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Day 01 : Delhi
Welcome on arrival at Delhi and transfer to hotel.
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02 : Delhi
After breakfast, tour the historic city of old Delhi
to include the magnificent Red Fort, Jama Masjid,
largest mosque in Asia, both built by Shahjahan,
Rajghat-memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father
of the Nation". Afternoon, tour of New Delhi
to include Humanyun Tomb, Qutab Minar, India Gate,
Birla Mandir, Bahai Temple. Overnight at hotel.
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03 : Delhi - Patna
Depart for airport for early morning flight to 2500
year old ancient city of Patna. On arrival at Patna
transfer to hotel. Afternoon excursion to Vaishali
where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon announcing
his approaching Nirvana. Visit stupas holding urns
containing ashes of Buddha and Ashok pillar erected
by Emperor Ashoka to mark places sanctified by Buddha.
The place is also known now for famous Madhubani
paintings. Overnight at hotel. |
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04 : Patna - Rajgir
Morning drive down to Rajgir (102 kms / 2 hrs &
30 mins) capital of 6th century Magadha empire.
It was revered site of Buddhas discourses. Buddha
spent many years here. Visit Gridhrakula, Sapataparni
cave, Ajatsatru fort and Venuvana. Afternoon visit
Nalanda - the world's oldest university founded
in the 5th century. Also visit monasteries and temples
with impressive Buddhist & Hindu images. The
Institute for research into Buddhism and Pali literature
which houses rare manuscripts, is also worth visiting
for the enthusiasts. Archaeological musuem is also
not to be missed for the rare collections. Overnight
at hotel. |
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05 : Rajgir - Bodhgaya
Early morning after breakfast depart for Bodhgaya
(193 kms / 4 hrs & 30 mins) by road. Enroute
visit Baraliar caves - the earliest examples of
rock cut caves. Most impressive craftmanship of
carving and rock inscription ca be seen. These caves
served as inspiration for the setting of E.M Foresters
"A Passage to India". Arrive Bodhgaya
and overnight in the hotel.
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06 : Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage
centres. It was here that Gautama attained enlightenment
and became Buddha under the "Bodhi" tree
Satabodhi temple, Japanese and Tibetan monasteries
alongwith Magadha university musuem are also to
be visited. Overnight at hotel.
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07 : Bodhgaya - Varansi
Early morning after breakfast depart for Varanasi
(243 kms / 6 hrs) by road (if one so desires one
can go by train to Varanasi for Gaya). Arrive by
afternoon and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit
ghats and temples and Benaras Hindu University.
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 08 : Varanasi - Sarnath
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges to see the
beautiful sunrise at Ganges. After breakfast excursion
to Sarnath, the principle centre of Buddhism. It
was here around 530 B.C that Buddha preached his
1st sermon after gaining enlightenment. Also visit
Dhamekh and Dharmarajika stupas. |
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09 : Varanasi - Kushinagar
Afternoon drive to Kushinagar - the place where
Buddha passed into Parinirvana. Visit Ramabha stupa
which stands on the spot where the body of the Lord
was cremated. Also visit Natha Kumarka Kot enshrining
the large recumbent figure of Buddha in the state
of Nirvana. Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 10 : Kushinagar - Lumbini - Sravasti
Morning excursion to Lumbini, the place where Buddha
was born. An ancient shrine with an image representing
the nativity of Buddha is still preserved. Afternoon
drive to Balrampur and visit Sravasti and other
Buddhist shrines enroute. Overnight at hotel. |
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11 : Balrampur - Lucknow - Delhi
Drive to Lucknow to catch flight to Delhi. On arrival,
transfer to international airport for flight to
onward destination.
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