Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Kushinagar - Lumbini - Sravasti - Varanasi - Aurangabad - Mumbai
Footsteps of Buddha tour is a dream of every Buddhist. In the pursuit to learn the best about the faith, a pilgrim tends to turn towards the first spiritual Buddhist master, Lord Buddha and follow his footsteps. These footsteps take a pilgrim to the sites where Buddha journeyed from ignorance to knowledge and even enriched the life of millions who took refuge under him.
The journey tracing the Buddha’s footsteps take him through the four most important pilgrimage sites i.e. Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar. During this pilgrimage, a devotee can learn a lot from the destinations reminiscent of Buddha’s existence, sermons, preaching and miracles.
Day 01. Arrive GayaUpon arrival in Gaya, meet Incredible India tour representative for assisted check in at hotel in the city.
Gaya is the doorway to the most important Buddhist heritage cities of the country. It was here that Prince turned ascetic Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the shade of the “Bodhi tree”. Pilgrims mark a visit to this religious shrine to commemorate this pious event and even seek blessings and inspirations from this landmark in the life of the lord.
Bodhgaya city tour is considered incomplete without visiting the Mahabodhi Temple. Presently a world heritage site, the original temple complex was built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 3rd Century BC. The present brick temple structure belongs to the 5th-6th century BC by Pala kings of Bengal. Within the temple premises, a pilgrim can also view the Sacred Bodhi tree and other sacred spots associated with the lord. Visit the monasteries in the evening. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 02. BodhgayaAfter breakfast, continue towards Sujata Kuti, 2km west of Bodhgaya, near the Phalgu River. Here, the Uruvela tribeswoman, Sujata who offered milk pudding to meditating Siddhartha stayed. After austere meditation for 49 days, on 50th day meditating prince had the pudding and the very same night, he attained enlightenment or bodha.
It was because of the very same episode that Lord gave his first teaching as middle path defining the neutral way to lead life.
Also visit Dungagiri Caves. Here also, it is believed that Buddha had meditated for some time. Return to Bodhgaya for overnight stay.
Check out Bodhgaya and drive to Rajgir. This was 6th century capital of the Magadha Empire which accommodated Lord Buddha prior to enlightenment and post enlightenment he delivered many enlightening sermons here.
A tour through Rajgir presents a pilgrim an opportunity to experience the Buddhist heritage ingrained in the region through a visit to Gridhakuta, Saptaparni caves, Ajatsatru Fort and Venuvana Vihara.
Next in the day is drive to Patna. Enroute visit Nalanda University. Found in the 5th century, this is one of the glorious universities of its times that accommodated students from different parts of the world and imparted learning in diversified disciplines.
On arrival in Patna, check into Hotel for overnight stay.
Morning leave Patna for Kushinagar, the site of Lord’s Mahaparinirvana (253 km / 8 hrs) En-route visit Vaishali. It was one of the eight Mahajanapadas during the time of Lord Buddha and even served as the site where he gave his last sermon and announced his Mahaparinirvana. Continue towards Kushinagar, the site where Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana. Here, visit Mahaparinirvan Temple, Ramabhar Stupa and Mathakuar Shrine. Overnight in Kushinagar.
Day 05. Kushinagar - Lumbini
Check out Kushinagar next morning for Lumbini, which was the glorious site of Lord Buddha’s birth. The Buddhist heritage ingrained in the region feature the Maya-Devi Temple and the sacred Pushakarini pond which are associated to the roots of Buddhism. Overnight stay in Lumbini. Day 06. Lumbini - Sravasti
Proceed for Sravasti. On arrival here, begin sightseeing of Sravasti. Capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kosala, an active centre for Buddhism. Visit Sahet Mahet. Jetvana Vihar has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in and has the famous Anand Bodhi tree, age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 07. Sravasti - VaranasiCheck out Lumbini and proceed towards Varanasi, the city of lights and learning. On arrival, begin the sightseeing of Sarnath. This is the principle centre of Buddhism where Lord Buddha post enlightenment preached his first sermon, turned the wheel of law and laid the foundation of Buddhism based on the his first five followers. On arrival, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 08. Varanasi - Bhusaval
Early morning, begin a special boat ride on River Ganges and witness the spiritual sun rising and shining on the mighty river. After breakfast, check out Varanasi and transfer to Varanasi Railway Station to board connecting train (1130 Hrs-0620 Hrs) for Bhusaval. This is the gateway city to the Buddhist heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Overnight on Board.
On arrival at Bhusaval Railway Station in Jalgaon, proceed for Ajanta. Ajanta is one of the ancient rare achievements of India’s best kept heritage. The set of ancient caves at Ajanta illustrate the story of Buddhism that prevailed during 200 BC to 650 AD on a Sahyadri hills and are a recognized world heritage site. The rock cuts here display the finest collection of Buddhist murals. The tempera technique etched paintings here display the finest surviving art specimens. Post the sightseeing of Ajanta Caves, proceed towards Aurangabad. Upon arrival, check into hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10. Aurangabad – Ellora - Mumbai DepartPost breakfast session, begin a sightseeing tour of Ellora caves. This is one of the highly visited world heritage sites of the country featuring 34 monasteries and temples dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The caves display a range of stonework rock cuts illustrating the legends of Lord Shiva.
Post the sightseeing session, return to Aurangabad and transfer to airport to board the connecting flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai Domestic Airport, transfer to the International Airport to board the flight to onward destination.
