Overview: -
Day 01: - Visit of Victoria Memorial - massive domed building of white marble brought from Rajasthan. It was inaugurated in 1921 by the Prince of Wales, Visit of Dakshineswar Kali Temple -the presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali, literally meaning, 'she who takes her devotees across the ocean of existence', Visit Jain Temple: also known as the "Jewel Box Temple of Calcutta" and Belur Math - is a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world professing different religious faiths, and College Street - One of Asia's largest book market.
Day 02: - Missionaries of Charity (Mother House) - society founded by Mother Teresa
and Kali Temple: one of the great pilgrimage center of the Hindus in Kolkata
Day 03: -Stay at Bodhgaya – City where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree
Day 04: Visit Mahabodhi Temple – One of important Buddhist Temple made at the same location where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment, Bodhi Tree and Niranjana River
Day 05: En route to Patna visit Nalanda - one of the great universities of the World
and Rajgir – Places which witnessed the teachings of both Buddha and Mahavira.
Day 06: -Visit Vaishali – Places where Gautam Buddha delivered his last sermon
Day 06: - Stay at Kushinagar – City where Gautam Buddha attained Parinirvana
Day 07: - Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple – Place where Gautam Buddha took his last breadth & Rambhar Stupa – Place where Gautam Buddha was cremated
Day 08: Stay at Varanasi - One of the oldest living cities in the world, believed to be founded 3000 years ago.
Day 09: - Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple: is the center of faith for millions of Hindus. The Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha, is enshrined in the Kashi Vishwanath temple & considered as one of the holiest temples of India, Visit Chaukandi Stupa + Sarnath – Places where Gautam Buddha preached his first sermon
Day 10: - Boat Ride at Ghats of Varanasi
Day 10: - Visit to Akshar Dham - the complex displays centuries of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture.
Itinerary :-
Day 01 : Arrive Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata
Kolkata: is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. When referred to as Calcutta, it usually includes the suburbs, and thus its population exceeds 15 million, making it India's third-largest metropolitan area and urban agglomeration. This also makes it the world's 8th largest metropolitan area as defined by the United Nations.Upon Arrival meet and greet by Glorious India Tours. Later transfer to Hotel
Overnight at Hotel
Day 02 : In Kolkata
Post breakfast depart for sightseeing visiting: -
Victoria Memorial: It is a massive domed building of white marble from Rajasthan. It was inaugurated in 1921 by the Prince of Wales (later, briefly, Edward VIII). It houses a collection of Victoria memorabilia and also history related objects and documents on Bengal. In the park in which the memorial stands are statues of Queen Victoria, Lord Curzon and other figures of the Raj.
Indian Museum: founded in 1814 on the basis of the collection of the Asiatic Society. Its widely varied exhibits include such oddities as a roomful of meteorites and a number of (stuffed) man-eating crocodiles. It has an impressive archaeology and sculpture department with a superb collection of Buddhist art, as well as works from Khajuraho, Bhairat and many other important sites.
Jain Temple: also known as the "Jewel Box Temple of Calcutta". It is situated in the northeast of the city. This temple of exquisite design and construction is dedicated to the 10th of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras and is an ornate mass of mirrors, colored stones and glass mosaics. After this we move to see Kumartolli (place where craftsman make idols). Kolkata is famous for its festivals (PUJAS) round the year and this is the place where the idols are made. It is very interesting to see the craftsman making idols without using any machinery.
Marble Palace, situated in north Kolkata, it has a collection of statues and original paintings including works of Rubens and Sir Joshua Reynolds. It is a private museum owned by the Mullicks (Zamidars during the British period).
College Street (one of Asia's largest book market), have a cup of coffee at the famous "Coffee Shop" where one can see the young people gossiping and feel the pulse of the culture.
Evening at leisure.Overnight at Hotel
Day 03 : Kolkata – Gaya Jn. ( By Train) – Bodhgaya (By suface 14 Kms/0.50 hrs)
After breakfast, check out and depart for visit of : -
A Missionary Of Charity (Mother House) The Missionary of Charity is a society founded by Mother Teresa in the city of Calcutta. In the year 1950, she received permission from the Vatican to set up her own order, originally known as Diocesan Congregation of the Calcutta Diocese. Thus was born the society or charitable institution, which later came to be known as the Missionaries of Charity. The main aim of the Mother Teresa Missionary of Charity is to help all those people who are sick, poor, needy and have been discarded by the society.
Kali Temple: It is a great pilgrimage center of the Hindus and is situated at Kalghat. The original temple was built some 350 years ago. A legend goes that when the corpse of sati, wife of lord Shiva was cut into pieces by the Sudarshan Chakra, one of her fingers fell here.
In time transfer to Railway Station to board train for Gaya.
Arrive and transfer to Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is one of the most holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centers since it was here that Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Bodhgaya - it is here where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, the saplings of which can still be seen in the temple premises. Arrive and transfer to Hotel.Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 04 : In Bodhgaya
After breakfast depart for sightseeing of Bodhgaya visiting: -
Mahabodhi Temple: is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is located about 96 km (60 mi) from Patna, Bihar state, India. Next to the temple, to its western side, is the holy Bodhi tree. In the Pali Canon, the site is called Bodhimanda, and the monastery there the Bodhimanda Vihara. The tallest tower is 55 metres (180 ft) tall.and later Niranjana River.Evening free for leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 : Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir (By surfacc 84 kms)/Patna(105 kms)
After breakfasts at Hotel depart for Patna en route visit Nalanda was one of the World's great universities and an important Buddhist center and Rajgir.
Nalanda University - the centre of one of the oldest known universities of World, visit the ruins of the University reveal that it was the first International university of the world where over 2,000 teachers and 1,000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied. An international centre for the Buddhist studies also functions here.
Rajgir - was the ancient capital of the powerful kingdom Magadha Kings. Buddha often came here. Rajgir is also an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus as the temple complex here is devot11ed to the Sun God. The Buddha chose this famous for many of his retreats and sermons. It was here the first Buddhist council was held.
Later visit:
Venuvan Vihara or Bamboo garden - was built by the King Bimbisara for Buddha's residence. Visit World Peace Stupa (Japanese temple) by rope way, near by GidharKuta or Vulture Peak / Vulture Hill - where Buddha meditated, Bimbisara's Jail - where the King Bimbisara's son Ajatshatru imprisoned him.Later continue to drive for Patna.
Patna: is the capital of Indian states of Bihar. The modern city of Patna is situated on the southern bank of the Ganges. The city also straddles the rivers Kosi, Sone and Gandak. Patna is approximately 25 km long and 9 km to 10 km wide. Patna is 14th most populous cities in India with approximately 1.8 million and 168th most populous agglomerations in world.
Arrive and transfer to Hotel
Day 06 : Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar (By surface 305 kms/7.5hrs drive)
Early morning breakfast depart for Kushinagar en route visit Vaishali
Arrive Vaishali - is a special place for the Buddhists as Buddha delivered his last sermon here and announced his implanting 'nirvana'. The second Buddhists council, held 100 years after Buddha's Parinirvana also took place here.
Visit Ashokan Pillar: Emperor Ashoka built The Lion Pillar at Kolhua. It is made of a highly polished single piece of red sandstone, surmounted by a bell shaped capital, 18.3 m high. A life-size figure of a lion is placed on top of the pillar. There is a small tank here known as Ramkund. This pillar beside a brick stupa at Kolhua commemorates Buddha's last sermon.
Continue Drive for Kushinagar.
Kushinagar: is a town and a nagar panchayat in Kissinger district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Gautama Buddha died.
Arrive and transfer to Hotel.Overnight at Hotel
Day 07 : In Kushinagar
Post breakfast depart for sight seeing visiting: -
Indo-Japanese-Srilankan Temple at Kushinagar was built by the Atago Isshin World Buddhist Cultural Association. The temple has a beautiful Ashta Dhatu (eight metals) statue of Lord Buddha, brought from Japan. The temple consists of a single circular chamber that houses a golden image of Buddha. It is softly lit through small, stained-glass window. Mahaparnirvana Temple (where Buddha took his last breathe) and Rambhar Stupa (cremation site of Lord Buddha). Sal Tree and Ramabhar Stupa where Buddha was cremated. Lin Sun Chinese Temple is located at Kushinagar and is noted for the Chinese depiction of Buddha’s image. The exterior of the temple is a blend of Chinese and Vietnamese architecture. The temple provides free accommodation facility for pilgrims.
Mathakuar Shrine is a delightful shrine located near the Nirvana Stupa, in Kushinagar. It is the place where Lord Buddha had given his last sermon. The temple enshrines a beautiful statue made out of black stone which depicts Buddha seated under the ‘Bodhi Tree’ in a pose known as ‘Bhumi Sparsh Mudra’.
Wat Thai Temple is situated at Kushinagar, in Uttar Pradesh. It is a huge Buddhist temple, built in a typical Thai-Buddhist architectural fashion. The temple is surrounded by innumerable kinds of trees. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 : Kushinagar – Varanasi (By surface 265 kms/06 hrs)
After breakfast depart for Varanasi.
Varanasi: is a city situated on the left (west) bank of the River Ganga (Ganges) in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, regarded as holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, and is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in northern India for several thousand years. The Benares Gharana form of Indian classical music developed in Varanasi, and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided or reside in Varanasi.Arrive and transfer to the Hotel.
Evening attend the Ganga Aarti on the banks of River Ganga. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09 : In Varanasi
Post breakfast at Hotel and depart for sight seeing visiting:
Kashi Vishwanath temple: is located in the heart of the cultural capital of India, Varanasi. It stands on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is the center of faith for millions of Hindus. The Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha, is enshrined in the Kashi Vishwanath temple, considered as one of the holiest temples of India. In Hindu religion it is believed that a simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and Bhakti (devotion). A single darshan of Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga is considered to merit more than the darshan of other jyotirlingas, scattered in various parts of India. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living picture of the timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values.
Benares Hindu University: BHU, as it is popularly known, was founded in 1917 by well-known nationalist Pt Malviya. The largest residential university in India, it houses an excellent Sanskrit School as also a museum within its campus, the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. The Museum has an amazing collection of old manuscripts, ancient sculptures and paintings.
Later depart for excursion trip to Sarnath en route visit Chaukhandi Stupa
Sarnath: -is the deer park where Gautam Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Isipatana is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage which his devout followers should visit.
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 10 : Varanasi – Delhi ( By Flight)
After early breakfast depart for sightseeing of Ghats with boat ride.
Later check out and transfer to Airport to board on flight to Delhi.Arrive Delhi and transfer to Hotel.
Later depart for sightseeing visiting:
Akshar Dham Temple: The complex is considered as one of the wonders of modern India. The complex is spread over swooping 30 acres on the banks of the river Yamuna near Noida in East Delhi. The Akshardham monument or temple is one of the biggest worship places in India. Built with sandstone and marble the monument is a remarkable architectural feat achieved, with several architectural temple styles.Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11 : Arrive Delhi / Depart for onward destinations
Post breakfast check out and in time depart for Airport to board flight for onward destination.
Note : Tour Cost on request.
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Route:
