Buddha, “the enlightened” is not just the name but veritably it is a belief of self-realization and self-teaching which was spread by Lord Buddha to treasure humanity around the world. Further the doctrine of enlightenment, which was initiated from Shravasti to Varanasi to Nalanda and then towards different places of India and the neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and China; was established and took an essential form in the name of Buddhism to the whole northern Asiatic parts.
The Buddhist Pilgrimage tour is basically a journey towards that enlightenment which is now residing in different stupas and monasteries at some of the essential Buddhism affiliated locations. Peak Adventure Tours take those believers of Buddhism towards such sacred locations to make a pacifying encounter with the statue of Lord Buddha and its teachings & values amidst the peaceful natural surroundings.
The major destinations covered in a Buddhist Circuit Tour are: Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, Lucknow and Lumbini in Nepal. These destinations are well flourished with the presence of different stupas and monasteries (gompas) to express and spread the message of enlightenment towards Humanity.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport meet our representative and transfer to pre booked hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
In the morning after breakfast meet local guide & proceed for full day sightseeing of Old & New Delhi. Morning, half day city tour of Old Delhi includes the Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial), the Jama Masjid (The Universal Mosque, Red Fort, and on cycle rickshaws to the fabled Chandhi Chowk (Silver Street) - including the spice market, Gold/Silversmith market etc. Afternoon, city tour of New Delhi includes the Qutab Minar, Emperor Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, the Houses of Parliament and the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhawan). Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3 Delhi - Varanasi
Transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. Varanasi - one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is also one of the holiest Hindu cities and still thriving on its religious past. On arrival in Varanasi transfer to hotel. Evening attend PUJA ceremony on the river Ganges. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 4 In Varanasi
Early Morning, boat ride at the Holy River Ganges to see the devout praying on the Ghats (Banks), with funeral pyres burning in the distance. Walk through the by lanes. Morning, City sightseeing tour of Varanasi. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 5 Varanasi - Bodhgaya
Morning, proceed to Bodhgaya , reckoned as the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centre, is the place where Lord Sakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) entered into meditation after being moved by the sufferings of mankind. The giant Bodhi Tree (Peepal) is believed to have grown from the original Bodhi Tree under which, sitting on the raised platform, Prince Siddharth meditated and finally attained Nirvana. Overnight in Bodhgaya.
Day 6 In Bodhgaya
Morning sightseeing of Bodhgaya visiting the Bodhi Tree, Chaukramana, the jewel Walk, where it is believed that the Buddha strolled while in deep thought. Also visit Shaivite Monastery and famous Jagganath Temple. Overnight in Bodhgaya.
Day 7 Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna
Morning, proceed to Patna en route visit Rajgir - the place where Buddha meditated and preached; first Buddhist Council was held here. Also visit Nalanda - is known for its Archaeological Complex and Museum. On arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight at Patna.
Day 8 Patna - Vaishali -Kushinagar
Morning proceed to Vaishali - known for Buddha Stupas, Ashoka Pillar and Bawan Pokhar Temple. Finally leave for Kushinagar. On arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight at Kushinagar.
Day 9 In Kushinagar
Morning, visits - Kushinagar, one of the principal centres of Buddhist pilgrimage, is the place of Mahaparinirvana. Afternoon, drive to Lumbini and check in to the hotel. Afternoon visit - the village of Lumbini in Nepal, the Queen Mahamaya gave birth to Prince Siddhartha who later became the Buddha. Over 2000 years ago the Emperor Ashoka set up a commemorative pillar here. The pillar carries the inscription - Here the Buddha was born-. Another shrine preserves an ancient image depicting the nativity of the Lord.
Day 10 Lumbini - Sravanti - Balrampur
Morning, proceed to Sravasti - is a sacred site for Buddhists because it is here that Lord Buddha performed the greatest of his miracles to confound the Tirthika heretics. Further proceed to Balrampur. On arrival check in to the Hotel. Overnight in Balrampur.
Day 11 Balrampur - Lucknow - Delhi
Morning proceed to Lucknow to board Shatabdi express for Delhi. On arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 12 Departure Delhi
Transfer to the international airport to board flight for your next destination.
Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Day 3 Delhi - Varanasi
Day 11 Balrampur - Lucknow - Delhi
