Buddhist Pilgrimage with Kolkata

On arrival meet at Gaya railway station and proceed to Bodhgaya for check in at hotel.  Bodhgaya is located by the bank of River Neranjana which is also known as uruwela where first temple was built by King Ashoka. It the place where Lord Buddha attained supreme Enlightenment.  After smooth check in get ready for sightseeing tour visit Chinese Temple, Bodhi temple, Maha Bodhi temple. Post lunch continue sightseeing proceed to Niranjana River and Sujata Temple. 

Overnight at hotel in Bodhgaya.

Post breakfast you will proceed for a visit to Rajgir & Nalanda (2hrs. approx.). On arrival visit historical towns of Rajgir & Nalanda (74 kms approx.). Rajgir was the ancient capital city of Magadha until the 5th century BC. Visit caves, fort there. Now proceed to Nalanda. It was a large Buddhist monastery in ancient India during Magadh kingdom and was a center of learning from the fifth century CE to c. 1200 CE. Archaeological museum is worthseeing for rare collections here. Drive back to Bodhgaya. Overnight at hotel in Bodhgaya.

Post breakfast check out from hotel & proceed to Varanasi  by surface (5.5hrs. approx.), on arrival check in at hotel. Now get ready for excursion trip to Sarnath, it is the place where Lord Budha  preached his first sermon after attained enlightenment.   Sarnath presents the most expansive ruins, amongst the ruins the Dharmekh Stupa is impressive.  Drive back to Varanasi.  Enjoy evening Ganges arti.

Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.

Early morning enjoy a boat ride at River Ganges . As the dawn mists rise on the Holy River Ganges, glide silently on a boat to see the devout come to bathe and pray.  Transfer back to hotel for breakfast.  Afternoon proceed for city tour. Visit BHU (banaras Hindu University)  is the largest residential university of Asia, with 124 departments, Durga Temple or Monkey Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Temple - the temple was destroyed multiple times by Mughal invaders and was re-constructed by Hindu kings who followed them, now pay a visit to the Ghats, it  is a series of steps leading down to the river used by bathers and pilgrims. Dasaswamedh Ghat is the main Ghat. Afternoon take excursion trip to Sarnath where the Lord Buddha preached his first discourse and see the Stupas, ancient, Modern Temples and Ashoka Pillar.  In the evening witness Ganges arti and enjoy Rikshaw ride. 

Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.

Post breakfast leave for Kushinagar by surface (7hrs. approx.).  On arrival check in at hotel.  Kushinagar is International Buddhist Pilgrimage centre.  It is believed that Gautama Budha attained Parinirvana after his death.  Afternoon go for local sightseeing tour visit Ramabha stupa herein body of the Lord was cremated, next to visit is Natha Kumarka Kot.  Transfer back to hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Kushinagar.

Post breakfast drive to Lumbini the place where Buddha was born. An ancient shrine is still preserved with an image representing the nativity of Buddha. Proceed to Sravasti. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel in Sravasti.

Post breakfast explore the city, visit the collection of ruins called Sahet-Mahet, also visit jetavana monastery where remains of Lord Buddha’s hut can be seen, other attractions are Jain temple & stupas.   Now proceed to Lucknow to board the flight to Kolkata / Delhi.