Destinations
of Buddhist Pilgrimage
The four famous places of Buddhist
pilgrimage are Lumbini, Bodh Gaya,
Sarnath and Kushinagar, which are associated
with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.
Lumbini, in what is now Nepal, is the birthplace
of Gautama Buddha. The others are in India.
Bodh Gaya was the place, under the pipal or
Bo tree, where the Buddha was enlightened after
practicing meditation for several years. Sarnath
was the site of his first teaching and Kushinagar
was the place of his death or final Nirvana.
Among the holiest of pilgrim places in the
Indian Buddhist circuit is the Mahabodhi Temple
at Bodh Gaya. India was rich with the culture
of Buddhist life that spread to other parts
of the world.
10 Days to cover
the beauty of Buddhist Pilgrimage.
DAY 1: DELHI
Arrival at the International Airport. Meet
& greet by our staff. Transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2: Delhi - Patna
On arrival at Patna transfer to hotel. Afternoon
excursion to Vaishali where Lord Buddha preached
his last sermon announcing his approaching Nirvana.
Visit stupas holding urns containing ashes of
Buddha and Ashok pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka
to mark places sanctified by Buddha.
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 3: Patna - Rajgir
Morning drive down to Rajgir (102 kms / 2 hrs
& 30 mins). It was revered site of Buddhas
discourses. Buddha spent many years here. Visit
Gridhrakula, Sapataparni cave, Ajatsatru fort
and Venuvana. Afternoon visit Nalanda - the
world's oldest university founded in the 5th
century. Also visit monasteries and temples
with impressive Buddhist & Hindu images.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 4: Rajgir -
Bodhgaya
Early morning after breakfast depart for Bodhgaya
(193 kms / 4 hrs & 30 mins) by road. Enroute
visit Baraliar caves - the earliest examples
of rock cut caves. Most impressive craftmanship
of carving and rock inscription can be seen.
DAY 5: Bodhgaya
Sightseeing of Maha Bodhi Temple and Tree.
Visit the Chinese Temple. Lunch and dinner at
Bodhgaya.
Overnight at Bodhgaya
DAY 6: Bodhgaya
- Varansi
Early morning after breakfast depart for Varanasi
(243 kms / 6 hrs) by road or by train. Arrive
by afternoon and transfer to hotel. Afternoon
visit ghats and temples and Benaras Hindu University.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 7: Varanasi
- Sarnath
After breakfast excursion to Sarnath,
the principle centre of Buddhism. Also visit
Dhamekh and Dharmarajika stupas. Overnight at
Hotel
DAY 8: Varanasi
- Kushinagar
Afternoon drive to Kushinagar. Visit Ramabha
stupa which stands on the spot where the body
of the Lord was cremated. Also visit Natha Kumarka
Kot enshrining the large recumbent figure of
Buddha in the state of Nirvana.
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 9: Kushinagar
- Lumbini - Sravasti
Morning excursion to Lumbini. An ancient shrine
with an image representing the nativity of Buddha
is still preserved. Afternoon drive to Balrampur
and visit Sravasti and other Buddhist shrines
enroute.
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 10: Balrampur
- Lucknow - Delhi
Drive to Lucknow to catch flight to Delhi.
On arrival, transfer to international airport
for flight to onward destination.
