Kolkata - Gaya - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Varanasi - Kushinagar – Lumbini - Sravasti - Lucknow

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Trip Overview


Kolkata - Gaya - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Varanasi - Kushinagar – Lumbini - Sravasti - Lucknow

A journey through the heart of India's spiritual and historical heritage awaits you on this 9-day trip from Kolkata - Gaya - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Varanasi - Kushinagar – Lumbini - Sravasti - Lucknow. This immersive experience will take you through some of the most significant and sacred destinations in the country, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and spirituality. Starting in Kolkata, known as the "City of Joy," you'll be immersed in the rich culture of West Bengal. You can explore iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and the Howrah Bridge before embarking on your journey. Your first destination is Gaya, a city revered for its spiritual significance in Hinduism and Buddhism. Here, you can pay your respects to ancestors and visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The serene ambiance of Bodhgaya offers an opportunity for deep contemplation. Rajgir is next on the list, a place closely associated with Lord Buddha's teachings. The Griddhakuta Hill, also known as Vulture's Peak, is a significant site where Buddha delivered some of his important discourses. Nalanda is home to the ancient Nalanda University, a renowned center of Buddhist learning. Explore the archaeological ruins and the Nalanda Museum to gain insights into the history of education and Buddhist philosophy. Varanasi, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, offers a spiritual experience like no other. Witness mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at the ghats, take a boat ride on the Ganges, and visit temples and historic sites.

Buddhist Pilgrimage Through Northern India: From Kushinagar to Lucknow

Kushinagar is where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, or enlightenment. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and the Ramabhar Stupa, significant monuments commemorating this event. Lumbini, located just across the border in Nepal, is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Explore the Maya Devi Temple and the Lumbini Garden, where Buddha was born. Sravasti is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site known for its association with Lord Buddha. The Jetavana Monastery and Anathapindika Stupa are notable attractions. Finally, your journey concludes in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Explore the Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, and other architectural marvels that showcase the city's rich history.

Conclusion and Summary

This trip promises a unique blend of cultural immersion and spiritual exploration, making it an unforgettable experience. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the tranquil birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, and the grandeur of Lucknow, every destination has something special to offer. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, historical knowledge, or simply an enriching adventure, this journey through Northern India will leave a lasting impression.A journey through the heart of India's spiritual and historical heritage awaits you on this 9-day trip from Kolkata - Gaya - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Varanasi - Kushinagar – Lumbini - Sravasti - Lucknow

Trip Highlights


  • Buddhism
  • Devotion and Spirituality
  • Buddhist temple and Architecture
  • Boat Ride at Varanasi
  • Photography and Sightseeing
  • Village Visits
  • Quaint Accomodation
  • Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
  • Religious and Cultural Significance
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Itinerary


Day 01: Arrival at Kolkata

Upon Arrival at Kolkata Airport. Our Representatives will Pick you up and Transfer it to Hotel for onward Journey.

Day 02: Kolkata- Gaya-Bodhgaya

Though home to major cricketing venues and franchises, Kolkata stands out in India for being the country’s centre of association football. Kolkata is known for its grand celebrations of the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, which is recognized by UNESCO for its importance to world heritage.

After Kolkata travel to Gaya. Gaya is the location at which Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana, offered pind-daan for his father, Dasharatha. Gaya has since remained a site of key importance for the performance of the pind-daan ritual. Gaya is considered to be one of the most ideal places to perform the Śrāddha.

Bodh Gayā is a religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous as it is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained Enlightenment (Pali: bodhi) under what became known as the Bodhi Tree.

Day 03: Bodhgaya- Rajgir- Nalanda-Rajgir-Bodhgaya

Breakfast in hotel and then will drive to Rajgir (65 Kms). Visit Gridhkutta (Vulture’s peak), World Peace Stupa, and Venuvanaram & Bimbisar Prison. Lunch at hotel in Rajgir. Drive continue to Nalanda (12 kms) to visit the ruins of world ancient University. It was one of the oldest Universities of the World & International Centre for Buddhist Studies. Evening back to Bodhgaya hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at a hotel in Bodhgaya.

Rajgir was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire. It finds mention in India’s renowned literary epic, the Mahabharata, through its king Jarasandha.

Nalanda, is famous all over the world for the the ancient International Monastic University established in 5th century BC, which taught Vedas, Logic, Grammar, Medicine, Meta-Physics, Prose Composition and Rhetoric. Nalanda district is popularly known as Biharsharif.

 

Day 04: Bodhgaya- Varanasi

Breakfast at hotel then drive to Varanasi (250 kms). On arrival check in to the hotel and then proceed to Sarnath (14 kms), Visit Dhamekha Stupa and Deer park. Back to Varanasi. Check-in hotel, Dinner and overnight in a hotel at Varanasi

Day 05: Varanasi- Sravasti

Early morning boat ride in Holy River the Ganges. Breakfast and drive toward Sravasti with packed lunch. On arrival, proceed for visit Proceed for visit Saheth (Jetvanaram) & Maheth (Angulimal Caves). Evening, back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown.

The most popular tourist attraction in this ancient city is Miracle Stupa, where Lord Buddha is said to have spent his time after attaining enlightenment. His sermons and teachings made Sravasti an important centre for Buddhist learnings. A stupa was raised at the spot to commemorate Lord Buddha’s teachings.

Day 06: Sravasti- Kushinagar

Early morning drive to Kushinagar (approx. 260 Kms. / 7 hrs. drive) enroute visit Vaishali. On arrival check in to the hotel. Lunch at hotel and then proceed to visit Mahaparnirvana Temple (where Buddha took his last breathe) and Ramabhar Stupa (cremation site of Lord Buddha) and Japan Temple. Evening back to hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 07: Kushinagar- Lucknow

Breakfast at hotel and then drive toward Lumbini 170 kms. / approx. 04 hrs. drive) to Lumbini (in Nepal). Kindly obtain double entry visa for India & single entry visa for Nepal). On arrival, check in at hotel. Lunch serve at hotel and then proceed to visit Holy Birth place of Lord Buddha. Evening back to hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Lumbini.

The ancient city of Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha and thus is considered to be the most important pilgrim spots for the Buddhist followers.

Lucknow has always been known as a multicultural city that flourished as a North Indian cultural and artistic hub, and the seat of power of Nawabs in the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

Day 08: Lucknow- Lumbini via NH730 (274.5km, 6hr 25min)

Drive from Lucknow to Lumbini through National Highway 730 of India. It will take around 6hr and 25minutes.

Day 08: Lumbini- Kathmandu (By Flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning timely transfer to Lumbini (Bairwa Airport) airport to catch flight for Kathmandu. On arrival, met and proceed for lunch in local restaurant. After lunch proceed for visit Swoyambhunath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu

Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there.

Kathmandu is particularly famous for its religious monuments. Various temples, monasteries, and stupas adorn the city’s landscape, particularly the Pashupatinath Temple and the Changu Narayan which are famous for their stunning, intricate religious artworks.

Day 09: Final Departure

Breakfast in hotel. Then you will be timely transfer to airport to catch flight for onward destination.

Price Includes


  • The welcome drink’s on arrival.
  • 19Nights’ accommodation in a hotel
  • Daily morning tea, breakfast & Dinner.
  • 01 room On DBL Sharing for 02 Adults.
  • All sightseeing in Itinerary
  • Pick from and drop Delhi Volvo Station

Price Excludes


  • 05% GST extra.
  • Guide Charges.
  • Camera Fees or monument fees.
  • All activities by your own cost
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