Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Evening arrive at Delhi - IGI (Indira Gandhi International) airport.

Delhi - is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

On arrival meeting, assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Where our executive will explain the travel plan in detail and hand over the essential documents (Tour programme, hotel's vouchers, feedback report etc) to you. Rest of the day free to relax at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - CYCLE RICKSHAW RIDE
After breakfast at hotel enjoy city tour of New Delhi & old Delhi start from Red Fort  - (Closed on Monday) -  built in red sandstone, Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Jama Masjid - India's largest mosque and one can enjoy Cycle rickshaw ride in narrow alleys of old Delhi through Kinari Bazaar and 400 years old Chandni Chowk bazaars. Rajghat - crimination place of Mahatama Gandhi.  Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun Tomb - Tomb of 2nd Mughal emperorand Qutab Minar the highest stone tower in India. India Gate - This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the World War Ist. Drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Parliament House. Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi - Lucknow (Train) - Sravasti (175 kms )
Early morning transfer to railway station to board on train to Lucknow. On arrival meeting assistance at railway station by our local representative in Lucknow and drive to Sravasti. Sravasti seems to have fascinated Lord Buddha very much for he spent over 1/4th of his life over here, recollecting the Jatakas or the stories of his previous births. Today Sravasti is full of old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. The city is believed to be founded by Mythological King Sravasti and has old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 04: Sravasti - Lumbini (240kms)
After breakfast at hotel visit the stupa and monasteries town and then drive to Lumbini. Prince Siddhartha was born here in about BC 563. 

Lumbini - a place in the South-Western Terai of Nepal, evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists all over the world-as do the Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the place Lord Buddha - the apostle of peace and the light of Asia, was born in 623 B. C. On arrival, check in at the Hotel.

Later visit Sacred Garden, a small complex lying at the southern end of Lumbini. It marks the place where the Buddha is reputed to have been born and contains all of the area's important historical monuments and archaeological finds. You will visit Maya Devi Mandir, believed to date as far as the 3rd or 4th century BC. Peepul tree, under which Maya Devi is believed to give birth, Ashokan Pillar and Pushkarni. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05: Lumbini - Khushinagar (170 kms)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Khushinagar- a small wooded town. It was here Lord Buddha ended his earthly journey passed into Mahaparinirvana.

On arrival, check in at hotel. After wash and change at hotel visit Mutkabandha Stupa-believed to have been built to preserve the relics of Buddha. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Khushinagar - Vaishali - (280 Kms) - Patna (70 Kms)
After early breakfast at hotel drive to Patna. Enroute visit Vaishali. Vaishali is an important destination in the Buddhist circuit because this is where Buddha announced his approaching Nirvana (salvation) to his disciples. Emperor Ashoka erected a lion pillar here to mark this event and it stands till today. Also visit the Vaishali Museum and see figures, old coins and photographs of the excavations.

Later continue your drive to Patna. On arrival in Patna, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 Patna - Nalanda (90 Kms) - Rajgir (12 Kms) - Bodhgaya (80 Kms )
After early morning breakfast drive to Nalanda, a great Buddhist centre for more than 1000 years until the monastery, school and library were sacked and burnt by Muslims. The Chinese scholar Hiuen Tsan stayed here for 5 years in the early 7th cent. AD. There were 10.000 monks and students in residence. The remains are still extensive and include the "Great Stupa" with steps, terraces and a few still intact stupas around it.

Further drive to Rajgir or Rajagriha. It was the capital of Magadhan empire before Pataliputra occupied from 1800 BC. Visit Gridhkuta, the "Hill of Vultures". It was one of Buddha's favorite places where he delivered many important sermons. Also visit Saptaparni Cave on Vaibhara Hill. The first Buddhist council was held here and Buddha's teachings were written down for the first time. Visit Vishwa Shanti Stupa & Venuvana, the bamboo grove where Buddha spent some time.

Later continue your drive to Bodhgaya. It was here that Siddhartha meditated for 48 days under a "Bodhi tree" and was enlightened on the 49th day and became Buddha, the enlightened one!!! On arrival in Bodhgaya, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 Bodhgaya

After breakfast at hotel visit Mahabodhi temple with the tree, below which Buddha was enlightened, the footprints of Buddha & the monastery. Also visit Sujata village and Niranjana River. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 Bodhgaya - Varanasi (243 Kms)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Varanasi. Varanasi derives its name from the two streams Varuna in the north and Assi in the south. It is situated on the banks of River Ganges, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

After wash and change at hotel visit famous temples and Kashi Hindu Universitywhere more than fifty thousand students from all over the world are learning. Evening see AARTIat river Ghat. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Varanasi - Agra (Overnight Train)
Today early morning you experience the life of this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat Ride. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God.

In the afternoon excursion to Sarnath. Located thirteen kilometers northeast of Varanasi, Sarnath is the auspicious place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon in the deer park after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Set amidst well-maintained gardens, Sarnath's ruins are a pleasant place for a stroll or for meditation.
Later in the evening, transfer to railway station to board the train to Agra. Overnight in Train.

Day 11: Agra
After breakfast at hotel visit Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) - world's greatest monument to love. Emperor Shah Jahan built this pristine white marble mausoleum in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra Fort, built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor, Akbar, in 1565. A number of the fort,s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years. Pearl Mosque, it shined like a pearl. It is held that this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of royal court. Diwan-i-Khas - Here envoys and other honoured guests were granted a personal USDience with the ruler. the Diwan-e-Khas is a small marble structure near the Diwan-e-Am. Diwan-i-Aam - the ruler held mass USDience. He would sit on his throne facing petitioners. His minister would assemble the petitions and refer them to the Diwan-e-Khas for private USDience. Jahangir Mahal - Jahangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbari period in the Agra Fort. Itmad - Ud - Daula known as the Baby Taj it is the first tomb in India built entirely in white marble. Sikandra-The great Mughal emperor Akbar's Tomb. Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (235kms)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, constructed by Akbar in 1569 to honor Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Akbar's court occupied this city till it was abandoned due to non-availability of water but still in a state of perfect preservation. Continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Jaipur - ELEPHANT RIDE
After an early breakfast at hotel, visit the majestic Amber Fort and Palace, originally constructed by Raja Mansingh and one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Enjoy the unique experience of an ascent on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant, up to the Fort. Jantar Mantar Observatory, a sanctuary of the astronomer king, Maharaja Jai Singh II. Nearby, the intriguing Palace of the Wind, the Hawa Mahal, was built in 1799 to allow ladies from the royal family to view the city and bazaar below in privacy. Jal Mahal - Jal Mahal is known for its majestic architecture and sophisticated design. It was once used for the royal duck shooting parties. Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Optional Activities:
In the evening one can enjoy The Amer sound & Light show - Amber holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years and 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Through their unique diplomacy of strategic alliances, their valor and strength, the rulers not only established a long dynasty but, in time, also played a part in changing the destiny of medieval India. Through this Son-et- Lumiere spectacle, an attempt has been made to revive the pride of Amber and bring forth the traditions that coloured the lives of its people and the pomp that once existed in its fullest form.

This musical extravaganza has highlighted the local legends, folklore, with a myriad of music that continues to give Rajasthan its unique identity. The show is a simple attempt to end the silence that had long fallen upon Amber - for the spirit of Amber is eternal.

The show is set in an exotic location, with the giant panoramic view of Amber Fort in front, the rising Jaigarh fort on the left, the hills at the back and the gallery itself in the Kesar Kiyari Complex of Maota Lake.

Day 14: Jaipur - Delhi (265kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. In time transfer to Delhi international airport to board your homebound flight with the happy memory of our country.