The Buddha’s Trail Tours

Breakfast at the hotel and half day excursion for Ellora Caves which is 30 kms from Aurangabad lie the finest rock cut cave temples of Ellora - 10th & 11th century, which encompasses the three religion - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Of the 34 caves that are both monasteries and temples, the most remarkable is the magnificent Kailasa temple. The entire structure was carved out of a monolith and took over 100 years to complete. (Ellora Caves closed on all Tuesdays). Later drive back to Aurangabad. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Ajanta caves, located 100 kms, a 2½ hour drive, northeast of Aurangabad in the Waghora valley. These magnificent rock-cut caves, 30 in number, date from 2nd BC to 7th Century AD. They are exclusively Buddhist, unique in that they combine three forms of Art - architecture sculpture and painting (Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays) . Afternoon drive to Jalgaon. On arrival at Jalgoan drop you at railway station to connect train for Bhopal. On arrival at Bhopal meeting and assistance followed by transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to visit Sanchi visit Sanchi Stupa- It is unique, not only for having the most perfect and well preserved stupas, but also for offering the visitor a chance to see, in one location, the genesis, flowering, and decay of Buddhist art and architecture during a period of about 1500 years -- almost covering the entire range of Indian Buddhism. Afternoon back to the hotel at Bhopal. Evening transfer to railway station to connect train for Agra. Overnight at train.

Upon arrival at Agra meeting and assistance followed by transfer to hotel. Later city tour of Agra visit Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi drop you at airport to connect flight for Patna. On arrival at Patna meeting and assistance followed by transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bodhgaya, en-route visit, 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 Bodhgaya. On arrival at Bodhgaya check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and city tour of Bodhgaya 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 drive to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi check-in at hotel. 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. Morning proceed for the city tour visiting various temples including The Vishwanath Temple, built by the Birla’s, was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The Bharat Mata Temple houses, instead of gods and goddesses, a huge relief map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent. The Tulsi Manas Temple, built in 1964, is dedicated to Lord Rama). Later proceed to visit SARNATH (where Buddha delivered his first sermon). Evening view "Aarti" ceremony on the Ghats. Overnight stay at the 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.