Buddhist Tour

Arrival at Lucknow. Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and city with a royal heritage and sporting a heritage character. Vist renowned monuments such as Bada Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Moti Mahal, Chattra Manzil etc. to capture heritage character of Lucknow.

Proceed to Sravasti (161 kms - 4 hrs). Sravasti is associated with the life of Lord Buddha. The Buddha passed the greater part of his monastic life in Sravasti. Jetavana monastery is the main pilgrim destination of Sravasti. Meditation and chanting mainly done at the Gandhakuti (Buddha's hut) and the Anandabodhi tree. Buddhist monasteries have been constructed by Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tibet and China here.

Proceed Kushinagar (240 kms - 6 hours) - It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Buddha attained Parinirvana after his death.

Early morning departure - Day visit to Lumbini (Across Nepal Border) - 148 kms (4 hours) - Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha. Return to Gorakhpur (100 kms - 3 hours) by late evening.

Travel to Varanasi. Boating in river in the evening around the evening Arti on Ghats.
Travel to Varanasi (215 kms - 5.5 hours). Varanasi is a holy river Ganges riverside destination and one where guests arrive for a spiritual experience. Arrive at Varanasi by late afternoon / evening.
Evening boat ride in holy river Ganges for experiencing the evening Arti on the Ghats.

Morning visit to Sarnath. Afternoon visits to Jantar Mantar, Museum, Bharat Mata Temple etc.
Morning Visit to Sarnath (12 kms), a centre for Buddhist heritage and a destination on Buddhist circuit. Stupas at Sarnath are magnificent and worth a visit for any traveller. Spend afternoon visiting Bharat Kala Bhavan (Musem with a collection of clay and bronze sculpture, paintings, silks and embroidered textiles) and temples around the area (Indian travellers may visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a renowned Shiva Temple and a Jyotirlinga).

Proceed to Bodhgaya. Visit Mahabodhi temple.
Travel to Bodhgaya (260 kms - 7 hrs). Bodhgaya is where Buddha attained enlightment under a tree, Visit to the Mahabodhi temple. There are number of temples set up by different South East Asian Countries. Guests may visit them time permitting.

Day-8
Proceed to Rajgir. Visit Shanti Stupa.
Proceed to Rajgir (70 kms - 1.5 hours). Rajgir is also known as Panchpahari with shrines on five hills. Visit Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) and monasteries built by Japanese devotees of the Buddha on top of the Ratnagiri Hills

Day-9 Departure
Depart for Patna (105 kms) for onward journey.