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On the Buddhist Trail
Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Bodhgaya-Rajgir-NalandaPatna-Kushinagar-Lumbini-Bhairahawa-Kathmandu
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~ 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.
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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
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​
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.
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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
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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
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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
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❖ 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
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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
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