TITC LONDON

IN BUDDHA'S FOOTSTEPS

Prince Siddhartha was born in Lumbini; became Buddha, the Enlightened One, at Bodhgaya; gave his first sermon at Sarnath; lived the greater part of his monastic life in Sravasti and attained Nirvana at Kushinagar. Buddhism is a way of life in large parts of the world, its message of peace and tolerance speaks to us all. We take you on a journey to places linked with important events in Buddha's life interspersed with some interesting places along the way. The accommodation is comfortable but simple in the remote places with more choice in the bigger cities.

Day 01 - Flight

Fly to Delhi
Day 2 - Delhi

Arrive into Delhi, transfer to the World Buddhist Centre for two nights; visit the sights of Old and New Delhi including the Tibet House and National Museum.
Days 3, 4 & 5 - Lucknow

Fly to Lucknow or take a train, experience a homestay in Lucknow or stay at Vivanta by Taj; visit the Imambaras, La Martinere, Dilkusha and the Residency.
Day 6 - Sravasti

Drive to Sravasti via Sahet-Mahet for overnight stay at the Lotus Nikko or Residency; visit Ananthapindika's Stupa, Anandabodhi tree and Gandhakuti or Buddha's hut.
Day 7 - Lumbini

Drive to the birth place of Lord Buddha in Lumbini (in Nepal) visiting Kapilvastu en route; stay at the Maya Garden or Nirvana Hotel; visit the Maya Devi Temple, dedicated to Buddha's mother.
Day 8 - Kushinagar

Drive to Kushinagar, stay at the Lotus Nikko or Residency; visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple.
Day 9 - Vaishali

Drive to Vaishali, the birth place of Bhagwan Mahaveera, and the site of Buddha's last sermon. On your way visit the Stupa and the Ashokan Pillars at Lauriya Nandangarh and Areraj; stay at Vaishali Residency. (You could also visit the site of the Great Renunciation of Sidhartha at Rampurwa – there are Ashokan pillars there honouring Sidhartha and his charioteer Chandak. We will arrange a night's stay at Lauriya Nandangarh in a village hut to facilitate this.)
Days 10 & 11 - Bodhgaya

Drive to Bodhgaya visiting the historic sites of Rajgir and Nalanda on the way; stay at the Bodhgaya Residency or Sujata Hotel for two nights; visit the World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple.
Days 12 & 13 - Varanasi

Drive onto Varanasi; stay two nights at the Ganges View or Jukaso Inn; witness the evening ceremonial worship or "aarti", enjoy an early morning boat-ride on the Ganges to see devotees at prayer along the "ghats", visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon.
Day 14 - Agra

Fly to Agra or take a day train; stay the night at a family home or the Jaypee Palace.
Day 15 - Delhi

Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort; drive to Delhi or take the evening train; stay at an airport hotel for the night.
Day 16 - Return

Transfer for your return flight home