Luxury
Holidays » Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour with India
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour with India
| Duration:
20 Nights / 21 Days
Destinations: Bangalore - Mysore - Bangalore -
Mumbai - Delhi - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Nalanda - Rajgir
- Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar - Lumbini - Balrampur - Lucknow - Delhi |
Day 01 Arrive at Bangalore: Arrive at Bangalore
and proceed to the hotel.
A major industrial and commercial center,
with scientific and research activity, Bangalore is multifaceted: modern marvels,
historical monuments, bustling shopping plazas, a race course and golf courses.
Called the Silicon Valley of India for its growing software industry, it is also
known as the city of draught beer. Bangalore is capital of Karnataka which harbours
a diversity of interests such as the ruins of Vijaynagar, sculptures of Belur
and Halebid, mausoleum of Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, golden sands of Karavalli, proud
hills of Kodagu, forests of Bandipur, Nagarhole and Bannerghatta, and Chikmagalur
with its mountains and coffee plantations, majestic Mysore and the world's tallest
freestanding monolith of Bahubali at Sravanabelagola.
Check in at the
hotel and in the evening you will enjoy shopping of the city.
Overnight
stay will be at the hotel.
Day 02 Bangalore - Mysore:
By Road
in 3 hr Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing
of the city.
Vidhana Soubha: This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building
that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon park, is the home of the State
Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room
is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked
in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing.
Cubbon Park: This wooded and beflowered park was laid out in the heart of
the cantonment in 1864. Since then, fairy fountains, an august bandstand and a
wealth of atatury have been added. But the most important aspect of Cubbon Park
is its newer buildings that have added beauty and cultural wealth. Lush green
lawns, shady flowering trees, vibrant flower beds, make Cubbon Park an ideal place
for morning joggers and alike.
Lal Bagh: Hyder Ali laid out this famous
botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees
and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of
flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and
herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center
of attraction in this 2400-acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants
from all over India is held in the Glass House.
Tipu's Palace
& Fort: The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tipu Sultan.
Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple.
The
Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887. Inspired by the Windsor
castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows,
the foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace
in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and
is famous for it's carving and paintings.
End by afternoon and check
out of the hotel to drive to Mysore.
Mysore city was the capital of
the old royal Mysore province. The word Mysore expands to "Mahishasurana
Ooru" which means the town of Mahishasura. The story goes that the demon
Mahishasura was killed by goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore,
and hence the name. Ever since, the Mysore royal family has worshipped Chamundeshwari
as the palace deity. Hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of Mysore
town today.
To the people of India the word Mysore is synonymous with Sandalwood,
silk and fine inlay-work using ivory. It is the home of incense sticks dipped
in sandalwood oil perfume base and has two well known incense factories - the
Aravinda Parimala and the Vasu and Cycle brand (together these two account for
70% of the incense stick export from India). Mysore is also the home of many well
regarded musicians and artists. It is even today the hub of the tourist map of
Karnataka. Nearby are several places of interest to visitors, some of these are
Brindavan Gardens, Srirangapattana, Rangana Tittu bird sanctuary, Chamundi Hills,
Nanjanagudu, Bandipur forest reserve, Shivanasamudra falls, and Talakaadu.
Overnight will be at Mysore.
Day 03 Mysore: Breakfast
will be at the hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing of the heritage city.
Within the town are several places of interest. The grand palace with
its four arched entrances stands at the centre of the town. Liberally covered
with golden domes and home to the most expensive royal chair (Simhasana), made
of gold and studded with diamond and precious stones, this palace rivals the best
in the world. During weekends the whole palace is lit with thousands of lights,
a great sight. Saint Philomina's church is a fine cathedral dating back to the
18th century. The Venkatappa art gallary has inspired many an artist and conducts
courses in traditional painting, drawing and woodwork. It is also the birth-place
for the Mysore wooden toys, which are exported worldwide.
Near the western
gate is the Jayachamaraja Art Gallery (also called Jagan Mohana palace) which
houses some of the finest paintings, art works and artifacts dating to several
centuries of rule by the Royal Wodeyar family. At the eastern end, near Chamundi
Hills is the Lalitha Mahal Palace which is now a 5-star hotel. Visitors can enjoy
the luxury of staying in what was till recently the guest house for royal visitors.
Its main staircase built with white marble, and its front-end gardens, make the
Lalitha Mahal a place to visit and enjoy. Close to it is the Mysore zoo, which
recently celebrated its hundredth birthday. Mysore has a fine race course (horse
racing) and the local "Taanga" a horse drawn carriage that is still
used by some citizens. The Mysore "taanga" has a comfortable leg space
making it an attractive but slower alternative to savor the beauty of Mysore.
Mysore silk is well known for its quality and everlasting luster. The
silk factory (Karnataka supplies 70% of India's silk) and the Sandalwood factory
(which extracts the sandalwood oil) are located towards the south end of the town.
Both have over a century of tradition and still produce what Mysore is well known
for. Mysore had several lakes, all of which have been dried and are being used
as open fields today. The Jeevanaraya katte near the Railway station, Doddakere
near the palace, Karaji kere near the zoo gardens, stands testimony to the royal
dynasties who took keen interest in providing healthy drinking water to their
people.
The Chamundi Hill is unique in that it can be seen from any
part of Mysore. Standing majestically at 1000 ft. to the eastern edge, it can
approached by foot (stairs made of granite were laid centuries ago) and by automobile.
Mid-way on the climb up the Chamundi hills is a gigantic statue of NANDI (Bull)
in sitting posture. It is also connected by road. Generally, it is a practice
to visit the Nandi once on the trip to Chamundi Hill. Built of black granite,
the Nandi is carved out of a single stone. In Hindu mythology Nandi is the VAHANA
(vehicle) of Lord SHIVA. At the top of the hill is the temple for the palace deity
Chamundeshwari, a statue of Mahishasura the demon who used to trouble the people
of Mysore.
Overnight will be at Mysore.
Day 04 Mysore -
Bangalore:
By
Road in 3 hr
Bangalore - Mumbai:
By Air
Flight Number : 9W 448
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1805 hr
Stopover
: 1940 hr Drive to Bangalore after breakfast and enjoy shopping.
Proceed straight to the airport for flight to Mumbai.
Its young, its
lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given
Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city
of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of
India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying
off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence
of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is
also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian
Sea.
Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely
populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement
and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati,
the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once
stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.
Reach
and check in at the hotel. Enjoy the walk in the MARINE DRIVE in the evening and
overnight will be at Mumbai.
Day 05 Mumbai: Enjoy breakfast
at the hotel overlooking the sea.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of the
city.
Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort,
since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive
buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the
soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first
Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit.
Marine Drive in Mumbai: Marine
Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed
from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as
the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night.
Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman
Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.
Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge
archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most
tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate
the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
Chowpatty Beach: Chowpatty beach situated at the end of Marine Drive
has a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai.
One can witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies taking place at Chowpatty like
the Annual Thread-Tying Ceremony initiating young boys into the Brahmin caste,
'Nariel Purnima' towards the end of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions.
Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of the city
was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere.
Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the 'Picadilly Circus
'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological figures,
the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of flowers,
at the top.
Hanging Gardens in Mumbai: Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta
Gardens, the Hanging Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens
are popularly known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the slope
of a hill. The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and
affords a panoramic view of the city or a breathtaking sunset. It is built over
three reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water pumped here for cleaning
before being supplied to the town.
Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria
Terminus/Western Railway Station) : At the site of the Koli's original temple
to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent
buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built
in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885.
Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic Building
has a frontage of over 15,00 feet. The administrative offices form three sides
of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a
massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the
high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is a figure of
a women with a torch held aloft to symbolise progress.
Mumbai High court
: An attractive building in early English Gothic style, situated next to the Oval
Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive architecture. Statues representing
Justice and Mercy surmount the Central structure.
Rajabai Clock tower
: Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens of the Bombay University building
rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five elaborately
decorated storeys the tower is 280ft.in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented
with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes.
Enjoy shopping
at Colaba and you could spend the evening at JUHU BEACH.
Juhu Beach:
Juhu is one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India. Located 18-km
north of the city centre, it's a beckoning beach on the shores of Arabian Sea
and is one of the posh localities of Mumbai where one can find the bungalows of
the famous film personalities. Many shootings are held here too.
Overnight
will be at Mumbai.
Day 06 Mumbai - Delhi:
By Air
Flight Number
: 9W 305
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure :
1500 hr
Stopover : 1655 hr Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Enjoy shopping in the morning.
Take
flight to Delhi in the late afternoon and reach by evening.
Arrive at
DELHI. Meet on arrival by company representatives. Proceed to hotel and relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis
with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that
is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 07 Delhi:
After breakfast we will meet at the lobby and proceed for a day tour
of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old
Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi
was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once
the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire. Drive by the fort ramparts
and proceed for the rickshaw ride.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would
include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, a drive
along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament
House and the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic
Enclave.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 08 Delhi - Agra:
By Train Early morning proceed to Agra by Shatabdi Express Train.
Breakfast will be served in the train.
Proceed for the afternoon sightseeing
of the Taj and Fort.
Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475.
Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. This city in those days was considered
to be the sister-city of Mathura, which was more prominent than Agraban. Agra
came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside the RIVER YAMUNA
to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi made Agra his capital but Babar defeated
the Lodhis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal
empire.
In the Mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed
a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love
Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary
Mughal style and of very high quality. The same is still reflected in whatever
monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai
cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating master pieces with their skill
all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had once experienced. Today whatever
remains, has become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again to the
heights of glory but this time as a major tourist destination of India.
Visit the TAJ MAHAL -
one
of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed
in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal
(Shah Jahan's second Wife).
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal
emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced
within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are
considered better than the Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 09 Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho:
By Train
Train Name : Bhopal Shatabdi
Express
Train No. : 2002
Departure : 0800 hr
Arrival : 1024 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train
to Jhansi.
Reach Jhansi and transfer to Orchha, 12 km away. It is a
medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th
& 17th century - which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The
town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and
the place is flanked by the river BETWA.
Proceed for sightseeing of
ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.
Continue
drive to Khajuraho.
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh,
Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance
festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree)
which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to
a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic
architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup,
combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed,
charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details.
These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level
upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho. Transferred
to hotel and relax. Enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the WESTERN TEMPLE COMPLEX.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 10 Khajuraho - Varanasi:
By Air
Flight : 9W 724
Airline : Jet Airways
Departure : 1330
hr
Arrival : 1410 hr 
Breakfast
will be at the hotel.
Proceed for a tour of the FAMOUS TEMPLES of Khajuraho.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi,
you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Picturesquely situated on
the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient
seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams,
the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively.
This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was
in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government
of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India.
From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of
their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every
year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of
the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines
along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras along
with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the
holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi - The land where experience
and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich
tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world - renowned exponents
India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi's cultural ethos.
Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work
of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades
which are cherished as collector's items across the world today.
Visit
Sarnath ? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist
sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he
revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment
and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery
and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist
art and sculptures found at the site.
Spend the evening shopping in
the lanes of Varanasi. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Day 11 Varanasi:
In the early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on
the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions
of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs.
for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city,
we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board
a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise
the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to
bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from
the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along
the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a
beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath
Temple while returning to the hotel.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple,
which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit
the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the
huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from
white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit
the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University
Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Retire early and overnight will be in Varanasi.
Day 12 Varanasi - Bodhgaya:
By Road in 6 hr After breakfast
at the hotel proceed for BODHGAYA. Carry packed lunch for the road as there would
not be stop for meal.
Bodhgaya is one of the sacred places for the Buddhists
as well as for the Hindus. Here under the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme
knowledge to become Budhha, the `Enlighted One'.
"The Buddha
once lived here" Lord Buddha, who founded the first universal
religion of the world, worked and lived much of his life in Bihar though he was
born in Kapilavastu, now in Nepal. Most of the major events of his life, like
enlightenment and last sermon happened in Bihar. Significantly, the state's name
originated from 'Vihara' meaning Buddhist and Jain monasteries, which abounded
in Bihar.
Though the Buddha was born as a Sakya prince in the Terai
foothills of the Himalayas, 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. Perhaps the present day life of
trauma and tension reminds us of the other alternative that was always available
to us, the Buddha's way of life, gentle and simple.
Several centuries
after Buddha's passing away, the Maurya emperor Ashoka (234-198 BC) contributed
tremendously towards the revival, consolidation and spread of the original religion.
It is the monasteries Ashoka built for the Buddhist monks and the pillars erected
to commemorate innumerable historical sites associated with the Buddha's life,
mostly intact to this day, that helped scholars and pilgrims alike to trace the
life events and preachings of a truly extraordinary man.
The Buddha
attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya, under the Bodhi tree, 10 km from Gaya - The
ancient Hindu pilgrimage centre. The tree from the original sapling still stands
in the temple premises. It is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centre as
Buddhisrn was born here.
The magnificent Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya
is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries' cultures and many heritages
that came to pay their homage here. The temple definitely has architecture of
the Gupta and later ages, inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri
Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still
the same temple Hiuen Tsang visited in 7th century.
Overnight will be
at Bodhgaya.
Day 13 Bodhgaya: Breakfast will be at
hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing of Maha Bodhi Temple and Tree. Visit
the Chinese Temple. In the afternoon proceed to visit the Niranjana Temple and
River. Visit the school of the destitute.
All meals at hotel and overnight
will be at Bodhgaya.
Day
14 Bodhgaya - Nalanda - Rajgir - Patna:
By Road in 8 hr Breakfast
will be at hotel.
Early morning proceed to visit the historical towns
of Nalanda & Rajgir.
NALANDA - Nalanda, where ruins of the great
ancient university have been excavated, is situated at a distance of 90 km. south
east of Patna by road. It falls on way to Rajgir. It is also linked by rail with
Patna, Rajgir and Bakhtiyarpur (on Delhi-Howrah main track). Hieun Tsang, the
renowned Chinese traveller of the seventh century, says that according to tradition
the place owed its name to a Naga of the same name who resided in a local tank.
But he thinks it more probable that Lord Buddha, in one of his previous births
as Bodhisatwa, became a king with his capital at this place and that his liberality
won for him and his capital the name Nalanda or "Charity without intermission".
The third theory about the name of the place is that it derived from Nalam plus
da. Nalam means lotus which is a symbol for knowledge and Da means given the place
had many lotuses.
Nalanda has a very ancient history. It was frequently
visited by Lord Vardhamana Mahavir and Lord Buddha in the 6th century BC during
his sojourns, the Lord Buddha found this place prosperous, swelling and teeming
with population and containing mango-groves. It is also supposed to be the birth
place of Sariputra, one of the Chief disciples of the Lord Buddha.
RAJGIR
- The Buddha lived in the sixth century BC. Mahavir was born in 567 BC and the
traveller in Bihar will encounter them both constantly. Rajgir is 10km south of
Nalanda and sacred to the memory of the founder of both Buddhism and Jainism.
Lord Buddha spent many months of retreat during the rainy season here, and used
to meditate and preach on Griddhkuta, the 'Hill of the Vultures'. Lord Mahavir
spent fourteen years of his life at Rajgir and Nalanda. It was in Rajgriha that
Lord Buddha delivered some of his famous sermons and converted king Bimbisara
of the Magasha Kingdom and countless others to his creed. Once a great city, Rajgir
is just a village today, but vestiges of a legendary and historical past remain,
like the cyclopean wall that encircles the town and the marks engraved in rock
that local folklore ascribes to Lord Krishna's chariot. This legend, like many
others associates Rajgir to that distant time when the stirring events recorded
in the epic Mahabharata were being enacted. Rajgir is located in a verdant valley
surrounded by rocky hills.
An aerial ropeway provides the link with
a hill-top stupa "Peace Pagoda" built by the Japanese. On one of the
hills in the cave of Saptparni, was held the first Buddhist Council. The Saptparni
cave is also the source of the Rajgir Hot Water Springs that have curative properties
and are sacred to the Hindus.
Have lunch at Rajgir. Proceed to Patna
after lunch.
Reach Patna.
Patna, the capital city of Bihar,
is a historical city, which has like Delhi, experienced the trauma and pain of
being conquered. The heritage of Patna or Pataliputra as it was known goes back
to two millennia. This city was the seat of administration for many rulers and
each of them ascended with a new name for their capital.
Kusumpura became
Pushpapura, Patliputra, Azeemabad and now Patna. Pataliputra was the capital of
Magadha, a kingdom, which dominated and influenced the politics of India for a
long time. Located on the banks where rivers Sone and Ganga merge, this city has
witnessed the rules of Chanakya, Chandragupta, Ashoka and the Nanda rulers.
Overnight will be in Patna.
Day 15 Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar:
By Road in 6 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Explore the side where Buddha was cremated and visit
Mahaparinirvana Temple.
VAISHALI - Vaishali has a past that pre-dates
recorded history. It is held that the town derives its name from King Vishal,
whose heroic deeds are narrated in the Hindu epic Ramayana. However, history records
that around the time Pataliputra was the centre of political activity in the Gangetic
plains, Vaishali came into existence as centre of the Ganga, it was the seat of
the Republic of Vajji. Vaishali is credited with being the World's First Republic
to have a duly elected assembly of representatives and efficient administration.
The Lord Buddha visited Vaishali more than once during his lifetime
and announced his approaching Mahaparinirvana to the great followers he had here.
Hundred years after he attained Mahaparinirvana, it was the venue of
the second Buddhist Council. According to one belief, the Jain Tirthankar, Lord
Mahavir was born at Vaishali. The Chinese travellers Fa-Hien and Hieun Tsang also
visited this place in early 5th and 7th centuries respectively and wrote about
Vaishali.
While talking of the famous men and women associated with
Vaishali, Amrapali was the cynosure not only of Vaishali but of the neighbouring
kingdoms as well. Therefore, to avert bloodshed, the parliament of Vaishali declared
her to be a Court dancer besides consigning her to lifelong spinsterhood. Later
she became a devout Buddhist and served the Lord Buddha.
KUSHINAGAR
- The Buddha is believed to have breathed his last in this land with pastoral
surrounding, the small hamlet of Kushinagar, 53 km west of Gorakhpur. The land
is venerated as the site of the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana, his death and cremation
that marked his final liberation from the cycles of death and rebirth.
This small town in the former kingdom of the Mallas was surrounded by dense forest.
It remained oblivous to the outside world until it was rediscovered by the archaeologists
in the nineteenth century.
The modern Indo-Japan-srilanka Buddhist centre,
Kushinagar is rediscovering its roots, and is home to many viharas, including
a Tibetan gompa devoted to Sakyamuni, a Burmese vihara, and temples from China
and Japan.
Overnight will be at Kushinagar.
Day 16 Kushinagar
- Lumbini:
By Road in 7 hr Proceed for Lumbini after breakfast.
Reach and enjoy sightseeing.
The birthplace of the Gautama Buddha, Lumbini,
is the Mecca of every Buddhist, being one of the four holy places of Buddhism.
Buddha himself identified four places of future pilgrimage: the sites of his birth,
enlightenment, first discourse, and death. Hence the birth of Gautam Buddha makes
it one of the most sacred places in the world. The Sal tree where Siddhartha was
born is difficult to locate now. But Ashoka, in the 21st year of his reign visited
the forest and raised a pillar on the spot where Siddhartha was born.
The Mayadevi Temple: This Mayadevi temple dedicated to the mother of the Buddha
has been digged out and restored. The temple has a stone artifact depicting the
nativity of the Buddha. Maya Devi, his mother, gave birth to the child on her
way to her parent's home in Devadaha while taking rest in Lumbini under a Sal
tree in the month of May in the year 642 BC. The beauty of Lumbini is described
in Pali and Sanskrit literature. Maya Devi- it is said was spellbound to see the
natural splendor of Lumbini. While she was standing, she felt labor pains and
catching hold of a drooping branch of a Sal tree, the baby, the future Buddha,
was born.
Overnight will be at LUMBINI.
Day 17 Lumbini
- Balrampur:
By road in 5 hr Proceed by road to Balrampur after
breakfast.
Enjoy sightseeing of Shravasti and visit Saheth & Maheth.
During the time of Sakyamuni, a rich and pious merchant named Sudatta
lived in Sravasti. While on a visit to Rajgir, he heard the Buddha's sermon and
decided to become the Lord's disciple. But he was caught in a dilemma and asked
the Lord whether he could become a follower without forsaking worldly life. To
his query, the Buddha replied that it was enough that he followed his vocation
in a righteous manner.
Sudatta invited the Buddha to Sravasti and began
to look for a suitable place to build a vihara. A beautiful park at the southern
edge of Sravasti attracted his attention. The park belonged to Jeta, son of King
Prasenjit of Sravasti. Jeta demanded that Sudatta cover the entire park with gold
coins. Sudatta painstakingly paved every inch of the land with gold. Then Jeta
said that since the trees were left uncovered they belonged to him. But finally,
he had a change of heart and donated valuable wood to build the vihara. The park
came to be known as Jetavana Vihara in recognition of Prince Jeta's donation to
the sangh.
Buddha spent 25 years living in the monastery of Jetavana.
Many Vinaya rules, Jatakas and Sutras were first discussed at this place. The
Buddha is supposed to have astonished rival teachers by performing miracles at
Sravasti. It is said that it was in Sravasti that the Buddha transformed Angulimal
from a dacoit into a Buddhist monk. He also delivered many important sermons here.
King Ashoka erected two pillars 21 meters high on either side of the eastern gateway
of the Jetavana monastery. Sravasti was a flourishing center of learning during
the Gupta period. When the famed Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited this site,
he found several damaged stupas and ruins of monasteries and a palace.
Sravasti has two villages, Sahet and Mahet. From the Balrampur-Sravasti road one
can enter Sahet, which is spread over an area of 400 acres and has a number of
ruins. A little north of Sahet, towards the Rapti River, is the ancient fortified
city of Mahet. The entrance to the mud fortification of Mahet is constructed in
a beautiful crescent shape. Though it is an ancient structure, its five gates
and walls are still visible. Pakki Kuti, Kuchhi Kuti and many other stupas tell
the story of the great monasteries that once stood here.
Jetavana, a
splendid monastery with inscriptions dating back to the 12th century, is thought
to be one of the favorite sites of the Buddha. Emperor Ashoka is also said to
have visited this site. There is a sacred pipal tree here, which is a sapling
from the original Maha Bodhi tree under which the Buddha had attained nirvana.
Today, Jetavana has two monasteries, six temples and five stupas. One temple was
built by the monk Ananthapindika and called Gandhakuti. This is the most sacred
temple in Jetavana since the Buddha is believed to have lived at this spot.
Sravasti was also under the influence of Lord Mahavira the last Jain Tirthankar,
and the splendid Shwetambara temple here attracts thousands of Jain pilgrims.
The Sobhnath Temple is believed to the birthplace of the Jain Tirthankar Sambhavnath.
Overnight will be in Balrampur.
Day 18 Balrampur - Lucknow:
By Road in 5 hr Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed
after morning sightseeing to Lucknow - The city of Nawabs.
Enjoy the
cuisine of the city in the evening.
Overnight will be in Lucknow.
Day 19 Lucknow: Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Explore this royal city of Nawabs. Lucknow is caught in a time warp. It exists
in an in-between land of the past and the present looking back constantly to the
memories of a colonial-Nawabi past. There is at the same time a sense of pride
at the thought of being after Delhi, the most important center of power in free
India. Politics has indeed been Lucknow's forte but culture has been its historical
identification.
Despite the Indo-Persian legacy, Lucknow has a composite
Indian culture. The welding of various cultural strains nurtured by centuries
of Mughal and later Delhi Sultanate rule, to the folk traditions of the Indo-Gangetic
plains has produced a complex, yet rich synthesis. The Urdu language acquired
its baffling phonetic nuances and suave perfection here. It was in Nawab Wajed
Ali Shah's court that the most advanced of all classical Indian dance forms, the
Kathak, took shape. The popular Parsi theatre originated from the Urdu theatre
of this city. The tabla and the sitar were first heard on the streets of Lucknow.
Overnight will be in Lucknow.
Day 20 Lucknow - Delhi:
By Shatabdi Express Train Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and in the afternoon
board Shatabdi Express (1545 - 2145) for Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and check
in at hotel.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 21 Delhi -
Home: Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Enjoy the shopping
on the last day or relax at the hotel.
Check out in the evening and
proceed for the Dances of India Show. Have dinner then transfer to Airport for
flight home.
Tour Ends Buddhist
Pilgrimage Tour with India Reservation Form 
