On the Foot Steps of Buddha
Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered : Kolkata – Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Vaishali – Patna –Kolkata
Day 01 Abroad – Kolkata : Arrive at Kolkata international airport.On arrival in Kolkata, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel
Overnight at hotel
Day 02 Kolkata - Varanasi : Morning visit Victoria Memorial - sits opposite the Maidan in Central Calcutta. Resembling a cross between the Taj Mahal and St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, it is Calcutta’s most impressive landmark. Shortly after her death, Lord Curzon proposed a memorial be dedicated to Queen Victoria both as a tribute and a triumphant depiction of her reign in India. The monument was called Victoria Memorial Hall. Then visit St. Paul’s Cathedral - One of the most important churches in India, the Cathedral, stands just to the east of the Victoria Memorial. It is notable for its striking murals and frescoes, impressive stained-glass windows, and coloured alter redoes including the great west window by Burne Jones. Also visit the Kali temple - the temple is about 2 kilometers directly south of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Rebuilt in 1809 on the site of a much older temple, it is an important site. Kali is a form of Durga and the image is seen astride a tiger.
Afternoon visit Indian Museum - built in the Italian style of architecture (1875), this is the largest museum in India with one of the finest collections in Asia. There are rare collections of pottery from Mohenjodaro, art from the Gandhara school and coins from the Mughal period. There is a lot to see such as the immense ‘Bharhut Stupa’ depicting the 500 incarnations of Buddha prior to his enlightenment, the two giant pre-historic skeletons and a double coconut tree which blossoms once in a century. There is a special textile gallery and even a partially exposed mummy from Egypt. Then visit Mother Teresa’s home - Sisters of charity. Over 50 years ago since the Bengal famine the redoubtable sister left the comfort and security of her teaching position in Calcutta to tend for the poor, the sick and the dying in the poverty-stricken area of the city. From these very modest beginnings she had through love, work and will-power, created an organization within the glowing confines of her own personality that commands respect everywhere in the world. She received universal recognition for her work and the Nobel Peace prize.
Later in late evening transfer to railway station for train to Varanasi
Leave: Kolkata at 2000 hrs by Howrah Amritsar Mail
Overnight on train
Day 03 Varanasi : Arrive: Varanasi at 0955 hrs
On arrival in Varanasi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel
Morning at leisure
Afternoon visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. (Sarnath museum is closed on Friday).
Overnight at hotel
Day 04 Varanasi – Bodhgaya : Earlymorning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the river Ganges. Stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world famous Benaras Silks.
Rendezvous with a Hindu astrologer, who will explain the influence of astrology on the way of life of a devout and religious Hindu person.
Afternoon drive to Bodhgaya (243 km)
Upon arrival in Bodhgaya – check into the hotel
Overnight at hotel
Day 05 Bodhgaya - Rajgir : Morning visit Bodhgaya -The Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya, under the Bodhi tree, 10 km from Gaya, the ancient Hindu pilgrimage centre. The tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. It is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centre as Buddha was born here. The magnificent Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures and many heritage’s that came to pay their homage here. The temple definitely has architecture of the Gupta period and later ages, inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hieun Tsang visited in the7th century.Afternoon drive to Rajgir (160 km)
Upon arrival in Rajgir – check into the hotel
Overnight at hotel
Day 06 Rajgir – Vaishali - Patna : Morning visit Rajgir, known earlier as 'Rajagriha' or Girivaraja, nestles in the rocky hills that witnessed the teachings of both Buddha and Mahavira. It lies 15 km south of Nalanda, and was the ancient capital of the Magadha kings. The Buddha frequented Rajagriha, seeking the solitude and tranquillity of the Jivkamaravana monastery, preaching and meditating at the Griddhakuta hill (Hill of vultures). It was at this hill, that he converted one of his celebrated followers, the Mauryan king Bimbisara, to Buddhism. After the Buddha reached 'parinirvana', his followers held the first Buddhist council at the Saptaparni cave. It was here, that His teachings were penned down for the very first time. An important pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Jains, Rajgir is also known as Panchpahari with shrines on five hills. Today, Rajgir is a picturesque and serene place, visited by pilgrims from all over the globe. It has also gained recognition as a health resort, thanks to the famous hot springs. There after visit Hot Spring, King Bumbisara Jail and the Cave.
Afternoon drive to Patna (120 km), en route visit Vaishali
Vaishali is very special to a Buddhist. Buddha delivered his last sermon here and announced his impending ‘ nirvana’. Some of the great incidents in his life also occurred here, like the courtesan Amrapali giving him a mango orchard and becoming a Buddhist nun. The Buddha is supposed to have visited Vaishali three times. Centuries later Fa-Hien and Hiuen Tsang followed the footsteps of the great Buddha.
Vaishali the capital of ancient Lichhavis is supposed to be the first republic of the world, having an elected body of representatives and an efficient administration as early as 6th century BC. Vaishali is also the birthplace of Lord Mahavira and is sacred to the Jains.
Places to be visited are Abhishek Pushkarni, Ashok Pillar, Lotus tank, Chaumukhi Mahadeo, Vaishali museum.
Upon arrival in Patna – check into the hotel
Overnight at hotel
Day 07 Patna – Kolkata : Full Day at leisure
Late afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Kolkata
Leave: Patna at 1740 hrs by S2 115
Arrive: Kolkata at 1835 hrs
On arrival in Kolkata, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 08 Kolkata – Chennai : Morning at leisureRoom is booked till 1200 hrs
Depart Kolkata
