Buddhist Circuit with Varanasi

Arrive at Varanasi Airport or Railway station and check in to Hotel. Fresh n up yourself, proceed to excursion Sarnath. Sarnath is a place 20 km away in the northern area from Varanasi City. This is the place where the Buddha preached his first sermon to his five disciples and so Buddhism came into existence. Later emperor Ashoka established a number of stupas and monuments to spread Buddhism. Through stupa which is a house of relies, manuscripts and fascinating inscriptions, Ashoka depicted Indian History, development of Buddhism, Chaukhandi stupa fascinates the visitors with its beauty and grace. Several animals and birds are also a matter of attraction in the Sarnath zoo. (especially Dear Park ). There are also remains of monasteries and the beautifully polished Lion capital of Ashoka. Sarnath museum contains some of the finest specimens of Buddhist sculpture Vaisaleha (April-May) full moon is worshiped as the anniversary of three important events- Buddha’s birth, Enlightenment and death while Asadhya (July-August) full moon is worshiped on the anniversary of his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Buddha the great sage, visited Sarnath and preached his first holy sermon to five disciples (i.e- Kaundiya, Bashpa, Bhadrika, Ahanaman and Ashuajit) for redeeming humanity. Here the foundation of a new order of monks (Sangha) and a new order of religious doctrine (Dhamma) was a new established. Sarnath is also Sacredly important for Jains as it is the site of asceticism and death of Shreyamshanath, who was the 11 the Trithankar. At evening, get ready to experience one of the most memorable moments of your life, as you will be taken to River Ganges. You must not miss witnessing Ganga. Aarti, Which is the magnificent event during the evening. It starts at 5.00 P.m. with the gathering of people. You can experience great ecstasy during the process of Aarti. At Dashaswamedh Ghat, a group of young saints well clad in silky saffron and white robs conduct this ceremony. Each saint takes up a specific spot in the Ghat and starts the rituals by offering flowers to the river Ganga. The ritual includes many oil lamps like snake hood lamp which are waved in a synced motion chanting some mantras. You can witness thousands of small oil lamps floating on the river that would look like numerous starts on the water. The ritual is well choreographed and with seeing. We would return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

Early morning, we will be taken for a boat ride on the Ganges. It is a mystical and spiritual experience as you watch people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganges. We will visit all the famous Ghats of Varanasi via boat, Come back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast In the morning, we will proceed to Bodhgaya which is about ( 247 kms / 6-7 hrs drive ). It is the place where Gautam Buddha attained supreme and enlightenment on arrival check into the hotel. Bodhgaya is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. After having your lunch you will visit for a sightseeing trip around this beautiful place. Understand Buddhist culture and lifestyle. Visit places like the great Buddha statue, Niranjana river, and Sujata temple, Maha Bodhi temple, and Bodhi tree. In the evening you can join the prayer at Mahabodhi temple. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. After the sightseeing tour, overnight in Bodhgaya.

Morning leaves Bodhgaya for Patna (182 km / 6 hrs.) en route visiting Rajgir and Nalanda Rajgir is a site of great sanctity and significance for Buddhists. Rajgir is an important Buddhist Pilgrimage site since the Buddha spent 12 years here. Afternoon visit Gridhakuta Hill, Bimbisara jail. Drive to Nalanda which is 14 km and it was one of the oldest Universities of the world and international Centre for Buddhist studies. Drive to Patna which is 90 km, on arrival at Patna transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

In the morning we will visit Kushinagar (256 km / 7 hrs drive) en route visit Vaishali - a place where Buddha announced of his Mahaparinirvana. After that continue to drive to Kushinagar, on arrival Kushinagar transfer to hotel, KuAfternoon visits Mahaparinirvana Temple( where Buddha task his last breathe) and Rambhar Stupa (Cremation site of Lord Buddha), Overnight stay at Kushinagar hotel.

After having breakfast, we will move to Lumbini (170kms / 5 hrs). It is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is located just a few kilometers is side Nepal the only Hindu Rashtra. We will have a sightseeing tour of Lumbini later transfer to hotel and have overnight stay.

In the morning after breakfast we will proceed to Sravasti where Lord Buddha preached most of his sermons. During the monsoon, he used to stay at the Savana monastery on the outskirts of this town. We will visit various tourist spots such as Anand Bodhi tree, ruins of the setavan monastery Sahet Mahet and Angulimal cave. Overnight stay in Sravasti.

In the morning after breakfast drive to Lucknow. Airport to depart the journey. Tour Ends.