An introduction to India for the first time traveller and revisiting the splendour of Northern India for many who have experienced the magic of India.
Day 1
: Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel for two nights stay.
Day 2
:
Late morning tour the historic city of old Delhi to include the magnificient Red Fort, Jama Masjid, largest mosque in Asia, both built by Shahjahan, Rajghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the " Father of the Nation". Afternoon, tour of New Delhi to include Humanyun Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, birla Mandir, Bahai Temple.
Day 3
: Transfer to airport for flight to Lucknow. On arrival drive to Balrampur via Sravasti (297 kms-drive time-61/2 hours) transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 4
:
Morning excursion to Lumbini, the place where Buddha was born. Continue drive to Kushinagar - the place where Buddha passed into Parinirvana for overnight.
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Day 5 :
Morning visit Ramabha Stupa, Natha Kumarka Kot. Later drive to 2500 year old ancient city of Patna via Vaishali, where Lord Buddha preached his last sermons visit stupas holding urns containing ashes of Buddha and Ashok pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka to mark places sanctified by Buddha. The place is also known now for famous Madhubani paintings. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6
: Leave in the morning for Bodhgaya via Rajgir and Nalanda. Visit Gridhrakula, Sapataparni cave, Ajatsatru fort and venuvana. Also visit Nalanda and monasteries and temples with impressive Buddhist & Hindu images. The Institute for research into Buddhism and Pali literature which houses rare manuscripts, is also worth visiting for the enthusiasts. Archaeological museum is also not to be missed for the rare collections. Overnight at hotel.
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Day 7 :
Bodhgaya is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgimage centres, the "Bodhi" tree Satabodhi temple, Japanese and Tibetan monasteries alongwith Magadha university museum are also to be visited. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8
: Early morning after breakfast depart for Varanasi (243 kms / 6 hrs) by road Arrive by afternoon and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit to Sarnath, the principle centre of Buddhism. Also visit Dhamekh and Dharmarajika stupas. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9
:
Early morning boat ride on river Ganga to see the beautiful sunrise at Ganga. After breakfast if time permits you may also visit ghats and temples and Benaras Hindu University Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel overnight.
Day 10
: Transfer to airport for flight back home.
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