Day 01: Arrival in Varanasi & Ganga Aarti Experience
You will be greeted when you arrive in Varanasi at the airport or train station, followed by being transported to your hotel where you can check in and relax after your travels.
In the evening, participate in the awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti located right on the banks of the holy Ganges River at Dashashwamedh Ghat The ceremony is held at dusk and incorporates the combination of music, devotion and rituals to provide insight into the vibrant culture and rich traditions Varanasi has to offer.
Dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided at your hotel.
Day 02: Sunrise Boat Ride & Sarnath Excursion
Early morning is perhaps the most magical time of day in Varanasi as the sun begins to rise over the horizon, providing an amazing experience called ‘Subah-e-Banaras’.
Before you start your day, enjoy a tranquil boat ride along the Ganges during sunrise which passes many of the historical ghats in Varanasi every with their individual stories along with great meaning.
Following your boat ride, after having finished breakfast, you will proceed to Sarnath – the site where Lord Buddha along with many of his monks received their first sermon from Lord Buddha under a sacred tree, located in what is now Deer Park.
While in Sarnath, you will visit sites including:
Dhamek Stupa
Chaukhandi Stupa
Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
Sarnath Archaeological Museum
At the conclusion of your time in Sarnath, return to Varanasi for evening dinner accommodations before continuing onto your next journey.
Day 03: Varanasi to Bodhgaya
Bodh Gaya is the site of the Mahabodhi Temple which marks the location of Buddha’s enlightenment, the Bodhi Tree and is considered a very peaceful place to visit. After arriving in Bodh Gaya, you will have the option of having dinner at the hotel and spending the night at the hotel.
Day 04: Bodhgaya Sightseeing & Meditation
Your last day in Bodh Gaya begins with breakfast prior to traveling to the Dungeshwari Caves that Buddha used to carry out his penance and visiting the Sujata Temple. Afterward, return to Bodhgaya to take part in an afternoon meditation session at a local monastery, which provides a very spiritual experience. Overnight will be spent in Bodh Gaya.
Day 05: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna
Your last day will begin with having breakfast and then traveling to Rajgir. While in Rajgir, you will visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Griddhakuta Hill, Venu Vana, and Bimbisar Jail. After visiting Rajgir you will continue to Nalanda; the Nalanda University Ruins which is one of the oldest learning institutions in the world, and the Xuanzang Memorial Hall. After visiting Nalanda, travel to Patna where you will spend the night at your hotel.
Day 6: Patna – Vaishali – Kesaria – Kushinagar
After breakfast we will visit Vaishali, where the Buddha’s last sermon was delivered.
The following places will be visited in Vaishali:
- Ashokan Pillar
- Ananda Stupa
- Kutagarasala Vihara
Next we will move on to Kesaria Stupa, which is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.
Then we travel to Kushinagar for check-in, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Sightseeing in Kushinagar & drive to Lumbini
After breakfast we will see:
- Mahaparinirvana Temple (where the Buddha attained Nirvana);
- Rambhar Stupa
After completion of sightseeing in Kushinagar, we will drive to Lumbini (Nepal) and make sure to complete any visa-related requirements.
Upon arriving in Lumbini, we will check-in to our hotel, have dinner and stay overnight.
Day 8: LUMBINI & KAPILVASTU – SHRASTI
We will begin with breakfast and then explore Lumbini with the following places of interest:
- Maya Devi Temple
- Eternal Peace Flame
- Lumbini Museum
- Thai Monastery Lumbini
After visiting Lumbini, we will continue onto Kapilvastu (the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha)
Then we will travel to Shravasti for check-in and overnight stay.
Day 9: Shravasti SIGHTSEEING AND DEPARTURE
After breakfast we will see:
- Jetavana Monastery;
- Ananda Bodhi Tree;
- Angulimala Stupa.
After completing our sightseeing in Shravasti, we will drive back either to Varanasi or Lucknow to begin our journey home.
You will take away many great memories from this Spiritual and Cultural journey through India and Nepal.
