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b On the Buddhist Trail Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Bodhgaya-Rajgir-NalandaPatna-Kushinagar-Lumbini-Bhairahawa-Kathmandu www.indebo.com experience the extraordinary ~ Detailed Itinerary ~ Day 01: Arrive Delhi ❖ Arrive at Delhi international airport ❖ On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an Indebo representative and transferred to the hotel ❖ Check in the hotel for the overnight stay Delhi - the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also a necropolis. Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi has witnessed the rise and fall of many cities over the last five millennia. Overnight in Delhi Day 02: Delhi ❖ Breakfast at the hotel ❖ Explore Delhi with a heritage walk of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) in the morning visiting Jama Masjid & Sheeshganj Gurudwara. Take a cycle - rickshaw ride in alleys of Chandni Chowk. ❖ Also visit the Laxmi Narayan temple and ISKCON temple Old Delhi, was founded as Shahjahanabad by Indian Emperor Shahjahan in 1639. It remained the capital of the Mughals until the end of the Mughal dynasty. It was once filled with mansions of nobles and members of the royal court, along with elegant mosques and gardens. Today, despite having become extremely crowded and dilapidated, it still serves as the symbolic heart of metropolitan Delhi. www.indebo.com experience the extraordinary Chandni Chowk - This larges trading in North India was once a quiet road, shaded by banyans, with a canal flowing along its entire length. Jahanara, Shah Jahan’s daughter, had a square built on this road and in its center a pool fed by the canal. On a clear night the water reflected the light of the moon; so it came to be known as Chandni Chowk, the moonlit square. The nobility built mansions here, shops sprang up along the street, and Chandni Chowk became the most fashionable place in the empire. Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialist G.D. Birla in 1938, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place.The temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple ISKCON temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is a complex of many temples and has numerous rooms for the service renders and the priests. Overnight in Delhi Day 03 Delhi/Agra ❖ After an early breakfast leave for Agra – stop en route at Akshardham to visit the magnificent temple ❖ Arrive Agra and visit the splendid Taj Mahal (at sunset) Akshardham - Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham a complex that displays millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. There is a temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan that reflects the beauty and spirituality of India’s ancient art, culture, and architecture Agra is famous as the home the World Heritage Site - the Taj Mahal. This city, having been the capital of the Mughal dynasty for over hundred years till 1650, has many Mughal monuments of repute. The Agra Fort was built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD. The fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal,Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas and Musamman Burj - the Octagonal Tower, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for seven long years and died a prisoner. The Taj Mahal - The inimitable poem in white marble was built over a period of 22 years (16311653), using a workforce of 22000 people, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. The Taj Mahal presents a wondrous sight at different time of the day – at dawn, during the day, at sunset and even on a moonless night. Overnight in Agra www.indebo.com experience the extraordinary Day 04: Agra/Khajuraho ❖ Breakfast at the hotel ❖ Transfer to station to board Bhopal Shatabdi train to Jhansi (08h11/ 10h45) ❖ Arrive Jhansi station, meeting and assistance on arrival and drive to Khajuraho (175 kms/ approx 4 hrs) and check-in at the hotel ❖ Visit the Western group of temples Western group of Temples – The Lakshmana Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe with the four subsidiary shrines in the four corners of the platform with the main shrine in the center is the only Temple of the 10th century AD built by the Chandelas which is complete, intact and in good condition. The Kandariya Mahadeo temple of this Group is the largest and is dedicated to Shiva. In both these temples, the main shrines are exquisitely carved and feature, in delicate detail, gods, goddesses, celestial maidens and lovers. Situated in the heart of Central India, Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. Khajuraho temples were constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandel Empire. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. These temples are considered the "high point" of Indian architectural genius in the Medieval period. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Overnight in Khajuraho Day 05 : Khajuraho/Varanasi ❖ Breakfast at the hotel ❖ Morning visit the Eastern and Southern group of temples ❖ Later transfer to airport to board the flight to Varanasi ❖ Arrive Varanasi, meeting on arrival and transfer to hotel for check-in ❖ Late afternoon walk to the banks of the river Ganges. Witness the evening prayers – also knows as the “aarti” ceremony held on the river bank. ❖ Also visit the famous temples of the city ❖ After the “aarti” you can walk through the streets, stopping at the various shops and smaller tempers along the way. It is possible to interact with one of the many astrologers and palmists who can be found in this ancient city. Eastern & Southern Group of temples - The Parsvanath temple of the Eastern group is the group’s largest Jain temple. The themes depict in charming detail, the everyday activity of those times. Visit the Chaturbhuj temple dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe, according to Hindu mythology, in the Southern group of temples. www.indebo.com experience the extraordinary Varanasi is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus. Known also as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities, and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years. Overnight in Varanasi Day 06 : Varanasi ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Early morning experience boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise Return to hotel for breakfast Later take an excursion to Sarnath In the afternoon visit Benaras Hindu University, Bharat Kala bhawan and the famous temples of the city – namely Kashi Vishwanath temple, Durga temple, Tulsi temple, Sankat Mochan temple Boat ride at dawn down India's most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise at the holy river is a truly tranquil and breath taking sight with pilgrims standing waist-deep in water, praying to the rising Sun. Past these bathing ghats, see the "burning ghats” where the Hindus cremate their dead. This is done with great religious fervor which makes for a moving experience. Sarnath is the place where the Buddha delivered his first Sermon ‘Turning of the Wheel of Law’. See the Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas, the ruins of 9th and 10th century monasteries and temples, the temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931, and the Tibetan Temple. Visit the famous Sarnath Museum (closed on Fridays). The Benaras Hindu University founded in 1916. It boasts of a sprawling campus spread on 1300 acres of land. It has roads that are well maintained and cross each other at right angles. You will find extensive greenery within the premises of this University The University's famous museum Bharat Kala Bhavan houses one of the finest collection of Mughal miniature paintings and brocade textiles. Overnight in Varanasi Day 07 : Varanasi/Bodhgaya ❖ Breakfast at the hotel ❖ Leave for Bodhgaya (255 kms / approx 6 hrs) and check in at the hotel ❖ Mahabodhi temple “ Great Awakening Temple”, where Buddha attained enlightenment Sarnath is the place where the Buddha delivered his first Sermon ‘Turning of the Wheel of Law’. See the Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas, the ruins of 9th and 10th century monasteries and temples, the temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931, and the Tibetan Temple. Also visit the famous Sarnath Museum (closed on Fridays). It was at Bodhgaya that the Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodhgaya is much more of a working Buddhist centre than an archaeological site. It’s one of the most important Buddhist pilgrim sites of the world. The most important places are the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bo www.indebo.com experience the extraordinary tree. This tree is said to be a sapling of the original tree under which the Buddha sat, meditated and attained enlightenment in the 7th century BC. Overnight in Bodhgaya Day 08 : Bodhgaya ❖ Breakfast at the hotel ❖ This day is for prayers and meditation at the center ❖ Later visit the other monasteries and temples inside the premises and the meditation park The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period. The Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya was declared in 2002 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Bodhgaya Day 09 : Bodhgaya/Rajgir/Nalanda/Patna ❖ Breakfast at the hotel ❖ Leave for Patna (190 kms / approx 5.5 hrs), with a stop at Rajgir - the ancient capital of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC. ❖ Also visit the ruins of Nalanda University, the ancient seat of learning en route ❖ Arrive Patna, check in Rajgir was the capital of the Magadha Empire until Ajatasatru moved to Pataliputra (Patna) in the 5th century BC. Rajgir is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site since the Buddha spent 12 years here, and the first Buddhist council after the Buddha attained nirvana was held here. It’s also an important place for Jains, as Mahavira spent some time in Rajgir and the hills are topped with Digambara shrines. Rajgir also has mention in the Hindu epic ‘The Mahabharata’. Founded in the 5th century BC, Nalanda was one of the world’s great universities and an important Buddhist centre until it was sacked by the Afghans in the 12th century. When the Chinese scholar and traveller Xuan Zhang was here in the early 7th century AD, there were 10, 000 monks and students in residence. The brick-built remains are extensive and include the Great Stupa, with steps, terraces and a few intact votive stupas around it, and the monks’ cells. There is an interesting archaeological museum. The newest building here is the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, built as a Peace Pagoda by the Chinese. Xuan Zhang five years here as both student and teacher. Overnight in Patna Day 10 : Patna/Kushinagar ❖ Breakfast at the hotel ❖ Leave for Kushinagar (235 kms / approx 7 hrs) with a stop at Vaishali for the visit www.indebo.com experience the extraordinary ❖ Arrive Kushinagar by late afternoon and check in at the hotel Today more like a forgotten village, Vaishali, in its heyday, was the cradle of two important religions of India. The old town had played a major role in development and expansion of Buddhism and Jainism. Vaishali remains twice blessed because Lord Buddha had preached his last sermon here and this was the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, the Jain prophet. Vaishali was also the venue of second Buddhist Council a hundred years after the demise of Lord Buddha. The Pillar of Ashoka : Lord Buddha had visited Vaishali a number of times and at close by Kolhua, he preached his last sermon. Later Ashoka erected a pillar to commemorate the event. Made of one single red-sandstone, the pillar is famous all over India. Kushinagar is where Lord Buddha breathed his last on earth. Because of this, the place is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Buddhist. The place was forgotten until brought to light by excavation carried out in 1861 by General A. Cunningham and A.C.I. Carlyle. Overnight in Kushinagar Day 11 : Kushinagar ❖ Breakfast at the hotel ❖ This day is to explore the highlights of Kushinagar. Explore the Nirvana stupa, Nirvana temple, the supas, Japanese and Chinese temple Nirvana Stupa: The huge stupa made of bricks was exposed by Carlyle in 1876. The Brahmi inscription states that Lord Buddha's remains had been deposited here. A copper vessel was unearthed at this site. During Buddha Purnima a number of travellers come to Kushinagar to take part in the festivities. Nirvana Temple: A 6 meters long statue of reclining Buddha represents the dying prophet. The statue was unearthed in 1876. Matha Kuar Shrine: Some 400 yards from the Nirvana stupa, it enshrines a black stone image of the Buddha in the 'bhumi sparsha mudra' (literally means 'touching the earth') . Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon here. Ramabhar Stupa: Nearly 1 km away this 49 ft tall stupa marks the site where the Lord Buddha was cremated. This is the place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. In ancient Buddhist texts this stupa has been referred to as Mukut-Bandhan Vihar. Japanese Temple: This is a recent construction. Here is installed a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha made of eight metals which has come from Japan. Chinese Temple: The Chinese temple is mainly famous for its Oriental design and décor. It also has a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha. Kushinagar Museum (Closed on Monday) : The Buddha Museum in Kushinagar, containing finds from excavations at the site. Overnight in Kushinagar www.indebo.com experience the extraordinary Day 12 : Kushinagar/Lumbini ❖ Breakfast at the resort ❖ Leave for Lumbini (145 kms / approx 4.5 ) and check in at the hotel ❖ Visit holy temple of Mayadevi in the afternoon Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, in South-western Nepal, nearly twenty-five hundred years ago. Since then, the city has always remained the focal point of Buddhism. Today's Lumbini is a small sleepy town in the Terai plains of Nepal, where the ruins of the old city can still be seen. The followers of both Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism revere Lumbini. The restored gardens and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient Stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar that is said to be erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha. The most important attraction of Lumbini is the holy temple of Maya Devi. The temple has a stone sculpture of Maya Devi in labour pain. The image shows her holding the branch of a tree while Buddha is getting birth. The temple is very popular among the women having any fertility problem. To the south of the temple is a pond where Queen Mayadevi is said to have bathe and given her son his first purification bath that is compulsory in Hinduism. Overnight in Lumbini Day 13 : Lumbini/Bhairahawa/ Depart Kathmandu ❖ Breakfast at the hotel ❖ Morning: visit the Ashokan temple, erected in 249 BC and the Buddhist monastery that is built in the style of modern Buddhist temples of Nepal ❖ Later transfer to Bhairahawa airport (22 kms / approx 30 min) to board the flight to Kathmandu ❖ Arrive Kathmandu and connect the onward flight back home www.indebo.com experience the extraordinary **** www.indebo.com experience the extraordinary