Day 01: Arrive Kolkata
On your early morning arrival at international airport, transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
The city was established in 1686 when British moved to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. The city got its name from the last of the settlements mentioned above. The city progressed well until 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove away the British. Lord Clive retook Calcutta- Kolkata and until 1911, Calcutta- Kolkata remained the capital of the British government in India. Being the center of power for so long created a unique culture and heritage of the city, totally unlike any other city of India. Calcutta is today a sprawling city of strange contrasts. Palatial houses, huge monuments, a center of active politics, film and theatre, culture and art, the city offers another picture of herself in its hustle-bustle, over crowdedness, noisy streets and narrow lanes.
After freshening up a bit, you will proceed for city sightseeing of Kolkata.
Visit Indian Museum - Established long back in 1814 in the Asiatic Society Building was founded by Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, a botanist from Denmark. It is one of the earliest museums established in the world and considered the largest and best museum in the country. In 1875, it was shifted to the new building in Italian architectural style designed by Walter B Grawille, Kali Ghat - Kalighat is located in the city of Calcutta on the banks of the river Hooghly (Bhagirathi). The Kalighat temple in its present form iis only about 200 years old, although it has been referred to in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and in Kavi Kankan Chandi of the 17th century. St.Paul Church & Victoria memorial - Victoria Memorial has been built in a sprawling 26 hectares of land and a visit to Victoria Memorial is the best education one can possibly have of the British East India Company's rule in India. Here you will come face to face with miniature paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria. What is more, you will be mesmerized by the three thousand five hundred articles associated with the everlasting memory of Queen Victoria.
Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Kolkata – Patna
In time transfer to airport to Board flight for Patna, and on arrival transfer to hotel.
Patna, situated on the banks of the river Ganga has a history, which goes back ancient Indian town Pataliputra, was thriving township during the Buddha's lifetime. Patna, the state capital of Bihar and the gateway city for places of Buddhist importance and entry point for pilgrims who wish to travel in the footsteps of the Buddha.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Patna.
Visiting Patna Museum, - This museum has more than 50,000 rare and valuable antiquities and art object containing the sacred ashes of the Buddha.
Golghar is a mammoth concrete granary built by the British, subsequent to the great famine of 1770. Next visit to Gurudwara Har Mandir Sahib - The site is hallowed as the birthplace of the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.
Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 03: Patna – Bodhgaya
Morning proceed for Bodhgaya via Rajgir and Nalada.
Rajgir was occupied from around 800 BC. Encircled by forested hills it is held sacred by both Buddhists and Jains for its association with the Buddha and Mahavir, who taught here for many years, the capital of the Magadhan Empire before Patliputra,
Visit to Ghosrawan - a Buddhist monastery and the seat of higher learning.
Next to Pippala cave and Vishwa Shanti Stupa
Next you will visit to Nalanda University.
Nalanda has the ruins of one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in the 5th century AD on an ancient site of pilgrimage and teaching which had been visited by Buddha and Mahavir, who is reputed to have spent 14 rainy seasons on the site.
Later continue drive for Bodhgaya, on arrival check-in into your hotel for overnight stay.
Bodhgaya is most sacred places for Buddhists and Hindus. It is the place where Lord Sakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) entered into meditation after being moved by the sufferings of mankind and Lord Buddha sat under the banyan tree and attained enlightenment, and a descendant of that original tree still flourishes there today.
Day 04: Bodhgaya – Varanasi (240 Kms / 06 Hrs)
Morning proceed for sightseeing of Bodhgaya
Visit the Maha Bodhi, Jaganath temple and also visit the Bodhgaya Archaelogical Museum which is a must for a religious art lover. besides a number of monasteries, like Tibetan Monastery, Thai Monastery, Myanmar Monastery, Chinese Monastery, Bhutanese Monastery, Japanese Monastery and Sri Lankan Monastery.
Later proceed to Varanasi by surface and on arrival check –in into the hotel for overnight stay.
Varanasi is the City Of Light, Religious and Spiritual, the land of Lord Shiva offers a breathtaking experience, and is rich in Arts, Music, Dance & Literature and a centre for studying Astrology, Sanskrit, Yoga, Ayurveda. Varanasi is also renowned for art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi Silk Sarees and Silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.
Day 05: In Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges, witness the panoramic view of Ganga and different Ghats.
Return to hotel for freshening up.
Morning proceed for city sightseeing of Varanasi.
You will visit Kashi Vishwnath Temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is in the holy city of Varanasi. Tulsi Manas Temple, the Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to lord Ram. It is believed to be built at the same place where Tulsidas wrote the famous Indian epic, Ramcharitamanasa. The walls of the Tulsi Manas temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitammanasa. Bharat Mata Temple; the Bharat Mata temple at Varanasi is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The Bharat Mata temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.
Afternoon proceed for an excursion to Sarnaath.
Sarnath also known as Mrigadava, Migadāya, Rishipattana, and Isipatana is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi.
Later retire to hotel for overnight stay.
In the evening take a Cycle-Rickshaw ride for visit of Ghats to witness the “Deepmala” Ceremony.
Day 06: Varanasi – Kushinagar
Morning you will proceed to Kushinagar by surface and on arrival check–in into the hotel.
Originally known as Kushinara (the actual site is unknown), it is one of four major Buddhist pilgrimages sites. Kushinagar is celebrated as the place where the Buddha died and was cremated and passed in Pariarinrvana.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Kushinagar.
Visit the Rambhar Stupa that marks Buddha's cremation ground, and large Burmese Chandramani Bhikshu Bharamasala the oldest monastery in Kushinagar.
Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 07: Kushinagar - Lumbini (170 Kms / 5 Hrs)
Morning you will proceed to Lumbini by surface and on arrival check–in into the hotel.
Lumbini is the hallowed birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince, the eventual Shakyamuni and the ultimate Buddha - the Enlightened One. This nativity site, identified by Emperor Ashoka’s commemorative pillar erected over 2,200 years ago. The Pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. The inscription on it authenticates Lumbini as the place where the Buddha was born in 623 BC.
Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Lumbini.
Visit birth place of Buddha, Maya Devi Temple, and Ashok Pillar.
Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 08: Lumbini – Sravati (380 Kms / 08Hrs)
Morning proceed to Shravasti and on arrival check-in into the hotel for overnight stay.
Sravasti was the capital of Kosala Mahajanapada and was the biggest town in the Gangetic plains during the Buddha's lifetime. Sravasti was host to the Master for 25 years during the annual vassavasa (rain retreat) when the Sangha congregated at one place.
Day 09: Sravati – Lucknow (170 Kms / 05 Hrs)
Morning proceed to Lucknow and on arrival check-in into the hotel for overnight stay at hotel.
Lucknow is an enchanting city. A Mixture of down at heel elegance, ascinating charm and unique culture gives it an irresistible appeal. Its traces are found in the people’s mannerisms and habits. It was abode of the Nawabs of Avadh. Their regal pastimes and pleasures were legendry fond of song and dance, they nurtured Urdu verse as well as the Kathak School of courtly dances. Their monuments excelled in the use of arches, pavilions and domes.
Day 10: Lucknow – Agra
Morning proceed for city sightseeing tour of Lucknow
The sightseeing tour includes visits to Shahnajaf Imambara, which derives its name from the Hazrat Ali tomb in the Iraqi city of Najaf. In 1857 it was a base for freedom fighters, Bara Imambara, built by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula during the famine of 1784, ranks among the great architectural achievements of the Muslim period. Absence of pillars in the main hall and simplicity of style and symmetry are its unique features. Husainabad Imambara known as Chota Imambara was built by Muhammad Ali Shah as his tomb. It is very ornate, with chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, and colorful stuccos and houses the king’s throne.
In time departure transfer to railway station to board overnight train for Agra Stay overnight at train.
Day 11: Arrive Agra
On arrival at Agra you will transfer to your hotel.
Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid remainder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, the city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire.
After freshening up, you will proceed for half day city sightseeing of Agra
Visiting the world famous Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father.
Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 12: Agra – Sikandra – Delhi – Depart
Morning you will drive to Delhi, visit Sikandra en route.
Akbar's tomb at Sikandra has a large arched entrance and green lawns, the entrance is decorated with marble inlay work around the arch, and the inner surface of the dome of the tomb is decorated with images of flowers, geometric designs and Islamic calligraphy.
Later continue drive to Delhi on arrival directly proceed for airport to board flight for your onward journey. |
