Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi international airport by flight. Meet & greet with our office representative, assistance and transfer to hotel. Afternoon half day city tour of Delhi, drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk. 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. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi – Bodhgaya

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight AI431, 1405/ 1615hrs for Gaya. On arrival transfer to hotel in Bodhgaya, check in. Evening free to visit the temple, relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Bodhgaya

Breakfast at hotel, visit Mahabodhi Temple: standing tall at 54 mts. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple has been renovated over the years. It enshrines a large golden Buddha, and is encompassed by an ancient railing, dating back to 100 BC.

Bodhi Tree: where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, and the Vajrasana or throne, where Buddha sat. The tree, acts as a shade to seven holy shrines situated here, said to be the places where Buddha spent a week each meditating, after his enlightenment.

Animesh Lochana Chaitya Temple: is where Buddha, in his second week, sat looking at the Bodhi tree, without batting an eyelid. Ratnachankrama is where Buddha spent his third week walking between the Bodhi tree and Animesh Lochana Chaitya, and is also referred to as the Jewel Walk. Ratanaghara Chaitya marks the fourth week of meditation and the Muchhalinda Pond, his sixth week of meditation.

Tibetan Monastery, housing the Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha). Also see the Burmese Temple, Chinese Temple and Monastery, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, Thai Temple and Monastery, and many more. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: 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. Evening back to Bodhgaya. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Bodhgaya – Vaishali – Kushinagar (362kms/ 8hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Kushinagar Enroute visit Vaishali.

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. Vaishali was also the center of the 2nd Buddhist Council congregation, held after 100 years of Buddha's Parinirvana to discuss the ten points of Vinaya, the rule of conduct under dispute. At the excavated archaeological site of Raja Vishal Ka Garh is an ancient parliament house, which indicates that this republic flourished in the 6th Century B.C. Vaishali is famous for Amrapali, the beautiful dancer and courtesan of Vaishali, who offered Buddha a mango orchard and impressed by his teachings became a nun (Bhikshu) in turn. The excavations carried out in Vaishali have brought to light Buddha Stupa (4th Century B.C.) and II, built in brick with a casket containing part of the ashes of Buddha. Other sites of historical importance in Vaishali include Chaumukhi Mahadeva, a lingam carved with four faces of Lord Shiva; the Bhawan Pakhar Temple, where a large number of Hindu deities are enshrined at one place and are worshipped together; Coronation Tank where the Lichhavi Kings were anointed before being crowned and; the Vaishali Museum which has a small collection of regional handicrafts. Also worth a visit is Kundupur, 4 kms from here which is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira (6th Century B.C.) who spent 22 years of his initial years here.Continue drive to Kushinagar. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Kushinagar – Varanasi (240kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel city tour of Kushinagar. 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. The huge statue of the Reclining Buddha, excavated in 1876 at the temple, is one of the most momentous of all sights for the devout. It was brought from Mathura by a devout monk, Haribala, during the reign of King Kumara Gupta in the 5th Century A.D. The whole of Kushinagar, since the Mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha, was turned into a memorial site with stupas including the relic stupa-Mukutbandhana and Gupta period Chaitayas and Viharas, built by the devout kings. The Chinese travelers Fa Hien, Hieun Tsang and T. Ising. Visited Kushinagar during different centuries and recorded a graphic account of the place which later fell to bad times, due to lack of patronage. These recordings provided the vital clues for excavations done centuries later by Sir Alexander Cunningham. The visiting The Mahaparinirvana Temple, commemorating the place of the great decease with a reclining statue of Lord Buddha, Mata Kunwar Shrine contains a 10th Century blue schist image of Buddha and; Rambhar Stupa, which is supposedly the spot where Lord Buddha was cremated and his relics divided into eight equal parts. Apart from this, a Chinese Temple, a Buddhist Temple, a Tibetan Temple and the Indo-Japan-Srilanka Buddhist Center hold significant religious value for pilgrims. Afternoon drive to Varanasi, check-in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Varanasi

Breakfast at hotel, 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. Afternoon 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.

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 08: Varanasi – Agra

Early morning boat ride and Ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. Varanasi or Kashi is older than traditions. Varanasi presents a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. According to the Hindu mythology, Varanasi liberates soul from human body to the ultimate. It is the Ganga Ghats of Varanasi that complement the concept of divinity. Ghats of Ganga are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins. There are number of temples on the bank of the Ganga river in Varanasi. It is believed that people are cleansed physically, mentally and spiritually at Ganga Ghats. It is at the Ganga Ghats where we see life and death together. For thousands of years people have been thronging these Ghats to offer their morning prayers to the rising sun. There are more than 100 ghats along side Ganga in Varanasi. Some of the prominent and popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Kabir Ghat and Assi Ghat.Breakfast at hotel, day free for personal activities relax etc. Evening transfer to railway station to board train for Tundla/ Agra. Overnight in train.

Day 09: Agra

Morning arrival at Agra/ Tundla railway station, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. 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. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 : Agra – Delhi – Bhubaneswar

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Delhi (204kms/ 4hrs approx) direct transfer to airport to board flight for Bhubaneswar. On arrival at transfer to hotel. Rest time for personal activities, relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Bhubaneshwar – Puri (54kms/ 1hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, Khandagiri & Udaygiri Caves (first century BC): Just 7kms west of Bhubaneswar are the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaigiri, the next major Orissan historical monument after Ashoka's rock-cut edict. The rocks of the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC. Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was evidently quite a patron of the arts, and probably had much to do with the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves.

Dhauli; where the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka renounced violence and embraced the teachings of Buddha. We visit the Peace Pagoda known as Shanti Stupa built in early 1970s by the Japanese. We also stop at two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda. Dating from 260BC they outline Ashoka's detailed instructions to his administrators to rule with gentleness and fairness. Shanti Stupa at Dhauli the serenity of the place and the legacy of Buddhism motivated the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha, under the guidance of Guruji Fujii, Founder President of Nipponzan Myohoji of Japan to establish a Peace Pagoda or Shanti Stupa at Dhauli along with the construction of the monastery called Saddharma Vihar in early seventies of 19th century. Along with the Ashokan Edicts, the Peace Pagoda and modern Buddhist Monastery, Dhauli offers the visitors small-rock cut caves, Hindu temples of early medieval period and a renovated Siva temple known as Dhavalesvara on top of the hill are added attractions. Afternoon drive to Puri, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Puri

Breakfast at hotel, excursion to visit the Chariot of the Sun God temple (UNESCO's World Heritage Site), built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the 13th century AD during the golden era of Orissan art. This temple, among the crowning works of Orissan architecture and sculpture, is sheer poetry in stone. Everyday the Sun God rises from the horizon, across the shimmering blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, and casts the warmth and luminosity of his revitalising rays on the sanctum sanctorum, circling the temple during the course of the day, illuminating the three brilliant images of the sun - in the morning, at mid-day and in the evening, as day makes way for the night. As you approach the water, you will see rising from the golden sandy beach, one of the country's most vivid archaeological treasures - the Surya Mandir (Sun Temple). For a millennium, this temple served as a beacon to the ancient and medieval mariners. Despite the fact that the Black Pagoda, as it was referred to by European soldiers who wanted to distinguish Konark from the whitewashed Jagannath Temple in Puri, lies in ruins, the structure is magnificent.

Pipli Artist Village; The villagers of Pipli produce applique art, a process of cutting coloured cloth into shapes of animals, birds, flowers leaves gods, goddesses and other decorative motifs and stitching them over a piece of cloth. These creations are then fabricated into lampshades, handbags, cushion covers or even garden umbrellas. A famous example is the enormous applique' canopies above the reigning deity of Puri, Lord Jagannath. In Pipli, one can across rows of shops flaunting the applique work. The applique work in Pipli includes bed covers, letter cases, cushion covers, wall hangings, pillow covers, bed sheets, hand bags, canopies, garden umbrellas, etc. It is said that the kings and nobility of Orissa had patronized the applique work. At one time, the applique work of Orissa is said to have reached the heights of excellence. In Orissa, kings engaged craftsmen in the Jagannath Temple. In 1054, Maharaja Birakshore is said to have appointed 'Darjis' to serve the temple. The 'darjis' provided regular supply of the items required for the rites performed at the temple. The village of Pipli was set up for accommodating the craftsmen of Orissa. Initially, the craftsmen only made banners, umbrellas and canopies for the festive occasions, but with the popularity of the art, the artisans started making many items of utility. The craftsmen of Pipli also supplied the articles of utility to the maths and the monastic houses. But since Independence, the darjis have completely taken to making articles for the tourists. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Puri excursion to Ratnagir, Udaigiri and Lalitgiri (160kms/ 3hrs approx one way)

Breakfast at hotel full day excursion to Ratnagiri in the Birupa river valley in the district of Jajpur, is another famous Buddhist centre. The small hill near the village of the same name has rich Buddhist antiquities. A large-scale excavation has unearthed two large monasteries, a big stupa, Buddhist shrines, sculptures, and a large number of votive stupas. This excavation revealed the establishment of this Buddhist centre at least from the time of the Gupta king Narasimha Gupta Baladitya (first half of the sixth century A.D.). Buddhism had developed at this place - unhindered upto the 12th century A.D. In the beginning, this was an important centre of Mahayana form of Buddhism. During the 8th-9th century A.D., this became a great centre of Tantric Buddhism or Vajrayana art and philosophy. Pag Sam Jon Zang, a Tibetan source, indicates that the institution at Ratnagiri played a significant role in the emergence of Kalachakratantra during the 10th century A.D. This is quite evident from the numerous votive stupas with reliefs of divinities of the Vajrayana pantheon. Separate images of these divinities and inscribed stone slabs, and moulded terracotta plaques with dharanis found in the excavation at Ratnagiri.

Presently this university of Buddhist learning is found in ruins that attract a number of visitors every year. For lovers of art and architecture, lay tourists as well as special groups, Ratnagiri offers in its magnificent ruins, a large brick monastery with beautiful doorways, cella, sanctum with a colossal Buddha figure, and a large number of Buddhist sculptures. There is a smaller monastery at the place along with a stone temple, brick shrines and a large stupa with numerous smaller stupas around. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Puri

Breakfast at hotel Day free for personal activities relax on the beach etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Day 15; Puri – Bhubaneswar (54kms/ 1hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel transfer to Bhubaneswar airport to board flight for Delhi. From Delhi board connecting flight for your home country.