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Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour

Sri Lanka – This extraordinary island set in the Indian Ocean, off the south-eastern tip of India, has thousands of years of diverse culture. Still a predominantly Buddhist country, it also has strong Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities as well. Incredibly fertile and a great producer of exotic fruits and it was for centuries the spice producer of the world famous sand incredibly picturesque hill country. With a strong cultural past that now offers over 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Sri Lanka was once one of the richest countries in Asia. In recent times it has not developed at the dramatic pace of its neighbours’ in the region adding to its charm and character. The relative lack of development and gentle island pace make Sri Lanka the perfect destination for those looking for a varied and stimulating holiday. From beautiful beaches, unbelievable flora and fauna (much endemic), amazing architecture as well as a vast amount of historical & religious sites, white water rafting, cycling and many other adventures for the more active and finally the friendliest of people who carry infectious smiles with them every day!

Visit, feel and discover. Feel the vivacity of this island nation, bask in this emerald isle’s intoxicating beauty and enjoy an extraordinary travel experience. Explore Sri Lanka’s golden beaches, the glorious history, the rich wilderness and the bustling cosmopolitans and be amazed!

5N/6D Ramayana Tour of Sri Lanka

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 – Airport – CHillaw –Negombo

(DRIVING TIME FOR return journey APPROXIMATELY 03 hours AND 15 MINUTES)

Upon arrival, you will be introduced to your chauffeur guide and begin your journey to uncover the wonders of this island.

Proceed to Chillaw.

En route visit Punchi Katharagama Temple in Madampe

This neat and colorful new Replica of Kataragama temple in Madampe was dedicated to Lord Murugan in January 2012. The huge temple, situated 10 kms south of Chilaw was donated by a local businessman and land owner who is involved in the production and delivery of Today.

Visit Munneshwaram Temple in Chillaw

The Munneswaram Kovil close to Chilaw is one of the 5 major Shiva temples of Sri Lanka and Rameswaram islands. They are called Ishvarams. According to a Tamil legend, the temple is situated at a place where King Rama prayed to Shiva after committing the worst crime according to Hindu Dharma, namely Brahmahasti, the killing of a priest, because Ravana who had to be killed by Rama in order to liberate Sita, was of Brahmin caste. Rama stopped the Vimana vehicle at Munneswaram because of his feeling that the Doshana sin was not following him at this place. So he ascended from the vimana and prayed to God Shiva asking for a remedy. Shiva advised Rama to install four lingams at Manavari, Trinco, Mannar and Rameswaram for this purpose.

Visit Manawari Temple

Manavari, about 6 kms north of Chilaw, is the first place where Lord Rama installed a Lingam, as a remedy to Lord Shiva after committing Brahmincide by killing the King Ravana who was a Brahmin. This Shiva Lingam in Manavari is called Ramalingam because it was made by Lord Rama. There are only two Lingams in the world named after Lord Rama, the other is in Rameswaram in India.

Check-in to Hotel and Freshen up

Overnight stay at Hotel in Negombo

Day 02 – Negombo – Nuwara eliya

(Driving TIME APPROXIMATELY 05 Hours and 55 MINUTES)

After Breakfast checkout from Hotel and Leave for Nuwara Eliya

En route Visit Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple in Ramboda

The Sri Lankan branch of the Chinmaya mission, committed to promoting the Ramayana philosophy as well as Ramayana Trail pilgrimages, has built a temple with Hanuman as a presiding deity in Ramboda at the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya mainroad. There is a new five meters tall granite statue of Rama’s devote supporter. Hanuman is believed to have started his search for Sita in the Baroda hills. Hanuman traditionally was not as popular among Sri Lankan Tamil devotees as he indeed is in India, because he devastated parts of the island with his burning tail. But in recent times Hindu missionaries and local Tamil spiritual leaders began building shrines for worshiping Hanuman in Sri Lanka, too. The Tamil word for Ramboda, Rampadai, means “Rama’s force”, this is why Ramboda is believed to be the area where Rama collected his troops.

Arrive in Nuwara Eliya

Check-in to Hotel and Freshen up

Visit Seeta Amman temple and Ashoka Watika in late afternoon

The Sita Amman Temple, located halfway between the highland village Sita Eliya and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, has become the most venerated of all Ramayana Trail sites in Sri Lanka, because it is believed to be the place where Sita lived most of the time of her captivity on the island of Lanka. After she refused to stay in Ravana’s magnificent palace she was transferred to Ashok Vatika or Ashokavanam where she lived under Ashoka trees.

It was here that Ravana’s wife Mandodari visited her and that Hanuman met her for the first time, identifying himself with the finger ring of Rama. Sita is said to have bathed in the nearby stream. There are remarkable holes in the rocks at the river bank believed to be footprints of Lord Hamunan

Return to Hotel

Evening at leisure

Overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 03 – Nuwara eliya – Hakgala – Nuwara eliya

(Driving time for return journey APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES)

After Breakfast proceed to Hakgala

Visit Hakgala Botanical garden in the evening

Hakgala rock surmounts the Hakgala Botanical gardens, only a few kilometres away from Ashok Vatika. It is sometimes said that Hakgala rock is one of the pieces of the Himalayas that fell down when Hanuman carried Mount Dronagiri to Lanka. But usually the Ramayana Trail identifies only 5 other places as originating from these events. Rumassala near Galle, Dolukanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala near Habarana, Thalladi on Mannar, and Kachchativu island.

En route Visit gayatri Pitam in Nuwara Eliya

Gayathri Pitam, also spelled Gayaththri Peedam, inside Nuwara Eliya town is the first and most important temple built for Gayathri Amman in Sri Lanka, Gayatri being an aspect of Saraswati and the Universal Mother. It was founded by the Gayathri Siddhar Swami Murusegu. The Shiva Lingam for this Tamil temple was brought from the Holy River Narmada. Gayathri Pitam is said to be the place from where King Ravana’s son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and worship and in turn was granted super natural powers by the mighty god

Return back to Hotel

Evening at Leisure

Overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 04 – NUWARa ELIYA – Ella – Nuwara Wliya

(DRIVING TIME FOR RETURN JOURNEY APPROXIMATELY 02 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES)

After Breakfast checkout from Hotel and Leave for Ella

Enroute Visit Diwurumpola

Divurumpola is said to be the location where Sita underwent the famous fire ordeal Agni Pariksha, in order to prove her chastity. From the flames arose the fire god Agni who was invoked by Sita. He lifted her from the flames unharmed and presented her to Lord Rama who explained this test was only necessary to prove the truth of her purity and innocence to everybody. Divurumpola is said to have been the location of this episode, because the Sinhalese name means a ‘marketplace of oath’. Today the temple is respected as a suitable place for oaths that can be helpful in settling disputes between parties.

Visit Ravana Caves and Ravan Falls in Ella

The Ravana Ella Falls and the Rawana Ella Cave are located close to the Wellawaya mainroad in the famous valley called Ella gap, only about 6 kms away from the town of Ella well known for its splendid views to the Ella gap. The cascading waterfall measures about 25 metres. It is believed that Sita bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall. The nearby Rawana Ella cave is quite small, only 50 metres long. As in the case of Ishthripura Cave in Welimada, legend has it that it was used by King Rawana to hide princess Sita. It is believed to belong to a network of tunnels also connecting it to the Dova temple and to all the palaces and airports and dairy farms of King Ravana. Archaeological findings in the Rawana Cave include a human skull dating back to 20,000 BC.

These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. These tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret passage. These tunnels networked all the important cities, airport and dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are where a palace and a tunnel existed. Existing tunnels mouths are situated in Ishtripura at Welimada, Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, Labookellie, Wariyapola, Matale and Sitakotuwa Hasalaka. In addition there are many more tunnels.

Return back to Nuwara Eliya

Overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 05 – Nuwara Eliya -Colombo

(DRIVING TIME FOR RETURN JOURNEY APPROXIMATELY 05 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES)

After Breakfast checkout from Hotel and Leve for Colombo

En route visit Mani Katthuter, Labookellie

Mani Kattuther is a small and flat rock boulder within the tea plantations of Labookellie estate. It is believed that Lord Hanuman, after meeting Sitadevi, rested on this hill top on his way back to Lord Rama with the happy news of finding his missed consort. Nowadays an open temple with statues of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman stands on top of it. Locals visit the holy place frequently.

Arrive In Colombo

Colombo, is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and major port. A fine amalgamation of all the hues and cultures within this paradise isle. This chic metropolitan brings together the many facets of this island nation.

En route do a city tour in Colombo

Visit Hanuman Temple in Wellawatta

Check-in to Hotel and Freshen up

Overnight stay at Hotel in Colombo

Day 06 – Colombo – Airport

(DRIVING time APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES)

After Breakfast checkout from Hotel and leave for Airport

End of Tour

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Meditation Retreat India – Kunkhet Valley Resort in Corbett

Kunkhet Valley Resort surrounds Corbett Cricket Ground. Situated on the banks of Kosi River and Sita bani with jungle at the back, Kunkhet is a small village only 7 km away from famous Dhangahri gate of Dhikala Range. Ramnagar-Ranikhet Highway this place is away from city and deep in the Jungle and very famous for birds and wide variety of wild animals that roam freely in the area. One of its kind Kunkhet valley resort is pure vegetarian resort in the Corbett.

As a philosophy and our love towards jungle and its inhabitants we at Kunkhet Valley Resort do not serve or allow any Non-Vegetarian food.

Our rooms are in different categories namely: Club Houses, Luxury Tents, Duplex and Cottages. All rooms are designed keeping in mind the ultimate comfort for the guests.

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Spiritual Retreat India – Palpung Sherabling Monastery Dharamshala

Hay House Publishers India is delighted to announce its 6th ‘Retreat in a Monastery’ at the breathtaking Palpung Sherabling Monastery in the Western Himalayas near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh – the seat of one of the most celebrated spiritual leaders of our time, His Holiness the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa.

Dates: Please Contact Us

This exclusive Retreat offers you a unique opportunity to shift to a more spiritual way of being through Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness will personally conduct all teaching sessions. The subject of this year’s retreat is: Buddhism for Busy People.

Schedule for the retreat

Use your time at Palpung Sherabling to rejuvenate your senses and refresh your mind and body far away from the hectic pace of city life. Indulge in an enriching experience with Hay House Publishers India throughout this very special Retreat.

Day 1
Arrival at the Monastery
Introduction to the Retreat
Special Film Screening

Day 2
Early Morning: Guided yoga/Nature walk, Tara Prayers
Morning & Afternoon: Teachings by His Holiness the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa

Evening: Guided Meditation, Mahakala and Kali Prayers
Late Evening: Film Screening

Day 3
Departure from the Monastery

Your day at Palpung Sherabling

We want you to savour every moment of your Retreat. The programme has been especially designed so that you can absorb and reflect on the day and what you’ve learnt from it. Teachings and question & answer sessions with His Holiness the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa will be held every morning and evening, followed by meditation. Sit back, unwind, and enjoy the rich energy-filled ambience around you.

7:00 – 8:00 am: Guided Yoga/Nature Walk
8:30 – 9:30 am: Breakfast
10:30 am onwards: Teaching Session 1
12:30 – 1:30 pm: Lunch
2:30 pm onwards: Teaching Session 2
4:30 – 5:00 pm: Tea
5:30 – 7:00 pm: Meditation
7:00 – 8:00 pm: Dinner
8:15 pm: Film Screening

His Holiness, on request, will meet in private any delegate for a one-to-one session to answer any personal queries.

About the Palpung Sherabling Monastery

The Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat is situated high up in the mighty Dhauladhar mountains amid lush pine and oak forests, and is spread over an area of thirty acres. Established in 1975 and built in the traditional Tibetan architectural style, it is the seat of His Holiness the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa in India and is considered one of the major learning and practice centres of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It has helped to preserve the art, science and cultural tradition of Tibetan Buddhism over centuries. The Tibetan grand masters and monks of today as well as of the future are all groomed and taught at Palpung. Each year, hundreds of scholars and students of Tibetan Buddhism from all across the world visit the Monastery for learning and personal growth.

His Holiness the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa

His Holiness the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa, Pema Donyo Nyingche, is a renowned Buddhist master and the main holder of the mahamudra lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Mahamudra is a body of teaching that represents the culmination and fulfilment of all the practices of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and is believed by them to be the quintessential message of all their sacred texts. His Holiness the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa is a scholar, poet, calligrapher, artist, author, architect and a geomancer. The main guru of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinlay Dorje, the Tai Situpa is also responsible for teaching future generations of Buddhist monks and masters.

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Spiritual Odyssey

Religion has always been a backbone of Indian culture. How can you escape Religion while exploring Indian culture? We bring together some of the holiest places for Indians “ the shimmering Golden Temple, the holy monks at Dharamasala the abode of Dalai Lama, the Christ Church in Shimla, the holy Ganges in Haridwar, the biggest mosque in India. This spiritual journey represents the very essence of India. The tour begins at Amritsar and moves to scenic Dhauladhar ranges of Dharamsala, continuing on to Shimla “ the queen of hill station. Then you arrive at The Holy Ganges before returning to Delhi. The accommodation is an exciting mix of home-stays, deluxe hotels and heritage mansions.

Spiritual Odyssey Tour : 14N/15D

Tour Plan: Delhi – Amritsar – Dharamshala (McLeodgunj) – Paragpur –Chandigarh – Nalagarh – Toy Train to Shimla –Rishikesh – Haridwar – Delhi

Detailed Plan

Day 1: Arrival Delhi: Upon arrival at New Delhi International airport meet & greet by out representative and transfer to your pre-booked hotel. Hotel for rest of the night.

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing: After getting a leisure breakfast commence half day Old Delhi sightseeing visit Jama Masjid, Rickshaw Ride through the narrow street of Chadini Chowk, Kinari Bazaar, get down in front of Red Fort, visit Red Fort, Rajghat (Mahatam Gandhi Cremation Site) and Government Buildings (India Gate, Rajpath, Indian Parliament and North & Sought Block). Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Delhi – Train to Amritsar (ETD 05:55 H): Very early in the morning board train to Amritsar, ETA 13:00 H. upon arrival meet to our representative and transfer to hotel. Late afternoon drive to Atari (Wagah) Boarder, to witness the Flag Retreat ceremony. Drive back to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4: Amritsar: Amritsar founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Ram Das, Amritsar was built on a site donated by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and is today the spiritual center for Sikhs. Located in the heart of the city is the Golden Temple. The city is known for its rich cuisine and culture, and for the tragic incident of Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 under British Rule. Rest of the time visit Durgiana Temple & Katra cloths market. Drive back to hotel, res t of the time free. Evening visit again Golden Temple see the Holy Book Ceremony, and see the Golden temple in the light. Overnight at hotel.

Golden Temple

Day 5: Amritsar – Mc Leodgunj (Dharamsala) 207 Km: Morning drive to McLeodgunj (Dharamsala). Afternoon at leisure. Dharamsala is often called ‘Little Lhasa’, as it’s the Headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile. You will be 2 night at McLeodgunj.

McLeodgunj

Day 6: McLeodgunj (Dharamsala): Early morning walk to the town of McLeodganj to see the devotees engrossed in their morning prayer. After breakfast visit the Buddhist sites including the Namgyal Monastery, where the Dalai Lama has his residence and administrative offices. Bhagsu Nag Hindu Temples, Church, Dal Lake and Afternoon the Norbulinka Tibetology (Institute). Rest of the day at leisure.

Namgyal Monastery

Day 7: McLeodgunj – Kangra Fort – Jwala Ji & Brajeswari Temple – Paragpur (90 Km): Morning drive to Pragpur en route visit Jwala Ji Temple, Kangra Fort (Naggar) and Bajreshwari Temple. Afternoon at leisure to walk in the Pargpur Heritage Village and explore the hotel.

Kangra Fort

bajreshwari temple kangra

Day 8: Paragpur: Day to explore the delightful Heritage Village of Pragpur where time has stood still. There are many beautiful houses, some over 300 years old, accessible through narrow cobbled streets. Local silversmiths sell charming handcrafted trinkets.

Heritage Village of Pragpur

Day 9: Paragpur – Chandigarh (145 Km): After breakfast proceed to Chandigarh, the first planed city of India. On arrival check in hotel, later visit Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Sukna Lake and Museum. Rest of the time visit Chandigarh Hub “Sector 17” local market. Overnight at hotel.

rock garden chandigarh

Day 10: Chandigarh – Kalka & Toy Train to Shimla (30 km Drive + 90 Km Train): Breakfast at hotel, later transfer to Kalka Railway station board the Toy Train to Shimla, that was built by the British Govt. when our country reign by British, the is the heritage site through the 108 gunnels and 60 bridges. On arrival at Shimla “the Summer Capital of British Government” check in hotel. Rest of the time free for individual activities.

Toy Train to Shimla

Day 11: Shimla: After a breakfast commence full day Shimla sightseeing. Shimla around 2,100 metres above sea level, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh was once the cool summer retreat for the British colonial government escaping from the heat of the plains. Today, crumbling remnants of the Raj such as the Vice Regale Lodge, Jakhu Temple, Church, Library, Fagu and The Mall Road Shimla. Overnight at hotel.

Christ Church in Shimla

Day 12: Shimla – Haridwar (285 Km/ 8 H): After an early breakfast drive to Haridwar via Yamuna Bridge and Paonta Saheb. Yamuna Bridge is the frontier of Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal (Uttarakhand). On arrival at Haridwar check in hotel, rest of the time witness the Gangna Ceremony at Har ki Pauri Ghat. Overnight at hotel.

har-ki-pauri-haridwar-aarti

Day 13: Haridwar – Rishikesh – Haridwar: After breakfast full day excursion of Rishikesh or you have an option of Rafting trip from Shivpuri to Rishikesh. Evening visit Parmarth Niketan to share the Ganga Aarti. Drive to Haridwar for overnight stay.

river rafting rishikesh

Day 14: Haridwar – Delhi (Train): Morning board train to Delhi ETD 06:00 H. On arrival at New Delhi railway station meet to our representative and transfer to hotel. Time leisure for individual activities. Overnight at hotel.

Humayun-tomb-delhi-

Day 15: Delhi: After breakfast full day New Delhi sightseeing, explore as Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb, Lotus Temple and Connaught Place. Check out time is 12:00 H. After farewell dinner transfer to international airport board flight to your next destination or home back.

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Journey to Tawang

Arunachal is, literally, the land of the rising sun, where dawn first greets the easternmost state of India. Tawang is the crowning glory of this land. It is one of the largest and most important Buddhist centres in the world; the monastery, half a millennium old, pulsing with spiritual life, holds a significant collection of scriptures, images and thangkas.

Tribal groups of Burmese and Tibetan descent, proud of their unique identities, live harmoniously in timeless settlements between the mighty Brahmaputra and the Eastern Himalaya. Even our journey is sublime, taking you from tropical forests through tribal towns into the mountain roads and over the amazing Sela Pass at 14,000 feet above sea level. We have time in Tawang to immerse ourselves in this place of prayer and meditation. We also visit tribal villages and stay in Nameri National Park, home to rhino, tiger and numerous bird species. Invigorated and refreshed, our return journey takes us back through Assam and, by way of complete contrast, a couple of nights in the archetypal city of India that is Kolkata.

Tour Program

Day 01: Kolkata

You will arrive Kolkata airport and will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. The famous new market of Kolkata is a short walk away from your hotel.

Day 02: Kolkata – Tezpur

In the morning fly to Guwahati, the capital of Assam. Here you’ll be met and driven on to Tezpur for a night at hotel.

Day 03: Tezpur – Bomdila

Start your ascent into the densely forested high Eastern Himalaya today with a drive to Bomdila. Visit the Tipi Orchid centre en route. The night is spent at the simple hotel. Visit the local monastery and tribal villages this afternoon.

Day 04: Bomdila – Tawang

A long but spectacular drive takes you over the high Sela Pass (4,180 metres) and into the almost mythical valley of Tawang. Stay at the hotel for three nights.

Days 05 and 06: Tawang

The next two days are free to explore the valley with your guide and driver. This will include visits to the Tawang Monastery which houses a collection of priceless artifacts dating back hundreds of years. There are also many smaller nunneries in the area and the colourful ‘Monpa’ people with their distinctive head dress.

Day 07: Tawang – Dirang

Leaving Tawang with fond memories you’ll retrace the route back across the Sela Pass, this time stopping at the settlement of Dirang. The village still has much of its medieval architecture intact.

Day 08: Dirang

Dirang is a charming village to relax and spend time visiting the nearby tribal villages and the Shangtey Valley.

Day 09: Dirang – Nameri

You will descend down from the forested hills onto the steamy plains and the rich ecosystem of Nameri National Park. You will stay for next two nights at the Jungle Camp.

Day 10: Nameri

There are options for nature walks, angling and day hikes. For the more adventurous a rafting trip can be arranged.

Day 11: Nameri – Guwahati

Drive back to Guwahai for an overnight stay. Take a sightseeing tour of the city including the famous Kamakhya Temple.

Day 12: Guwahati – Kolkata

Fly to Kolkata, known in India as the ‘city of Joy’; stay in hotel for 2 nights.

Day 13: Kolkata

Visit the sights this morning including the imposing Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum. The afternoon is free at your own leisure.

Day 14: Depart Kolkata

You will be transferred to the airport to board your flight back home.

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In the footsteps of Buddha

There are four places, the sight of which will arouse strong emotions in those with faith. Here the Tathagat was born. Here the Tathagat attained enlightenment. Here the Tathagat set in motion the Wheel of Dharma. Here the Tathagat attained final Nirvana. And The Monk, the Nun, the layman or Lay women who has faith should visit these placesâ€. The Buddha

In his very first sermon Lord Buddha put forth the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path the message spread rapidly, penetrating caste and class barriers; today Buddhism is a way of life in large parts of the world, its message of peace and tolerance speaks to us all.

Buddha preached that the way to salvation is not dependent on God but on understanding the way things really are for all living beings subject to desire. We take you on a journey to places associated with important events in Buddha’s life.

Prince Siddhartha was born at Lumbini, became Buddha, the Enlightened One, at Bodhgaya, gave his first sermon at Sarnath, lived the greater part of his monastic life in Sravasti, and attained Nirvana at Kushinagar. We also take in Lucknow, a City of Nawab’s known for its gracious living, and the fabled Taj Mahal in Agra.

Tour Program

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

You will be met on arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the bustling sights of Old Delhi including the largest mosque in India known as the Jama Masjid and Rajghat, the resting place (Samadhi) of India’s favourite son, Mahatma Gandhi. The day’s sightseeing ends with a rickshaw ride through the convergent bazaars of Chandni Chowk, the main trading centre of Old Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi – Lucknow

Early morning transfer to railway station to take an exciting day train to the city of Lucknow – the capital of Uttar Pradesh, where you spend two nights in a hotel. Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 03: Lucknow

In the morning visit the Residency Complex, site of the infamous siege of 1857 which was one of the first revolts against the British authorities. Continue your sightseeing tour of the city with visits to the Islamic Imambara shrine and Romi Darwaja city gate. Round off the day exploring Lucknow’s colourful bazaars.

Day 04: Lucknow – Sravasti

Today provides your first real taste of the ‘Buddhist landscape’ as we approach the site of Sravasti. It is here that the historical Buddha spent much of his life teaching the path to enlightenment to those men and women ‘ready’ to listen. Stay in a hotels for the night. In the afternoon visit the local sites of significance including Ananthapindika’s Stupa, Anandabodhi tree and Gandhakuti or Buddha’s hut.

Day 05: Sravasti – Lumbini

Heading further east with your private car and driver you’ll cross Nepal’s southern border and come to the birth place of Buddha at Lumbini. Stay in a hotels for the night. In the afternoon visit the Lumbini gardens and the Maya Devi Temple which is dedicated to Buddha’s mother. There are various modern monasteries that are also worth a quick visit.

Day 06: Lumbini – Kushinagar

Moving on to Kushinagar, you will visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple which is where Buddha is said to have attained Parinirvana. His final words to those congregated at the site are thought to have been, ‘All composite things pass away. Strive for your own liberation with diligence.’

Day 07: Kushinagar – Patna

Leaving Kushinagar you will drive to the city of Patna, stopping en route at Vaishali. It is an auspicious site for devotees of both the Jain and Buddhist faiths respectively. The Buddha is said to have given his final public discourse here and the site was later the birth place of the great Jain saint Bhagwan Mahavira.

Day 08: Patna – Bodhgaya

Drive on to Bodhgaya with a stop at the historic site of Rajgir. Bodhgaya is the site where the young, Siddhartha Gautama, attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree and became the awakened one or Buddha.

Day 09: Bodhgaya

Spend the day calmly exploring the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and other sights associated with the life of Buddha.

Day 10: Bodhgaya – Varanasi

This morning drive to Nalanda. The archeological was once the largest university in existence and students were dedicated to the study of the ‘Buddha Dharma’. Continuing on to Varanasi you’ll stay two nights in a hotel. This evening witness a ceremonial worship or “aarti” on the banks of the Ganges River.

Day 11: Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world today and a highlight for the culturally minded traveller. An early morning boat ride is arranged on the Ganges to see devotees at prayer along the “ghats”. In the afternoon visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first public discourse and a peaceful space to spend a few hours.

Day 12: Varanasi – Agra

Take an exciting day train to Agra and watch the Indian countryside slower pass by. You will stay overnight at Agra hotel.

Day 13: Agra – Delhi

Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur-Sikri today, before returning to Delhi on the Shatabdi Express train.

Day 14: Depart Delhi

Transfer to international airport in time to board flight to onward destination.

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