Day 01: Arrive Delhi

On arrival you will be received by our representative and transferred to hotel where we will be holding the rooms on ready occupancy basis. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi

Breakfast at hotel, drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk Bazar, Khari Baoli spice market Visit Jama Masjid (Mosque). Shah Jahan (King of the World) founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city.

Raj Gath: The memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. Qutab Minar:The building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture.

Himayun’s Tomb:Build by wife of Humayun, the second mughal king. It is an early example of Mughal architecture.

India Gate: The 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War; Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Laxmi Narayan Temple: Garishly colored modern temple is erected by the industrialist Birla. This temple is dedicated to Laxmi - the goddess of wealth and Narayan - Lord Vishnu, husband of Laxmi.

Lotus Temple: In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionising the concept of worship. [Temple is closed on Monday's]. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur (265kms/ 5hrs approx)

Morning commence drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in into hotel. Evening free time to enjoy the city atmosphere which by many means is fabulous. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04:Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel, visit Amber Fort and enjoy Elephant Ride (upto the hills). Raja Man Singh the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army constructed the fortress palace in the end of 16th century. Amber is superb example of Rajput architecture, situated on a hilltop, overlooking a lake. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery. The fort borders the Maota Lake. Amber was originally built by the Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as `Gatta Rani' or `Queen of the Pass'. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar’s army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers, in 1592. The initial structure of the fort was entirely completed by his descendant; Jai Singh I. Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II.Afternoon city tour of Jaipur, the origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - Beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens. Main tourist attractions of Jaipur are City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armory and the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Maharaja Jai Singh was a great astronomer of his time. He built here extraordinary (and very accurate) stargazing Observatory here named as “Jantar Mantar”. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur - Agra (235kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Agra, enroute visit to Fatehpur Sikri:built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other places.Salim Chishti Dargah; built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water.Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. Salim Chishti (1478-1572) was one of the famous Sufi saints of the Chishti Order in India. Salim Chishti was the descendant of the famous Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti whose tomb is in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Continue drive to Agra, on arrival check in at hotel. Evening free to scroll the market. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Agra – Delhi (204kms/ 4hrs approx) – Varanasi

Breakfast at hotel, visit Taj Mahal – One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best. (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday)

Agra Fort - build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan.

Afternoon drive to Delhi direct transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

On arrival, transfer to hotel. Evening Ghats’s & temples visit, attend Holy Ganga Aarti; Every evening, a magical aarti is performed at Dasashwamedh Ghat. Halt your boat right at the steps for the best view. The presiding priests stand on a wooden chauki in the water. To the chant of Sanskrit mantras, and the clash of cymbals and drums, the river is worshipped with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and vermilion. First the blazing camphor lamp and then the many- flamed aarti lamps are raised high and then arched back to the water, the dark river reflecting the golden flames as Ganga accepts the worship.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07: Varanasi

Breakfast at hotel, excursion to Sarnath:one of the three holiest sites for Buddhists. This is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in 528 BC. There are many temples here, representing the many cultures where Buddhism is the dominant religious philosophy. You'll find the Tibetans, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Burmese and the Thai have set up centres of learning, monasteries and temples. The Ashokan Pillar here used to be crowned by a capital that had four lions with their backs to each other looking out in the four cardinal directions the capital, now a national emblem for the Indian Union, is in the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath. The Ashokan Pillar, constructed by the legendary King Ashoka (3rd century BC), still stands. There are many stupas here, as is a bodhi tree that is a sapling from the bodhi tree in Sri Lanka. The Bodhi tree is the peepul tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. A cutting from the original was planted in Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka), and the bodhi in Sarnath has been grown from a sapling from that. Afternoon city tour, visit World famous Benaras Hindu University: founded by Pandit Madan Malviya at the turn of the century, also has a new Vishwanath temple. The temple, built by the Birlas, a rich industrialist family, is meant for a caste-less, egalitarian society

Tulsi Manas Temple:Its white marble walls have the verses of Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas inscribed on them and Bharat Mata Temple: a modern shrine, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It has a huge relief map of the Indian sub-continent showing all its rivers, mountains and pilgrimages.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (245kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, full day excursion to Nalanda: A hot seat of knowledge and learning, Nalanda boast of a rich culture and tradition that has gained accolades world wide. Established in the 5th century, the ancient University of Nalanda flourished under the patronage of the various rulers. This tiny village was the favourite place of Lord Buddha and Mahavira who had lived here for several years. There is a fabulous legend behind the name Nalanda, which narrates how this village got its name. It goes like this that the place where the monastery was going to be constructed was the abode of a serpent and while digging the foundation the serpent got injured. The clairvoyants of that time observed that the monastery that would have been constructed in that place would be renowned for a long. Later this Monastery turned to be a great institution of knowledge, whose unparallel credentials gave it a unique seat in the entire history of the nation. A place that carries the rich history, tradition and culture of a great nation Nalanda proffers some unique experience to the visitors. A visit to this tiny hamlet is just like going back to the ancient times. While roaming through the ramparts of stupas, monasteries and viharas one would feel they are walking through the doorsteps of various centuries. It is a must visit place for those who are proud of being a part of such a great culture and interested in knowing the colourful incidents of the past. Rajgir, visit Vishwa Shanti Stupa: The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is on a 400 m high hill and is built in marble. The four shining statues of Buddha are on the four sides of the stupa. Venu Vana Monastery: King Bimbisar built Venu Vana Monastery as residential quarters for Lord Buddha. It was the very first present to Lord Buddha by the king. Griddhakoota Hill: At Griddhakoota Hill, Lord Buddha set in a motion his second wheel of law or Dharma Pravartan Chakra. Continuously for three months, he gave religious sermons to his followers even during the rainy season. The Buddha Sangha of Japan has constructed a massive modern stupa, the Shanti Stupa or the Peace Pagoda at the top of the hill to commemorate the event. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Bodhgaya Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgiri – Bodhgaya (90kms one ways)

Breakfast at hotel, full day excursion to Nalanda: A hot seat of knowledge and learning, Nalanda boast of a rich culture and tradition that has gained accolades world wide. Established in the 5th century, the ancient University of Nalanda flourished under the patronage of the various rulers. This tiny village was the favourite place of Lord Buddha and Mahavira who had lived here for several years. There is a fabulous legend behind the name Nalanda, which narrates how this village got its name. It goes like this that the place where the monastery was going to be constructed was the abode of a serpent and while digging the foundation the serpent got injured. The clairvoyants of that time observed that the monastery that would have been constructed in that place would be renowned for a long. Later this Monastery turned to be a great institution of knowledge, whose unparallel credentials gave it a unique seat in the entire history of the nation. A place that carries the rich history, tradition and culture of a great nation Nalanda proffers some unique experience to the visitors. A visit to this tiny hamlet is just like going back to the ancient times. While roaming through the ramparts of stupas, monasteries and viharas one would feel they are walking through the doorsteps of various centuries. It is a must visit place for those who are proud of being a part of such a great culture and interested in knowing the colourful incidents of the past.

Rajgir, visit Vishwa Shanti Stupa: The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is on a 400 m high hill and is built in marble. The four shining statues of Buddha are on the four sides of the stupa. Venu Vana Monastery: King Bimbisar built Venu Vana Monastery as residential quarters for Lord Buddha. It was the very first present to Lord Buddha by the king.

Griddhakoota Hill: At Griddhakoota Hill, Lord Buddha set in a motion his second wheel of law or Dharma Pravartan Chakra. Continuously for three months, he gave religious sermons to his followers even during the rainy season. The Buddha Sangha of Japan has constructed a massive modern stupa, the Shanti Stupa or the Peace Pagoda at the top of the hill to commemorate the event. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 : Bodhgaya - Vaishali- Kushinagar (362kms/ 7-8hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel proceed to Kushinagar enroute visit 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, Emperor Ashoka erected a huge pillar to commemorate the spot of the last sermon. Continue drive to 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 !". A temple dedicated to the event - the Mahaparinirvana temple today stands amidst a serene 'sal' grove ... as if still reminiscing the great demise. Arrive Kushinagar check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Kushinagar- Lumbini (160kms/ 3hrs approx)

Morning visit Mahanirvana Temple, the modern Japan-Srilanka Buddhist center & monasteries , then proceed to Lumbini. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Lumbini- Kapilvastu- Sravasti- Balrampur (210kms/ 4hrs approx)

Morning visit to Ashoka’s pillar (249 BC) rediscovered in 1890’s inside thick sal forest, a temple of Mayadevi, the ruins of an old monastery and some new stupas, then in the afternoon proceed to Balrampur enroute visiting Sravasti where you will see the extensive ruins of this ancient city & Jetavana Monastery. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Balrampur- Lucknow (200kms/ 4hrs approx)

Morning city tour. Later continue drive to Lucknow. On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 14: Lucknow

Morning city tour covering Imambada, Rumi Darwaza . P.M. Transfer to Airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Departure Delhi

Departure transfer to International Airport to take flight back home.