The Birthplace of Buddhism
• Delhi • Lumbini • Kushinagar • Patna • Nalanda • Rajgir • Bodhgaya • Varanasi • Agra
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
NZD
$5,740
|
Days
13
|
Nights
12
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
NZD
$5,740
|
Days
13
|
Nights
12
|
Introduction
Journey to the ancient Buddhist cities of Shravasti, Lumbini, Kushinagar, and Bodhgaya.
Meet hospitable Buddhist monks, visit the birthplace of Buddha, and experience India’s spiritual heart, Varanasi.
This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern day India. It is the third largest city in India and one of the fastest growing in Asia. This city is rich in culture, always changing with time but never hiding its splendid past. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are silent witnesses to its magnificent history. Delhi is a blend of two different yet perfectly balanced parts, Old and New Delhi. With its intricate streets, elegant mosques, forts, monuments, and bazaars that sell a variety of goods, Old Delhi speaks volumes about its Mughal past meanwhile, New Delhi is truly cosmopolitan with its multi-cultural population.
Day 2 : Delhi
After Breakfast you will be met by our expert guide who will take you on a full-day journey through Old Delhi, founded as Shahjahanabad in 1639 as the capital of the great Mughal Empire. Step-back in time and discover the glory of the great Mughal empire and British Raj of India. Your own private guide will ensure you get an in-depth experience of these emblematic structures and traditions of the local culture.
Stop at the old walled-city of Delhi. We will visit the marvellous red-sandstoned Jama Masjid Mosque built by Mughal emperor and maker of Taj Mahal – Shah Jahan in 1644 AD showcasing finest indo-islamic architectures. Afterwards, you hop on a traditional Rickshaw Ride tour exploring real life and bustling streets.
Continue your journey to New Delhi City, known for its innovative architecture from the 1930’s British Raj, and now the political heart of independent India. The rest of your journey will be filled with history, architecture and visits to hidden gems of Delhi. Later return to your hotel.
Day 3 : Delhi > Lucknow > Shravasti
This morning, take the express train to Lucknow and a short drive to Shravasti – the capital of Kosala Mahajanapada, the biggest town in the Indo-Gangetic plains during the Buddha’s lifetime.
Day 4 : Shravasti > Kapilavastu > Lumbini
This morning you will travel to Lumbini, Nepal. Make a stop at Kapilavastu, the kingdom ruled by Buddha’s father, King Suddhdodana. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Day 5 : Lumbini
After breakfast visit the sacred gardens with Mayadevi temple. You will explore this charming area and visit where Mayadevi (Maya), the mother of the Buddha is believed to have taken a bath before giving birth to Siddhartha Gautama at around 623 BCE. Later return to your hotel.
Day 6 : Lumbini > Kushinagar
This morning you will drive to Kushinagar. Mahaparinirvana temple and Ramabhar Stupa, where at the age of 80 Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana (everlasting, highest peace and happiness). Later visit Kushinagar Japanese Buddhist temple and Wat Thai temple – constructed in the traditional Thai-Buddhist architectural style.
Day 7 : Kushinagar > Patna
Travel to the city of Patna an ancient city that sprawls along the south bank of the Ganges River in Bihar, northeast India. You will visit Golghar and its war history. Explore Sikh shrine and a beautiful Hindu Temple before returning to your hotel.
Day 8 : Patna > Nalanda > Rajgir > Bodhgaya
After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya via Nalanda and Rajdgir – considered the Buddhist centre of learning. Bodhgaya is a village in the northeast Indian state of Bihar. Considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, it’s dominated by the ancient brick Mahabodhi Temple Complex, built to mark the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath a sacred Bodhi Tree.
Day 9 : Bodhgaya
Today after early morning breakfast proceed to visit Mahabodhi Buddha temple and walk around the deer park. Later see the monastery ruins area, Dhamekh Stupa, Archaeological Museum. Continue your journey exploring Bodhgaya’s fascinating history before returning to your hotel.
Day 10 : Bodhgaya > Varanasi
Today drive to India’s spiritual home, Varanasi. On arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
The city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters. Along the city’s winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Day 11 : Varanasi
This morning, enjoy a sunrise cruise on the Ganges River, witnessing bathing rituals at burning ghats. Visit the heritage wall, have your palm read, and tour the buried Buddhist holy city of Sarnath – where according to Buddhist tradition, at 35 years of age (528 BCE), Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya
Day 12 : Varanasi > Delhi > Agra
Early morning breakfast you will be transferred to Varanasi airport to catch a flight to capital city Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be driven to Agra, the legacy city of Mughal-Empire and home of the magnificent Taj Mahal.
Day 13 : Agra > Delhi
This morning witness the sunrise over the Taj Mahal. Visit the 16th century Mughal residence and Agra Fort.
Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight where arrangements end.
Need Help?
Pricing
Pricing (per person), NZD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
4-star | |||
1 Oct – 31 Dec |
NZ$5,740 |
NZ$7,680 |
|
2025 | |||
4-star | |||
1 Jan – 31 Mar |
NZ$5,740 |
NZ$7,680 |
|
1 Apr – 30 Sep |
NZ$5,500 |
NZ$7,200 |
**2024**
**4-star**
1 Oct – 31 Dec
Twin: from $5740
Single: from $ 7680
**2025**
**4-star**
1 Jan – 31 Mar
Twin: from $5740
Single: from $ 7680
1 Apr – 30 Sep
Twin: from $5500
Single: from $ 7200
Departs
Daily, year-round |
Included
- Tailor-made journey
- 12-nights’ accommodation
- 12 breakfasts
- Meet & Greet at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Private transfers as per the itinerary
- English-speaking local guides
- Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Train Delhi > Lucknow
- Economy class flight Varanasi > Agra
- Goods & Services Tax (GST)
Not Included
- Gratuities
Important Notes
- Pricing is based on a minimum of 2 travellers
- The single price is based on travelling with others in your party
- Please enquire about pricing for a single travelling alone or cross-season
- Surcharges apply during the Christmas and New Year’s period
- Surcharges also apply during festivals and National holidays
- Gandhi Smriti is closed on Mondays
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays
- A luggage restriction of 20-kg checked luggage applies
- The price of the included flight is subject to change
- Accommodations in Shravasti, Lumbini, and Kushinagar are best available
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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