Bodhgaya – Gaya – Rajgir – Nalanada - Patna-Vaishali-Kesariya-Kushinagar-Kapilvastu-Lumbini-Sravasti-Varanasi
Information
- Duration 8 Nights - 9Days
- Buddhist Tour
Description
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: Gaya/Bodh Gaya
Arrive in Gaya, drive to Bodhgaya and check into hotel. Latar Visit sightseeing tour of this holy seat of the Buddhist religion. Here is where Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree . There is a serene temple here, as well as the offshoot of the tree that offered shade to Buddha. The original tree was destroyed by Emperor Ashoka's queen, but a sapling of it was saved in time and planted in Sri Lanka by his daughter. A sapling of that tree was brought back to Bodh Gaya, which still stands to tell this tale.
A number of Buddhist nations like Thailand, Japan and Burma have set up monasteries and meditation centers in Bodh Gaya. Some of these include:the Indosan Nipponji temple ,the Thai monastery ,the Tibetan Karma Temple and Namgyal Monastery, and others by the Chinese,Burmese ,Bhutanese ,Vietnamese , Tamang , Daijokyo and Nepali Buddhist communities. During October and March, monks from Dharamsala descend to Bodh Gaya. The Dalai lama pays a visit here too during December and January. The Mahabodhi temple is a World Heritage site, built adjacent to the site of enlightenment in the 6th century AD. The temple was attacked and plundered by Muslim invaders in the 11th century and re-built several times. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: Bodh Gaya - Dungeshwari Caves
Gaya After breakfast, proceed to Dungeshwari cave temples , Here Buddha spent years of penance before attaining 'nirvana' or enlightenment. After lunch, return to Gaya to visit the Brahmajuni Hill ,believed to be the site of Buddha's fire sermon. There is a cave and a temple on the hill top. Return to hotel for night stay.
Day 03:Bodh Gaya - Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna
After breakfast, drive to Rajgir and check in to hotel. Rajgir was the capital of the Magadha kingdom and is a pilgrimage for Jains and Hindus as well. The Japanese Buddhists have built the massive Vishwashanti Stupa on the Ratnagiri Hill which can be accessed by a chairlift. The stupa has statues of Buddha at the four stages of his life - birth, enlightenment, teaching and death. From the hill top, the Jain shrines can also be viewed, scattered across 26 distant hills. Griddhakuta , located on Ratnagiri Hill is another site where Budhha stopped by to preach.
Visit the Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex is set amidst expansive lawns which offset the spectacular layout and carvings of this ancient university. The monasteries and the viharas are separated by a central valley. Interesting structures to look out for include: steps leading up to perhaps a dais for professors and stupas with images of the Buddha carved in. According to the Chinese traveler Xuan Zang who also taught at the university during 685 and 762 AD, 10,000 monks and professors resided here at the time. After the walk around the ruins, visit the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall, a Chinese pagoda built by Chinese Buddhists.
Day 04: Patna - Vaishali – Kesariya-Kushinagar
After an early breakfast, depart for Vaishali, 44 km. This is where Buddha preached his last sermon. The ruins of the Kolhua complex enclose the 2300 year old Ashoka pillar . A Japanese Peace Pagoda has also been built here. After lunch, proceed to Kesariya, 70 km. Kesariya marks the site where Buddha gave away his begging bowl before his death. A massive Buddhist stupa built during the rule of the Pala kings is being excavated here. Later drive to Kushinagar, check-in at hotel & overnight stay in Kushinagar.
Day 05:Kusinagar- Kapilvastu - Lumbini
After Breakfast, proceed to visit Mahaparinirvana Temple (where Buddha took his last breathe) and Rambhar Stupa (cremation site of Lord Buddha) and Japan Temple. Latter drive toward Lumbini (in Nepal).En-route visit Kapilvastu. Kindly obtain double entry visa for India & single entry visa for Nepal). On arrival, check in at hotel. Dinner and night stay at hotel in Lumbini.
Day 06:Lumbini - Sravasti
After breakfast, proceed to visit Holy Birth place of Lord Buddha. Latter drive toward Saravasti. Night stay at Sravasti.
Day 7: Sravasti – Varanasi - Ganga Arti
After breakfast, proceed for visit Saheth (Jetvanaram) & Maheth (AngulimalCaves). Latter drive toward Varanasi. Check-in to hotel. After breakfast, drive toward Varanasi. Check-in to hotel. At evening, get ready to experience one of the most memorable moments of your life, as you will be taken for a boat ride on the River Ganges. Enjoy Ganga Aarti. Get a glimpse of the spiritualism at the Ganga Ghats (river front).Night stay at Hotel in Varanasi.
Day 08:Varanasi – Morning Boat Ride – Bodhgaya
Early morning, we will be taken for a boat ride on the Ganges. It is a mystical and spiritual experience as you watch people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking holy dip in the Ganges. Experience the different ghats of varanasi. Each ghats has his own history and Hinduism value. Latter visit some temples on the Ghats, followed by the the Kashi Vishwanath Temple - one of the famous Hindu temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. After breakfast, Depart for Bodhgaya –visit bodhgaya , & Overnight in Bodhgaya.
Day 09:Departure
In the morning After breakfast, leisure time in morning. Later drop to Railway station/Airportfor your onward journey.