Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Welcome to India, the birthplace of Buddhism. The Footsteps of Lord Buddha tour will take you on an enlighten journey across various cities in India and Nepal where Gautama Buddha lived and taught his disciples about Buddhism. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be received by Erco Travels’ representatives. After a warm welcome, they will assist you in transfer to the hotel for check-in and resting.
Day 02 : Delhi - Varanasi
The capital of India, Delhi is a major tourist destination. On the day tour of Delhi, the prime destinations that you can visit are Raj Ghat, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (official home of the President of India) and Parliament House. Transfer to the railway station is arranged in the evening to board a train to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Dinner and overnight stay will be on-board.
Day 03 : Arrive Varanasi
Arrive early in the morning at the Varanasi railway station. From here, you will be assisted by local representatives from Erco Travels in transferring to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel for breakfast and resting. Proceed to Sarnath (13 km away), in the afternoon to have a sightseeing tour. It is this very place where Gautama Buddha gave his first preaching. It is one of the four important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. You can visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa and Sarnath Archeological Museum in Sarnath. Return to the hotel in Varanasi for dinner.
Day 04: Varanasi
In the oldest living city of the world, Varanasi, an early-morning boat ride awaits you. Boat ride in Ganges River is the best way to experience the spirituality and daily rituals taking place on the ghats (river bank) of this holy city. It also offers an excellent opportunity of capturing some wonderful images on your camera. The remaining day can be used in exploring the temples of Varanasi. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 05 : Varanasi - Bodhgaya
The next stop of this tour is Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India. After a four-hour drive, arrive in Bodh Gaya where Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment. Check-in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day as you please.
Day 06 : Bodhgaya
Bodh Gaya is the most important among the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. On the full-day tour of Bodh Gaya, visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (World Heritage Site). The holy Bodhi tree is also within the temple complex. Rest of the day-after lunch is free.
Day 07 : Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Patna
The day begins with a morning drive to Rajgir (80 minutes drive). In Rajgir, Gautama Buddha spent 12 years and held a conference after his enlightenment. Next visit Nalanda (20 minutes drive), where ruins of Nalanda University remain. Nalanda was a great Buddhist center for learning. Afterwards, proceed to Patna. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the evening is free. Overnight stay will be in the hotel.
Day 08 : Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar
After having breakfast, it is now time to visit Vaishali. Gautama Buddha preached his last sermon in Vaishali. Prime tourist attractions in Vaishali are Ashoka Pillar, Relic stupa and Coronation Tank. Next, proceed to Kushinagar where Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (death). It is an important religious site for Buddhists. You can visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Mahaparinirvana Stupa in Kushinagar. Overnight stay will be in the hotel.
Day 09 : Kushinagar - Lumbani
It is now time to visit Lumbini (Nepal) across the Indian border. While entering from India, no visas are required but to be on the safe side, carry your passports with yourself. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival where you will be spending the rest of the day.
Day 10: Lumbani
Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and is listed on the World Heritage Sites list. You can visit temples and Puskarini (a holy pond) on the day tour. Evening is free for leisure activities.
Day 11 : Lumbani - Balrampur - Shravasti
After breakfast, proceed back to India to visit Sravasti (ancient Indian city) in Shravasti district, Uttar Pradesh while make a stop at Balrampur. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afterwards visit Shravasti. In Sravasti, Gautama Buddha displayed his supernatural power and the ruin of the famous Jetavana Buddhist monastery is also present here. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 12 : Shravasti - Lucknow
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Then, proceed to Lucknow by surface on a three-hour drive. Proceed to the railway station to board an overnight train to Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Day 13 : Bhopal - Sanchi - Bhopal
Arrive early in the morning at Bhopal railway station where local Erco representatives will help in transferring to the hotel for check-in. After breakfast and few relaxing hours, take a short drive to Sanchi. Known for its Stupas, Sanchi is listed as a World Heritage Site. You can visit various sites of the full-day sightseeing tour of Sanchi. Return to Bhopal in the evening.
Day 14 : Sanchi - Bhopal - Agra
Depart from the hotel after breakfast and proceed to the railway station to board a train to Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Arrive at the Agra railway station and proceed straight to the hotel for check-in and spending the night.
Day 15 : Agra - Delhi
Have an early-morning tour of Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. Then after lunch, proceed to Delhi by road. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport to board the next flight to your home country. With best wishes, Erco Travels bid you farewell. Thank you.
