Buddhist India Tour from Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Korea – 08 Nights 09 Days

Morning on arrival at Bodhgaya Airport, meet & greet by our representative and transfer to hotel. Bodhgaya is famous for being the place of Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment. Historically, it was known as the Bodhimanda (ground round the Bodhi-tree) and there was a large monastic settlement there. The main monastery of Bodhgaya used to be called the Bodhimanda – viharas (Pali). Now it is called the Mahabodhi Temple. After lunch visit Holy Bodhi Tree & Mahabodhi Temple. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

After morning b/fast leave Bodhgaya proceed towards Varanasi. Varanasi is the oldest city of the world. Varanasi is more than 3000 years old and is famous as the city of temples. In Varanasi, there are temples at every few paces. Looking at the number of temples in Varanasi, it is hard to believe that a large number of them were demolished during the medieval times. On arrival Varanasi transfer to hotel. After lunch visit Sarnath for Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Dhamekh Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath Garden, Sarnath Archeological Museum, Chaukhandi Stupa and monastery. Evening visits Dashwamedh Ghat to witness evening prayer on holy Ganges. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Early morning transfer to the riverfront for a dawn boat ride along the Ghats River Ganges when devotees offer their Morning Prayer venerating holy water. After b/fast check out from hotel. Later drive to Sravasti, a flourishing habitation that is an important landmark in the history of Buddhism and Jainism alike, is at present but a collection of ruins called Sahet-Mahet. This twin name has been given to two distinct groups of remains, Sahet and Mahet. On arrival Sravasti, check in at hotel. After lunch visit below places:

Saheth: Once the site of Jetavana monastery, the place houses numerous shrines, stupas and monasteries spreading over an area of 32 acres. One of the earliest Stupas, probably dating back to 3rd century BC, contained relics of the Buddha. Excavations revealed a colossal statue of lord Buddha.

Maheth: Sprawling over an area of 400 acres, the place is identified with the remains of the city in original. Excavations led to the discovery of massive gates and ramparts and many other signs that speak of the prosperity of ancient Sravasti. Angulimala Stupa: Pakki Kutti is believed to the Angulimala Stupa. Legend has it that Angulimala was a dreaded dacoit of the region who used to wear a necklace of fingers chopped from his victims. One day, when he was about to kill his mother in a fit of rage, Lord Buddha met him. His words converted Angulimala who decide to follow the path of Buddhism. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

After morning b/fast drive to Lumbini “the birth place of Lord Buddha”. We need to declare the documents to enter Nepal. Then go to Lumbini (approximate 25 km away, 45 minutes drive). On arrival Lumbini check in at hotel. After lunch visit Mayadevi Temple, Bodhi tree, the Sacred Pond, Puskarni, Asokan pillar, Eternal Peace Flame, Burmese Lokamani Cula Pagoda. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Early morning drive to Kushinagar , the place where Buddha entered perfect tranquility the state of Mahaparinirvana at this location, near the Hiranvavati River, Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (or ‘Final Nirvana’) after falling ill after having his last meal offered by Suddha. On arrival Kushinagar check in at hotel. After lunch visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and monastery, Matha-Kuar Shrine, the place where Buddha used water to wash himself last, and Ramabhar Stupa (The Cremation Stupa). Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Early morning drive to Patna. Enroute take b/fast and visit Kesaria stupa & Vaishali, Abhishek Pushkarini (the coronation tank), Vishwa shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda), Chhatra (Stupa 1, relic stupa), Stupa 2, (Buddha’s ashes) Ananda Stupa with Ashokan Pillar. Lunch at restaurant. On arrival Patna check in at hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

After b/fast drive to Rajgir – Rajgir or Rajgrih means the home of Royalty. This place has been associated with Lord Buddha and Buddhism. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir but also delivered sermons here and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill. The Jivekarmavan monastery was the favorite residence for Buddha. Even Bimbisar gave Venuvan Vihar to Buddha for his residence. it was also the venue for the first Buddhist Council. Today Rajgir has come up as one of the most important pilgrimage for the Buddhist. Rajgir also has some very beautiful Hindu and Jain temples which attracts Hindus and Jains also to the place. Not only as a place for worship, Rajgir has come up as health and winter resort with its warm water ponds. These ponds are said to contain some medicinal properties which help in the cure of many skin diseases. The added attraction of Rajgir is the Ropeway which takes you uphill to the Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees on top of the Ratnagiri hills.

Stopping by en route to visit Nalanda “Nalanda is well known as an ancient seat of learning. However, today this ancient university lies in ruins. The place not only has the remains of the great university but also many monasteries, temples, and viharas built by different kings. Though the Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th-12th centuries AD. In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied”.

On arrival Rajgir, Check in at hotel. After lunch visit Vishwa Shanti Stupa on the Ratnagiri hill, Gridhakut hill, Venuvana Vihar, Bimbimsara Jail, Treasure Cave, Saptparni cave, the warm water pond, the marks of the curt which left from the ancient marchandises and Ajatshtru’s Fort.

Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

After morning b/fast leave Rajgrih proceed for Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya is famous for being the place of Buddha’s attainment of Enlightenment. Historically, it was known as the Bodhimanda (ground round the Bodhi-tree), and there was a large monastic settlement there. The main monastery of Bodhgaya used to be called the Bodhimanda-viharas (Pali). Now it is called the Mahabodhi Temple. For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the main pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha. Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrive Bodhgaya check in at hotel. After lunch visit Mahabodhi temple & other tourist interest places. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

In time transfer to International airport for connect flight for onward destination.