FOOTPRINTS OF BUDDHA TOUR

17 Nights / 18 Days

Ancient cave carvings and paintings, Buddhism-related history, renowned Kamasutra carving on the Jain temples of Khajuraho, the peaceful countryside of India and Nepal, views of the Himalayas...very laid back tour.

Itinerary Route: Mumbai - Aurangabad - Bhopal - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Patna - Kushinagar - Balrampur - Lumbini - Kathmandu – Delhi

Day 1 : Mumbai Arrival

Upon arrival at Mumbai you will be met by a Tour Packages India Representative and escorted to your hotel where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 2 : Mumbai

Spend the day sightseeing - Prince of Wales Museum, Elephanta Island, Gateway to India, Gandhi Museum. See "Local Attractions" for a more detailed list of fun things to do and see in Mumbai.

Day 3 :  Mumbai to Aurangabad (via Flight)

After breakfast you'll be driven back to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad. Once again you'll be met at the airport and taken directly to your hotel. After check-in you'll have the day to visit the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Buddhist caves, built between the 2nd and 6th centuries, were discovered during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. The caves depict richly decorated paintings and frescoes reminiscent of the Sri Lanka Sigiriya paintings and sculptures. There are a total of 31 rock-cut cave monuments which are unique representations of the religious art of Buddhism, one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India.

Day 4 : Aurangabad

Take the day to visit the Ellora Caves - a cultural mix of religious arts of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The caves consist of 34 monasteries and temples sculpted contiguously into rock walls of a high basalt cliff, whose length stretches more than 2 km. The caves are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the most frequently visited World Heritage sites of India.

Day 5 : Aurangabad to Bhopal (via Train)

Take the train north to Bhopal where you'll spend the next two nights. Spend the evening as you like.

Day 6 : Bhopal

Take a day's excursion to visit the Sanchi Stupa (46 km). The Sanchi dates from the 3rd century BC and has some of the best preserved historical monuments in India. Sanchi is a must-see on every Buddhist pilgrimage list of holy sites.

Day 7 : Bhopal to Orchha via Jhansi (via Train)

After breakfast, board the train to Jhansi and transfer to Orccha. Later, take in the local sights of this sleepy ancient temple town.

Day 8 : Orchha to Khajuraho

After morning check-out, drive to Khajuraho. If time permits, stroll the gardens surrounding the Jain temples...best seen in early morning and evening. See "Local Attractions" to read more about the temples of Khajuraho.

Day 9 : Khajuraho to Varanasi (via Air)

Early morning is the best time of the day to view the temples. In the afternoon, board a plane for a short flight to Varanasi where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 10 : Varanasi

Board an early morning boat at the riverbanks for a cruise on the Ganges River. The western banks have a string of ghats which the pilgrims occupy during their stay. At dawn, the ghats are abuzz with activity as devotees offer prayers to the rising sun and perform religious rituals. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Bharat Mata Temple which has on display a giant bas relief map of India in marble. Take a drive through the largest residential university of Asia - Banaras Hindu University. Founded by Pundit Madan Mohan Malviya, the university houses an Art Gallery as well as the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. Stop over at the Bharat Kala Bhavan where you can see some of the finest miniatures on display in India. In the afternoon, tour the Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century B.C. to 12th century A.D.

Day 11 : Varanasi to Bodhgaya (240 km / 7 hour drive)

Take the drive to Bodhgaya and check-in to your hotel where you'll spend the next two nights. Spend the evening relaxing.

Day 12 : Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is the site of the Buddha Shakyamuni's enlightenment and considered to be the most revered of all Buddhist sacred sites. Spend the day sightseeing. (See "Local Attractions" for a list of points of interest.)

Day 13 : Bodghaya to Patna (109 km / 4 hour drive)

Enroute to Patna, visit Gridhakuta Hill and Bimbisara Jail in Rajgir. Further on, stop in Nalnada - a renowned ancient center of learning established in 500 B.C. Upon arrival in Patna, check-in to your hotel and enjoy a tour of the city including the Patna Museum which has a rich collection of Mauryan and Buddhist sculptures, terracotta and many other interesting items.

Day 14 : Patna to Kushinagar (253 km / 7 hour drive)

Spend the morning driving to Kushinagar and check-in to your hotel. Later, take a tour of the town which will include Rambhar Stupa - the Lord Buddha's cremation ground.

Day 15 : Kushinagar to Balrampur (215 km / 5 hour drive)

Depart in the late morning for Balrampur. Check-in and spend the day as you wish.

Day 16 : Balrampur to Lumbini, Nepal (195 km / 4 hour drive)

After hotel check-in, take a tour of Lumbini - a town rich in Buddhist history. See "Local Attractions" for a list of things to do and see.

Day 17 : Lumbini to Kathmandu (via Flight)

Take the short flight to Kathmandu. Kathmandu and the surrounding countryside has several World Heritage UNESCO sites you may want to visit. Don't miss Durbar Square - the Old Royal Palace is inside the square along with some historically fascinating temples. You'll most certainly have the opportunity to take a trip to the Pashupatinath Temple - the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal. And don't miss Bhaktapur, home to the tallest pagoda. See a more detailed list of "Local Attractions".

Day 18 : Kathmandu to Delhi (via Flight)

Spend the morning at leisure. Take an afternoon flight back to Delhi and enjoy an India Dance Performance over dinner at a local restaurant. Later, transfer to the airport for departure.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

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