Footsteps of Buddha

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour of Kolkata to explore the rich colonial heritage of the city. We will be visiting the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul's Cathedral. visit the Ramakrishna Math, from where Ramakrishna's famous disciple Vivekananda spread his message of Vedanta across the globe in the morning. Further, we will visit the Kalighat, the main shrine of Kali and close by the hospice of Mother Teresa.

Late evening transfer to railway station to connect train for Gaya. Overnight at train.

Upon arrival at Gaya meeting and assistance followed by transfer to hotel at Bodhgaya.

Afternoon proceed to visit Mahabodhi Temple which includes tall stone lotuses, figures of Buddha sitting in different postures on the walls, his footprints on the stones and a colossal golden Buddha in the sanctum sanctorum. The Bodhi Tree is situated in the premises of the temple, is the one under which Buddha attained illumination. Another option is to sit and meditate under the Bodhi Tree. Later return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for full day excursion to Rajgir & Nalanda. Visit Nalanda, founded in the 5th century B.C. We will also visit an archaeological museum houses the Nalanda University seal, sculptures and other remains found on the site. Later take a 20 kms drive to Rajgir. Further, we will visit Griddhkuta "Hill of Vultures", where Buddha delivered some of his most famous sermons. Thereafter, we will visit Saptparni caves where first Buddha Council was held which is also the source of Rajgir's hot springs. Evening return to Bodhgaya. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi check-in at hotel. Later proceed to visit SARNATH (where Buddha delivered his first sermon).

Sarnath enjoys the extraordinary privilege of Lord Buddha delivering his first sermon after attaining enlightenment 2500 years ago. It is about 10 km from Varanasi and holds a number of Buddhist sites that include the famous Dhamekh Stupa, the seat of the holy 'Buddha'. You can also visit the ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa and Mulagandha Kuti Temple, where Lord Buddha is said to have rested and meditated while in Sarnath. The Ashoka Pillar built by the emperor Ashoka is a must see in Sarnath. 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 hotel.

Morning boat cruise at the river Ganges to observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kushinagar. On arrival at Kushinagar check-in at hotel. Later continue for sight-seeing of Kushinagar, one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations where Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana or final Nirvana. Also, visit ancient stupas and modern temples, commemorating the Buddha's death and cremation. Visit the spectacular reclining Buddha Statue. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Sravasti, en-route visit birth place of Lord Buddha - Lumbini. Also, we will visit Lumbini Park where the Ashok Pillar carries the inscription - where the Buddha was born. Then, we will visit Mayadevi temple devoted to the mother of Lord Buddha which houses a stone picture of giving birth to Lord Buddha. Later, we will visit China temple which is beautiful pagoda style temple with many prayer and meditation cells. Later continue drive to Sravasti. On arrival at Sravasti check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour of Sravasti where Lord Buddha passed the greater part of his monastic life and preached after the enlightenment. Also, we will visit the Ananda Bodhi tree where Lord Buddha meditated for a night then visit Jetavan where Lord Buddha performed some miracle. Afternoon drive to Lucknow. On arrival at Lucknow drop you at railway station to connect flight/train for onward destination.