G F M – 05 BUDDHISAM HOLIDAYS

Destinations: Varanasi > Bodhgaya > Nalanda > Rajgir-Pawapuri > Patna
Duration: 7 nights & 8 days

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival (Varanasi):
Arrival at Varanasi and after the warm greetings by our tour representative, your transfer arrangement will be made to hotel. This is the most important pilgrimage city in India which is significant for both the Hindu as well as Buddhist pilgrims. The people really witness spirituality thriving in this great City. First of all you will enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges where you can witness the Hindu Rituals on the wide ghats of the river. Later you will also visit Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple. Later you can spend some time in shopping in Varanasi. Overnight stay arrangement is made in Varanasi.

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Day 02: Varanasi:
Today you will spend entire day at Sarnath, which is famous for its Buddhist links. Lord Buddha gave his maiden sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath. You will see famous Dhamaekha Stupa, Moolgandha Kuti Vihar and famous Sarnath museum having rich collection of antiques from Ancient India. Your overnight stay arrangement is in Varanasi.

Day 03: Varanasi- Bodhgaya:
Take early morning visit to lively Ghats of the Ganges to enjoy the religious culture of Varanasi and later proceed to Bodhgaya. Check into the hotel, on arrival at Bodhgaya. Relax and stay overnight at hotel in Bodhgaya.

Day 04: Bodhgaya:
Take morning breakfast and visit the sacred Mahabodhi Temple – where the Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi Tree. Afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya visiting Niranjana River, Sujata Village and many beautiful monasteries. Also visit Great Buddha Statue, Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Vajrasana, Animeshlocan Chaiyata, Bodhi Sarovar, Vishnupada Temple, Archaeological Museum of Bodhgaya, Japanese Buddha Temple, Thai temple and many more. At evening, visit the Mahabodhi Temple for prayer. Your overnight stay arrangement is in Bodhgaya. .

Day 05: Bodhgaya- Nalanda –Rajgir:
On fifth day of your Exclusive Buddhist Tour, you will be drive to Rajgir but you will also visit a famous Budhhist site of Nalanda. Here you will visit the first university of India and centre of Buddhist education. This ancient city of Nalanda was the center of intellectual activity from the fifth century B.C. to the twelve century A.D. Also visit Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall, The remnants of Nalanda University, Nav Nalanda Vihar, Kundalpur (important destination for Jains, particularly for the Digambar sect of the Jains). Latter proceed for Rajgir where Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha preached their sermons. Your overnight stay is arranged at a hotel in Rajgir.

Day 06: Rajgir-Pawapuri-Rajgir:
After the morning breakfast your full day sightseeing tour will be arranged to explore the many spiritual tourist destinations in Rajgir. This place has been related with both the historical person Buddha and Mahavira and is famous because Buddha spent many years meditating here. Rajgir is also admired and recognized as a health and winter resort due to its warm water ponds. It is believed that this warm water pond contains some medicinal properties that help cure many skin diseases. Latter you will also visit other attractions of Rajgir such as Griddhakuta hill, Jail of Bimbisara, Gym of Jarasandha, Venuvana, Karand tank, Maniyar math, Swamabhandar cave, Pippala cave, newly constructed Viswa Shanti Stupa and many more. Also enjoy the ropeway that leads uphill to the Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees of the Buddha on top of the Ratnagiri hill. During your tour to Rajgir, you will also drive to a close excursion from Rajgir i.e. Pawapuri (38 kilometers away from Rajgir). While Rajgir and Nalanda are foremost Buddhist pilgrim destinations, Pawapuri is equally a holy place for Jains. Lord Mahavira, the twenty fourth tirthankar, attained salvation here and was cremated at Pawapuri. Your overnight stay is arranged at a hotel in Rajgir.

Day 7: Rajgir-Patna:
On the last day of your Exclusive Buddhist Tour, your will be drive to Patna. Check-in to the hotel on arrival. Later enjoy full day sightseeing tour to explore the many tourist destinations of Patna. You will visit places such as Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb, Hanuman Temple near Patna Junction, Kumhrar (the place was the seat of Chandrgupta Maurya, the ruler of Magadh), Patna Museum, Golghar and Patna Planetarium (the largest Planetarium in Asia). Your overnight stay is arranged at a hotel in Patna.

Day 8: (Departure):
Today, our representative will make your airport transfer arrangement (either Kolkata or Delhi) to board your return flight back to your own destination. Enjoy the sweet memory of your wonderful Exclusive Buddhist Tour in India.