On the day of 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.
Embark on a full day of sightseeing beginning in Old Delhi with a visit to the stunning Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, and the Raj Ghat, a moving memorial to Mahatma Ghandi. Take a short rickshaw ride at the Chandni Chowk (A huge market of spices and clothes), also visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive towards Agra “City of Taj Mahal”. Upon arrival at Agra, check-in at your hotel. Take some rest at the hotel, later in the afternoon our tour guide will pick you up from the hotel for a guided sightseeing tour of the Itmad-ud-Daulah, and Agra Fort. Rest of the day at leisure, 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 for night stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit 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, we will transfer you to the Indo-Nepal border, where you will be received by Alkof Holidays Nepal counterpart and he will get you transferred to Lumbini - the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Lumbini is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival at Lumbini, check-in at the hotel. rest and relax at the hotel, later visit the Ashoka Pillar, built in 259BC by Ashoka The Great - the Emperor of India. In the 7th century, the pillar was struck by lightning and split into two parts, the site was lost for six centuries, re-founded in 1895. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to 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 leave for Rajgir. On the way, visit Vaishali - mentioned in the Ramayana and in the Buddhist literature, it is also reputed as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira and the capital of Lichchavis from early times. At Vaishali, visit Ashoka Pillar, Buddha stupa and Shanti stupa. After Vaishali sightseeing, proceed toward Rajgir for night stay.
After breakfast, head out for sightseeing of Rajgir. Lord Mahavir, spent 14 years of his life at Rajgir and Nalanda. Visit the monastery of Venuvana Vihar built by King Bimbisara for Lord Buddha to reside. Later leave for Bodhgaya. Upon arrival at Bodhgaya, check-in at the hotel for night stay.
After breakfast, head out for an escorted tour of Bodhgaya and Gaya. Visit The Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Great Buddha Statue, Niranjana River, Sujata Temple and lots of other significant temples. The Mahabodhi temple is built on the east of the sacred tree stands majestically 17 feet high on a base 5 feet square, and consists of a soaring pyramidal tower surmounted by a stupa. Besides the Mahabodhi temple, visit several Buddhist temples built by the followers of Buddhism from all over the world. In the evening, drive back to the hotel for night stay.
Early in the morning, check-out from the hotel and leave for Varanasi. On the way visit Sarnath. Sarnath enjoys the extraordinary privilege of Lord Buddha delivering his first sermon after attaining enlightenment 2500 years ago. At Sarnath, visit a number of Buddhist sites that include the famous Dhamekh Stupa, the seat of the holy 'Buddha' and the ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa and Mulagandhakuti Temple. Also visit the most popular "The Ashoka Pillar" built by the emperor Ashoka. The Lion Capital on top of this pillar is now the National Emblem of India and stands apart for its excellent artistry and carvings. Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Early morning enjoy a boat ride in 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 Ganges. Stroll around various ghats and visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple or Golden Temple - One of the popular and must visit temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening attend Aarti on the bank of River Ganges. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, take a flight to New Delhi from Varanasi. Upon arrival take another flight to your home or we will transfer you to any location in Delhi as per client direction.
Travel is one of those things that naturally gives rise to queries, concerns and doubts, so we’re here to put your mind at ease. Various "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS" on your travel to India will be covered into the document. Kindly go through the same and if there are other unanswered questions and clarifications, it would be our pleasure to address the same too.
Our team of travel experts are available 24/7 for you! If you have any questions about this amazing tour, then please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you latest within 2 hours!
Client only requires a deposit of 10% of the total amount of the tour to confirm their booking. The remaining balance is then payable 30 days prior to the departure date. For any tour departing within 30 days the full payment of the tour is necessary. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash. After receiving the payment, a receipt will be sent directly to client's registered email-id and the final tour documentation will be emailed out approximately 1-2 weeks prior to departure.
No additional cancellation fees! You can cancel the tour up to 30 days prior to the departure date and you will not need to pay the full amount of you tour, but the deposit of 10% is non-refundable. But, the deposit is fully transferable to your future bookings with Alkof Holidays.