Buddhist Trails

Depart from UK an overnight flight to Delhi.

Arrive at International airport, after traditional welcome by our representative would assist you at New Delhi transfer to hotel for check in. New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows.

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Stalk around the sprawling metropolis which is a bewitching blend of the past and the present. Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Swami Narayan Temple and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara are some of the famous edifices that lead the list of all the travellers here. An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Rajpath, Parliament House, The President’s Residence and a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Visit the magnificent Lotus temple at the sunset.

Proceed towards the beautiful pink city where you will get to experience the royal Rajputana culture which is known for its warm hospitality. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel and relax.

Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Enjoy Jeep ride to the fort which displays a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu panache. Afterwards, move towards the City Palace which sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. In the end, visit Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, which again symbolise the classic Rajasthani architecture.

Sky Waltz Balloon Safari (optional) with an additional cost Started in 2008, SkyWaltz is the first and only fully-licensed and approved commercial Hot Air Balloon operation in India.The operating season is from 15^th August to 15th May and the 60-minute ride offers you spectacular aerial views of the beautiful landscapes. Participants are honoured with First Flight certificate as a memento.
 

After breakfast, drive to Agra, a city that beguiles travellers with its irresistible charm. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, a beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. Visit the legendary edifice, Taj Mahal which doesn’t require any introduction. Capture some of the best inlay work ever seen, particularly the elegant domes and intricately carved screens. This architectural wonder is also noted for its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry. Apart from Taj Mahal, there is one another picture perfect monument that awaits to get captured in your camera, which is the Agra Fort. Ensconced within, is the magnificent Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. After Agra Fort, visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Post breakfast; proceed towards the airport for your onward journey to Varanasi, the religious capital of Hinduism. On arrival, check-in at hotel and relax.

Varanasi, previously known as Kashi is one of the world’s oldest religious sites. Start your city tour during dawn and bag some of the best life experiences at Varanasi. Transfer to the banks of the river Ganges and observe thousands of faithful performing several religious activities and offering prayers at the Ghat. Drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the river to experience the traditions of this world’s oldest living city. Afterwards, drive to Sarnath, which is 5 miles away from Varanasi. Visit here, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Lord Buddha preached his first Sermon in 592 BC and also get a chance to witness an excellent collection of Buddhist art sculptures at a fine museum here.

Enjoy your early morning breakfast at the hotel itself and then drive to Bodhgaya, the most important pilgrim for Buddhists from all over the world. Overnight stay will be at your hotel in Bodhgaya.

Post breakfast proceed for a full day excursion of Bodhgaya. Some of the prominent places to visit here are Mahabodhi Temple and the historic Bodhi tree, under which, Gautama Buddha attained enlightment some 2540 years ago. Also, you will get a chance to carry out some religious activities at Sujata Temple Niranjana River.

Begin your early morning journey to Vaishali, the majestic place where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced about his Nirvana. Visit- the Ashoka Pillar, the Lotus Tank and the Chaumukhi. Afterwards, proceed towards Kushinagar, a small wooded town where Lord Buddha ended his earthly journey. Overnight stay in hotel at Kushinagar.

After a healthy breakfast, head on to explore the Mahanirvana temple, the modern Japan/Sri Lanka Buddhist centre and the monasteries of Kushinagar. Then, drive towards Lumbini, which is again an important sight for the followers of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel in Lumbini and relax.

This day is reserved for the exploration of the beautiful pilgrimage site, Lumbini. Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha and lies in the south-western Terai of Nepal. See here the Sacred Garden which is esteemed to be the birth place of Lord Buddha, Maya Devi Mandir, which dates back to 3rd or 4th century BC, the Ashoka Pillar and Pushkarni. Proceed towards Sravasti in the afternoon. Lord Buddha spent one-fourth of his life over here. Thus, this place fascinates Buddhists a lot. Explore the old stupas, magnificent monasteries several temples here and then, head on to Balrampur. Upon arrival, relax at your hotel in Balrampur.

This morning at Balrampur, is fixed for a full day sightseeing of the city. Later in the evening, begin your car journey for Lucknow. Check in at your hotel in Lucknow.

Check out from your hotel early in the morning to board an express train from Lucknow to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Delhi. Spend your remaining day at leisure.

Transfer to the International airport in Delhi towards your onward journey to UK with sweet memories.