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Enlightenment Journey: Bodhgaya, Kushinagar & Lumbini

0/5
Duration

8 Nights / 9 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on the “Enlightenment Journey: Bodhgaya, Kushinagar & Lumbini” tour, a transformative pilgrimage through key Buddhist sites. Begin in Bodhgaya, where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Explore the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site revered by Buddhists worldwide. Journey onward to Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, visiting the serene Ramabhar Stupa and Mahaparinirvana Temple. Delve into the peaceful ambiance of Lumbini, birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, now a pilgrimage site with the sacred Maya Devi Temple and Ashoka Pillar. This tour offers a profound immersion into Buddhism’s origins and teachings, culminating in a spiritual experience amidst these revered ancient sites.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bodhgaya

Arrive at Bodhgaya, the sacred place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the focal point of Buddhist pilgrimage, known for its ancient architecture and serene ambiance. Explore the Bodhi Tree, believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which Buddha meditated, offering a tranquil spot for meditation and reflection. Discover the Great Buddha Statue, a towering figure depicting Buddha in a meditative posture, surrounded by lush gardens and Buddhist monasteries representing different countries.

Day 2: Bodhgaya - Patna (180km)

After breakfast, depart for Patna, the capital city of Bihar, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visit Patna Sahib Gurudwara, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site associated with Guru Gobind Singh, adorned with intricate marble work and a serene atmosphere of devotion. Explore Patna Museum, housing an impressive collection of artifacts spanning centuries, including Mauryan and Gupta period sculptures, coins, and historical documents.

Day 3: Patna - Vaishali - Kesariya - Kushinagar (260km)

Journey to Kushinagar via Vaishali, an ancient city where Buddha preached his last sermon and the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. Visit the Ashoka Pillar, an important archaeological site marking Buddha's sermon and the announcement of the establishment of the Sangha. Explore the Ananda Stupa, a revered monument believed to house the ashes of Buddha's disciple Ananda, with intricate carvings and serene surroundings. Continue to Kesariya to see the Kesariya Stupa, one of the tallest and oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 4: Kushinagar - Lumbini (160km)

Explore Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final enlightenment), visiting the Mahaparinirvana Temple housing a reclining Buddha statue depicting his passing into nirvana. Visit the serene Ramabhar Stupa, where Buddha was cremated, surrounded by peaceful gardens and ancient ruins. Cross into Nepal to reach Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its sacred gardens and monastic complexes.

Day 5: Lumbini

Spend the day exploring Lumbini's sacred sites, starting with the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact birthplace of Buddha, with ancient ruins and a sacred pond. Visit the Lumbini Garden, where Buddha took his first seven steps, adorned with Ashoka Pillar commemorating Emperor Ashoka's pilgrimage. Explore various international monasteries, each representing unique Buddhist architectural styles and offering meditation spaces amidst serene surroundings. Reflect on the spiritual significance of Lumbini, where Buddha's teachings of peace and enlightenment resonate through the ages.

Day 6: Lumbini - Shravasti (160km)

Travel to Shravasti, an ancient city where Buddha spent 24 monsoon seasons, exploring its rich Buddhist heritage and historical landmarks. Visit the Jetavana Monastery, one of the largest monastic complexes of Buddha's time, with ancient ruins and tranquil gardens. Explore the Anathapindika Stupa, built by a wealthy merchant to honor Buddha's chief lay disciple, showcasing intricate carvings and serene surroundings. Discover remnants of ancient stupas and monastic ruins, offering insights into Shravasti's significance as a center of Buddhist learning and spirituality.

Day 7: Shravasti - Varanasi (315km)

Depart for Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major center of spirituality and pilgrimage. Stop at Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, visiting Dhamek Stupa, a massive cylindrical structure with intricate carvings and archaeological significance. Explore the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, a modern temple complex housing beautiful frescoes depicting Buddha's life and teachings. Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, showcasing ancient artifacts, sculptures, and inscriptions from the Gupta and Mauryan periods, providing insights into India's rich cultural heritage.

Day 8: Varanasi

Begin with an early morning boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, witnessing the sunrise and ancient rituals along the ghats, offering a spiritual and cultural experience. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the holiest Hindu temples, known for its vibrant spirituality and intricate architecture. Explore Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama and adorned with verses from the Ramayana, reflecting Varanasi's spiritual essence. Discover Bharat Mata Temple, honoring Mother India with a unique marble relief map depicting the country's unity in diversity. Wander through Varanasi's bustling markets, renowned for silk weaving, handicrafts, and traditional Banarasi sarees, offering a glimpse into local culture and craftsmanship.

Day 9: Varanasi - Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward journey, reflecting on your profound spiritual journey through the Buddhist sacred sites of Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Sravasti, and Varanasi, enriched with history, culture, and spiritual significance.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 8 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Nepal Visa fee.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight ticket.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 8 nights accommodation

3 Star Hotels
Bodhgaya x 1 night: The Imperial/ Hotel Taj Darbar
Patna x 1 night: Vijayatej Clarks Inn/ Hotel Patliputra Ashok
Kushinagar x 1 night: The Imperial/ Hotel Sidharth Inn
Lumbini x 2 nights: Hotel Nirvana/ Lumbini Bamboo Resort
Sravasti x 1 night: Hotel Pawan Palace/ The Sravasti Residency
Varanasi x 2 nights: Meraden Grand/ Hotel Tridev

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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