Golden Triangle and Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi, meet & greet with our office representative, assistance and transfer to hotel. (hotel check-in/ out time 1200 noon, early check in subject to availability of rooms)

Later city tour visit Laxmi Narayan Temple: Garishly colored modern temple is erected by the industrialist Birla. This temple is dedicated to Laxmi - the goddess of wealth and Narayan - Lord Vishnu, husband of Laxmi. Qutab Minar: The building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture. Himayun’s Tomb: Build by wife of Humayun, the second mughal king. It is an early example of Mughal architecture.

Drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk. Visit Jama Masjid (Mosque). Shah Jahan (King of the World) founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Raj Gath: The memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. India Gate: The 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War; Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02:  Delhi - Jaipur (265kms / 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur, the Pink City and capital of Rajasthan. Laid out by the Maharaja Jai Singh in the early 18th century as a walled city built according to ancient symbolic plans, Jaipur still displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendors. Its heart is the City Palace of the Jaipur Maharajahs, surrounded by broad tree-lined avenues that divide the city into traditional quarters assigned to various occupations.

On arrive check in to the hotel. Rest day free for personal activities, leisure, explore the market etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03:  Jaipur
Morning after breakfast visit Amber Fort and enjoy Elephant Ride (upto the hills). Raja Man Singh the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army constructed the fortress palace in the end of 16th century. Amber is superb example of Rajput architecture, situated on a hilltop, overlooking a lake.

Afternoon city Sightseeing of Jaipur, the origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - Beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens. Main tourist attractions of Jaipur are City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armory and the Hawa Mahalor Palace of the Winds. Maharaja Jai Singh was a great astronomer of his time. He built here extraordinary (and very accurate) stargazing Observatory here named as “Jantar Mantar”. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Jaipur - Agra (235kms / 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Agra. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri: built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch mahal & other places.

Continue drive to Agra, on arrival check in at hotel. Rest day free for personal activities.  Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Agra – Varanasi (Overnight train)
Breakfast at hotel, visit Taj Mahal – One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best. (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday)

Agra Fort - build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan.

Evening transfer to Tundla railway station to board train no. 4006 LICHCHAVI EXPRESS departing at 2029hrs for Varanasi. Overnight in train.

Day 06: Varanasi
0615hrs, arrive Varanasi railway station, transfer to hotel check-in.

Breakfast at hotel, excursion to Sarnath: one of the three holiest sites for Buddhists. This is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in 528 BC. There are many temples here, representing the many cultures where Buddhism is the dominant religious philosophy. You'll find the Tibetans, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Burmese and the Thai have set up centres of learning, monasteries and temples. The Ashokan Pillar here used to be crowned by a capital that had four lions with their backs to each other looking out in the four cardinal directions the capital, now a national emblem for the Indian Union, is in the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath. The Ashokan Pillar, constructed by the legendary King Ashoka (3rd century BC), still stands. There are many stupas here, as is a bodhi tree that is a sapling from the bodhi tree in Sri Lanka. The Bodhi tree is the peepul tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. A cutting from the original was planted in Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka), and the bodhi in Sarnath has been grown from a sapling from that.

Later city tour, visit World famous Benaras Hindu University: founded by Pandit Madan Malviya at the turn of the century, also has a new Vishwanath temple. The temple, built by the Birlas, a rich industrialist family, is meant for a caste-less, egalitarian society, Tulsi Manas Temple: Its white marble walls have the verses of Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas inscribed on them and Bharat Mata Temple: a modern shrine, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It has a huge relief map of the Indian sub-continent showing all its rivers, mountains and pilgrimages. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07:  Varanasi
Early morning boat ride and Ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water.

Breakfast at hotel, city tour, visit World famous Benaras Hindu University: founded by Pandit Madan Malviya at the turn of the century, also has a new Vishwanath temple. The temple, built by the Birlas, a rich industrialist family, is meant for a caste-less, egalitarian society, Tulsi Manas Temple: Its white marble walls have the verses of Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas inscribed on them and Bharat Mata Temple: a modern shrine, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It has a huge relief map of the Indian sub-continent showing all its rivers, mountains and pilgrimages. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08:  Varanasi – Bodhgaya (242kms / 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Bodhgaya, check in at hotel Overnight stay at hotel.

Visit Mahabodhi Temple: standing tall at 54 mts. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple has been renovated over the years. It enshrines a large golden Buddha, and is encompassed by an ancient railing, dating back to 100 BC. Bodhi Tree: where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, and the Vajrasana or throne, where Buddha sat. The tree, acts as a shade to seven holy shrines situated here, said to be the places where Buddha spent a week each meditating, after his enlightenment. Animesh Lochana Chaitya Temple: is where Buddha, in his second week, sat looking at the Bodhi tree, without batting an eyelid. Ratnachankrama is where Buddha spent his third week walking between the Bodhi tree and Animesh Lochana Chaitya, and is also referred to as the Jewel Walk. Ratanaghara Chaitya marks the fourth week of meditation and the Muchhalinda Pond, his sixth week of meditation.

Tibetan Monastery, housing the Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha). Also see the Burmese Temple, Chinese Temple and Monastery, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, Thai Temple and Monastery, and many more. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgiri – Bodhgaya (90kms one ways)
Breakfast at hotel, full day excursion to Nalanda: A hot seat of knowledge and learning, Nalanda boast of a rich culture and tradition that has gained accolades world wide. Established in the 5th century, the ancient University of Nalanda flourished under the patronage of the various rulers. This tiny village was the favourite place of Lord Buddha and Mahavira who had lived here for several years. There is a fabulous legend behind the name Nalanda, which narrates how this village got its name. It goes like this that the place where the monastery was going to be constructed was the abode of a serpent and while digging the foundation the serpent got injured. The clairvoyants of that time observed that the monastery that would have been constructed in that place would be renowned for a long. Later this Monastery turned to be a great institution of knowledge, whose unparallel credentials gave it a unique seat in the entire history of the nation. A place that carries the rich history, tradition and culture of a great nation Nalanda proffers some unique experience to the visitors. A visit to this tiny hamlet is just like going back to the ancient times. While roaming through the ramparts of stupas, monasteries and viharas one would feel they are walking through the doorsteps of various centuries. It is a must visit place for those who are proud of being a part of such a great culture and interested in knowing the colourful incidents of the past.

Continue drive to Rajgir, visit Vishwa Shanti Stupa: The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is on a 400 m high hill and is built in marble. The four shining statues of Buddha are on the four sides of the stupa. Venu Vana Monastery: King Bimbisar built Venu Vana Monastery as residential quarters for Lord Buddha. It was the very first present to Lord Buddha by the king. Griddhakoota Hill: At Griddhakoota Hill, Lord Buddha set in a motion his second wheel of law or Dharma Pravartan Chakra. Continuously for three months, he gave religious sermons to his followers even during the rainy season. The Buddha Sangha of Japan has constructed a massive modern stupa, the Shanti Stupa or the Peace Pagoda at the top of the hill to commemorate the event. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Bodhgaya - Vaishali- Kushinagar
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Kushinagar Enroute visit Vaishali. believed to be the first republic of the world, having an elected body of representatives, holds special significance for Buddhist devotees. At Kolhua, Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon, hinting at his impending departure from the mortal world. Later, Emperor Ashoka erected a huge pillar to commemorate the spot of the last sermon. Vaishali was also the center of the 2nd Buddhist Council congregation, held after 100 years of Buddha's Parinirvana to discuss the ten points of Vinaya, the rule of conduct under dispute. At the excavated archaeological site of Raja Vishal Ka Garh is an ancient parliament house, which indicates that this republic flourished in the 6th Century B.C. Vaishali is famous for Amrapali, the beautiful dancer and courtesan of Vaishali, who offered Buddha a mango orchard and impressed by his teachings became a nun (Bhikshu) in turn. The excavations carried out in Vaishali have brought to light Buddha Stupa (4th Century B.C.) and II, built in brick with a casket containing part of the ashes of Buddha. Other sites of historical importance in Vaishali include Chaumukhi Mahadeva, a lingam carved with four faces of Lord Shiva; the Bhawan Pakhar Temple, where a large number of Hindu deities are enshrined at one place and are worshipped together; Coronation Tank where the Lichhavi Kings were anointed before being crowned and; the Vaishali Museum which has a small collection of regional handicrafts. Also worth a visit is Kundupur, 4 kms from here which is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira (6th Century B.C.) who spent 22 years of his initial years here.

Continue drive to Kushinagar. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11:  Kushinagar – Lumbini (170kms / 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel city tour of Kushinagar. It was here that the Tathagata, the reciter of truth, breathed his last with the last words, "behold now, brethren, I exhort you, saying , decay is inherent in all component things ! Work out your salvation with diligence !". A temple dedicated to the event - the Mahaparinirvana temple today stands amidst a serene 'sal' grove ...... as if still reminiscing the great demise. The huge statue of the Reclining Buddha, excavated in 1876 at the temple, is one of the most momentous of all sights for the devout. It was brought from Mathura by a devout monk, Haribala, during the reign of King Kumara Gupta in the 5th Century A.D. The whole of Kushinagar, since the Mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha, was turned into a memorial site with stupas including the relic stupa-Mukutbandhana and Gupta period Chaitayas and Viharas, built by the devout kings. The Chinese travelers Fa Hien, Hieun Tsang and T. Ising. Visited Kushinagar during different centuries and recorded a graphic account of the place which later fell to bad times, due to lack of patronage. These recordings provided the vital clues for excavations done centuries later by Sir Alexander Cunningham.

The visiting The Mahaparinirvana Temple, commemorating the place of the great decease with a reclining statue of Lord Buddha, Mata Kunwar Shrine contains a 10th Century blue schist image of Buddha and; Rambhar Stupa, which is supposedly the spot where Lord Buddha was cremated and his relics divided into eight equal parts. Apart from this, a Chinese Temple, a Buddhist Temple, a Tibetan Temple and the Indo-Japan-Srilanka Buddhist Center hold significant religious value for pilgrims. 

Afternoon drive to Lumbini, check-in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Lumbini- Kapilvastu- Sravasti- Balrampur (200kms/ 4-5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Balrampur. Enroute visit Kapilavastu (Piprawaha). Kapilavastu was the ancient capital of the Sakya Clan whose ruler was the Father of Buddha, for which reason the Buddha is also referred to as the Sakyamuni. Prince Gautam, as the Buddha was then known, left his palace in Kapilavastu at the age of 29 & revisited it 12 yrs. later, long after he had attained enlightenment. A large Stupa stands at the ancient sight which is said to have the bone relics of the Buddha. We continue our drive to Sravasti; the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens.

Also known as Sahet - Mahet, are two different sit's the main one being Sahet and about 500 meters away is located Mahet. The city believed to be founded by the mythological king Sravast, has age-old stupas, majaestic monasteries and several temples. Budha is said to have performed some miracles here. This holy place also has the famous Anand Bodhi tree, an offspring of the one said to have been planted by Buddha's main disciple Anand. sightseeing of Sahet & Mahet.

Continue drive to Balrampur. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Balrampur- Lucknow (158kms/ 3hrs approx) – Delhi (overnight train)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Lucknow, Visit Bara Imambara; The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784. British Residency ; The British Residency of Lucknow is a famous historical landmark of this place. It is now in ruins and has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Chattar Manzil; One of the imposing structures built by the Nawabs of Lucknow, Chattar Manzil is a very famous tourist attraction of Lucknow. The most unique thing about the Chattar Manzil of Lucknow is the strikingly different architecture.

Jama Masjid; In the year 1423, Sultan Ahmed Shah constructed the Jama Masjid in Lucknow. It is built entirely with yellow sandstone and is known for its intricate style of design and architecture. Rumi Darwaza; The Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow is one of the most impressive architectural structures in India. It was constructed in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula. The Rumi Darwaza is an example of the fine architectural style of Awadh. Clock Tower; Between the Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara is the Clock Tower of Lucknow. This huge tower was constructed by Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haider in the year 1880. The Clock Tower in Lucknow reaches upto a staggering height of 221 feet and is the tallest Clock Tower in India. The Clock tower also has the biggest fitted clock that cost the government around Rs. 1.75 lakhs at that time. Overnight at hotel.

Evening transfer to Lucknow railway station to board overnight train for Delhi. Overnight in train.

Day 14: Delhi
Early morning arrive Delhi, transfer to hotel for wash and change and breakfast. Later transfer to international airport to board flight for your home country.