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Four Sacred Sites Associated with Lord Buddha Life

Package price On Request

Product Code : AGORA140

This private tour takes you to four sacred sites associated with Lord Buddha's life in India and Nepal. You'll visit Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment, and Patna, where he preached his last sermon. Then, you'll travel to Kushinagar, where Buddha achieved Mahaparinirvana, and Lumbini, his birthplace in Nepal. Along the way, you'll see various temples, stupas, and monasteries built by different countries, as well as ancient ruins, museums, and holy sites. The tour ends in Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, where you can witness the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony and explore the city's rich cultural heritage.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Bodhgaya

Upon arrival at Gaya airport, you will be warmly received by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Bodhgaya. After check-in and breakfast, the journey begins with a visit to the revered Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Explore the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be a direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha meditated. Discover Vajrasana, the diamond throne where Buddha is said to have meditated. Later, visit the Great Buddha Statue, Tibetan Monastery, Burmese Temple, Chinese Temple and Monastery, and other monasteries in the vicinity.

 

Day 2: Bodhgaya to Patna via Rajgir & Nalanda (180km

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Patna via Rajgir, a historic city closely associated with Buddha. Visit Vulture's Peak (Gijjhakuta), a mountain renowned for the Buddha's discourses, and Sattapanni Cave, the site of the first Buddhist council. Explore the ruins of Nalanda University, one of the world's oldest universities and a prominent center of Buddhist education. After the enlightening exploration, proceed to Patna and check-in at the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

 

Day 3: Patna to Kushinagar via Vaishali and Kesariya (260km)

Start the day with a wholesome breakfast and head towards Kushinagar. En route, visit Vaishali, where Buddha delivered his last sermon. Explore the Ashokan pillar and the Ramkund pond, significant historical sites. Continue the journey to Kesariya and witness the grandeur of one of the tallest stupas globally. Upon reaching Kushinagar, visit the Mahapari-nirvaana Temple, the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, and the Ramabhar Stupa, all of which hold immense importance in Buddha's journey. Don't miss the chance to explore the Kushinagar Museum to delve deeper into the historical context. Later, check-in at the hotel in Kushinagar and unwind.

 

Day 4: Kushinagar to Lumbini (160km)

After a delicious breakfast, cross the Sonauli border into Nepal and travel to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and take some time to relax. Explore the surroundings and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of this sacred place.

 

Day 5: Lumbini - Birthplace of Buddha

Today's journey is dedicated to Lumbini's significant sites. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, built at the exact spot where Buddha was born. Witness the revered Ashoka Pillar, indicating Emperor Ashoka's visit to Lumbini. Explore the monastic zones built by various countries, including Myanmar, Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Complete the day with a visit to the Sacred Garden, where the Bodhi Tree, the Eternal Peace Flame, the World Peace Bell, and other shrines await your admiration.

 

Day 6: Lumbini to Shravasti (160km)

After breakfast at the hotel in Lumbini, return to India through the Sonauli border. Meet your Indian driver and proceed to Shravasti. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and set out to explore the ancient ruins at Saheth and Maheth, significant historical sites associated with Lord Buddha. Visit Angulimala's stupa, Anathapindika's stupa, and a Jain temple. Witness the sacred Jetavana monastery, a crucial Buddhist pilgrimage site, and see Gandhakuti and Anandabodhi tree. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Shravasti.

 

Day 7: Shravasti to Varanasi (315km)

After breakfast at the hotel in Shravasti, set forth on an adventurous drive to Varanasi. Arrive in the spiritual city and check-in at the hotel. In the evening, experience the mesmerizing Holy Ganga Aarti, a soul-stirring ritual on the banks of the Ganges, reverberating with spiritual fervor. Witness the vibrant ceremonies and offerings made to the sacred river, an unforgettable experience. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Varanasi.

 

Day 8: Varanasi - Spiritual and Cultural Exploration

Embark on a memorable boat ride early in the morning to witness the mystical Ganges Ghats and observe devotees taking ritual baths and performing prayers. Marvel at the sunrise over the river and immerse yourself in the local life unfolding along the ghats. Return to the hotel for breakfast and commence the city tour, including visits to Banaras Hindu University, Bharat Mata Temple, and Tulsi Manas Mandir. Later, explore the renowned Buddhist site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Witness the magnificent Dhamekh Stupa and Ashoka Pillar, significant relics of Buddhist history. Optionally, visit the Ram Nagar Fort and museum. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Varanasi.

 

Day 9: Varanasi - Departure

After breakfast at the hotel in Varanasi, proceed to the airport for your departure flight, marking the conclusion of your profound Buddhist pilgrimage tour filled with spiritual insights and historical wonders.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 8 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

- Daily breakfast at hotels.

- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the 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.

- Nepal Visa fee.

- Bottled drinking water in car.

- Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 8 nights accommodation

Bodhgaya x 1 night
3* - Hotel Taj Darbar/ Hotel Mahamaya
4* & 5* - The Royal  Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hotel

Patna x 1 night
3* - Hotel Patliputra Ashok/ Patliputra Exotica
4* - Lemon Tree Premier/ Hotel Gargee Grand
5* - Maurya Hotel/ The Panache

Kushinagar x 1 nights
3* - Hotel The Ideal/ Hotel Adelphi Grande
4* & 5* - The Royal  Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hotel

Lumbini x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Nirvana/ Lumbini Bamboo Resort
4* & 5* - Buddha Maya Hotel/ Lumbini Hokke Hotel

Sravasti x 1 night
3* - Hotel Pawan Palace/ the sravasti residency
4* & 5* - Lotus Nikko Hotel/ Hotel Platinum

Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

- Any flight tickets.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.