Varanasi-Bodhgaya-Rajgir-Nalanda
Information
- Duration 4 Nights - 5Days
- See top Buddhist landmarks
Description
Buddhism has the power and strength to transform the lives of people of all walks of life forever. This is beautifully illustrated in the legendary commitment to Buddhism of King Ashoka, after the bloody battle of Kalinga in Orissa. The great king was enthusiastic in spreading the Buddha’s message of peace and enlightenment across the length and breadth of his vast empire, reaching from present day Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
Buddhism travelled to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and the countries of South East Asia, even to far-flung Central Asia, China and Japan, under the umbrella of royal patronage and the dedication of its vast community of monks, teachers and artists.
Itinerary Details
Day 01: Arrival in Varanasi
Arrival at VARANASI, meet with our representative & transfer to hotel, check in with traditional welcome. Later visit Sarnath - The holiest place for Buddhist peoples, Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha preached first sermon after getting enlightenment. One can visit all about Buddhism like Buddhist temple, Ruins, Stupas and collection from Buddha period in Archaeological Museum. In Evening see Ganga Aarti & Dinner. Over night stay at hotel in VARANASI.
Day 02: Varanasi - Bodhgaya
Early morning boat ride tour on River Ganges at the time of Sun rise, the morning of VARANASI is famous in the world. This is the time people come to have bath and pray and many other religious activities can be seen during the Boat ride. These rituals remind one of the nature worship prevalent in India. Back to hotel for breakfast & drive to BODHGAYA, check in there in hotel. Evening visit Mahabodhi temple under the holy Bodhi tree where Lord Buddha has enlightenment. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in BODHGAYA.
Day 03: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda - Bodhgaya
Morning after B/fast visit BODHGAYA - As the place of the Buddha's Enlightenment, BODHGAYA is the spiritual home of Buddhists. BODHGAYA situated near the river Niranjana is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Since it was here that Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Later visit Mahabodhi Temple & proceed to NALANDA & Rajgir. NALANDA was the most renowned university in ancient India. It derived its name from Na-alam-da, meaning Insatiable in Giving, one of the names by which the Lord Buddha was known. RAJGIR -The picturesque Rajgir, or Rajagriha as it was known in the past (literally, the abode of kings) is surrounded by the meandering river Banganga and 5 hills. During the lifetime of the Buddha this was the capital of the powerful Magadhan kingdom, ruled by the virtuous King Bimbisara. The hills and caves surrounding Rajagriha were home to spiritual teachers, ranging from the materialism of the early Charavaka School to the metaphysics of Upanishad philosophers. Like many others in search of truth, Prince Siddhartha, after he renounced his royal heritage came to this city to seek the path of ovation. Have your dinner & overnight stay at hotel in BODHGAYA.
Day 04:Bodhgaya- Patna
Aafter breakfast Leave for patna , enjoy patna sightseeing and overnight stay in hotel .
Day 05: Departure
after breakfast departure to airport /railway station for your onward journey.