Buddha's Footsteps
- 15 Nights / 16 Days
- Price : US$ 465/PP
Overview
The long journey of Buddha to attain awakening and inspire millions includes many beautiful spiritual destinations in India and Nepal. This tour will explore the footsteps of Lord Buddha and follow the part of his life and teachings.
The 16-day long journey begins in Delhi and takes you deeper into the life of Buddha. Visiting the four major sacred sites of Buddhism including Lumbini (Birthplace of Lord Buddha), Bodh Gaya (where Buddha attained enlightenment), Sarnath (where Buddha delivered his first sermon), and Kushinagar (where Buddha attained Parinirvana). Also, the tour explores many other significant destinations related to Buddha's life; Vaishali, the place where Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his nirvana; Shravasti, the place where Buddha spent most time after his enlightenment and also where he performed the famous "Twin Miracle" in response to a challenge from six non-believers.
The journey takes you to Nepal's valley Kathmandu which is surrounded by Great Himalayan Mountain peaks. Visiting temples and religious places like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath temple, and Boudhanath stupa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Further, you will visit Patan, "the city of artisans" famous for its beautiful architecture and collection of temples and palaces. Excursion to Nagarkot and Bhaktapur near Kathmandu valley will give you a lifetime experience of watching sunrise and sunset with Mount Everest in the landscape.
*Note : This is a starting price calculated for at least 2 people. The price may vary according to the number of travelers, season, services, and availability.
| Tour Starts from | Delhi |
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| Tour Ends at | Delhi |
| Destinations Covered | Delhi, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Lumbini, Kathmandu. |
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Itinerary
Arrive in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and meet and greet by our local representatives, then transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Delhi Sightseeing
Today, after breakfast, you will enjoy a full-day, private, guided sightseeing tour of New & Old Delhi, taking in all the major sights.
Delhi - Varanasi
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel. After freshening up, later visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first public discourse after receiving enlightenment, and a peaceful space to spend a few hours. You will also have a boat safari on the Ghats in the evening to attend the Aarti ceremony.
Varanasi
This morning, enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges to see devotees at prayer along the ghats. A way to start the day for Indians, followed by a walk down old lanes and a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Varanasi - Bodhgaya
Drive to Bodhgaya (6 Hours). Arrive in Bodhgaya and check into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore on your own.
Bodhgaya
Spend the day exploring the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and other sights associated with the life of Buddha in the area, such as Dhungeshwari Cave, Sujata Garh, and the Giant Buddha Statue.
Bodhgaya - Vaishali
After breakfast, drive to Vaishali (5.5 hrs). En route, visit Rajgir, used for many years by Buddha and his disciples in the rainy season, then to Nalanda, the world's first university. Once you reach Vaishali, visit the Ashokan Pillar and Buddha Stupa. Vaishali is where Buddha announced his impending death. As per a legend, Vaishali was once infested with the plague, and when Buddha entered Vaishali, it rained heavily, expunging the town from all infections. Also, see the old university ruins in Nalanda where it is documented that Buddha taught here.
Vaishali - Kushinagar
After an early breakfast, drive to Kushinagar (7 hrs). Referred to as Kushinara in the ancient period, the city is a storehouse of architectural marvels. Archaeological excavations have unearthed some temples and Stupas, which belonged to medieval India. Major attractions of this city include Mahaparinirvana Temple, Nirvana Stupa, Wat Thai Temple, Kushinagar Museum, Meditation Park, and Ramabhar Stupa.
Kushinagar - Sravasti
Drive to Sravasti (6.5 hrs). Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Sravasti is part of the Buddhist circuit, and here Buddha performed the miracle of sitting on a 1000-petal lotus and multiplying himself a million times, with fire and water emanating from his body.
Sravasti - Lumbini
Continue your journey this morning with a drive to Lumbini in Nepal (6 hrs). On arrival, check-in at your hotel, then take leisure time to relax after your journey.
Lumbini
Today, visit the major sights of Lumbini, including the Maya Devi temple, Asokan Stupa, Sacred Pond, and different monasteries.
Lumbini - Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, meet & greet, then transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy sightseeing of Swayambhunath, an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. Later return to your hotel; then, the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Kathmandu
In the morning, visit Patan, known for its rich tradition of arts and handicrafts. In the afternoon, visit Pashupatinath & Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
Kathmandu
In the morning, enjoy an excursion to Nagarkot, 32 km from Kathmandu, renowned for its sunrise view of the Himalaya, including Mount Everest. In the afternoon, visit Bhaktapur.
Kathmandu - Delhi
This morning transfer to Kathmandu airport in time to board the flight for Delhi. On arrival, meet then transfer to your hotel; then, at leisure, relax.
Delhi - Homebound
Today, transfer to the Delhi international terminal if flying home or to the domestic airport if you are extending your tour and traveling on to a different destination.
