Special Buddhist Tour - 07 Nights / 08 Days

Delhi - Lucknow - Sravasti - Lumbini - Kushinagar - Patna - Rajgir - Nalanda - Bodhgaya - Varanasi - Agra - Delhi

Special Buddhist Tour is a soulful sojourn covering all the prominent sites of Buddhist importance in a single journey. Spread over a week, this pilgrimage covers up the sites like Sravasti, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya and Sarnath in a single most attempt. The add on to the journey is the inclusion of Taj Mahal, which forms another reason why tourists frequent towards India. Surely, this special Buddhist tour is a special retreat for the visitors who want to experience the best of both worlds, be it the serenity and modesty of the Buddhist circuit of India and Nepal or the most expensive and grand tribute to love in the form of the Taj Mahal.

Upon arrival in Delhi, meet Incredible India tour representative for assisted transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02. Delhi - Lucknow - Sravasti

After breakfast, check out Delhi to board the train Shatabdi Express for Lucknow. This is a day train, transferring tourists in a mere span of six hours approx. to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. On arrival in the city, proceed for Sravasti. Sravasti is the serene town known to accommodate Buddha many times as rainy shelter. The capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kosala, it was also the most favoured site from Buddha's side. Present day Sravasti hosts a number of monastic ruins and stupas in its periphery. Overnight in Sravasti.

After breakfast, check out Sravasti for Kushinagar. Enroute visit Lumbini in Nepal. Here the lord was born as a prince to Queen Mayadevi. Mayadevi temple and a nearby Pushkarini pond and Ashokan Pillar testify the association with Buddha’s glorious birth. After paying respect in Lumbini, return to India to reach Kushinagar. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Kushinagar is the place that Buddha chose for his Mahaparinirvana, or final departure from this material existence on earth. The Buddhist site is one of the four pilgrimage spots revered by the world.

Visit the Rambhar Stupa built on Buddha’s cremation site and pay respects to the reclining Buddha in Mahaparinirvan Temple.
Check out Kushinagar and drive to Patna. Enroute visit Vaishali where Lord Buddha announced his Mahaparinirvana.
Patna, anciently known as Pataliputra was thriving township during the Buddha’s lifetime. Overnight in Patna

Day 05. Patna - Rajgir - Nalanda-Bodhgaya

After breakfast, check out Patna for a drive to the twin towns of Rajgir and Nalanda. Nalanda was the world’s oldest university founded in the 5th century active during the time of the Buddha.

Rajgir (Rajgriha) was the capital of the Magadh Kingdom, ruled by the virtuous king Bimbisara. Also, the site accommodated Buddha many times and witnessed his empirical teaching or suttas.

Visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Griddhakuta, Venuvana Vihara during a tour to Rajgir. Later drive and arrive Bodhgaya. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, begin the visit to the blissful Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. Under the tree, Lord Buddha gained enlightenment.

Buddha’s follower, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 3rd Century BC built a temple in the vicinity of the Bodhi Tree to commemorate the Lord’s victory over ignorance through ultimate spiritual enlightenment. After the glorious sightseeing to Bodhgaya, check out the site for a tour onward to Varanasi. Overnight stay in Varanasi.Day 07. Varanasi - Agra

Early morning boat ride at holy river "The Ganges" to see the spectacular sunrise dawning upon the spiritual city. Proceed for a day tour of Varanasi including a visit to the Bharat Mata Temple which worships not an idol but a physical map relief of India. Also, visit the BHU campus, considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. In the afternoon, begin an excursion to Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon. After the excursion is complete, return to Varanasi and check out the hotel. In time transfer to Varanasi railway station and board the connecting train to Agra. Overnight on board.

Day 08. Agra - Delhi Depart

Early morning, arrive Agra. The city is on the world’s tourism map due to the presence of an illustrious wonder, Taj Mahal. This architectural marvel in marble surprises a visitor at every turn and phase; be it day, noon, morning or night. A wonder of the world, this is a superlative example of Mughal artistry and craftsmanship.

Continues Agra city tour with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj. Next is the scheduled drive to Delhi. Upon arrival here, transfer to the International Airport to board the connecting flight back home.