After you arrive in Gaya, Drive to Bodh Gaya 13 km and check into the hotel. Take a sightseeing tour of this holy seat of the Buddhist religion. Here is where Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating under a bodhi tree. There is a serene temple here, as well as the offshoot of the tree that offered shade to Buddha. Emperor Ashoka's queen destroyed the original tree, but a sampling of it was saved in time and planted in Sri Lanka by his daughter. A sampling of that tree was brought back to Bodh Gaya, which still stands to tell this tale. Several Buddhist nations like Thailand, Japan, and Burma have set up monasteries and meditation centres in Bodh Gaya. Some of these include the IndosanNipponji temple, the Thai monastery, the Tibetan Karma Temple and Namgyal Monastery, and others by the Chinese, Burmese, Bhutanese, Vietnamese, Tamang, Daijokyo, and Nepali Buddhist communities. During October and March, monks from Dharamsala descend to Bodh Gaya. The Dalai Lama pays a visit here, too, during December and January. The Mahabodhi temple is a World Heritage site, built adjacent to the site of enlightenment in the 6th century AD. The temple was attacked and plundered by Muslim invaders in the 11th century and rebuilt several times. Return to hotel for overnight stay at Bodhgaya.
After breakfast, proceed to Dungeshwari cave temples, 13 km. Here, Buddha spent years of penance before attaining nirvana or enlightenment. After lunch, return to Gaya to visit the Brahmajuni Hill, believed to be the site of Buddha's fire sermon. There is a cave and a temple on the hilltop. Return to hotel for Overnight stay at Bodhgaya.
After breakfast, transfer from Bodhgaya to Varanasi and check into the hotel. Take a short break before heading to Sarnath, 10 km. At Sarnath, Buddha gave his first sermon to a small band of followers after attaining nirvana. Emperor Ashoka had monasteries and stupas built here, which Muslim invaders destroyed Muslim invaders destroyed in later years. Some remains were discovered by British archaeologists in 1835. Sarnath is one of the four main sites of the Buddhist religion, Evening Aarti at Dashaswamedh Ghat. Overnight stay at Varanasi.
After breakfast, depart for Kushinagar, 250 km by road, and check into the hotel. Buddha breathed his last here, leaving a message for all humanity to find their salvation. Several monuments built by devotees from across the world have built monuments on this holy site along the Buddha Marg. These include Vietnams Linh Son Buddhist temple, meditation centre and gardens, the Burmese MahasukhamdadachamThargyi Pagoda, the Mahaparinirvan Temple with a tranquil and reclining Buddha, and the Matahkuar temple, the Japanese-Sri Lanka temple and the Wat Thai temple. The RamabharStupa, or the MukutbandhanStupa, is the site of the cremation of Buddha. Overnight stay at Khusinagar.
Post breakfast in the morning, embark on a sightseeing tour of Kapilavastu India. Later, you will be transferred to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay at Lumbini.
Post breakfast in the morning, set off to explore the Ashoka Pillar, a commemorative monument built by King Ashoka in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Later, proceed to the Mayadevi Temple, an old Buddhist monastery. Later, proceed to Patna. On reaching Balrampur, proceed to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, proceed to Nalanda. The University Ruins Archaeological Complex is set amidst expansive lawns that offset the spectacular layout and carvings of this ancient university. A central valley separates the monasteries and the viharas. Interesting structures to look out for include steps leading up to perhaps a dais for professors and stupas with images of the Buddha carved in. According to the Chinese traveller Xuan Zang, who also taught at the university between 685 and 762 AD, 10,000 monks and professors resided there at the time. Rajgir - The ruins of the Kolhua complex enclose the 2300-year-old Ashoka pillar. A Japanese Peace Pagoda has also been built here. After lunch, overnight stay at Bodhgay.
After breakfast, Departure transfer from the Hotel to Bodhgaya / Gaya Airport or your preferred destination.
