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11 : Jaipur (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Excursion to Amber Fort set in a pleasant area. Golden is an entrancing mix of Hindu and Muslim engineering. Worked in the sixteenth century by Raja Mansingh in red sandstone and white marble, the royal residence complex has some exceptionally intriguing flats. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol and Temple of Kali are a portion of the noticeable territories of interest. Elephants are given to climb the stronghold to visit the complex. (Between 0730 am – 1130 am, liable to accessibility).
Lunch at hotel.
Evening: Proceed to visit Jaipur City. This city was worked by Maharaja Jai Singh, the striking stargazer 260 years back. Visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the home of the past regal family and the Observatory. Drive past Hawa Mahal or the Palace of winds implicit 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and additionally drive past the old piece of Jaipur.
Supper: Evening appreciate an Interactive cooking lesson with supper facilitating by a neighbourhood family.
This is an awesome approach to submerge into the nearby culture. The point of this nourishment voyage through Jaipur that to take you through the whole procedure of cooking an Indian dinner so you can have a thought that how to cook a straightforward yet scrumptious Indian feast. Menu will be adaptable regarding the dietary prerequisites of the gathering individuals.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12: Jaipur - Samode – Jaipur (Approx. 40 Kms / 1 Hour drive per way) (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Excursion to Samode Palace.
Samode - Samode is a vast town in Rajasthan, which had a place with the landowners known as "zamindars" (in Hindi dialect) of the primary Thakurs of the condition of Amber. It shot into conspicuousness due to the thakurs heredity followed to Maharaja Rajveer Singhji, the seventeenth ruler of the place of Kacchwaha Rajputs. Samode was gave to Gopal Singhji one of his 12 children, as an honourable feudatory of the Amber and Jaipur territory. Samode was, and, after it’s all said and done, considered an exceptionally rich town under the kingdom of Amber.
Samode Palace was at first inherent the sixteenth century as a Rajput post, yet in the mid nineteenth century, under the aristocrat Rawal Berisal, it was changed over from a fortress into a flawlessly composed castle in Rajput and Muslim structural style. Rawal Berisal, amid the centre of the nineteenth century, further extended the Palace by including the Durbar Hall (considered as "lavishly flowery and hand painted") with an exhibition and the Sheesh Mahal or the lobby of mirrors. In 1987, it was changed over into the legacy "Samode Palace Hotel".
Lunch at Hotel Samode Palace.
Likewise appreciate camel ride at Samode town.
Subsequent to touring, come back to Jaipur.
Evening: Dinner at hotel or
(Discretionary: Enjoy an uncommon Theme Dinner at 1135 AD Restaurant at Amber Fort, with Rose Petal shower, customary laurel and Tika welcome and glass of Indian wine or Champagne/Juices as welcome beverage, five course Thali or Buffet supper with a glass of juice or circulated air through beverage and live performers).
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13 : Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (Approx. 252 Kms / 06 Hrs drive) (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Leave Jaipur for Agra by drive enroute going by Fatehpur Sikri.
Lunch at inn in Bharatpur.
Fatehpur Sikri is wonderful city with an intriguing birth story behind. There, in a cavern in Sikri, carried on a Muslim Saint, Sheik Salim Chishti by name. Akbar becoming aware of his fame, solicited from the favours of a child, and when a child was conceived, not just was the tyke named Salim, the site for a forceful and eager task - a city - was picked close to the living arrangement of the holy person raised in 1569.
The deficiencies of water lead to the abandonment of this city. Visit mosque of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and different Palaces.
Proceed with drive to Agra. Upon entry, exchange to Hotel for registration.
Evening: Little time to unwind.
Supper at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14 : Agra – Delhi (Approx. 205 Kms / 4 Hours drive) (B, L, D)
Early morning amid dawn, visit to well known and alluring World Heritage site – Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal - An embodiment of adoration", is "a landmark of unlimited excellence". The magnificence of this glorious landmark is such that it is past the extent of words. The musings that come into the psyche while viewing the Taj Mahal of Agra is its extraordinary magnificence, as well as the tremendous adoration which was the explanation for its development. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this landmark developed in memory of his dearest spouse Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he experienced passionate feelings for at the main sight. Unexpectedly, the principal sight of the Taj Mahal, the exemplification of affection and sentiment, additionally leaves guests hypnotized and unendingly excited. (Taj Mahal stays shut on each Friday.)
In the wake of touring, come back to inn for breakfast.
Morning : Visit to a different universe Heritage site – Agra Fort.
Agra Fort – Agra Fort is the previous majestic living arrangement of the Mughal Dynasty situated in Agra. It was worked by four eras of Mughal, on the banks of the River Yamuna.
Invest some energy in mindful hush watching the changing states of mind and shades of the Taj as the sun sets in order to touch that 'tricky quality that makes the Taj the most otherworldly working on the planet'.
Lunch at hotel.
Evening: Drive to Delhi. Upon landing exchange to lodging for registration.
Supper at neighborhood eatery.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 15: Delhi (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Begin with project introduction by the went with escort. Later continue to appreciate entire day touring in Old and New Delhi.
In Old Delhi, continue to visit the Red Fort named for its red-sandstone dividers (Red Fort stays shut on each Monday) and assigned an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This post complex was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as to be the living arrangement before the Red Fort, there is the supreme road known as Chandni Chowk. Take a Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and
Go through rear ways, it appears getting smaller and we wind up at the Jama Masjid which is the biggest Muslim mosque in India.
Lunch at Local Restaurant.
Evening: Finishing the visit in Old Delhi, we should make a beeline for New Delhi. Proceed with visit to Qutab Minar, and India Gate, a 42 meters opening worked for dedication of Indian fighters slaughtered amid the First World War. Watch the well known War Memorial Arch and see the complexity amongst old and New Delhi.
Carry on our visit, drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan. It was at first built as the Imperial home of the Viceroy in the mid twentieth century. These days, it turns into the present living arrangement of the President of India and Parliament House. This one of a kind roundabout design was worked with enormous corridors which house the Upper and Lower House of Parliament. At long last, continue to the Government secretariat structures at Connaught Place which is the heart of New Delhi and in addition the bustling mall.
Supper at nearby eatery.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 16: Delhi departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Later on time takeoff exchange to the International Airport to interface flight for ahead destination.