Tour CODE: AR1005NI

Day1 – Delhi

Arrival at Delhi by air. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day2 – Delhi / Patna

Transfer to airport and leave by air for Patna. This city, the ancient Patliputra, was the seat of many empires which flourished during the 6th Century AD. Half-day’s sightseeing of the city include visits to Patna Museum, Sher Shah Masjid and Hari Mandir Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day3 – Patna / Rajgir

Early morning proceed by Car/Coach for Rajgir. On arrival check in at the tourist bungalow. Rest of the day at leisure.Overnight at tourist bungalow.

Day4 – Rajgir / Nalanda / Rajgir

Early morning proceed by Car/Coach for Nalanda – an important seat of learning from the 5th century BC to the 12th century AD. Excavations have disclosed many Buddhist Chaltyas or halls of worship and monasteries. Afternoon city tour of Rajgir, once the capital of Magadha. Both the Buddha and Mahavira chose this city for their retreats and sermons. Return to Rajgir by surface. Overnight at hotel.

Day5 – Rajgir / Bodhgaya

Early morning proceed by Car/Coach for Bodhgaya, and visit Vajrashilla, the sacred spot under the Bodhi Tree. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day6 – Bodhgaya

Full day sightseeing of Bodhgaya visiting Buddhist temples in India. Overnight at hotel.

Day7 – Bodhgaya / Varanasi

After breakfast proceed by Car/Coach to Varanasi, the eternal city, which is the holiest Hindu city in India, and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day8 – Varanasi

Early morning proceed for boat riding on the Ganges to view the rituals that take place along the ghats (waterside steps). Afternoon at leisure to take a walking trip of the city centre – see shops overflowing with Banaras silk and brocades. Overnight at hotel.

Day9 – Varanasi

Full day excursion to Sarnath for buddhist pilgrimage in India. It was here in the Deer Park that the Buddha delivered his first sermon. See in motion ‘The Wheel of Law’ of the Buddhist faith.

Day10 – Varanasi / Gorakhpur

Early morning proceed by Car/Coach for Gorakhpur. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day11 – Gorakhpur

Full day pilgrimage tour to Kushinagar or Kasia where the Buddha left his mortal body. Spend the night at the hotel.

Day12 – Gorakhpur

Full day excursion to Lumbini where the Buddha was born. The Emperor Ashoka came here as a pilgrim and erected a pillar, which carried the inscription “Here Buddha was born”. Overnight at hotel in Gorakhpur.

Day13 – Gorakhpur / Balrampur

Early morning proceed by Car/Coach for Balrampur. Afternoon buddhist pilgrimage tour of Balrampur (Shravasti). Overnight at hotel.

Day14 – Balrampur / Lucknow / Delhi

Early morning proceed by Car/Coach for Lucknow. Lucknow derives its name from Lakshmana (the brother of Rama – the hero of the epic Ramayana), who lived here towards the end of his life.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Lucknow visiting the Great Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Sikandar Bagh and the Aliganj Temple. The Great Imambara built in the 18th century was constructed to provide employment during the famine.

The absence of beams and pillars in the huge main hall is an architectural achievement. The Rumi Darwaza is the Turkish Gate at the entrance to the Great Imambara. Evening transfer to airport and fly to Delhi. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Day15 – Delhi

Transfer from hotel to airport in time to catch your flight for onward destination.