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Budhist Pilgrimage Tour of Places Associated with Lord Buddha Life

Package price On Request

Product Code : AGORA581

Embark on a transformative journey tracing the footsteps of Lord Buddha with our "Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour of Places Associated with Lord Buddha's Life." This meticulously crafted pilgrimage takes you through the very sites where the great sage lived, taught, and ultimately attained enlightenment. From the spiritual epicenter of Varanasi, where you'll witness enchanting Ganga Aarti, to the serene settings of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, the journey unfolds through sacred sites like Shravasti and Kushinagar, offering a profound connection to the life and teachings of Buddha. This 7-day voyage is a spiritual awakening, taking you on a pilgrimage that is as much an inner exploration as it is an external one.

 

Day 1: Arrive Varanasi

As you step off the plane at Varanasi airport, a warm welcome awaits you from our representative. They will assist you with the transfer to your hotel, where you can unwind and acclimate to the vibrant surroundings of Varanasi. After settling in, you'll embark on an enriching walking tour along the sacred Ghats (riverfront steps) and temples that line the holy Ganges River. These Ghats are bustling with life, spirituality, and the essence of India. You'll witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony, a breathtaking display of devotion, music, and fire. Later, a serene sunset boat ride on the Ganges allows you to experience the mesmerizing transformation of the riverbanks as the day draws to a close. To conclude the day, you'll visit the historic Ramnagar Fort, an architectural gem with a museum housing a captivating collection of artifacts that provide insights into the royal family's legacy.

 

Day 2: Varanasi

Your second day commences with an early morning boat ride along the Ganges River, a spiritual journey to observe the profound morning rituals and prayers performed by devoted locals. The surreal experience of witnessing the sunrise over the sacred river is a memory to treasure. Upon your return to the hotel, a hearty breakfast awaits. Following breakfast, you'll set out to explore the spiritual heart of Varanasi. Your journey leads you to the renowned Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath, you'll explore the Dhamek Stupa, a monumental structure that marks the spot of the sermon, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a beautiful temple showcasing intricate carvings, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, where an exceptional collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures awaits.

 

Day 3: Varanasi - Shravasti (310kms/ 6hrs approx)

Today, you'll embark on a scenic drive to the ancient city of Shravasti, a place deeply associated with Lord Buddha. Upon arrival, you'll check in at your hotel and have a chance to freshen up. A sightseeing tour of Shravasti awaits, introducing you to the remarkable ruins at Saheth and Maheth, both of which hold immense historical significance. You'll visit key Buddhist sites, including Angulimala's stupa and Anathapindika's stupa. The Jetavana monastery, a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, offers a serene environment for contemplation. As evening falls, you'll be treated to the famous sound and light show at Saheth-Maheth, a captivating experience that brings the history and legends of Shravasti to life.

 

Day 4: Shravasti - Kushinagar (160kms/ 4hrs approx)

Your journey continues as you make your way to Kushinagar, the very place where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (enlightenment). After checking in at your hotel, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Mahapari-nirvaana Temple, which houses the renowned reclining Buddha statue, a serene symbol of Buddha's transcendence. The Ramabhar Stupa, marking the site of Buddha's cremation, stands as a testament to the profound impact of his teachings. The Kushinagar Museum holds a treasure trove of ancient relics and artifacts related to Buddhism, offering you a deeper understanding of the faith. Additionally, a visit to the serene Japanese Peace Pagoda brings an aura of tranquility to your day.

 

Day 5: Kushinagar - Kesariya - Vaishali - Patna (260kms/ 5hrs approx)

Embark on a picturesque drive to Patna, the capital city of Bihar. Along the way, you'll visit the Kesariya Stupa, one of the world's tallest and grandest Buddhist stupas. Kesariya Stupa's grandeur and history create a sense of awe. Your journey continues with a visit to Vaishali, an ancient city closely associated with Buddha and steeped in history. Here, you'll explore the Ashokan Pillar, an archaeological masterpiece, the fascinating site of Kundalpur, and the Buddha Stupa, a testament to the faith's profound impact. As you continue your journey to Patna and check in at your hotel, you'll have the chance to visit the Patna Museum, celebrated for its extensive collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and artworks.

 

Day 6: Patna - Nalanda - Rajgir - Bodhgaya (180km/ 4hr approx)

Today's journey takes you to Bodhgaya, the holiest of Buddhist pilgrimage sites, where Buddha attained enlightenment. En route, you'll visit Nalanda, a renowned ancient center of learning. Exploring the ruins of Nalanda University, you'll appreciate the profound influence this institution had on education and philosophy. Your journey proceeds to Rajgir, an important historical and religious site where Buddha spent several years of his life. Here, you'll visit the Gridhakuta Hill, an elevated vantage point with spiritual significance, the Venuvana Vihara, a lush bamboo grove associated with Buddha, and the Japanese Peace Pagoda, a symbol of global harmony. Upon arriving in Bodhgaya and checking in at your hotel, you'll attend the Sutta chanting at the revered Mahabodhi Temple in the evening. The temple is an iconic symbol of Bodhgaya, and its serene atmosphere is perfect for meditation and reflection.

 

Day 7: Bodhgaya - Departure (Flight)

Today, your spiritual exploration takes you through the sacred sites of Bodhgaya. The magnificent Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is your first stop. You'll marvel at the Bodhi Tree, believed to be the very spot where Buddha attained enlightenment. The temple complex houses a range of beautiful temples and monuments in its vicinity, including the Tibetan Monastery, Burmese Temple, Chinese Temple and Monastery, and Thai Temple, each offering unique insights into the Buddhist teachings and the global reach of the faith. Immersed in the spiritual aura of Bodhgaya, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism and its profound impact on humanity.

After this extensive sightseeing tour, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward departure flight, marking the end of your deeply enriching and spiritually awakening journey through the Buddhist Pilgrimage Trail. This pilgrimage is not only a physical journey but also a profound inner exploration.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 6 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.

- Cycle rickshaw ride in Varanasi

- Sunrise / sunset Boat ride on holy River Ganges in Varanasi

- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

- Bottled drinking water in car.

- Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 6 nights accommodation

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

Sravasti x 1 night
3* - Hotel Pawan Palace/ The Sravasti Residency
4* & 5* - Lotus Nikko Hotel/ Hotel Platinum

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

Bodhgaya x 2 night
3* - Hotel Taj Darbar/ Hotel Mahamaya
4* & 5* - The Royal  Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hotel

- 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.