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Buddhism came into being in
northeastern India, during the period from the late 6th
century to the early 4th century BC, a period of great
social change and intense religious activity.
It was Siddhartha Gautama, born a prince 2,500 years ago
in Lumbini, renounced his royal heritage, and as a young
man, sat under a tree in Bodhgaya determined to find a
way to transcend suffering. He recognized that all of
the world's problems begin with a fundamental ignorance
that causes beings to misunderstand the true nature of
reality. Because of this, they engage in actions that
lead to their own suffering and fail to recognize what
leads to happiness. Highlights include: Lumbini, Buddhas'
place of birth, Bodhgaya, where he gained enlightenment,
Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, Kushinager,
where he left his mortal body, Agra, home of the Taj
Mahal. |
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Day
01
Arrival Delhi:
Met on arrival by representative. Traditional welcome
with garlanding and transfer to the hotel. Overnight
stay at the hotel.
Day 02
Delhi / Jaipur (250 Kms - 05 hrs):
After a morning at leisure we drive to Jaipur - the
fabled "pink city" of the desert named after Jai Singh,
the former Maharaja of Jaipur. The palaces and forts of
the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal
processions and splendors, are now living monuments. We
arrive and check inn to the hotel.
This will be a cultural evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani -
An ethnic village resort, the vitality of Rajasthani
folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically
to the loud tenor of folk songs sung by men and women,
festooned in bright clothes. Gaily caparisoned camel,
horses and bullock carts offer joy rides. A traditional
Rajasthani dinner will be served. Overnight stay at the
hotel.
Day 03
In Jaipur:
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel we leave
for a half - day sightseeing stopping to view the
elegant Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) - this
elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is
encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies
from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters,
could sneak views of the outside world.
We visit the Maharajah's City Palace, now partly a
museum display a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu
architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings,
Rajput armoury and costumes. Later we visit the unique
Jantar Mantar Observatory - situated in the heart of the
city where time has been accurately measured since the
17th century. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at
the hotel.
Day 04
Jaipur / Agra (250 Kms - 5 hrs):
After a breakfast at the hotel we visit the dramatic
hilltop fortress at Amber - ascend the imposing fort on
a painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays
and the Hall of Mirrors.
Later we drive for five hours to the City of Taj, Agra
enroute visiting the evocative city of Fatehpur Sikri -
built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the
late 16th century, it is a veritable fairytale city
built of red sandstone, and its "ruins" are in pristine
condition.
Reach Agra by evening and check in to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05
Agra / Varanasi (By Overnight Train):
After having our breakfast we proceed for the city
sightseeing tour visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal,
which is entirely made of white marble and its walls are
decorated with exquisite Pietra Dura (stone inlay) work.
Post lunch tour of the imposing Agra Fort - built of red
sandstone and marble is a hilltop citadel with fabulous
courtyards, fountains and gates.
Evening transfer to the Railway station to board
Overnight Train to Varanasi.
Day 06
In Varanasi:
Arrive Varanasi in the morning and transfer to hotel
visiting Sarnath enroute, an important Buddhist
pilgrimage point. Afternoon we proceed for the city tour
visiting various temples including The Vishwanath
Temple, built by the Birlas, was planned by Pandit Madan
Mohan Malaviya. The Bharat Mata Temple houses, instead
of gods and goddesses, a huge relief map in marble of
the whole of Indian subcontinent. The Tulsi Manas
Temple, built in 1964, is dedicated to Lord Rama.
Evening view "Aarti" ceremony on the Ghats. Overnight
stay at the hotel.
Day 07
Varanasi / Bodhgaya (242 Kms - 06 hrs):
Morning we take a Boat cruise at the river Ganges to
observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats and
later we drive to Bodhgaya. Arrive Bodhgaya and check -
in at hotel. Bodhgaya - most sacred place for Buddhists
as it has a Peepul tree under which Gautama the Buddha
attained enlightenment some 2500 years back. Overnight
stay at the hotel.
Day 08
In Bodhgaya:
After enjoying our breakfast we embark on a sightseeing
tour of Bodhgaya visiting Mahabodhi Temple - depicting
the various phases of Buddha's journey towards
enlightenment, showing different aspects of his life;
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum - houses a small
collection of Buddhist sculpture from the 1st century
B.C, to the 11th century A.D; Jagannath Temple close by
has a four armed statue of Shiva in black stone.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09
Bodhgaya / Patna (109 Kms - 4.5 hrs):
After breakfast drive to Patna, we arrive by lunch and
check - in at hotel. Post lunch city tour visiting Har
Mandir Sahib - also known as Patna Sahib consecrates the
place where the 10th Guru of the Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh
was born in 1776; Golghar - is a large dome-like
structure from where one can have a fine view of the
Ganga and the surroundings of the city; Patna Museum -
has a rich collection of Mauryan and Buddhist
sculptures, terracotta and other interesting items of
the items. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10
Patna / Kushinagar (253 Kms - 06 hrs):
Morning drive to Kushinagar, on arrival check - in at
hotel. Later we visit the Rambhar Stupa - which marks
Buddha's cremation ground. Our second stop is
Mahaparinirvana temple - which houses the recumbent
figure of Lord Buddha. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11
Kushinagar / Balrampur (216 Kms - 05 hrs):
Morning drive to Balrampur. On arrival check - in at
hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the
hotel.
Day 12
Balrampur / Lumbini (197 Kms - 4.5 hrs):
Morning drive to Lumbini. Arrive Lumbini and check - in
at hotel. Lumbini is the place where Buddha was born
2500 years ago.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13
Lumbini / Kathmandu (By flight):
Half Day sightseeing of Lumbini and later at 1545 hrs.
Transfer to airport to board flight for Kathmandu
(Buddha Air Flight). Arrive Kathmandu at 1620 hrs and
transfer to hotel. Kathmandu - surrounded by green hills
and mountains with snow-capped peaks against its
northern and eastern background the Valley is indeed
beautiful. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 14
In Kathmandu:
After breakfast we embark on a city tour of Kathmandu
visiting Pashupatinath Temple - the most sacred of the
Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to lord Shiva, built in
1696. We carry on the sightseeing tour of the Patan - a
city of architecture and fine arts. Sometimes known as
"Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs". Visit Tibetan
Handicraft center at Jawalakhel to watch carpet weaving.
Post lunch Sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath - the
oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can
see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below. A
short drive will take you to Boudhanath - the worlds
largest stupa; a sight of great reneration to the
Buddhist. We continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square - the
temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace.
Finally, visit Kasthamandup - a temple built from a
single tree from which the Kathmandu derives its name.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15
Kathmandu / Delhi (By Flight):
Morning at leisure. Afternoon fly to Delhi, met on
arrival by PCTI representative and leave for a small
ride of New Delhi drive past India Gate, President's
House, Parliament House, stop to explore the local
markets. Later have your dinner and than transfer to the
international airport to Board your homeward flight or
connect to your onward destination.
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