Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha,the Enlightened One. Born; in the foothills of the Himalayas as a Sakya prince of Kapilvastu (now in Nepal), most of the major events of his life, like enlightenment and last sermon, happened in Bihar.
Buddhism as a religion was really born in Bihar and evolved here through his preaching and the example of his lifestyle of great simplicity, renunciation and empathy for everything living.
DAY 02 : ARRIVE GAYA
On arrival drive to Drive to Bodhgaya where the Buddha attained enlightenment and which is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for the Buddhist.
Enroute visit Nalanda and Rajgir. Nalanda-a great center of Buddhist learning and one of the most famed university citadels of ancient times. Rajgir-it was once the ancient capital of the powerful kingdom of Maghada.
From the out skirts of Rajgir, a historic road leads to Gridha - Kuta or vultures peak where the Buddha preached, here the first Buddhist Council was held after the Lord's Mahaparinirvana.
DAY 03 : BODHGAYA
Sightseeing of Bodhgaya. Here under the Bodhi Tree, Shakyamuni Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, "the Enlightened one" the propounder of one of the great relegious of the world. River Nirajnana in which the Buddha bathed after attaining elightment flows qulitely outside the tiny hamlet.
Overnight in hotel.
DAY 04 : BODHGAYA – VARANASI
Morning leave Bodhgaya for Varanasi (275 kms. / 7-8 hrs.) by Surface. Later, excursion to Sarnath the place Lord Buddha gave its sermon. Overnight in Varanasi.
DAY 05 : VARANASI - KUSHINAGAR
Early morning boat ride on the River Ganges to see the sun rise and the bathing ghats of an ancient Hindu city. Later, leave Varanasi for Kushinagar (250 kms. / 7-8 hrs.). Overnight in Kushinagar.
DAY 06 : KUSHINAGAR – LUMBINI - BALRAMPUR
Morning visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa. Later drive to Lumbini by surface (170 kms. / 4 hrs.). Sightseeing of Lumbini where the Lord Buddha was born. Visit the pillar raised by Emperor Ashok, In the twenty first year after his coronation at the birthplace. Proceed to Balrampur (197 kms. / 6 hrs.).
DAY 07 : BALRAMPUR - SRAVASTI – LUCKNOW
Leave Balrampur for Lucknow enroute visit Sravasti ( Sahet-Mahet) capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, an active centre for Buddhism. Overnight in Lucknow.
DAY 08 : LUCKNOW – DELHI
Leave Lucknow for Delhi by air. Day at leisure. Half day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi visiting Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar and the Secretarial Buildings. Overnight in Delhi.
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