India Nepal Buddhist Tour
Duration : 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations : Kathmandu - Pokhara – Lumbini - Sravasti -Kushinagar - Patna - Bodhgaya - Varanasi - Agra - Bhopal - Aurangabad – Mumbai
India Nepal Buddhist Tour is a great way to explore two kindred countries sharing the Buddhist bond, besides a regular tour. Traversing around the cities of Kathmandu where Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupas rest in peace, the tour moves towards Lumbini's temple, where Buddha was born. The second half of the tour explores India's Buddhist heritage through Kushinagar, Sravasti, Patna, Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Ajanta Ellora caves. Besides this, the tour explores the heritage sites of Taj Mahal and the city of lakes, Bhopal in India.
Day 01. Arrive Kathmandu
Upon arrival via scheduled international flight, meet representative for assisted check in at Kathmandu. Later begin the Kathmandu tour with a visit to its splendid Buddhist attractions. The city is one of the great attractions for the Buddhist world and hosts Boudha Nath Temple, the world's largest stupa and Swayambhunath temple, which is the oldest Buddhist shrine. Upon arrival here, transfer to the hotel. In time, begin the cherished visit to the two Buddhist shrines in the city. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02. Kathmandu – Pokhara
After breakfast, check out Kathmandu for a drive to Pokhara (210 kms / 5 hrs drive). This is the second largest city as far as the tourism is concerned. Known for its immaculate trekking Annapurna circuit, the destination is also remarkably famous for its rich Buddhist connection. The nearby Tibetan villages will not let the visitors lose the touch with the religion, and at the same time will offer the travellers, an exciting dose of adventure. The sightseeing here includes a visit to Phewa Lake which is the second-largest lake in Nepal and also is the most important landmark of Pokhara. Next in the series is a visit to Bindyabasini Temple. Definitely the oldest structure in Pokhara, this temple was built by Newari traders’ way back in the 16th century. On arrival, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 03. Pokhara - Lumbini – Sravasti
After breakfast enjoy sunrise. In schedule transfer to Pokhara airport to board flight for Bhairahwa airport. This is the gateway to Lumbini, the first Buddhist pilgrimage site of Indo-Nepal Buddhist Tour.
On arrival here, begin the sightseeing of Lumbini including the site where Lord was born, the Maya Devi Temple. Dedicated to Maya Devi, Buddha’s mother, this temple complex also has a pond called Pushkarini, in which the queen took the bath before delivering Lord Buddha. Then, drive to Sravasti (190 kms / 5 hrs drive). On arrival in Sravasti, return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 04. Sravasti – Kushinagar
After breakfast, begin the sightseeing of Sravasti (255 / 6 hrs drive). This was the capital of Kosala Kingdom which has the honour in the religious history for sheltering the Buddha after enlightenment for 24 rainy seasons. The site has the number of stupas, monastic ruins and the Anand Bodhi tree, dedicated to Lord's attendant, Anand. After sightseeing is complete, check out Sravasti and proceed for Kushinagar (230 kms / 5 hrs drive). Overnight in Kushinagar.
Day 05. Kushinagar - Vaishali - Patna
Kushinagar is the place chosen by Buddha for his Mahaparinirvana / the final exit from this earth. A visit to Kushinagar revolves around visiting Mahaparinirvan Temple, Ramabhar Stupa and Mathakuar shrine. Post sightseeing, check out Kushinagar for Patna which is 240 kms / 5 hrs drive. Enroute visit Vaishali, where Lord announced his Mahaparinirvan. Overnight in Patna.
Day 06. Patna - Rajgir - Nalanda - Bodhgaya
After breakfast, check out Patna for Bodhgaya (170 kms / 4 hrs). Enroute visit Nalanda and Rajgir. Nalanda was the ancient university of India which imparted education in the ancient era in diversified disciplines. It is because of this reason this university invited students from different parts of the world. After visiting Nalanda, drive further to Rajgir. Rajgir or Rajagriha was the capital of the powerful Magadha kingdom, ruled by the virtuous king Bimbisara and was visited many times by Buddha, before and after enlightenment.
Griddhakuta, the strange rock outcropping resembling a vulture’s beak, is the reason why the hill got this name. VenuvanaVihar, the next attraction of Rajgir was built by King Bimbisara for Lord Buddha to stay and was his first offering. Also visit Saptaparni Caves here, which witnessed the first Buddhist council after Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvan. Continue the drive and arrive Bodhgaya. Overnight in Bodhgaya
Day 07. Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya presents the most illustrious phase in the life of Lord Buddha, i.e. his enlightenment. After six years of wandering as a monk, finally Lord received enlightenment and the boon of ultimate knowledge. A Buddhist follower can still experience that pious inspiration by meditating under the shade of the Bodhi Tree. A visit to the Great Mahabodhi Temple Complex, 80 ft. Buddha statue also makes the visit to Bodhgaya even more remarkable. After lunch, relax in the serenity of Bodhgaya in the hotel. In the evening, move out for a walk through the monasteries of the city and embrace the variety of Buddhist disciplines that thrive in Bodhgaya. Dinner and overnight in Bodhgaya.
Day 08. Bodhgaya - Varanasi - Agra
After early breakfast, proceed for Varanasi (255 kms / 5 hrs). On arrival in the city of lights and learning, begin the sightseeing of Sarnath, the principle centre of Buddhism. It was here around 530 B.C. that Buddha preached his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. Proceed for the city tour including a visit to the Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple and the campus of Banaras Hindu University. In schedule transfer to the railway station to board the connecting train to Agra. Overnight on board.
Day 09. Agra
Early morning transfer from railway station to the hotel. After getting ready to witness the wonder of the world, begin the Agra city tour with the Taj Mahal. This iconic architecture is the resplendent pride of the Mughal heritage. Next in the city tour is the visit to Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj. Shah Jahan used to marvel at the sight of Taj from the octagonal tower in the fort which lies across the river Yamuna. Dinner Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 10. Agra - Bhopal
After breakfast, transfer to Agra Cantt. Railway Station to board the connecting train for Bhopal. Transfer from Bhopal railway station to hotel for overnight stay in the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
Day 11. Bhopal - Sanchi - Bhusaval
After breakfast, begin the sightseeing of Sanchi. This is another world heritage Buddhist site where the Buddhist motifs of stupas find their most artistic representation. Group of monuments at Sanchi illustrate the times when the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, keen follower of Buddha was on the mission to spread the religion. While he was erecting pillars, and edicts on the famous Buddhist sites, he also built the most artistic Buddhist heritage in the form of Sanchi Stupa. After the sightseeing is over, in time transfer to Railway Station to board the connecting train for Bhusaval. Overnight on board.
Day 12. Bhusaval – Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves
In the morning, transfer from Bhusaval railway station to the hotel in Aurangabad. After getting ready for the day, begin the excursion for Ajanta caves. This is the most exemplary expression of Buddhist art and rock cuts in India. May be this is the reason why this is a recognized world heritage site. Buddhist in nature and appeal, the cave complex presents the journey of Buddhism. After the excursion is complete, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 13. Aurangabad – Ellora
Next morning, take a sightseeing tour of Ellora, another highly visited World heritage site of India. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism and present a religious harmony of India. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Aurangabad. (Optional tour of Aurangabad in the evening.)
Day 14. Aurangabad - Mumbai - Depart
After breakfast, transfer to railway station to board connecting train for Mumbai. Sightseeing Of Mumbai including a visiting Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India and Dhobhi Ghats. In time transfer to International Airport to board the connecting flight for onward journey.