IN
THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE BUDDHA:
The serenity of Buddhism has
spread universally. For the devout, a journey to Rajgir, Bodhgaya,
Sarnath and Varanasi is nothing short of a moving pilgrimage in
the foot steps of the Buddha. Buddhism has inspired one of the most
dynamic art and architecture movements of the world. The eight events
which are repeatedly represented in Buddhist art, are associated
with Lumbini his birth place, Bodhgaya where he attained enlightenment,
Sarnath his first sermon, Rajgir where he tamed a wild elephant
Sravasti-a great miracle, San kasya, where he descended from Heaven
and Kushinagar where he died.
• DELHI •
PATNA •
RAJGIR •
BODHGAYA •
VARANASI •
SARNATH •
KUSHINAGAR
• BALRAMPUR
•
LUCKNOW •
DELHI
Day
1. DELHI /PATNA :
Depart Delhi by morning flight to 2500 year old ancient
city of Patna. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon excursion to Vaishali
(1 hour) the place where the Buddha preached his last sermon,
announcing his approaching Nirvana. Visit the stupa, holding
urns containing ashes of the Buddha and the Ashoka pillar
which were erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to mark the
place sanctified by the Buddha. Vaishali is also famous for
Madhubani paintings on the walls of village houses. Overnight
Patna.
2. PATNA I RAJGIR: Morning drive to Rajgir
(2 hrs) capital of the 6th century Magadha empire. It was
the revered site of the Buddha's religious
discourses.
|
 |
The Buddha spent many years here, tending the regions hills
and wilderness ideal for contemplation. Visit the Gridhrakuta,
Saptaparni Cave, Ajatasatru fort and Venuvana. After noon,
visit to Nalanda, the worlds oldest university founded in
the 5th century. Visit the monasteries and temples with impressive
Buddhist and Hindu images, also visit Institute for Research
into Buddhism and Pali literature which houses rare manuscripts.
Also visit archeological museum. Overnight Rajgir.
3.RAJGIR/ BODHGAYA: Early morning drive to Bodhgaya
enroute visit Borobar coves (4 hrs walk) earliest examples
of rock cut sanctuaries. Mast impressive craftsmanship of
carving and inscriptions can be seen.The caves are also the
inspiration of the setting of E.M.Foresters "A Passage to
India". Arrive Bodhgaya in The evening. Check into hotel.
Overnight Bodhgaya. |
4.
BODHGAYA: Is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage
centers, for, it was here that Gautam Buddha attained
enlightenment to become the Buddha. Visit the Stahabodhi temple,
Japanese and Tibetan monasteries, Magadha university and museum.
Overnight Bodhgaya.
5. BODHGAYA I VARANASI : Early morning
depart for Varanasi (optional by train from Gaya). Arrive
by lunch. Check into hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing visiting
ghats and temples. Evening boat cruise on the Ganges. Overnight
Varanasi. |
|
6.
VARANASI / SARNATH / KUSHINAGAR
/ GORAKHPUR: Morning, excursion to
Sarnath (10km). The principal center of Buddhism. It was here
around 530 BC that Buddha preached his first sermon after gaining
enlightenment. Visit the Dhamekh and the Dharmorajika stupas
and the Buddhist shrines. Afternoon, drive to Kushinagar, the
place where the Buddha passed into parinirvan or Visit
stupas and monasteries. Overnight Gorakhpur.
7. GORAKHPUR/BALRAMPUR : Visit
Sravasti & Buddhist shrines Overnight Balrampur
8. LUCKNOW : Drive to Lucknow (150 kms) to board for
flight to Delhi.
OPTION AND EXTENSIONS
1. Day return to Lumbini from Kushinagar.
2. Extension to Dharamsala to visit Dalai
Lama & other Buddhist sights in Himachal.
BEST TIME:October to April |
|
