In the footsteps of Buddha

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Delhi

  You arrive in Delhi, the capital of India, and will be transferred to your hotel by car with a driver. As you cross the city, take a look at the majestic Delhi created by Lutyens. You will see one of its iconic monuments that dominates the skyline: the India Gate. You may also catch a glimpse of the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President's residence) and enjoy the green spaces, wide streets, and colorful street shops of Janpat. Overnight in Delhi.

• day 2

  DELHI

  Treat yourself to a full day of sightseeing in Delhi. Visit the National Museum and the World Buddhist Centre. Overnight in Delhi.

• day 3

  GAYA / BODHGAYA

  Take the flight to Gaya. Arrival at Gaya airport and transfer to BodhGaya, the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. This small temple town is comparable to Mecca for pilgrims. It attracts many visitors every year seeking solitude and wishing to meditate.

• day 4

  BODHGAYA

  The Mahabodhi Temple is the most sacred place in the city and is revered by Buddhist pilgrims as well as by local Hindus, who consider Buddha to be a reincarnation of Vishnu. In addition, many monasteries and temples offer monastic tranquility.

• day 5

  RAJGIR / NALANDA / PATNA

  Go by car to Rajgir, the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, where Buddha spent 12 years and where he convened the first Buddhist council. It is one of the most revered places in Buddhism and Jainism. Also visit the remains of Nalanda University, once a great center of learning.

• day 6

  PATNA/ VAISHALI/ KUSHINAGAR

  Go by car to Vaishali, the birthplace of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara for followers of Jainism. It was also the place where Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his imminent Nirvana. Appreciate the majesty of the Ashoka pillar, the Lotus reservoir, and the Chaumukhi Mahadeva Hindu temple.

• day 7

  KHUSHINAGAR / LUMBINI

  Kushinagar is another favorite place for Buddhist pilgrims. It is in this holy city that Buddha drew his last breath and attained the state of Nirvana. In the morning, visit the Maha Nirvana temple, the Ramabhar stupa, then head to the Buddhist center and the Sri Lankan monasteries or modern Japan. Enter Nepal and spend the night in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• day 8

  KAPILAVASTU / SRAVASTI

  Morning excursion to Kapilavastu, which was rediscovered in 1890 within a dense sal forest. Admire the Ashoka pillar (dating from 249 BC), a Maya Devi temple, the ruins of an ancient monastery, and some new stupas. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Sravasti in India. Visit the vast ruins of this ancient city and the Jetavana monastery.

• day 9

  SRAVASTI/ VARANASI

  Head to Varanasi, the holiest place for Hindu pilgrims. Stroll through the old city, a labyrinth of narrow alleys leading to the sacred ghats, and be sure not to miss the "Ganga Aarti" ceremony that takes place at sunset. Overnight in Varanasi.

• day 10

  Varanasi and Sarnath

  Start your day with a boat ride on the Ganges, the sacred river of India. You will be able to see pilgrims bathing in the river. Continue your visit of this temple-city by going from one temple to another: the golden temple of Vishwanath, the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas temple. Visit the sanctuary of Sarnath, where Buddha first taught Buddhism after his enlightenment. Overnight in Varanasi.

• day 11

  VARANASI / DELHI

  Take a flight to New Delhi. In the evening, you will be taken to the international airport to take the return flight to your country.