Heritage Tour of Lord Buddha

In the morning go for a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Visit Raj Ghat (the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi), Shanti Vana (the cremation sites of Jawaharlal Nehru) and Jama Masjid. Drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. In the afternoon visit Qutub Minar (built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199), Humayun's Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial Arch) and Lakshminarayan Temple (a modern Hindu Temple). Also drive past President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings. 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. Later we will 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.

After breakfast in the morning, we will drive to Patna. En-route, we will 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. Later continue drive to Patna. On arrival at Patna check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast in the morning, we will drive to Kushinagar. En-route, we will be visiting Vaishali, where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon. The excavations carried out in Vaishali have brought to light Buddha stupa 1 and 11 (14th century B.C) built in brick with a casket containing part of ashes of Buddha. We will also visit Ashok Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashok to commemorate the spot of the last sermon. On arrival in Kushinagar check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning 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. Later continue drive to Lumbini. On arrival at Lumbini check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit the 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. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Saravasti. On arrival at Saravasti check-in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, we will visit 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. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Lucknow. On arrival at Lucknow check-in at hotel. Afternoon visit the Residency complex- site of the famous siege of 1857, Dilkusha Gardens and La Martiniere. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the monuments of Avadh Nawabs including the Imambaras, Romi Darwaja and explore Lucknow's colourful bazaars. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.