8 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Package

Overview
Itinerary
Hotels
Inclusion/Exclusion
Cost Per person

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Destinations Covered :

Bodhgaya - Rajgir – Nalanda - Patna - Vaishali – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Kapilavastu - Sravasti – Varanasi

Day 01: GAYA - BODHGAYA

Upon arrival in Gaya you will be met and transferred to Bodhgaya and check in at the hotel. Later visit to Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya. You stay overnight in Bodhgaya
Day 02: EXPLORE BODHGAYA

You start your sightseeing in Bodh Gaya post your breakfast. Here Gautama Buddha got enlightened under a pious Bodhi Tree. On your exploration spree stop by at Mahabodhi Temple constructed by Asoka back in 3rd century B.C. The other prominent site is Sujata House. This happens to be a temple built serenading a tribal woman from Uruvela who had the kindness to provide food to Gautam Buddha when he was starving. There is a shrine and purlieu close by that gives this place its spiritual aura. Visit the Niranjana River, various monasteries and return to the hotel at Bodhgaya for overnight stay
Day 03: BODHGAYA – RAJGIR – NALANDA – PATNA

This is a journey of 220 kms and you complete this in 6 hours. Post your breakfast at Bodhgaya you head towards Patna and visit Rajgir and Nalanda on your way. Rajgir was the capital city back in history of the famous Magadh kingdom that was ruled by King Bimbisara. Here you can explore the Vishwa Shanti Stupa which is an elite and elegant marble construction carrying impressive golden Buddha images and was constructed by esteemed NipponzaMyohoji sect of Japan.
Further in the tour you are taken tSo Griddhakuta that is an unusual rock projection that has resemblance to the beak of a vulture, which probably gives it its name. Inside these rocky caves Gautama Buddha spent several rainy seasons preaching as well as meditating. Take a pause at the Venuvana Vihara, a sacred monastery site that got constructed by king Bimbisara for Gautama Buddha to stay, as a very first offering to Gautama Buddha. There is also the Jivakameavan Gardens, known as the royal dispensary of eminent physicians’. Here Buddha was attended and healed by Jivaka, a popular physician who belonged to the times when Bimbisara and Ajatshatru used to rule. Post Rajgir you will move to Nalanda. Nalanda is a classic hub for Buddhism and also being established in 5th century it is the oldest university that the world has. Close by you will find famous temples and monasteries depicting stunning Hindu and Buddhist images. Another popular site is Institute for research in Buddhism and Pali literature that till date has preserved some of the rare manuscripts that might interest the history buffs. When you finally arrive at Patna you stay overnight in your hotel
Day 04: PATNA – VAISHALI – KUSHINAGAR

A total journey of 6 hours covering a distance of 250 kms, it takes off post your breakfast, where you drive down Kushinagar enroute visiting Vaishali. Vaishali was frequently visited by Buddha during his lifetime. Furthermore, at Kolhua located nearby Buddha taught his final lecture. Celebrating this event King Asoka created the famous lion pillar in 3rd century B.C. And after about a century of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana, this place i.e. Vaishali had experienced the hosting of the second Buddhist council where two stupas got created in this honour. Post Vaishali visit move to Kushinagar. This place has immense importance, as it records Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana, which means his leaving earth finally. On arrival at Kushinagar check-in at hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kushinagar
Day 05: KUSHINAGAR – LUMBINI

Post breakfast, there are several historical temples and monasteries here for you to visit. A popular site is the cremation ground of Buddha, Rambhar Stupa. History narrates that Mahakashyapa in the past at Mukutabandha Vihara had lit the holy funeral pyre. Recently, all that remains of this great site is a big mound of brick that is 15 meters high having a park within. Whilst wrapping up stop over at the Mahaparinirvana Temple and then move towards Lumbini which is a journey of 4 hours covering a distance of 180 kms. On Arrival at Lumbini you complete your hotel check-in formalities and start the day’s sightseeing. This place is popular as Buddha was born here. You start sightseeing by visiting Maya Devi Temple, dedicated to Buddha’s mother. This temple got constructed in 2nd century B.C that has a river near, where Maya Devi took her bath. The reputed Japanese Buddhist Federations have decided to rebuild this temple. The other prominent attraction is the Asoka Pillar that got established in 250 B.C constructed by Asoka. The king was a disciple of Buddhism. When this pillar was getting constructed Asoka did not accept tax from the villagers. In addition to that, the king had distributed hundred golden coins amidst them. A sudden lightning that occurred in 7th century made the pillar break in two pieces. Furthermore, this grand site went into oblivion as the dense forest around completely covered it until1895 when it was rediscovered. Post that, the site was rearranged and cleared properly and the pillar was reconstructed, as this place exudes Buddhist significance. Stay overnight at the hotel in Lumbini
Day 06: LUMBINI – KAPILAVASTU – SHRAVASTI

A total journey of 6 hours covering a distance of 240 kms, it takes off post your breakfast, where you drive down to Shravasti visiting Kapilvastu on the way, Kingdom of king Suyodhan, father of prince Siddhartha. On Arrival at Shravasti you complete your hotel check-in formalities and start the day’s sightseeing. In Shravasti, explore the Sahet and Mahet. Back in past this used to be a proactive Buddhist hub and also the capital city for Kosala Kingdom. Another place of interest to visit is Jetvana Viharhas, where Buddha took refuge for almost twenty-four years. This place boasts of ancient stupas, popular Anand Bodhi trees, quaint monasteries as well as many temples. On this day you spend the night at Shravasti
Day 07: SHRAVASTI – VARANASI

A total journey of 7 hours covering a distance of 320 kms, it takes off post your breakfast, where you drive down to Varanas. Upon arrival in Varanasi you complete your hotel check-in formalities. Later In the evening you can take a stroll around and explore the nearby markets, be a part of the evening traditional Aarti ceremony on sacred Ganges and also enjoy a boat ride. Stay overnight at hotel in Varanasi
Day 08: VARANASI DEPARTURE

In the morning you start the day with a relaxed boat ride at the holy Ganges and experience the magical Sunrise moment. You also get the chance to explore the cremation Ghats and also be a part of the ritualistic practices taking place here. After the boat ride tour you will return back to the hotel for breakfast. Post brekfast check out from the hotel and visit to Sarnath included visiting to Choukhandi Stupa, Dhamekh Stupa, Asoka Pillar, Sarnath Archaeological Museum, and then visit Mulgandha kuti vihar. Later you make your way to the airport to take your flight for onwards journey