Buddhist tour with Golden Triangle

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi : OLD DELHI – A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire. NEW DELHI – An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence, Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Later evening transfer to Airport.

After breakfast drive to Jaipur- the fabled “pink city”of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. This is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe through the nine rectangular sectors subdividing it. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendours are now living. Arrive Jaipur in approx 5 hours & transfer to hotel. Later visit the majestic Amber Fort, is one that cannot be easily described. Ride up on Elephants to the former capital of the royals set against the backdrop of the wooded hills. Also visit the City Palace- still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here. Palace of Winds also known as Hawa mahal, this elaborate building, now little more than a facade, is encrusted with delicate screen sand carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world. Past, present and future merge at Jai Singh’s observatory, where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century. Night stay in Jaipur.

Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri-a perfectly preserved red sandstone “ghost town” which was the estranged capital of mughal emperor Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Arrive Agra & visit the magnificent Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the world surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Also visit the Red fort – the rusty and majestic red- sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid marble at the back, the Emperor heard public petitions. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms. Late evening transfer to railway station to board the train to Varanasi (Dep from Agra at 2100 hrs Arr Varanasi at 0830 hrs) Overnight in the train.

After breakfast drive to Kushinagar enroute visiting Vaishali. Arrive Kushinagar & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Kushinagar. Kushinagar-Kushinagar is where the Buddha finally attained Mahaparmirvana. Amongst the ruins are the Mukutbandhan Stupa and a beautiful statue of the reclining Buddha.

After breakfast visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple & Stupas, later drive to Lumbini & transfer to hotel. Lumbini – the birthplace of the Buddha, was located in 1890 after being untraced for 1,500 years. Evening sightseeing tour of Lumbini including a visit to the birth Place of Lord Buddha. Night stay in Lumbini.

After breakfast drive to Lucknow enroute Sravasti. Sravasti-the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens. The city believed to be founded by the mythological king Sravast, has age-old stupas,majestic monasteries and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here. In Sravasti visit Saheth – Maheth & Jetvan. Arrive Lucknow & transfer to airport to connect the flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.

Transfer to airport to board the flight for onwards destination.