0 (0)
New Delhi
Sacred India: 10-Day Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
14400
Overview
The Buddhist India Tour: 10 Days of Sacred Exploration, offers a deep dive into the world of Buddhism, exploring many of India's holiest sites. This comprehensive journey begins in Delhi and transports one to the spiritual core of Buddhism.
The tour visits places where key events in Buddha's life occurred, from his birthplace in Lumbini to his enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Travelers will explore ancient ruins, temples, and monasteries, guided by personal English-speaking guides. This immersive experience offers a blend of history, culture, and spiritual insight.
Along the way, key stops include the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, where Buddha was born, and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, marking his enlightenment. The tour also features visits to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and Kushinagar, the place of his Nirvana. The journey concludes with visits to Varanasi, including the Ganga Aarti, and a return to Delhi. This multi-day adventure includes private, air-conditioned transportation, accommodations, and select meals, ensuring a comfortable and enlightening pilgrimage. Personal expenses, lunches, and dinners are excluded. 
Highlights
Explore Sacred Buddhist Sites: Visit key locations in Buddha's life, including Lumbini, Bodhgaya, and Sarnath.
Private, Air-Conditioned Transport: Travel comfortably between cities with private, air-conditioned vehicles.
Expert English-Speaking Guide: Learn from knowledgeable, English-speaking guides at each location.
Comfortable Accommodation Included: Enjoy stays in 3-star accommodations throughout the 10-day tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally find the tour well-organized and enlightening. They value the knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations but some suggest better time management and alternative transport options.
Guides share lots of knowledge about the sites.
The trip is well planned and well organized.
The hotels are clean and good quality.
The driver is safe, timely and very helpful.
Some people didn't like the train ride and prefer flights for longer distances.
Some feel the tour needs better time management.
The Journey
Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, a city where ancient history and modern life intertwine. After settling into your hotel, delve into Old Delhi, a labyrinth of bustling bazaars and historical landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Experience the vibrant chaos and rich cultural tapestry of this iconic Indian metropolis.
Lucknow
Transition through Lucknow, the 'City of Nawabs,' though only briefly as you journey onward. While not a primary stop, the city's rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty offer a glimpse into its historical significance as a center of art, literature, and refined living.
Sravasti
Arrive in Sravasti, an essential Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons and delivered many important sermons. Explore the Jetavana Monastery, Anathapindika's Stupa, and other sacred sites that resonate with the echoes of Buddha's teachings, immersing yourself in the profound spiritual atmosphere.
Saheth
Explore Saheth in Sravasti, the site of Jetavana, featuring significant Buddhist stupas and monasteries. Visit Gandhakuti, Buddha's personal chamber, and Kosambakuti, experiencing the profound serenity and devotion that permeate these sacred spaces.
Kapilvastu
Travel to Kapilvastu, the ancient capital of the Shakya kingdom and where Lord Buddha spent his formative years. Wander through the ruins and stupas, imagining the life of the young prince Siddhartha and the origins of Buddhism, feeling the mystic charm and spiritual power of this historical site.
Lumbini
Journey to Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the profound serenity and spiritual significance of this sacred garden, where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, marking the dawn of Buddhism.
Maya Devi Temple
Visit the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, marking the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. Explore the ancient ruins, the Ashoka Pillar, and the sacred pond, feeling a tangible connection to the origins of Buddhism and the life of the Buddha.
Kushinagar
Travel to Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon and attained Mahaparinirvana. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, housing the reclining Buddha statue, and Ramabhar Stupa, the cremation site, reflecting on the final moments of Buddha's earthly life and the impermanence of existence.
Nirvana Temple
Visit Nirvana Temple in Kushinagar, which enshrines the revered reclining Nirvana statue of Lord Buddha, crafted from monolithic red sandstone. Marvel at the serene expression and historical significance of this iconic representation of Buddha's final liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Keshariya
En route to Patna, discover Keshariya, home to one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Explore the ruins of this ancient site, which is believed to be where Buddha spent his last days before attaining Nirvana, and reflect on its historical and spiritual significance.
Vaishali
Explore Vaishali, the site where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon. As the capital of one of the world's first republics, Vaishali offers a glimpse into ancient governance and profound spiritual heritage. Experience the tangible echoes of Buddha's final teachings and his guidance to his disciples.
Patna
Arrive in Patna, a city with deep historical roots as the ancient capital of the Mauryan Empire. Though a brief stay, Patna serves as a gateway to the rich Buddhist circuit in Bihar, offering a glimpse into the region's pivotal role in Indian history and spirituality.
Nalanda
Visit Nalanda, one of the world's oldest university sites, founded in the 5th century B.C. Explore the extensive ruins, admire the red-brick architecture, and visit the museum to discover artifacts that showcase the intellectual and spiritual achievements of ancient India.
Rajgir
Explore Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha Kings and a favored retreat of Lord Buddha. Ascend Vulture's Peak, where Buddha preached, and visit the Shanti Stupa, immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere and profound spiritual history of this sacred place.
Bodhgaya
Arrive in Bodhgaya, the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. It is here that Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree and became the Buddha. Experience the profound spiritual energy and explore the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, resonating with centuries of devotion and wisdom.
Mahabodhi Temple
Visit the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. Meditate under the Bodhi Tree, believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, and immerse yourself in the profound spiritual energy of this ancient temple complex.
Bodhgaya
Spend another night in the serene and spiritual environment of Bodhgaya, allowing for deeper reflection and exploration of the surrounding monasteries and meditation centers. Embrace the opportunity to connect with the essence of enlightenment and the teachings of the Buddha.
Sarnath
En route to Varanasi, visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, ancient monasteries, and the remnants of the Ashoka Pillar, feeling the historical and spiritual significance of this pivotal site in the birth of Buddhism.
Varanasi
Arrive in Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world and a spiritual hub on the banks of the Ganges River. Experience the vibrant energy of this sacred city, known for its ghats, temples, and profound spiritual atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Ganga Aarti
Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats of Varanasi. This vibrant evening ritual is a sensory experience filled with chanting, music, and the waving of lamps, offering a profound glimpse into the spiritual heart of Hinduism.
Assi Ghat
Explore Assi Ghat, a serene and sacred spot where the Ganges and Assi rivers meet in Varanasi. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, it's a popular place for meditation, yoga, and witnessing the sunrise Ganga Aarti, providing a more relaxed and reflective experience.
Manikarnika Ghat
Reflect on the cycle of life and death at Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi's cremation ground. Witness the ancient rituals with respect and contemplation, understanding the profound spiritual significance of this place where funeral pyres burn continuously.
Benaras Hindu University
Visit Benaras Hindu University (BHU), a prestigious educational institution in Varanasi, known for its beautiful campus and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum. This sprawling university represents a center of learning and cultural preservation in the heart of the city.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Varanasi. Experience the spiritual energy of this sacred site, which has been rebuilt numerous times throughout history and is a major center of worship.
Varanasi Railway Station
Depart from Varanasi Railway Station for your overnight train to Delhi, carrying with you the spiritual experiences and cultural insights gathered during your journey through the heart of India.
Delhi
Conclude your tour in Delhi with a transfer to your desired location. Reflect on the spiritual journey through the Buddhist heartlands, carrying the profound experiences and insights gained from exploring the sacred sites and cultural richness of India and Nepal.
Know Before You Go
This 10-day Buddhist India tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with fuel, parking, and driver allowance. A personal English-speaking guide is provided, along with 3-star accommodations and train tickets from Delhi to Lucknow and Varanasi to Delhi. Breakfast is included each day. Not included are personal expenses and lunch/dinner/drinks.
Hot Tip
Travelers should pack light clothing suitable for warm weather and comfortable shoes for walking. Bringing a universal adapter is also a good idea. Consider bringing snacks for the train rides between destinations.
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