Land of Buddha Tours India

Buddhism is a religion followed in various parts of India and Nepal. Buddhist tour India is an enchanting experience which brings the followers near to the truths of life.  Most of the selected destinations in this Buddhist tour are associated with the life of Lord Buddha.  Buddhism is a way of finding peace within oneself. It is a religion that helps us to find the happiness and contentment we seek. Buddhists develop inner peace, kindness and wisdom through their daily practice; and then share their experience with others bringing real benefit to this world. They try not to harm others and to live peacefully and gently, working towards the ultimate goal of pure and lasting happiness for all living beings.

This Buddhist tour will take you to the journey of most famous Buddhist circuits of India along with the golden triangle of North India. Buddhist pilgrims and tourists while touring these Buddhist pilgrim sites of India and Nepal can explore the monasteries, temples and other heritage attractions. Among these Buddhist sites Lumbini is in Nepal and Bodhgaya is a place where lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Our Buddhist tour India is a blend of royal history of Rajasthan and Buddhist sites of India.   

Rajasthan, Rajputana of old, a land where life in all its aspects comes emblazoned in the brightest of colors. Mighty forts and ornate palaces reveal the opulence and power of the maharajas who ruled here for centuries. Adorned with unique fresco styles and intricate miniature paintings, the Rajasthani palaces are the enduring legacy of some of India's most flamboyant ruling dynasties, the Rajputs. Our journey rediscovers the majesty and regal splendor of this remarkable state, visiting such outstanding sights as the stunning walled city of Jodhpur, the intricate havelis of Jaisalmer, and the lake city of Udaipur. Whether retracing the old caravan route to Jaisalmer or relaxing in royal palaces, this tour brings to life the majesty of the 'Land of Kings'.

Program

Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Check in at the hotel.

Day 02 Delhi
On arrival, assistance and transfer to hotel.

Day 03 Delhi
Full day city tour of Old & New Delhi. Morning visit Qutub Minar built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial Arch) and Lakshminarayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple. Also drive past President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings and Connaught Place shopping centre.
Afternoon visit Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Jama Masjid, Red Fort and drive past Chandni Chowk.

Day 04 Delhi - Patna
Transfer to airport to connect flight for Patna . On arrival, assistance and transfer to hotel. Afternoon excursion of Vaishali - known for Buddha Stupas, Ashoka Pillar and Bawan Pokhar Temple . This is the place where Buddha announced his Mahaparinirvana and happens to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira.

Day 05 Patna - Nalanda - Rajgir - Bodhgaya
Morning drive to Bodhgaya enroute visiting Nalanda and Rajgir. Rajgir, the place where Buddha meditated and preached; first Buddhist Council was held here and further is known for Hot Springs, which have curative powers, and is sacred to Hindus. Nalanda is known for its Archaeological Complex and Museum. On arrival, check in at hotel.

Day 06 Bodhgaya
Full day visits - Bodhgaya, in the state of Bihar , reckoned as the most important Buddhist pilgrimage center, is the place where Lord Sakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) entered into meditation after being moved by the sufferings of mankind. The giant Bodhi Tree (Peepal) that we see today is believed to have grown from the original Bodhi Tree under which, sitting on the raised platform, Prince Siddharth meditated and finally attained Nirvana. Then there is Chaukramana, the jewel Walk, where it is believed that the Buddha strolled while in deep thought.
Also visit Shaivite Monastery and famous Jagganath Temple .

Day 07 Bodhgaya - Varanasi
Drive to Varanasi and check in at hotel.

Day 08 Varanasi

Early morning boat excursion on the river Ganges , a ferry pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day and night. Every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death.
Morning sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Bharat Mata Temple with a big relief map of India in marble, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University which has an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangazeb built on the site of an ancient Hindu Temple.
Afternoon excursion of Sarnath - visit the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century B.C. to 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple and the Museum (Museum closed on Fridays).

Day 09  Varanasi - Kushinagar

Drive to Kushinagar and check in at hotel. Afternoon visits - Kushinagar, one of the principal centres of Buddhist pilgrimage, is the place of Mahaparinirvana. The monuments of Kushinagar are situated in three distinct comprising the main site of the Nirvana Temple , the central stupa and surrounding monasteries.

Day 10 Kushinagar - Lumbini

Drive to Lumbini and check in at hotel. Afternoon visits - in the village of Lumbini in Nepal , the Queen Mahamaya gave birth to Prince Siddhartha who later became the Buddha. Over 2000 years ago the Emperor Ashoka set up a commemorative pillar here. The pillar carries the inscription - Here the Buddha was born-. Another shrine preserves an ancient image depicting the nativity of the Lord.

Day 11 Lumbini - Sravasti

Drive to Sravasti and check in at hotel. Afternoon visits - sacred city for Buddhists because it is here that Lord Buddha performed the greatest of his miracles to confound the Tirthika heretics. These miracles include that of the Lord Buddha creating multiple images of himself and have been among the favorite themes of Buddhist art. Buddha himself spent many summers here to deliver important sermons. Here Anathapindaka was built in the garden of Prince Jeta for the reception of the Buddha. Today, the remains unearthed testify to the flourishing condition of this sacred spot in the Gupta period.

Day 12 Sravasti - Lucknow - Delhi

Drive straight to Lucknow railway station to connect train for Delhi . On arrival, assistance and transfer to hotel.

Day 13 Delhi - Onward Destination

Morning free. Check out at 1200 hrs. Transfer to international airport to connect flight back home.

Hotels

TOUR LODGING INFO: 12 Nights Hotels

Rates

Tour Prices is on request.