Buddhism Tour 10 Nights / 11 Days Delhi – Delhi

<p>Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India. You will be received and transferred to a pre-booked hotel. Overnight at hotel.</p><p></p>

<p>Morning transfer to Railway station to board Shatabdi Express for Agra . Upon arrival check in at Hotel . Agra was the capital of India under the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries. After a Short Rest we see the exquisite tomb of the emperor Jehangir's chief minister and father - in - law, often called the 'BABY TAJ' because its design foreshadows the Taj Mahal,. Then we tour Agra's Red Fort, built over three generations by the moghul emperors. we go at sunset to see the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Building's stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering reflection in the water channel are truly breathtaking. Overnight at Hotel .</p><p></p>

<p>Early morning drive to Sankasia. Sankasia lies in central Uttar Pradesh. It is believed to be the place where Buddha, along with Brahma and Devraj Indra descended after giving sermons to his mother in heaven. At the spot of descent stands a temple with a statue of the Buddha. The place is also known for a temple dedicated to Bisari Devi and an excavated Ashokan Elephant Pillar. After Visiting Sankasia drive to Lucknow . Upon arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.</p><p></p>

<p>After early breakfast drive to Sravasti visiting Augulimala Cave and Ananda Bodhi tree and Sarvasti Garden which is an important pilgrimage for Buddhists.Lord Buddha is believed to have spent 25 rainy seasons here preaching his teachings. The Buddha relics from Sravasti, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kosala, in India are enshrined at the Nava Jetavana Viharaya just opposite the archaeological site of the ancient Jetavana Monastery where the Buddha and his chief disciples spent nineteen Rains. The Buddha also spent another six Rains at another monastery, the Pubbarama which is also situated in Sravasti. Overnight stay at hotel.</p><p></p>

<p>Early morning drive to Lumbini. Upon arrival sight seeing of Lumbini where the Lord was born Emperor Ashok in the twenty first years after his coronation visited the Birth places and raised a pillar on the spot.Later drive to Kushinagar. Kushinagar is celebrated as the place where Buddha died and was cremated and passed into Parinirvana. Visit the Sal Tree and Ramabhar stupa where Buddha was cremated. Overnight Kushinagar.</p><p></p>

<p>After breakfast drive to Rajgir, enroute Vaishali. Vaishali is believed to be the first republic of the world, having an elected body of representatives hold special significance for Buddhist devotees On the way hot lunch at Chakkia. On arrival at Rajgir check in to the hotel. overnight at hotel.</p><p></p>

<p>Rajgir founded in the 5th Century B.C.,Nalanda was one of the World's great universities and an important Buddhist center. The Buddha Sangha of Japan has constructed a massive Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Peace Pagoda, at the top of this hill to commemorate this event. Although one can take a bridle path up to the Pagoda, the other way is to take the unusual aerial chairlift, for the panoramic view it offers of the surrounding hills.also visit Gridkutta Mountain (Vulture's Peak), Venuvana, and Bimbisara Fort. Also visit the Satparni caves The first Buddhist Council meeting was held in the famous Satparni caves in these hills. These caves also have several curative hot water springs which are sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Proceed to Bodhgaya.Overnight at hotel.</p><p></p>

<p>Bodhgaya,where the Lord Buddha got enlightenment under a Banyan tree. After lunch full day visit Mahabodhi temple.It is an amalgamation of many cultures and centuries. The highlights of the temple include tall stone lotuses, figures of Buddha sitting in different postures on the walls, his footprints on the stones, and a colossal golden Buddha in the sanctum sanctorum. The Bodhi tree, situated in the premises of the temple, is the one under which Buddha attained illumination. White, Green and Red flags, tied onto the tree, form a canopy over seven sacred shrines, which symbolizes the seven weeks that Buddha spent here.. Also visit the Niranjana river. At the end of six years he realised that severe penance would not bring the enlightenment he sought. He broke his fast, eating a little rice pudding offered to him by the girl Sujata who lived in the village of Uruvela. Then he went to the Niranjana river to bathe.In the Days that followed, Siddhartha returned to his former life as a wandering ascetic. He regained his health and strength and continued his quest. However, he remained in the vicinity of the Niranjana river. He was preparing himself for his final struggle to attain the supreme truth.Also visit the famous and the recently built Great Buddha Statue. Overnight at hotel.</p><p></p>

<p>Morning drive to Varansi. Upon arrival check in at hotel and refresh for a visit to Sarnath - the place where Lord Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC.</p><p></p>

<p>Early Morning boat ride on River Ganges and sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visiting Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvyapi Mosque, Durga Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Ram Nagar, Fort and Museum. Evening transfer to Railway station to board overnight train for Delhi. Overnight on board.</p><p></p>

<p>Arrive Delhi. Upona arrival in Delhi, transfer to Internation Airport to board onward flight</p><p></p>