8 nights / 09 days – BUDDHIST HIGHLIGHT TOUR: Ex – Kolkata

Sketched Itinerary

Kolkata – BodhGaya – Patna - Kushinagar – Lumbini – Gorakhpur – Varanasi - Kolkata

Highlights of tour:

Stay : 1 nt Kolkata, 1 nt BodhGaya, 1 nt Patna, 1 nt Kushinagar, 1 nt Lumbini, 1 nt

Gorakhpur, 1nt Varanasi, 1 nt (overnight train)

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: KOLKATA

On arrival at Kolkata International airport you will be met and assisted by our

company executive and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel .

Kolkata - is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east

bank of the Hooghly river, it is the principal commercial, cultural, and

educational centre of East India, while the Port of Kolkata is India's oldest

operating port as well as its sole major riverine port. Kolkata is known for its

l iterary, artistic, and revolutionary heritage; as the former capital of India, it

was the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought. Kolkata has

been called the "City of Furious, Creative Energy"as well as the "cultural [or

l iterary] capital of India". The presence of paras, which are neighbor hoods

that possess a strong sense of community, is characteristic of Kolkata .

Evening free. Dinner. Stay overnight at Kolkata.

Day 02: KOLKATA– GAYA (By Train)

Early morning breakfast and transfer to railway station to board the train to Gaya. Arrival at Gaya Railway

station, Pick up and transfer to BodhGaya. After reaching check into hotel. Than, proceed for Bodhgaya’

sightseeing.

Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage

center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree,

Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha,the Enlightened

One. Born; in the foothills of the Himalayas as a Sakya prince of Kapilvastu

(now in Nepal), most of the major events of his l ife, l ike enlightenment and

last sermon, happened in Bihar. Buddhism as a religion was really born in

Bihar and evolved here through his preaching and the example of his

l ifestyle of great simplicity, renunciation and empathy for everything living.

Significantly, the state's name of 'Bihar' originated from 'Vihara' meaning

monasteries which abounded in Bihar. Several centuries after Buddha's

passing away, the Maurya Emperor Ashoka (234-198 BC) contributed

tremendously towards the revival, consolidation and spread of the original

religion. It is the monasteries, Ashoka built for the Buddhist monks and the pil lars known as Ashokan Pil lars

erected to commemorate innumerable historical sites associated with the Buddha's l ife, mostly intact to this

day, that helped scholars and pilgrims alike to trace the life events and preaching of a truly extraordinary man.

There is a magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the Tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple

premises. The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures and heritages. While its

architecture has a distinct stamp of the Gupta era, it has later ages inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims

from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps stil l the same temple

Hieuen Tsang visited in 7th century.

Mahabodhi Temple: The temple stands in the east to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is superb. Its

basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender Pyramid til l it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total height of the temple is

170 ft. and on the top of the temple are Chatras which symbolize sovereignty of religion. Four towers on its corners rise gracefully giving the holy structure a poise balance. This sacred edifice is l ike a grand banner unfurled by time to proclaim to the world the pious efforts of the Buddha to solve the knots of

human miseries, to ascend above worldly problems and to attain transcendental peace through wisdom, good conduct and disciplined life.

Inside the temple, in the main sanctum, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the earth by his right hand. In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment. The statue is of black

stone but it has been guilder by the devotees. The entire courtyard of the temple is studded with large number of votive stupas. These stupas are of all sizes built during the past 2500 years ago. Most of them are extremely elegant in structural beauty. The ancient rail ings, which surround the temple, are of the first century BC and are among the very interesting monuments of the century.

Animesh Lochan Chaitya: It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here looking towards the great Bodhi tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.

Bodhi Tree: The present Bodhi Tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment. Vajrasana, the seat of stability, is a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree.

Chankramana: This marks the sacred spot of the Buddha's meditative perambulations during the third week after pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever the Buddha

put his feet lotus sprang up.

Ratnagarh: The Buddha spent one week

here, where it is believed that five colors came out of his body.

Other Treasures of Bodhgaya: 80 ft Statue of the Buddha, Lotus Tank,

Buddha Kund, Rajayatana, Brahm Yoni, Chinese Temple & Monastery,

Burmese Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, International Buddhist

House & Japanese Temple, Thai Temple & Monastery, Tibetan Monastery,

Archaeological Museum. Sujata vil lage (2 kms), Dungeshwari Hill (Prag bodhi) (22 kms by road), Maitraya

Project (3 kms).

Evening free. Dinner. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 03: BODHGAYA VIA NALANDA - PATNA (155 kms / 6 hours)

After morning breakfast at hotel, drive down to Patna via Nalanda and Rajgir. Nalanda, founded in the 5th century AD, is famous as the ancient seat of learning. The ruins of the world's

most ancient university l ies here which is 62 km from Bodhgaya and 90 km south of Patna. Though the Buddha

visited Nalanda several times during his l ifetime, this famous center of Buddhist learning shot to fame much

later, during 5th-12th centuries. Hieun Tsang stayed here in the 7th century AD and left detailed description of

the excellence of education system and purity of monastic l ife practiced here. He also gave a vivid account of

both the ambiance and architecture of this unique university of ancient times. In thi s first residential

international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 monks students from all over the Buddhist

world l ived and studied here. The Gupta kings patronized these monasteries, built in old Kushan architectural

style, in a row of cells around a courtyard. Emperor Ashoka and Harshavardhana were some of its most

celebrated patrons who built temples, monasteries and viharas here. Recent excavations have unearthed

elaborate structures here. An International Center for Buddhist Studies was established here in 1951. Nearby is

Biharsharif, where an annual urs is celebrated at the Dargah or tomb of Malik Ibrahim Baya. Baragaon, 2 km

away has a sun temple, famous for Chhath puja. To be visited are Nalanda museum & Nava Nalanda

Mahavihar in addition to the great ruins.

Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex: The total area

of the excavation is about 14 hectares. All the edifices are of the red brick and the gardens are beautiful. The buildings are divided by a central walk way that goes south to north. The monasteries or "Viharas" are east of this central alley and the temple or "Chaiyas"

to the west. The Vihara-1 is perhaps the most interesting with its cells on two floors built around a central courtyard where steps lead up to what must have been a dais for the professors to address

their students. A small chapel stil l retains a half broken statue of the Lord Buddha. The enormous pyramidal mass of the Temple no .3 is impressive and from its top commands a splendid view of the entire area. It is surrounded by smaller stupas, many of which

studded with small and big statues of the Lord Buddha in Various poses or "Mudras"

Rajgir just 15 kms from Nalanda is located the complex of temples and monasteries. The place is called Rajgir. It is one of the most important tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. The small hil l grit town is covered with lush green forest which add to the beauty of the place. Rajgir was the capital of the Magadh

Mahajanpad (State) when Patliputra was not formed. In those days it was called Rajgrih. Rajgir or Rajgrih means the home of Royalty. This place has been associated with Lord Buddha and Buddhism. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir but also

delivered sermons here and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hil l . The Jivekarmavan monastery was the favorite residence for Buddha. Even Bimbisar gave Venuvan

Vihar to Buddha for his residence. It is said that it was at Rajgir that physician treated Buddha, Jivak after he was injured by his cousin Devdatta.The teachings of Buddha was penned down at Rajgir and it was also the venue for the first Buddhist Council.

Today Rajgir has come up as one of the most important pilgrimage for the Buddhist.Rajgir also has s ome very

beautiful Hindu and Jain temples which attracts Hindus and Jains also to the place. Not only as a place for worship, Rajgir has come up as health and winter resort with its warm water ponds. These ponds are said to contain some medicinal properties which help in the cure of many skin diseases. The added attraction of Rajgir is the Ropeway which takes you uphill to the Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees on top of the Ratnagiri hil l . Dinner. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: PATNA – KUSHINAGAR (250 kms / 6 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel than drive down to kushinagar.

Kushinagar - is another Buddhist destination, worth a sincere admiration, due to the serenity, rich history, and

the splendid structures of Buddhist root. The excavations led by general Cunningham has revealed some

antique artifacts and structures related to all sects of Buddhism. Kushinagar also expresses the common

thread of all sects of Buddhism through its magnificent Viharas, Chaityas, temples and Tibetan monasteries. In

ancient times, the town was also known as Kushinara and Kasia.

In this place Lord Buddha had left the world behind him after

offering an invaluable contribution to humanity, the great religion

known as Buddhism that preaches peace and brotherhood. In 543

BC, on a full moon night of Magh the legend delivered lecture to

his Sangha and declared that he is going to leave the mortal world

soon enough. Kushinagar is situated at a distance of 53 km west

of Gorakhpur, in Uttar Pradesh, in the northern part of India.

Nirvana Stupa and temple - The excavations leading to the finding of the copper vessel and the Brahmi

inscription on it proving the matter that Buddhas ashes were buried in the pace, made this place a suddenly

important destination for all Buddhists devotees. Besides, the huge reclining statue of Buddha in the temple is

also very attractive.

Wat Thai temple - The unique temple, built to celebrate the victory of King Bhumibol's great accession of the

throne, and the subsequent Golden Jubilee, is worth a watch, especially because of the innumerable trees that

were planted here. Besides, there's the Chinese temple, the Meditation Park and an International Buddha

trust, and the Birla temple to add charm to roaming around in the city. Dinner. Stay overnight at Kushinagar.

Day 05: KUSHINAGAR – LUMBINI (125 kms / 3 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel, drive down to Lumbini. Lunch.

The birthplace of Lord Buddha

Lumbini-a place in the South-Western Terai of Nepal, evokes a kind of holy

sentiment to the mill ions of Buddhists all over the world-as do the Jerusalem to

Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the place Lord Buddha -the apostle of

peace and the light of Asia was born in 623 B. C., Located in the flat plains of south-

Western Nepal and the foothills of Churia range , Lumbini and its surrounding area

is endowed with a rich natural setting of domesticable fauna and favourable

agricultural environ. Historically, the region is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient

ruisn and antiquities, dating back to pre-Christian era. The site, described as a

beautiful garden in the Buddha’s time sti l l retain its legendary charm and beauty. To

the mere 12 miles north of Lumbini l ies the dense and picturesque sal -grove.

For centuries, Buddhists- all over the world, knew that Lumbini where the Lord was born is somewhere

around. The descriptions of famous Chinese pilgrims (of ancient times) Huian Tsang and Faeihan indicated to

this area-saying ‘Lumbini -where the lord was born is a piece of heaven on earth and one could see the snowy

mountains amidst a splendid garden-embedded with stupas and monasteries !

However, the exact location remained uncertain and obscure til l December the 1st 1886 when a wandering

German archaeologist Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer came across a stone pil lar .

Proceed for half day sightseeing.

Lumbini Garden and ascertained beyond doubt it is indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

The Ashokan Pillar

Discovered by the now famous German archaeolgist Dr. Fuhrer, the pil lar is the first epigraphic evidence

relating to the life history of Lord Buddha and is also the most visible landmark of the garden. The historic

importance of the pil lar is evidenced by the inscription engraved in the pil lar (in Brahmi script). It is said that

the great Indian Emperor Ashok visited the site in the twentieth year of is

ascendancy to the throne and as a homage to the birthplace,erected the

pil lar. The inscriptions in the pil lar roughly translates as: Kin Piyadesi

beloved of th Gods, having been anointed 20 yeas, came himself and

worshipped saying Here Buddha Shakyamuni was born: And he caused to

make a stone (capital) representing a horse; and he caused (this) stone

pil lar to be erected. Because the worshipful one was born in the vil lage of

Lumbini has been made free of taxes and recipient of wealth". Dinner.

Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 06: LUMBINI – GORAKHPUR (130 kms / 3 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel, proceed for sightseeing. Lunch.

Puskarni - the sacred pool

South of the Ashokan Pil lar, there is the famous sacred pool - ‘Puskarni’

believed to be the same sacred pool in which Maya Devi took a holy dip just

before giving birth to the Lord and also where infant Buddha was given his

first purification bath. Architecturally the pool has the projecting terraces in

descending order and is reverted with a fine brick masonry.

Sanctum-Sanctorum of the Birthplace

The single most important place of the Lumbini (and to the entire Buddhist world for that matter) is the

stoneslab-located deep in the Sanctum sanctorum.

Revealed after a hard and meticulous excavations under the three layers of ruins over the site of a famous

Maya Devi temple, the stone slab foundation pinpoints the location of the original place-marking the exact

spot of the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Image of Maya Devi

In adition to Ashokan Pil lar, the other Shrine of importance is the bas -

relief image of Maya Devi, Enshrined in a small pagoda -like structure, the

image shows MayaDevi , mother of the Lord. Supporting herself by

holding on with her right hand to a branch of Sal tree, with newly born

infant Buddha standing upright on a lotus pedestal on an oval halo. Two

other celestial figures are depicted in an act of pouring water and lotuses

bestowed from heaven.

Earlier the image was placed in the famous white temple of Maya Devi beside the pil lar-now totally dismantled

to make way for the excavations, which revealed the Sanctum Sanctorum the exact spot where the Lord was

born.

The Buddhist Temple

The monastery-of the Buddhist temple is built inside the surrounding complex of Lumbini in the manner of

modern Buddhist shrines in Nepal. The prayer hall contains a large image of Buddha. medieval style murals

decorate the walls.

Drive down to Gorakhpur.

Gorakhpur - Situated on the basin of rivers Rapti and Rohini the geographical shape of the Gorakhpur City is

of bowl. The west of the city is guarded by cool Rapti river while the east is associated with excel Sal Forest,

giving the divine sense of peace with cool breeze every moment. The south is

showered with the power of excellence, in shape of greenish Ramgarh

Tal and north is the plinth of city's advancement.

Gorakhpur was a part of the famous kingdom of Koshal, one of sixteen

mahajanpadas in 6th Century B.C. The earliest known monarch ruling over this

region with his capital at Ayodhya was IKSVAKU, who founded the solar

dynasty of Kshatriya. It produced a number of i l lustratious kings ti ll the

accession of Ram, who was the greatest ruler of this dynasty. Since then, it remained an integral part of the

erstwhile empires of Maurya, Shunga, Kushana , Gupta and Harsha dynasties. According to tradition, the Tharu

king, Mausen of Madan Singh (900-950 A.D.) ruled over Gorakhpur city and the adjoining area.

Check into hotel. Relax. Dinner. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 07: GORAKHPUR – VARANASI (200 kms / 4 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel, than drive down to Varanasi. Warm welcome in traditional s tyle by our representative and

check into hotel . Lunch.

Varanasi - Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest l iving cities in the world. Varanasi`s

Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the

English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and

sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : "Benaras is older than history, older

than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of

them put together" . According to the ‘Vamana Purana’, the Varuna and

the Assi rivers originated from the body of the primordial Person at the

beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed

to be ‘Varanasi’, the holiest of all pilgrimages. The word ‘Kashi’

originated from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Steeped in tradition and mythological legac y, Kashi is the

‘original ground ‘created by Shiva and Parvati, upon which they stood at the beginning of time. Dinner. Stay

overnight at hotel.

Day 08: VARANASI - KOLKATA

Early morning enjoy a boat ride on the holy river The Ganges followed by the tour of Varanasi. A highlight of

any trip to Varanasi - this incredible scene as multitudes of devotees comes to the river to pay homage to Sun

God.

Come back to hotel take Breakfast at hotel than proceed for full day sightseeing of Varanasi.

The tour of this ancient city includes The Bharat Mata Temple, which has a big

relief map of India in marble, the Benares Hindu University with its art gallery,

and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb built on the side of an ancient

Hindu temple, bathing Ghats, Kashivi shwanath temple & Durgakund, evening

Ganga aarti.

Sarnath – where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in

Bodhgaya, today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the

Buddhist trail. At Sarnath visit Dhamek Stupa – which is now an official symbol of Modern India. Chaukandi

Stupa - this stupa was rebuilt by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Dinner and after that late night you will be

transferred to Railway station to board the trai n Kolkata.

Day 09: DEPARTURE FROM KOLKATA

On arrival at Kolkata Railway station, you will be transferred to Hotel for wash & change than transfer to

Kolkata airport to board the fl ight Directly to Your Country.

Tour Ends

DEPARTURE DATES (Oct 2014 till Mar 2015):- S.

No. Tour Starting date Tour Ends on

1 Sunday, Oct 19, 2014 Sunday, Oct 26, 2014

COACH TOUR PACKAGE COST & HOTEL INFORMATION:-

HOTEL INFORMATION:

City Hotel* Nights

Kolkata Hotel One Lovelock or similar 1 night

Bodhgaya Taj Durbar / Hotel Gautam / R.K.Palace or similar 1 night

Patna Hotel Corporate Inn / Hotel Frontline / Hotel Zambala or similar 1 night

Kushinagar Hotel Pathik Niwas or similar 1 night

Lumbini Buddha Maya Garden or similar 1 night

Gorakhpur Hotel Residency or similar 1 night

Varanasi Hotel Uma Palace/ Sapphire Grand / Park plaza or similar 1 night

* Or similar category hotel

Departure Package Cost - Per Person (in USD)

SINGLE TWIN TRIPLE CWB CNB 2-5 YRS INFANT

Ex - Kolkata

1040 650 520 390 260 130 80

Important Note:

1 USD = INR 60.00

Govt. service tax extra as applicable (Presently @ 3.09% on total billing) Validity: Valid Only On Departure Dates

Prices are subject to change PACKAGE COST INCLUDES

Travelling by seat in coach - A/C 35 seater Luxury coach from Gaya till Varanasi for 07 days (as per itinerary)

Transfers and sightseeing in A/C 35 seater Luxury coach in Kolkata Train fare in 2 A/C from Kolkata to Gaya Railway station Train fare in 2 A/C from Mughal Sarai Jn to Kolkata (overnight)

Accommodation for 01 night in Kolkata (as above mentioned hotel or similar) Accommodation for 01 night in Bodhgaya (as above mentioned hotel or similar) Accommodation for 01 night in Patna (as above mentioned hotel or similar) Accommodation for 01 night in Kushinagar (as above mentioned hotel or similar) Accommodation for 01 night in Lumbini (as above mentioned hotel or similar) Accommodation for 01 night in Gorakhpur (as above mentioned hotel or similar) Accommodation for 01 night in Varanasi (as above mentioned hotel or similar) Daily Buffet / fixed menu breakfast at hotel restaurant (8) Daily Lunch at hotel (6) / Packed Lunch (2) Daily Dinner at hotel (8) All sightseeing at all the destination by seat in coach Complimentary use of hotel recreational activities (if any, except chargeable) All applicable hotel taxes

COST EXCLUDES

Government service tax @ 3.09% extra on total billing Guide service Airfare (if any) Monument entrance fee extra on direct payment Any services other than mentioned (like elephant ride etc) Meals except where stated, telephone, laundry, gratuities or any personal items Any changes you may choose to make during your holiday Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as

flight delays, or cancellation due to weather or technical problem, accidents, road blockage due to landslides or snowfalls etc will be extra.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Minimum 30 pax is necessary to operate the group. If the total number of passenger will not be booked. Departure may be cancelled and shifted to another date.

Itinerary may be amended according to seat availability at the time of booking **Terms & Conditions apply**

FOR BOOKING & AVAILIBILITY STATUS :

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