11
Jan’ 11 : Arrive Varanasi
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Varanasi and transfer to hotel. Often
referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. The
land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus
for ages. Mark Twain once said "Benaras is older than history, older
than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them
put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land
of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and
re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet
unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the
sins of mortals.
Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
12 Jan’ 11 to 16 Jan’11 Varanasi – Sarnath –
Varanasi
Early morning boat cruise on River Ganges. At dawn, the Ghats are a buzz
with activity of the devotees performing their ablution in the river or
offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. A
boat ride along the Ghats gives you classic views of this activity. The
sunrise on the Ganges is a soul-lifting experience.
After breakfast, visit Sarnath (30 minutes drive) to attend and listen to
the Dalai Lama's annual teachings. There will be teachings by His Holiness
the Dalai Lama for 5 days. Find time to visit the Dhamekh stupa, the Deer
park and temples of different Buddhist countries. Also visit the fine
archaeological museum, which houses the Ashoka pillar and the Lion capital
from the 3rd century BC and the famous teaching Buddha from the 5th century
AD.
In the evenings you will have an opportunity to explore some of the facets
of Varanasi, whether it is the 'Ghats' on the Ganges where Hindu pilgrims
and locals come to perform their rituals including the beautifully
choreographed 'aarti' (worship) offering of elements to the goddess Ganga.
You will go for a boat ride on the Ganges, walk the ancient alleyways, visit
the cremation area and the temples, and meet knowledgeable local scholars,
teachers, artists, cultural and environmental activists and crafts
people. You will also visit silk weaving workshops which use techniques
which are over 2500 years old.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.
17 Jan’ 11 : Varanasi – Kushinagar (265 Kms / Approx. 06 Hrs.)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning leave Varanasi for Kushinagar by
surface. On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
18 Jan’ 11 : Kushinagar – Vaishali – Patna (230 Kms /
Approx. 05 Hrs.)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit Kushinagar the various stupas and
temples. This tour includes a visit to Mahaparinirvana Temple - This houses
the over 6 mtrs long statue of reclining Buddha. The image was unearthed
during the excavations of 1876. The statue represents the dying Buddha
reclining on his right side. Ramabhar - This large stupa rises to a height
of 49 ft. It marks the site where the Lord Buddha was cremated. In ancient
Buddhist texts this stupa has been referred to as Mukut-Bandhan Vihar. Later
leave Kushinagar for Patna by surface. Enroute visiting Vaishali.
Vaishali is 50 Kms from Patna. Lord Buddha visited this place
frequently and preached his last sermon here. To commemorate the event,
emperor Ashoka, in 3rd-century BC erected one of his famous lion pillars
here. A hundred years after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha, Vaishali
hosted the second great Buddhist council. Two stupas were erected to
commemorate this event.
Continue overland journey to Patna. On arrival check-in at hotel.
Dinner
& Overnight stay at the hotel.
19 Jan’ 11 : Patna – Rajgir
(105 Kms / Approx. 2-3 Hrs)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning leave Patna for Rajgir by surface. On
arrival check-in at hotel. Rajgir was once the ancient capital of the
powerful kingdom of Maghada. From the out skirts of Rajgir, a historic road
leads to Gridha - Kuta or vultures peak where the Buddha preached, here the
first Buddhist Council was held after the Lord's Mahaparinirvana. Afternoon
at leisure for teaching.
Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
20 Jan’ 11 : Rajgir – Nalanda – Rajgir (15 Kms one way)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning leave Rajgir for Nalanda by surface. Nalanda-was
the most renowned university in ancient India. Established in the 5th
century B.C. It remained a live center of learning till the 12th century
A.D. Full day at leisure for teaching in Nalanda. Evening return back to
Rajgir.
Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
21 Jan’ 11 : Rajgir – Bodhgaya (80 Kms / Approx. 02 Hrs)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning leave Rajgir for Bodhgaya by surface. On
arrival check-in at hotel. Bodhgaya where the Buddha attained enlightenment
and which is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for the Buddhist.
Afternoon visit Mahabodhi Temple - depicting the various phases of Buddha's
journey towards enlightenment, showing different aspects of his life;
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum - houses a small collection of Buddhist
sculpture from the 1st century B.C, to the 11th century A.D.
Dinner &
Overnight stay at the hotel.
22 Jan’ 11 : Bodhgaya – Patna (111 Kms / Approx. 03 Hrs)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit to Mahabodhi Temple for meditation
and prayer.
(Check-Out 12:00 Noon) Afternoon leave Bodhgaya for
Patna by surface. On arrival in Patna direct transfer to airport to connect
flight for onward destination.
Includes :
11 Nights hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner, Aircon transport,
Local Guide, Monument Entry fee, boat ride and all taxes.
Excludes :
Any tips, Portage, Airport Taxes, Insurance etc.
Cultural
Tours in India
