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Pilgrimage & Heritage Odyssey: Buddhist Sites and Taj Mahal Exploration

0/5
Duration

11 Nights / 12 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on the Pilgrimage & Heritage Odyssey: Buddhist Sites and Taj Mahal Exploration, a transformative journey through India’s most sacred and iconic landmarks. Start in the spiritual city of Varanasi, where you’ll witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti and explore the ancient site of Sarnath. Travel to Bodhgaya, the place of Buddha’s enlightenment, visiting revered temples and international monasteries. Continue to Patna via the historic sites of Rajgir and Nalanda, and then to Kushinagar, the final resting place of Buddha. Cross into Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and proceed to Sravasti and Lucknow, steeped in rich Buddhist history. Conclude your journey in Agra, marveling at the magnificent Taj Mahal, before ending in the bustling capital, Delhi. This odyssey offers a profound blend of spiritual pilgrimage and heritage exploration, leaving you enriched and inspired.

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 45.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 47.8%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 54.6%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 56.9%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 59.8%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 60.7%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 64.4%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Varanasi

Arrive in Varanasi and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual ritual with chanting, lamps, and prayers by the River Ganges. Return to your hotel in Varanasi for overnight stay.

Day 2: Varanasi - Bodhgaya (255kms)

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel in Varanasi. Embark on a serene boat ride on the River Ganges at dawn, witnessing the spiritual rituals and daily life along the ghats. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site. Explore the bustling markets and vibrant lanes of Varanasi for local crafts and delicacies. Afternoon drive to Bodhgaya, a journey of approximately 255 km (6-7 hours). Check-in at the hotel upon arrival in Bodhgaya.

Day 3: Bodhgaya

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
Explore the ancient monasteries and temples surrounding the Mahabodhi Temple, built by Buddhist communities worldwide.
Visit Thai Monastery, known for its tranquil ambiance and traditional Thai architecture.
Explore Bhutanese Monastery, showcasing intricate Bhutanese-style paintings and architecture.
Visit Vietnamese Temple, renowned for its serene meditation halls and ornate pagoda architecture.
Attend evening prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple, a serene experience amidst chanting monks.

Day 4: Bodhgaya - Patna (170kms)

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel in Bodhgaya. Depart for Patna, a journey of approximately 170 km (4-5 hours). En route, visit Rajgir, ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Explore Gridhakuta Hill, Vulture's Peak, and Ajatshatru's Fort. Continue to Nalanda, renowned ancient university and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ruins of monasteries, temples, and the Nalanda Archaeological Museum. Drive to Patna and check-in at your hotel upon arrival.

Day 5: Patna - Kushinagar (225kms)

After breakfast, depart for Kushinagar, a journey of approximately 225 km (5-6 hours). Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, marking the site where Buddha attained Parinirvana (enlightenment) and his cremation. Explore the Ramabhar Stupa and various monasteries in Kushinagar. Check-in at your hotel in Kushinagar for overnight stay.

Day 6: Kushinagar - Lumbini (180kms)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Kushinagar. Drive to Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha, in Nepal, a journey of approximately 180 km (4-5 hours). Visit Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact birthplace of Buddha, and the Sacred Garden. Explore various monasteries built by Buddhist countries around Lumbini. Return to your hotel in Lumbini for overnight stay.

Day 7: Lumbini - Sravasti (225kms)

After breakfast, depart for Sravasti, a journey of approximately 225 km (5-6 hours). Visit Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha spent a significant amount of time and delivered many sermons. Explore Saheth Maheth, archaeological remains of ancient Sravasti. Check-in at your hotel in Sravasti for overnight stay.

Day 8: Sravasti - Lucknow (170kms)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Sravasti. Drive to Lucknow, a journey of approximately 170 km (4-5 hours). Visit Bara Imambara, a historical complex famous for its unique architecture and labyrinthine Bhul Bhulaiya (maze). Explore the Chota Imambara and Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow. Check-in at your hotel in Lucknow for overnight stay.

Day 9: Lucknow - Agra (350kms)

After breakfast, depart for Agra, a journey of approximately 350 km (6-7 hours). Visit Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Mughal architecture and historical significance. Explore the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and other monuments in Fatehpur Sikri. Continue drive to Agra and check-in at your hotel upon arrival.

Day 10: Agra - Delhi (210Kms)

Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, to witness the sunrise. Explore Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Mughal architecture and historical significance. Drive to Delhi, a journey of approximately 210 km (4-5 hours). Check-in at your hotel in Delhi for overnight stay.

Day 11: Delhi

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Delhi. Full-day sightseeing in Delhi including visits to Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and India Gate. Explore Rajpath, Parliament House, and President's House. Visit Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple for spiritual exploration. Return to your hotel in Delhi for overnight stay.

Day 12: Delhi - Departure

Optional visit to local markets for souvenir shopping. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, concluding your Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour with cherished memories.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 6 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • 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.
  • Aurangabad - Mumbai flight fare approx. INR 5,500 per person in economy class.
  • 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 11 nights accommodation

3 Star Hotels
Varanasi x 1 night: Meraden Grand/ Hotel Tridev
Bodhgaya x 2 nights: 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 1 night: Hotel Nirvana/ Lumbini Bamboo Resort
Shravasti x 1 night: Hotel Pawan Palace/ The Sravasti Residency
Lucknow x 1 night: La Place Sarovar Portico/ Golden Tulip
Agra x 1 night: Howard Plaza the Fern/ Hotel Atulyaa Taj
Delhi x 2 nights: Dee Marks Hotel & Resorts/ Emarald Hotel

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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