Footsteps Of Buddha

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Upon arrival in Varanasi, meeting assistance and transfer to the hotel
Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India (also known as Kashi and Benaras) is regarded as an eternal holy city. Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world and has been a popular centre for learning for centuries together. Even today, people come to learn Sanskrit, the mother of all languages, and yoga in Varanasi.
Evening enjoy a rickshaw ride to the ghats to see the grand ‘Aarti’ ceremony conducted every day at sunset by white-robed priests. The young priests sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, flowers and earthen lamps.
Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Later drive to Bodhgaya (250 kms).
Enroute visit Sasaram(Sasaram-City of Historical Marvels): An ancient city dotted with imposing old monuments, Sasaram engages you with fascinating tales of soulful devotion and valiant rulers from its past. The refreshing and scenic natural surroundings only add to its charm. Believed to have existed from the time of the Ramayana, the city is jointly named after King Sahasrarjuna and the Sage Parshurama. Located in the Rohtas district of Bihar, historians trace its presence to as early as the 7th century AD. The city, however, gained prominence during the reign of the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri and continued to excel under the Mughal Empire. The beautiful concoction of diverse cultural influences makes Sasaram a city of irresistible charms to any traveler.
Post visit drive continue to Bodhgaya.
On arrival check in to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day sightseeing at Bodhgaya, visiting places like Mahabodhi temple, Sujata Village, Niranjana River.
Mahabodhi Temple: one of the holiest sites of Buddhism, marking the spot of the Buddha’s Enlightenment (Bodhi). It is located in Bodh Gaya(in central Bihar state, northeastern India) on the banks of the Niranjana River.The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the oldest brick temples in India. The original structure, later replaced, was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (died 238 BCE), one of Buddhism’s most important proselytes, to commemorate the Buddha’s Enlightenment. The temple is 55 metres (180 feet) in height. Its pyramidal shikhara (tower) comprises several layers of niches, arch motifs, and fine engravings. Four towers, each identical to its central counterpart but smaller in size and topped with an umbrella-like dome, adorn the corners of the two-story structure. A shrine inside the temple holds a yellow sandstone statue of the Buddha encased in glass.
Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel
Morning drive to Rajgir (65 kms), visit Gridhkutta Peak, Venuvan Ram and Bimbisara Jail. Rajgir is an ancient city in the northeast Indian state of Bihar. Surrounded by hills, it’s known for its holy sites. Remains of the Cyclopean Wall, which encircled the city centuries ago, still stand in the center. Close by, Venu Vana park was once home to a monastery built for Buddha. The shield-shaped Japanese Temple contains a huge Buddha statue. Nearby there are hot springs believed to have medicinal properties.

Later drive to Nalanda (15 kms). Visit Ruins of ancient university of Nalanda. Lunch will be served at Nalanda tourist cafeteria. Nalanda:
Post visit drive to Vaishali (110 Kms).
Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Vaishali. Vaishali find its origin way back in history from the Mahabharata period. It is the place where democracy found its origin around 600BC. Numerous references to Vaishali are found in texts pertaining to both Jainism and Buddhism, which have preserved much information on Vaishali and the other Maha Janapadas. Based on the information found in these texts, Vaishali was established as a republic by the 6th century BC, prior to the birth of Gautama Buddha in 563, making it the world’s first republic. Being the birthplace of the last Jain “Thirthankara” Lord Mahavir gives Vaishali a very special place in history.The founder of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his Parinirvana (attainment of enlightment) on this holy soil. It is also renowned as the land of Ambapali (Amrapali), the great Indian courtesan. It is held that the district derives its name from King Vishal. However, history records that around the time Patliputra was the centre of political, cultural and economic activities in the Gangetic plains, Vaishali came into existence as centre of the Ganga, it was theseat of the Republic of Vajji. Vaishali is credited with being the World’s First Republic to have a duly elected assembly of representatives and efficient administration.

Post visit drive continue to Kushinagar (220 kms, 07 hrs)..
On arrival check-in at hotel at Kushinagar.
Kushinagar: Nestled in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Kushinagar is one of the ancient towns that attract people from all over for its beautiful Stupas and Temples. It is believed that Lord Buddha attained salvation in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh in India.
Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast at hotel Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabha Stupa (Cremation centre).
Post visit drive to Lumbini (130 Kms). Lumbini is in Nepal so you have to get the VISA by on arrival the Visa office at Nepal Border on behalf of a valid passport with the validity of 06 Month. Our representative will help you to get Visa. Also note visa fee we be paid directly at Visa office.
Post visa formalities drive continue to hotel.
On arrival check-in at hotel.
Later visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Lumbinī is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi District of Province No. 5 in Nepal. It is the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, Queen Mahamayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 563 BCE. Gautama, who achieved Enlightenment some time around 528 BCE, became the Buddha and founded Buddhism.
Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport to connect flight for Delhi.
In Delhi on arrival transfer to international airport to board flight for onward journey. Flight check in starts 3 Hours before the schedule departure time.