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Day 03 : Sravasti - Kushinagar (275
kms)
Today in the morning drive from Sravasti to Kushinagar.
Kushinagar is the place where the Buddhachose for his Mahaparinirvana, or final exit
from this earth.Kushinagar or
Kushinara as it was then known was the capital of the Malla
Republic, one of the republican states of northern India during
the 6th and 5th centuries BC. There are several new monasteries
and temples. Today we visit the Rambhar Stupa that marks
Buddha's cremation ground. Mahakashyapa lit the funeral prayer
at Mukutabandha Vihara (Rambhar Stupa) in Kushinagar. Today not
much remains of this stupa except a large brick mount rising to
a height of almost 15 metres set within a well-kept park. And we
will visit Kushinagar museum.
Day 04 :
Kushinagar –Vaishali- Patna
(about 285 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive further to Patna
via Vaishali. Patna, was thriving township ancient Indian town
of Pataliputra was thriving township during the Buddha's
lifetime. Patna, the state capital of Bihar is situated on the
banks of the Ganga. It is the major entry point for pilgrims who
wish to travel in the footsteps of the Buddha. Today we will
drive to Kumrahar to see the ruins of Pataliputra which is about
6 km from Gandhi Maidan. The remains of a massive assembly hall
with bases of 80 pillars have been excavated at the site, of
which only one pillar remains intact.
Day 05 :
Patna - Nalanda - Rajgir (125
km)
After breakfast we drive to Rajgir. Enroute we visit Nalanda,
the ancient Buddhist University. During the lifetime of the
Buddha Rajgir (Rajgriha) was the capital of the powerful
Magadhan Kingdom, ruled by the virtuous king Bimbisara. Rajgir
is about 100 km from Patna
Rajgir is a site of great sanctity and
significance for Buddhists.The Gridhakuta Hill, was the seat
from where Buddha delivered many of his sermons.It was here that
the teachings of Buddha were recorded in writing for the first
time.
Ropeway takes you up the hill where the Japanese have built a
beautiful Stupa. Rajgir is also famous for its seven hot Sulphur
Springs, Satadhara.Satadhara is situated at the foot of Vaibhava
Hill..
Day 06 :
Rajgir -Bodhgaya ( 80 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Bodhgaya.
Bodhgaya (once Uruvela village) is the place where 2500 years
ago in the 6th century BC, a young ascetic, Siddhartha attained
enlightenment to become the Buddha and found Buddhism one of the
world's oldest religions. Bodhgaya is the spiritual home of the
Buddhists. Today we visit the Mahabodhi temple built to mark the
spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The famous
Mahabodhi temple, which stands in the centre of the Mahabodhi
Temple complex has been restored and rebuilt over the centuries.
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex houses all the major pilgrimage
spots. A large circular stone with the Buddha's footprints is
kept in a small shrine on the left. We also visit the Bodhgaya
museum that is located near the Mahabodhi temple. It houses
antiquities excavated in and around Bodhgaya. It has a large
collection of Buddhist and Hindu relies (terra cotta) seals,
scriptures and pillars from the Sunga period.
Day 07 : Bodhgaya -Varanasi ( 270 km)
In the morning we drive further to Varanasi. Varanasi is without
doubt India's most sacred city and thus visited by over one
million people. Varanasi is also called the city of light -Kashi
or Benaras. Buddha visited this city in 500 BC. Varanasi is
regarded one of the oldest and the holiest city. According to
the Indian chronicles, Varanasi was established as a city around
twelve hundred years ago before the Christian era.
Day 08 : Varanasi-Sarnath-Varanasi
In the early morning we take boat -ride on the holy River Ganges
and enjoy sunrise on the boat. Ghats (flight of steps) and the
activities of pilgrims on that, are the principal attraction for
visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit
this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify
themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. In
the noon we visit Sarnath Stupa ,Temple and museum.
Day 09 :
Varanasi - New Delhi (by air)
In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight out from
Varanasi to New Delhi. Arrival assistance at the Delhi airport
and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Delhi.
Day 10:
Depart Delhi :
Morning Sightseeing of Delhi covering India Gate, Parliament
house, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple and Humayun Tomb. Afternoon
free for shopping and evening depart to airport to fly back
home. |