India Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

On arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Agra "The City Of The Taj Mahal". Upon arrival at Agra, check-in at your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, Agra Fort, and the Taj Mahal. Evening is free for shopping of handicrafts as souvenirs from the market of Agra. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, leave for Lucknow. On the way, visit Sankisa and Kannauj. Sankisa - which is related to many Myths pertaining to Lord Buddha, especially his descending from the heaven after death, makes it an ideal destination for Buddhist pilgrim. The village is mainly famous for the archaeological and historical importance. Also visit, temple of Bisari Devi, Buddhist Sculptures dating back to Mahayana age, the remains of Ashoka Pillar with an elephant in lieu of the usual lion. Later visit the town of Kannauj is mentioned in the book of Mahabharata. Ruled over by Hindu king Harsha Vardhana, this city had seen the golden period of Hindu architecture. In the evening upon arrival at Lucknow, our representative will transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Rumi Darwaza and Imambara in Lucknow. Later proceed to Shravasti - the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, it has the honor for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetavana Gardens. Upon arrival at Shravasti, check-in at the hotel. Later proceed for a sightseeing around Shravasti, visit Jetavana and Ananda Bodhi Tree. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Lumbini. After completing the immigration formalities at India - Nepal border, visit Kapilvastu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of the Shakya Clan, whose ruler 'Shuddhodhan' was the father of the Buddha. Later, continue your drive to Lumbini, upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later explore Lumbini - a small town in the southern Terai plains of Nepal, where the ruins of the old city can still be seen. Also visit the Birth place of Lord Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini, in southern Nepal, two thousand five hundred years ago. Since his time, Nepal has been a sacred ground for Buddhist as it is the birth place of Buddha. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kushinagar crossing Indo-Nepal border. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit - Mahaparinirvana temple , this is the place where Buddha passed into Parinirvana and was cremated and also visit Rambhar Stupa where Lord Buddha was cremated. Evening free time for own or religious activities in temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Patna. Enroute visit Vaishali, which is believed to be the first republic of the world, having an elected body of representatives hold special significance for Buddhist Devotees. The Buddha preached the Radha Sutra to the eighty four thousand faithful gathering here. Later continue your drive to Patna - the capital of Bihar. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel for night stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Bodh Gaya. On the way, visit the historical and religious place in central of bihar called Nalanda. In Nalanda - visit the ruins of ancient university; the site of Nalanda was one of the greatest monastic universities of the ancient world University established in 5th century BC. It is believed that Lord Buddha and also the founder of Jainism religion Lord Mahavir taught at this university for years. There is even a monument to facilitate Chinese traveler monk and writer Hiuen Tsang who studied at this university in the 7th century A.D. Then drive to closely located Rajgir, to visit Gridhkuta Peak, at the top of Ratnagiri hill, where Lord Buddha preached many inspiring sermons, a Peace Pagoda has been built by the Buddha Sangh of Japan. Tour continue visit to Venuvanaram and Bimbisara Prison. Later, continue your drive to Bodhgaya for overnight stay.

After breakfast, head out for full day sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya, visit Mahabodhi Temple - The temple, named after the Buddha, is a sacred place for the Buddhists in Bodh Gaya, Maha- bodhi tree - The tree is considered holy since Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under it, after that visit Sujata Village, Niranajana River, various monasteries, etc. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Varanasi. On the way visit Sarnath - where Buddha preached his first sermon after he had attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Next visit to Dhamekha Stupa, The Dhamekha Stupa is the most remarkable and massive structure at Sarnath. Built partly in stone and partly in brick, the Dhamekha Stupa is 28 meter in diameter at the base and 43.6 meter in height. The stone facing the lower part is decorated with delicate floral carvings of Gupta period. Tour continues to visit Deer Park also visit Sarnath Museum. Evening is free for local shopping or own activities. Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.

Early in the morning enjoy a boat ride on river Ganges, looking at the beautiful Ghats passing by. The experience will be completely ecstatic as boat's helm cuts through clam waters of Ganges creating ears pleasing music. Take a holy dip in the water of river Ganga. Stroll around various ghats and visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple or Golden Temple - One of the popular and must visit temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later in the evening attend Aarti on the bank of River Ganges. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to Varanasi airport to board a flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival at New Delhi airport, board another flight to your home or onward destination.

YES. We can customize your India Holiday Package, as per your interest, and preferences.

On arrival at New Delhi Airport, India, our local representative will be there at the airport holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.

Although tipping in India is not compulsory, doing so is a nice gesture. In some circumstances, a small tip is expected. The rules of etiquette for gratuity in India are a little muddled as a colonial past, tourism, and cultural influences clash. We do recommend tipping at various instances, but tip higher only when you are very happy with the service. Tip can given after completion of the services from 5$, 10$ or more as per your choice and depending on how much satisfied & happy you are with the service provider.

With Alkof Holidays, you get 24X7 personal assistance from your dedicated tour manager over phone, WhatsApp, Skype, or Email.