Footsteps of Buddha with Golden Triangle

This day is dedicated for Delhi sightseeing. You start in the morning heading towards Red Fort and Raj Ghat. After this you reach old Delhi, to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shanti Vana, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, India Gate and the famous Qutub Minar.  From here you are taken to New Delhi to visit Bahai Temple. As the day ends, you return to your hotel for overnight stay.

After completing breakfast, make a move to Railway Station for Lucknow. On reaching Lucknow, you will be taken to Sravasti. Here you have the chance to explore Jetavana and Saheth and Maheth. Post this you return to hotel at Sravasti and spend the night.

Post breakfast you start for Lumbini and visit Kapilvastu on the way. You sign in at your hotel upon reaching Lumbini. Historically, Lumbini is the place where Gautama Buddha was born. As you explore this place, explore Maya Devi temple, constructed serenading Maya Devi, who is Gautama Buddha’s mother. This temple dates back to the 2^nd century and has a pond nearby where Maya Devi herself used to take her bath. Today, the esteemed Japanese Buddhist Federations is taking initiatives to re-build this temple. Stop over at the famous Asoka Pillar dating back to 259 B.C, constructed by none other than Emperor Asoka, who happened to a devoted disciple of Lord Buddha. Whilst building this pillar the noble king had released the villagers of taxes. He further gave away hundred golden coins to the village people. A sudden lightning hit the pillar in 7^th century and got broken in two halves. For several years this prominent historical site got vanished. It got shrouded with dense forest and finally in 1895 was rediscovered. Initiatives were taken to rearrange the site. The Asoka pillar too was rebuilt as this is an important power spot related to Buddhism and its roots. You come back to your hotel at Lumbini and stay overnight.

Post your breakfast you exit from Lumbini and leave for Kushinagar, which is the sacred place where Lord Buddha took his Mahaparinirvana (crossing over from earth). The place houses many quaint temples and beautiful monasteries. The Rambhar Stupa, which is Buddha’s cremation spot, is worth visiting. History states that Mahakashyapa was the one to set the funeral pyre on fire at MukutabandhaVihara. In the recent times, the stupa has been deduced only to a huge brick mound that is 15 meters high and houses a park within. Before detouring make it a point to stop at Mahaparinirvana Temple. Come back to Kushinagar to spend the night.

The total travel hours is 7 with a distance of 235 kms to cover. Post your breakfast you travel to Patna and on the way get down to explore Vaishali. Gautama Buddha used to visit Vaishali recurrently. It was in Kolhua he taught his last lesson. In order to celebrate this occasion, King Asoka created the legendary lion pillars in 3^rd century B.C. After a century of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana, Vaishali witnessed the hosting of the second grand Buddhist Council. In order to celebrate this occasion two stupas got constructed. Return back to hotel at Patna to stay overnight.

 After completing breakfast head towards Rajgir and visit Nalanda on the way. Nalanda University is the world’s oldest University that got established back in 5^th century. The nearby historic temples and monasteries with stunning Hindu and Buddhist carvings are a must watch. History lovers can visit Institute for research in Buddhism and Pali literature that still preserves some of the rate manuscripts. From Nalanda you head towards Rajgir even further. Historically, Rajgir back in history during Lord Budhha’s lifetime enjoyed the status of being the capital of the famous Magadh Kingdom that was under the reign of king Bimbisara.

The marble structure of Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a must visit that carried some of the finest images of Buddha, constructed by Nipponza Myohoji Japanese sect. Post this, you are taken to Griddhakuta, which happens to be a unique rock extension taking the shape of a vulture’s beak. Perhaps, that’s why it is named so. History states, that Gautama Buddha during rainy season used to preach and meditate within these rocky caves. Another important site to visit is the Venuvana Vihar constructed by King Bimbisara honouring Gautama Buddha, for him to reside. Hop over to the Jivakameavan Gardens a place of eminent physicians. This is the place where Gautama Buddha was taken to and his wounds were healed by a well known well-known physician named Jivaka, existing when king Bimbisara and Ajatshatru ruled. You will reach Bodh Gaya for an overnight stay.

This is your day to explore Bodh Gaya, a holy Buddhist pilgrimage hub.  At Bodh Gaya Gautama Buddha was enlightened under the sacred Bodhi Tree. You will be allowed to see Mahabodhi Temple, constructed by Asoka in 3^rd century B.C. After this move over to Sujata House, an eminent temple attributed to a tribeswoman from Uruvela, who gave food to Gautama Budhha when he was starving. Nearby are the shrine and the purlieu that create an aura of mysticism and spiritual glory. Don’t miss the Niranjana River and then return to hotel to spend the night.

It starts post breakfast and you are taken to Varanasi. On reaching you check-in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon go out to roam around the nearby marketplaces. Further, you can also witness the evening holy worship and experience the peaceful boat ride at the sacred Ganges.  Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Start the morning with the early morning glimpse of the sun as you experience a boat ride at the holy Ganges. You can also witness the traditional cremation Ghats and the ongoing rituals and other allied sacred practices. From here you are taken to the Bharat Mata Temple and then Banras Hindu University. Post this you take a break to finish breakfast and then leave for Sarnath, a profound seat of Buddhism. According to historical facts, Gautama Buddha gave his first lesson post enlightenment in 530 B.C in Sarnath. Towards the evening you drive down to railway station for the next destination Agra. The night is spent on an overnight journey on train.

In morning you reach Agra and check-in at your hotel.  Post breakfast, start exploring Agra by visiting Taj Mahal. Spend some quality time exploring this beautiful marble site and then head towards Red Fort. The remaining day is all to your relaxation. Spend the night at your Agra hotel.

Early morning you start for Jaipur and explore Fatehpur Sikhri on the way. The famous red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikhri was established by King Akbar in 16^th century as a capital palace. From here head to Buland Darwaza, that is considered as the biggest gateway globally. Post this you drive towards Jaipur, check-in at the hotel and spend the evening relaxing and staying over the night at Jaipur.

Complete your breakfast and explore Jaipur for a while in the morning. On your way visit the Central Museum, Amber Fort, City Pala and the famous Hawa Mahal.  After this you return to your hotel to complete the checking-out hotel formalities and travel to Delhi. On reaching Delhi, you head to International airport to take your final return flight.