Home :: India Travel Itinerary :: Buddhist Tour India

Buddhist Tour India

Duration : 18 Nights / 19 Days
Places Covered : Mumbai - Aurangabad - Ajanta Caves - Bhopal - New Delhi - Agra - Mathura - Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patlipoutra - Vashali - Patna - Kushinagar - Sravasti - Lumbini - Pokhara - Katmandu - New Delhi

Siddartha to Sakyamuni and finally to the Buddha. The enlightened one an incredible transformation of a prince to an enlightened teacher, who walked the earth more than 2500 years ago. Upon seeing sorrow, misery pain and death in the prime of his youth, prince Siddartha decided to discover their causes and means of overcoming their occurrences. Thus, renouncing worldly pleasure and leaving family behind he traveled from place to place until finally attaining enlightenment by fixed meditations under the bodhi tree. He then preached the truth he discovered and exhorted his disciples to follow the eight fold path for the cessation of the endless cycle of birth and re birth.

Day 01 : Mumbai
Frankfurt to Mumbai Arrival in India at Mumbai at early hours, upon arrival you will be received greeted and transferred to the Hotel to Hotel for overnight stay. Hotel has been booked and reserved.

Day 02 : Mumbai
Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and situated on the Arabian Sea, reclamations Lands adds to its importance, during the British Rule it was the main sea port for the trade And port of arrival to the British. Mumbai has been under protégées influence for quite Time and prior to them Parsi community found it best place to settle down. While as the Adjacent area of the city were dominated were Hindu populations. All this added in Having some important monuments at Mumbai. To name a few, Gateway of India was built to Welcome Monarchy of British in 1930. In 1947 when the British left, they were seen off through the same gate. Famous Fire of 1914 took place there. Parsi Cremation Ground Known as Temple of Silence, Prince Charles Museum, Marine Drive, and National Park and with one of the India Prestigious Hotels adds grace to the commercial City. To top it all Entire Film Industry of India churns out 200 plus movies a year. A 45-minute sea cruise takes one to the Elephanta Caves where Jain Religious People, Hindu and Buddist people Made Caves, There used to be an elephant made of White Marble which was removed by the Portuguese.

A.M. Tour of Mumbai - The Tour starts with the visit to the Gateway of India, followed by A Cruise in Arabian Sea for 45 minutes to reach Elephanta. Visit the caves and return to Gateway of India. The Visit to Prince Charles Museum is next door. Time for some rest and Lunch.

P.M. Tour of Mumbai - A drive to Marine drive and Hanging Garden coupled with Temple of Silence and famous Crawford Market now christened Mahatma Phule market will make the end of days sightseeing. Return back to the Hotel and evening at the Sea Side in Mumbai are pleasant and worthy for a long walk. Overnight and Diner at the Hotel. If time allows we will visit on our return the Kaneri caves otherwise Next day.

Day 03 : Mumbai
Breakfast in the Hotel and leave to Lonavilla where from another 11 kilometers will take you us Karla caves, dating back to 2nd century BC. The magnificent Chaity hall at Karla is the largest 1245 feet x 46.5.x 45 fts and most evolved example of its class. Three important features of the interiors of the hall are columns or pillar the roof vault and the great sun window. There are 37 columns in all of which 30 have interesting capitals showing prosperous men and women riding elephants and horses yet bowing in humility to the great Buddha. The vaulted roof has wooden supports. This is the only place in India where 2000 years old woodwork can been seen. At the far end of the hall stand sputa, above which is held an umbrella a symbol of royalty. The whole system of lightning depends on enormous sun windows through which cleverly diffused light with its light and shadow gives a great sense of solemnity.

Kanheri Caves they are near Borivilli, which is not far from our Hotel. These caves were once protected by dense Jungles the caves are set in the heart of Boriville National Park, There are 109 caves dating from IST Centaury BC to 9th Century AD. Each connected with the flight of steps the most important one is the cave no 3 of the sixth centaury which has the last of the excavated chaitya halls of the, It has 34 pillars and is like a colonnaded hall 28x13 meters in dimension. These encircle a 5 meter high the Dagoba or stupa and have carvings depicting elephants kneeling and worshipping the stupa, The other important caves are cave no 11, the durbar hall or the assembly hall with the statue of Buddha occupying the center place. As in the case of Hindu temples and a number of cells for buddist monks. Cave 34 is a dark cell and has painting of Buddha on the ceiling Cave 41 has besides other sculptures a figure of 11 headed avalokiteshvara. Cave 67 is the big cell with a figure of avalokiteshvara as savoir flanked by two female figures in the veranda there are also images of Buddha depicting the miracle of sarasvati Return to the Hotel after visiting this monument overnight and Dinner at the Hotel.

Day 04 : Aurangabad
Breakfast at the Hotel and we will drive to Domestic Airport for our flight to Aurangabad The Flight will leave to Aurangabad From Domestic Airport Direct we will visit the Aurangabad Arrive in Aurangabad- The city named after the Famous Mogul King Auragzeb, The Great Grandson of Akber the Great. Where his wife is buried and the Tomb is made similar to Taj Mahal also known as Bibi Ka Makbara. Upon finishing the sightseeing, you will be transferred to the Hotel for wash and change. After some time, visit the caves of Ellora. Ellora Caves 30 Kilometers from Aurnagabad the world heritage sight is on e of the finest examples of the rock Cut caves there are 34 caves-12 Buddist 600-800 AD, 17 Hindu 900 AD and 05 Jains 800-1000 AD Cave 16 is the most famous and has lord Shiva sculpted on the rocks. The largest monolith in the world it is said to have taken 7000 laborers working in continues shifts and 150 years to build. The other popular cave is No 32 where a shrine contains the seats Lord Mahavir, Last of the 24rth Triththankers of the jasinsims. The Lotus design details on the columns are the finest examples of this craftsman ship in the ellora complex. Return to the Hotel for overnight and Dinner.

Afterwards visit Amer Fort by elephant ride , that gives you the experience and impression of how Maharajas & royal family members were using the services of elephants. After lunch visit City Palace Museum, Astrological Observatory and local busy markets. Return to Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05 : Aurangabad
Aurangabad on to Bhopal Breakfast in the Hotel and leave to Ajanta Caves 104 Kilometers away from Aurnagabad. The Ajanta caves consist of 30 Caves including the unfinished ones, Dating back to 200 BC to 250 AD. The caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Duccan in the forest ravines of the shayadri hills and are set in beautiful surroundings they were discovered accidentally by Capt. Smith in 1819 while on a hunting expedition. Ajanta provides a unique combination of architecture sculpture and painting, two basic types of Monastic Buddist architecture are preserved at Ajanta. The Chaitaya or prayer Hall cave No 9,10,19 26 and 29 and vihara or monastery remaining 25 caves. These caves suggest a well-defined architecture broadly resolving into two phases with a time gap of about 4 centauries from each other. In the henana phase are included two chatiya halls cave no 9 and 10 and 4 Vihars cave no 8 12 13 and 15 a in the Mahayana phase are included 3 Chatiyas cave no 19 and 26 and 29 being incomplete and 11 excusite vihars cave no 124 6 7 11 15 17 and 20 to 24, The Ajanta sculptures of Mahayana phase establish a formal religious imagery. While the Henyan monuments at the sight are devoid of carvings, cave 1, is one of the finest monasteries and the interior painting here are among the greatest at Ajanta. Graciously posed Bodhisattva namely padmapani and Vajrapani with elaborate head dresses flanke the antique chamber door way. The wall on the side of the antechamber depicts the assault and temptation by mara and the miracles at sarvasti. Scenes from the Jataka tales shibi Jatka, samkhpala Jatka, Mahayana jatka and champeyya Jatka are depicted on the walls of caves. After finishing the Tour, we will drive to Bhuswal, Mannmad, or Jalgoan for the Overnight train connection to Bhopal. From Ajanta, we will drive to any one of the above depending upon the easiest train connections from Jalgoan or Bhuswal. The Train connection is around 2125 Hrs and they are Sleeper Class So the overnight Journey will be in trains. Dinner will be taken Paked or Before Departure of Train in Restaurant.

Day 06 : Bhopal
Arrival in Bhopal Upon arrival in Bhopal from the Train station you will be received and transferred to Hotel in Bhopal. After some rest wash change and Breakfast - we will leave to Visit Sanchi Ka Stupa. Sanchi is a serene hill crowned by a group of Stupas monasteries temples and pillars dating from 3rd century BC to 12 centaury AD. The glory that was sanchi, and ancient seat of Buddist learning and place for pilgrimage, can still be experienced in its complex structures. Many buddist legends found expression in the rich sculpture.

The Buddha is not represented by figures at sanchi, but through symbols, as was the tradition in the early period of Buddhism. The Sanchi stupa best known was originally built by Maurayan emperor Ashoka the Great his son Mahindara and daughter Sangmitra were born in ujjaini and sent to srilanka where they converted the king the queen and their people to Buddhism. A churner sand stone pillar fragment, shining with the proverbial Mourayan polish lies near stupa one and carries the famous edict of Ashoka warning against schism in the buddist community. The four gateways of the stupa built in the fist centaury BC have stories of Buddha past and present carved on them and are the finest specimens of the early classical art. If the time allows us we will, visit Vidisha Town which has a state museum with important medieval sculptures .The second centaury BC heliodoros pillar near by and fifth centaury AD Udaigiri caves are also worth a visit. Return Back to the Hotel for overnight and Dinner.

Day 07 : New Delhi
Breakfast in the Hotel and at 0800 Hrs we will leave for Domestic Airport of Bhopal for Flights to New Delhi, The flights will leave at 0930Hrs and will arrive in New Delhi 1110 hrs Delhi, Upon Arrival at New Delhi you will be transferred to your Hotel in the afternoon proceed on half day tour of old and New Delhi including the Qutub Minar, Humayun Tomb red fort and jam masjid. The highest stone tower in India the Qutub minar was built by Qutubuddin Aibak.The red fort was built in the 17th centaury by the Mughals emperor Shahijehan.also drive past Parliament house and Indian Gate. The monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in world war Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 08 : Agra
Breakfast in the Hotel and leave for Agra enroute to Mathura as is the place where Lord Krishna lived and spended a considerable time, Visit the city that has also Buddhist hereditary and one of the statue was brought from here. The museum of Mathura followed by drive to Agra, On arrival in Agra, check into your Hotel In the afternoon half day Tour of Agra city makes you on visit to the Taj Mahal (Friday Closed). One of the wonders of the world. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahijehan, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz.Te monument is a perfect piece of arcetect took 22 years 41 Million rupess, 50 kilos of old and around 20,000 workers to compete this marvel in marble. Later visit to AGRA fort magnificent citadel with exquisite marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions. Though Akber built it mainly as a military center it was under Shahijean's rule, that fort became more of mini city. Overnight at Agra.

Day 09 : Agra
Agra City Tour and evening overnight train to Varansi from Tundla Overnight in the Train.

Day 10 : Varanasi
Upon arrival in Varanasi Drive to Hotel and after check in at the Hotel visit Sarnath The blessed locale where more than 2500 years ago Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon after attaing nirvana. The five disciples who had followed him were surprised to see the mesmerizing glowing countenance of Buddha, It is also known as Dharmchakra Parivartan Dhamekh Stupa Emperor Ashoka Pillar. The chaukhandi Stupa of Akber the Great etc are very important historical Buddist monuments. Overnight and Dinner at the Hotel.

Day 10 & 11 : Varansi Sasaram Gaya Bodhgaya
Very early in the morning from the Hotel, we will drive to the Ganges Bank (Ghat) where we will visit some Ghats and morning prayers besides a Boat Ride in Ganges. We will return to the Hotel for Breakfast and for the drive towards Bodgaya enroute Sassaram Gaya Bodhgaya we will stay for 02 Nights. Sassaram - Gaya-Bodhgya- in the state of Bihar reckoned as the most important Buddist pilgrimage center is the place where Lord Sakyamuni Gautam Buddha entered into meditations after being moved by the sufferings of mankind. The giant Bodhi tree peepal that we se today is believed to have grown from original Bodhi tree under which sitting on the raised platform prince Siddartha meditated and finally attained nirvana, Then there is chaukramana the jewel walk where it is believed that Buddha strolled while in deep thoughts. The Magnificent Maha Bodhi Temple in Bodhgaya is an architectural amalgamation of many cultures. The temple carries the recording of the several visitors from Srilanka and famous Chinese Hieun Tsnag. Adjacent to Mahabodi temple is the Shavite Monestry cluster of four temples and surrounding by enchanting greenery and marked by architectural marvels these temples have several samdahis in their vicinity. Not far from the temple is Jagannath Temple of Shiva, The statue is carved in glistering black stone. A visit to Bodhgaya Archeological Museum is must. During these two days, we will also visit Gaya a place of religious sanctity for Hindus lies in between prestshila and Ramshila hills and is washed by the shores of river phalgu. Gaya has a large number of Buddist temples and it is believed when Buddha was doing severe penance he became weak tired and hungry. He rested under a tree and he was offered food by a condemned village women Sujata. We will also visit Surya temple at Deo, Buddist Rock cut caves at Sasaram.

Day 12 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patlipoutra - Vashali - Patna
From Bodgaya we will drive to Patna and on route and during the further Journey we will visit above places namely Rajgir- Nalanda Patliputra Vashali Rajgir means the royal palace, the gridhakutahill in rajgir was the seat from where Buddha deliver lot of his sermons. Also first times his teachings were recorded in writing. A ropeway ride to beautiful Japanese stupa. Many sites of historical and Archeological Significance surround the holy city of Rajgir. Nalanda Literally means the place that confers the lotus. Oldest university of the world, 9 Million books, 10,000 students, 2000 teachers both Ashoka and Kumara Gupta built a college of fine art here. While the king Harshwardan donated the 26 Mts High Copper image of Buddha.Patliputra, is the center of the seat of Buddhism, which was the capital of Nand and Mauryan dynasty during 326 BC, and in fact, the spread of Buddhism owes the elegance to this Place. A visit to the museum of Patna will also be made. Vaishali is believed to be the first Republic of the world. Lord Buddha delivered his last sermons hinting his impending departure from Immortal world. Recently Raja Vishal Ka Ghar indicates that it was a parliament house, Amrapali the beautiful dancer offered mangoes to the Buddha and became Nun in turn. It is also believed that a Brick Casket contains the parts of Ashes of Buddha.

Day 13 : Patna - Kushinagar
Breakfast in the Hotel and then drive to Kushinagar is a revered place for Buddhist Pilgrimage. It was here the Thatagata the reciter of Truth berthed his last and a temple has been dedicated to the Event. The huge statue of the reclining Buddha excavated in 1876 at the temple is one of the most Momentous of all sites. It was brought from Mathura by a devote Monk Haribala in 5th Century AD.

Day 14 : Kushinagar - Sravasti Breakfast
Sravasti Breakfast in the Hotel and then leave for Sravasti, Sravasti has an honor of sheltering Buddha for 24 Rainy seasons in the Jatwana Gardens. Buddha have said to performs Miracles over here, Visit the Monestries, temples of Buddha

Day 15 : Sravasti
Sravasti - Lumbini Breakfast in the Hotel and then leave to Lumbini-Lumbini is the place where Buddha was born 2500 years ago. 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. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage center, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.

Day 16 : Lumbini - Pokhara
Breakfast in the Hotel and Leave to Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Katmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalayan. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the out-skirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayan. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Day 17 : Pokhara - Katmandu
Drive from Pokhara to Katmandu. It is 6 Hours drive along with the most Scenic part of Nepal. On the way, there are several clusters of Busshist Monasteries and Monks with prayer wheels are a common sight. Arrive in Katmandu overnight and Dinner in the Hotel.

Day 18 : Katmandu
Breakfast in the Hotel and leave for a full day tour of Swayambunath, Bodyhanath and Bhaktarpur all these places are related to Buddhism. Late afternoon is free to explore the environments of the State where hits Holy soul was born. A dinner before the departure has been organized in the Local Restaurant of Katmandu with facilities of wash and change before Transfer to International Flights.

Day 19 : Katmandu - New Delhi
Train Class Sleeper Class IInd AC sleeper/ First Class Sleeper NAC

India Travel Itinerary

Across the Tracks in India - Rail Tour || Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Classical India Tour || Elephant Safari Glorious Gujarat || International Tours || Orissa Tribal Tours Other Interest Tours || Same Day Tajmahal Tour