bhuddistcircuit

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Some Journeys are made for sensual gratification, others purely for internal peace. Negotiating the Buddhist Circuit
falls in the latter category. A journey through the austere Stupas and the ancient monasteries reverberating with the
mystical chants of sacred Buddhist Mantras, will instantly transport you to a time zone 2500 years back in history,
when a prince renounced all worldly pleasures to turn into an ascetic, centuries before the birth of Christ. The story is
so old, that every point on the Buddhist circuit has a history steeped in myth and meaning; every monument stands
testimony to faith fused into reality, as centuries passed and people lost bits of their oral heritage. In Sanskrit the word
"Bodh" means knowledge, Buddha would thus mean " One who has attained all knowledge,"or one in whom their is no
conflict, no suffering---in short, one, who has mastered himself. The Chinese would call him the Zen Master. If you are
looking for the same 'Buddha' in you, come with us and follow the footsteps of the great enlightened one.

A Tour cum Pilgrimage must for all Buddhists as well as Hindus - The second religious schism to emerge from
Hinduism, Buddhism spread to far off places/ lands of the world. The propounder, Buddha was born in what is
now Nepal, achieved 'enlightenment' at Gaya (Bihar) delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (UP). Before taking his
last breath at Kusinagar (Deroia, UP) he travelled miles across the country. Today it's influence and popularity
are proof in the Buddhist sites dotting the countryside.
"After I am no more, O Ananda, men of belief will visit the four places with faith, curiosity and devotion: - Lumbini
where I was born, - Bodh Gaya where I attained Enlightenment - Saranath where I gave the first Sermons - Kushinagar
where I shall pass into Maha Pari Nirvana." So said Lord Buddha to his favorite disciple "Ananda" before he attained
Maha Pari Nirvana at Kushinagar. Welcome to Bhudda's Footsteps

USD 1899 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING BASIS
15 Nights /16 Days DELHI /JAIPUR /AGRA /VARANASI /BODHGAYA /RAJGIR / NALANDA /
PATNA /VAISHALI / KUSHINAGAR/ LUMBINI /KAPILVASTU /SRAVASTI/LUCKNOW /DELHI

DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI

Meet and greet at the airport, transfer to Hotel The QUTAB. Delhi is a city of contrasts. From the
neo- classical architecture of the elegant garden city of New Delhi to the narrow, twisting lanes
that surround Chandni- Chowk in the old city. Afternoon, proceed for half day guided city tour
of New Delhi. The buildings designed by Edward Lutyens, architect of modern Delhi- are truly
majestic. The Presidential Palace, Parliament House and India Gate are all reminiscent of the
British “Raj”. We drive through Delhi’s beautiful tree-lined avenues and the Diplomatic Enclave
enroute to the 12th century, 234 foot high fluted minaret of Qutab Minar. Overnight in hotel

DAY 02 AT DELHI

Morning after breakfast, proceed for half day guided city tour of Old Delhi. Visit Red Fort built
by Mughal Emperor Shajahan & Jama Masjid ( The great Mosque) Walk through the bazars of
Chandni Chowk, built during the Mughal reign, followed by a visit to Rajghat, the final resting
place of Mahatma Gandhi. Return to hotel, Afternoon free. Overnight in Hotel

DAY 03 DELHI > JAIPUR

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface for the City of Jaipur- an exuberance of colour, dance &
song with traditional arts and crafts. Known as the 'Pink City' is one of India's most well planned cities
with wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. A 4 hours drive gets us to this
land of Maharaja's, forts & Plalaces and diversity of colours & culture, that is unique to the State
of Rajasthan. On arrival checkin at CARLSON INN & SUITS Afternoon sightseeing of the city
palace, palace museum, the Jai Singh's observatory, Hawa Mahal ( Palace of winds) & Albert
hall museum. Return to hotel via Johari Bazar (Gem Market) & Curio shops. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 04 AT JAIPUR

Morning after breakfast, proceed for full day excursion to see three of the most immressive forts of
Rajasthan. Visit the impressive Amber Fort the former capital of the Royal Family of Jaipur, taking an
elephant ride to the top of the fort. Next visit Jaigarh & Nahargarh Fort. Jaigarh built in 1726, has
the worlds largest cannon on wheels, while Nahargarh built in 1734 provides a Panoramic view of
Jaipur city. Late afternoon return to hotel via Ram Niwas Garden. Overnight in hotel

DAY 05 JAIPUR > AGRA

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface for the Mughal splendour of Agra, the city of Taj,
enroute visiting Fathepur Sikri the ghost city 35 kms from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone
in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example
of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself.
Notable among them is the Diwane Khas, Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland
Darwaza. Drive on to Agra and check-in to the Hotel AMAR. Later visit the incomparable
Taj Mahal. This monument a fine example of fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders
of the modern world. Built in 1652 by Emperor Shah Jahan. It took 22 years and 20,000 skilled artisans
to complete this poem in white marble. Spend time at the Taj, before returning to hotel for overnight.

DAY 06 AGRA < VARANASI (overnight in train)

Morning after breakfast, visit Agra Fort, which lies across river Jamuna. It was here that Aurangzeb
the 3rd son of Shah Jahan kept his father under house arrest. Next visit Itmaudualla, mausoleum built
by Queen Noor Jahan in memory of her parents followed by a tour of Sikandra, tomb of the Mughal
Emperor, Akbar the Great before returning to your hotel for check out. Later in time transfer to Agra
Cantonment railway station to board overnight express train at 1600 hrs for Varanasi. Overnight in train

DAY 07 ARRIVE VARANASI

On arrival at 0620hrs, transfer to Hotel RADISSON. Varanasi or "Kashi" as it was called in the 7th
century BC means 'Divine Light', is the most sacred pilgrimage center for the Hindus. It can aptly
be called the 'Light of India'. The city is dedicated to Shiva. After fresh &change, proceed for half-
day excursion to Sarnath - where Buddhism first made its appearance nearly 2500 years ago and
where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his 5 disciples. Visit the Chowkhandi Stupa, the 46m high
Dhamek Stupa & Dharmarajik Stupa built by Emperor Ashok around 258 BC. See the 20m high Ashok
Pillar, which still exists today. Also visit the museum before returning to your hotel. Afternoon proceed
for half day city tour of this very ancient town, situated on the banks of river Ganges, in the State of
Uttar Pradesh. Visit the Ramnagar Fort, Benaras Hindu University campus & the temples of Bharat
Mata, Kashi Viswanath & Durga Mata. Walk around the narrow bylanes near the ghats. Overnight

DAY 08 VARANASI > BODGAYA (242 KMS/6 HRS)

Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges to see the sunrise and visit the bathing Ghats. Say Hello!! to
Sun God, before returning to hotel, in time for breakfast. After breakfast, depart by surface for Bodhgaya,
The City Of Lord Buddha's Penance And Supreme Enlightenment. The history and tradition of this sacred
spot goes back to the earliest Days. Reckoned as the most important Buddhist pilgrimage center, it is the place
where Lord Sakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) entered into meditation after being moved by the sufferings of
mankind. On arrival Check in Hotel LOTUS NIKKO. Afternoon tour of this ancient riverside town. Visit
the Sri Lankan monastery, Visit the Mahabodhi temple for the evening prayers and the Bodhi tree under
which the Lord achieved enlightment. Overnight

DAY 09 BODHGAYA > RAJGIR > NALANDA > PATNA (198 KMS/ 7 HRS)

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface for Patna, enroute visiting Rajgir- a site of great sanctity and
significance for Buddhists. The Gridhakuta Hill, in Rajgir, 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. Next visit
Nalanda- which literally means the place that confers the lotus. It was one of the oldest universities of the
world & was a center of great learning which reached its zenith between 5th and 12th Century A.D. Both
Lord Buddha & Lord Mahavira visited this place. Also visit Karanda Tank- where Buddha used to bathe.
Arrive Patna and check in to Hotel MAURYA Late afternoon visit the Patna Museum. Overrnight in hotel

DAY 10 PATNA > VAISHALI > KUSHINAGAR (253 KMS/8 HRS)

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface for Vaishali believed to be the first republic
of the world, having an elected body of representatives, holds special significance for Buddhist
devotees. At Kolhua, Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon, hinting at his impending departure
from the mortal world. Later continue onward to Kushinagar - where Buddha attained
Mahaparinirvana. On arrival check into Hotel LOTUS NIKKO. Overnight in Kushinagar

DAY 11 KUSHINAGAR > LUMBINI (Nepal) (161 KMS/4 HRS)

Morning tour of Kushinagar. It was here that the Tathagata, the reciter of truth, breathed
his last with the last words " behold now, brethren, I exhort you, saying, decay is inherent in all
component things ! Work out your salvation with diligence ! " After sightseeing of the Rambhar
Stupa & the Mahaparinirwana Temple, where you see thev statue of Bhuddha in a reclining
posture, continue onwards by surface for Lumbini - the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the
founder of Buddhism. Lumbini is the Indian Nepal border and the legal formalities are to be
completed to enter Lumbini. On arrival check into Hotel LUMBINI GARDEN. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 12 AT LUMBINI

After breakfast, proceed for tour visiting the Ashokan Pillar, erected by Magadhan emperor
Ashoka, to commemorate the birth place of Buddha in 251 BC - today only the lower shaft of
the pillar stands, the upper past having been split into two. Other attractions are the sacred
garden (Lumbini grove) the Mayadevi Temple with a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha's
mother and a sacred stone marked with a "foot imprint" of Ashoka and Puskarni, the
sacred pond, wherein, Mayadevi is said to have had taken a bath just before giving
birth to Buddha - the Enlightened one. Return to hotel for Overnight

DAY 13 LUMBINI > KAPILVASTU > SRAVASTI (210 KMS/ 6 HRS)

After breakfast, depart by surface for Sravasti enroute visiting Kapilvastu-The capital city of the
Sakya clan, and one of the earliest republics, it was in Kapilavastu's opulent environs, that the
holy soul of prince Siddharth (Gautam Buddha) spent his childhood. Here he saw sorrow and
pain, disease and death. The place holds significant value for Buddhist pilgrims and has
several Stupas. The archaeological excavations have revealed stone caskets containing relics
believed to be that of Buddha's. Sravasti - where Lord Buddha Spent 24 "Baisakh" Of His Life
and delivered his sermons. On arrival check into Hotel LOTUS NIKKO Afternoon visit the extensive
ruins of this ancient city . Sravasti has two villages, Sahet and Mahet, which is spread over an area
of 400 acres and has a number of ruins. This is where the Lord performed his Miracle sitting on a
petalled Lotus multiplying 1000 times. Also visit the Angulimar's cave & the village of Sujata, which is
where a woman with the same name gave Lord Buddha his first meal of milk & rice pudding after
he came out of the austerities he was performing and broke his fast. Next tour takes you north of
Sahet, towards the Rapti River, is the ancient fortified city of Mahet. The entrance to the mud
fortification of Mahet is constructed in a beautiful crescent shape. Though an ancient structure,
its five gates and walls are still visible. Pakki Kuti, Kuchhi Kuti and many other stupas tell the story
of the great monasteries that once stood here. Visit also the remnants of Jetavana, a splendid
monastery with inscriptions dating back to the 12th century, is thought to be one of the favourite
sites of the Buddha. Sravasti was also under the influence of Lord Mahavira the last Jain Tirthankar,
and the splendid Shwetambara temple here attracts thousands of Jain pilgrims. The Sobhnath
Temple is believed to the birthplace of the Jain Tirthankar Sambhavnath. Overnight in hotel

DAY 14 SRAVASTI > LUCKNOW (135 KMS/ 4 HRS)

After breakfast depart by surface for Lucknow. On arrival check into Hotel PARK INN Afternoon explore the
royal city of Nawabs. Lucknow is caught in a time warp. It exists in an in-between the land of the past and the
present looking back constantly to the memories of a colonial -Nawabi past. Despite the Indo-Persian legacy,
Lucknow has a composite Indian culture. The welding of various cultural strains nurtured by centuries of Mughal
and later Delhi Sultanate rule, to the folk traditions of the Indo- Gangetic plains has produced a complex, yet rich
synthesis. The Urdu language acquired its baffling phonetic nuances and suave perfection here. It was in Nawab
Wajed Ali Shah's court that the most advanced of all classical Indian dance forms, the Kathak took shape. The
popular Parsi theatre originated from Urdu theatre of this city. The tabla and sitar were first heard on the
streets of Lucknow. Return to hotel for Overnight stay

DAY 15 LUCKNOW > DELHI

Morning after a leisurly breakfast, in time transfer to the airport to connect flight at 1015 hrs for
Delhi and on arrival at 1110 hrs, transfer to Hotel QUTAB. Afternoon free for last minute shopping
(car at disposal ) Overnight stay in hotel

DAY 16 DEPART DELHI

In time transfer to International airport to connect flight for your onward destination

END OF OUR SERVICES

USD 1899 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING BASIS #SINGLE SUPPLEMENT USD 899

USD RATES APPLICABLE TO FOREIGNER'S AND NON RESIDENT INDIANS

October thru April

Include

Accommodation on twin sharing basis at all places with breakfast as per itinerary

Train fare air conditioned sleeper class from Agra to Varanasi & Airfare from Lucknow to Delhi by econmy class

Transport service including transfers, using air conditioned vehicle at all places as per itinerary

Sightseeing & Excursions with Local English Speaking Guide at Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Varanasi

Services of an escorted Guide for Bhuddist sectors accompanied from Varanasi till Lucknow

Elephant ride in Amber Fort, Jaipur & Boat ride in Varanasi

All presently applicable taxes, including hotel, state, toll, bridges,
drivers daily allowance, parking fees at monuments, airports, etc, insurance of vehicle & gasoline.

Professional service charges for preparing & executing the tour program
COST VALIDITY - 30th SEPTEMBER 2007

For Group Travel concessions Please email us
WE HAVE NO ARGUMENTS WITH COMPETITORS WHO CHARGE LESS...
THEY KNOW WHAT THEIR PRODUCT IS WORTH
NO ESCALATION * NO HIDDEN COSTS

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Buddhism	Jai Mata Di	Hemkund	Chardham	Sikkism	Haj	Hemis	Pushkar

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