 Duration: 17 Nights / 18 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Orcha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Nalanda - Vaishali - Khushinagar - Lumbini - Kapilvastu - Sravasti - Balrampur - Lucknow - Delhi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Delhi arrival
Welcome Greetings from Swati Tours & Travels!!!
On arrival at Delhi, our company’s representative will Meet, Greet and Assist you at the airport and later transfer to the pre-booked hotel for check-in. Relax for the rest of the day at the hotel.
Delhi is the capital of India since old times. Delhi's history dates back to the first millenium BC, when it was known as Indraprastha. The Tomar Rajputs built Lal Kot, the core of the first of Delhi's seven cities. It is the epicenter of the nation's politics, economy and culture.
Overnight stay at Delhi Hotel
Day 02: Delhi
Full Day City Tour
After breakfast embark on sightseeing trip of Old Delhi and New Delhi
Old Delhi: An ancient walled city. Here you would see the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire, Rajghat the Samadhi of our Father of Nation, Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and Chandni Chowk the bustling and colourful market of the old city.
New Delhi: The city designed and built by the British in the 1920’s- a city of wide boulevards impressive Government Buildings, green parks and gardens. First you will visit the two monuments from the Delhi’s past Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar. Then your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the Imposing India Gate and Parliament House.
After completing the sightseeing return back to the Hotel for Overnight.
Overnight stay at Delhi Hotel
Day 03: Delhi– Jaipur (approx. 5 ½ hrs drive)
After leisurely breakfast we will drive to Jaipur – “The Pink City”. On arrival at Jaipur, transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay. Relax for the rest of the day.
Overnight stay at Jaipur Hotel
Day 04: Jaipur
Full day sightseeing with Elephant Ride
Today morning we will begin our day with a feel of Royal Legacy as we will experience the up hill elephant ride to admire the massive gateways, courts, stairways and pillared pavilions / palaces of Amber Fort. Later visit any Authentic Dhaba (recommended only) for lunch.
Afternoon explore Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, NaharGarh Fort, Monkey Temple (Galwar Bagh), Jaigarh Fort, Birla Temple (Laxmi Narayan Temple)
Overnight stay at Jaipur Hotel
Day 05: Jaipur - Agra (5-6 hrs drive)
En-route Visit Fatehpur Sikri
Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast you drive to Agra.
En-route do the sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri: A fascinating ghost town lies little beyond Agra the deserted Red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life would have been like in the days of its grandeur. Set like a jewel in a court yard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of Saint Salim Chisti, enclosed by delicately carved marble screens.
Later continue the drive to Agra. On arrival in Agra, check in to the hotel. Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments - The Taj Mahal, Red Fort & Fatehpur Sikri. It is more than just a decadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vibrant centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosphies that have enriched mankind and shaped human thought over centuries.
Overnight stay at Agra Hotel
Day 06: Agra
Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast you start the sightseeing trip to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal : The 17th Century master piece named Taj Mahal ,which of course is the most splendid of all the buildings – pClassic North and West India Tour, Delhi Tour, North India Tour, North and West India Tour, India Itinerary, Delhi hotels, Delhi airport hotels, Delhi hotel, hotels in delhi, hotel in delhi, Classic North and West India Tour, Delhi hotels, Delhi airport hotels, Delhi hotel, hotels in delhi, hotel in delhierhaps the most perfect architectural monument of the world. It was built in the memory of the beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal by one of greatest king of Mughal Empire Shah Jehan.
Agra Fort: Built primarily as a military establishment by Emperor Akbar in 1565, the redstone Agra Fort; was partially converted in to a palace during the tenure of Emperor Shah Jehan. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 Kms long and is considered the predecessor of the Red Fort of New Delhi.
After completing the sightseeing of the monuments you return back to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Agra hotel
Day 07: Agra – Jhansi (Shatabdi Express)
Jhansi- Khajuraho via Orcha (Approx 175 Kms/06 Hours)
Today morning post breakfast timely transfer to Agra Railway station to take Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. On arrival at Jhansi Railway station, Swati’s representative will assist and drive you to Khajuraho via orcha which is located at a distance of 19 Kms from Jhansi.
Orcha: It has a medieval town atmosphere attached to it. The Betwa River quietly flows by the town. The 16th century palaces & temples built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time. You will visit Orchha Fort complex: in the complex you visit Jahangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Raj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. Also visit Ram Raja temple, palace-turned-temple with soaring spires & palatial architecture. Built by the King Madhukar Shah it is one of the most unusual temples in India & the only place where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King not as a deity.
Later continue drive to Khajuraho, built between 950-1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Contain stunningly explicit erotic sculptures. They were rediscovered in the 20th century, and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival in Khajuraho, transfer to the pre-booked hotel for check-in. Rest of the evening free at leisure.
Overnight stay at Khajuraho Hotel
Day 08: Khajuraho
Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the hotel. After the breakfast you start the sightseeing of Khajuraho Temples.
Today visit the Khajuraho temples, famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous exotic postures of the famous Kamasutra, ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition. After completing the sightseeing of the city, return back to the hotel.
Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight stay at Khajuraho Hotel
Day 09: Khajuraho – Varanasi (by flight)
Evening Boat Cruising on Ganges
Today morning enjoy your leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast, timely transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi, picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.
On arrival in Varanasi, Swati’s representative will assist and later transfer to the pre-booked hotel for check-in.
Leave for a special evening cruise on the Ganges on candle lit country boats to the accompaniment of musicians. See the Hindu devotees performing the "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing and the ambience is spectacular.
Later return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Varanasi Hotel
Day 10: Varanasi
Morning Boat Cruising on Ganges
Early morning you start your day with the Boat ride in Holy River Ganges.
Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmurings of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. Later we explore the city by foot to get the feel of this oldest living city of the world.
Return back to the hotel for the breakfast. Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the hotel and afterwards you start the half day excursion to Sarnath - the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.
Day 11: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (approx. 6 hrs drive)
Today morning post leisurely breakfast check-out the hotel and drive to Bodhgaya.
On arrival, transfer to the pre-booked hotel for check-in. Relax for rest of the day.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 12: Bodhgaya – Vaishali
En-route visit to Rajgir & Nalanda
Today morning post breakfast check-out the hotel and drive to Vaishali with an en-route visit to Rajgir - means "house of the king", its date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. This place has been associated with both the historical Buddha and Mahavira and is famous because Buddha spent many years meditating here. Rajgir was also developed as a health and winter resort due to its warm water ponds. These baths are said to contain some medicinal properties that help cure many skin diseases. The added attraction of Rajgir is the ropeway that leads uphill to the Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees of the Buddha on top of the Ratnagiri hills.
Nalanda - founded in the 5th century AD, is famous as the ancient seat of learning. The ruins of the world's most ancient university. All the edifices are of the red brick and the gardens are beautiful. The buildings are divided by a central walk way that goes south to north. The places to see here are Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex, Nalanda Archaeological Museum (Open during 10.00 to 17.00 & closed on Friday), Nava Nalanda Mahavihara and Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall.
Special Note:
Silao: In between Nalanda and Rajgir, there is a village namely Silao where very a popular local sweet "KHAJA" is prepared.
Surajpur Baragaon: The lake with its temple of Surya, the Sun God , is a pilgrim destination twice a year in "Vaishakha" (April-May) and in "Kartika" (October-November) during the Chhath Puja or Sun worship.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 13: Vaishali – Kushinagar
On this day guests will be morning breakfast followed by drive to Vaishali - The place where Lord Buddha had delivered his last sermon. Visit the famous sites at Vaishali such as Ashoka Pillar, Lotus Tank and Chaumukhi. Thereafter guests will proceed to Kushinagar where they will be accommodated in a hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 14: Kushinagar – Lumbini
The day will begin with a visit to Mahanirvana Temple and will be followed by visit to other important Buddhist monasteries and Japan/ Srilanka Buddhist centres. Thereafter guests will be escorted to a hotel at Lumbini where they will reside for the rest of the night.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 15: Lumbini – Balrampur
En-route visit to Kapilvastu & Sravsati
The day will begin with a visit to the renowned Ashoka’s pillar constructed in 249BC followed by a visit to a temple of Mayadevi. Also visit some ruins of an old monastery and some of the new stupas and thereafter depart for Balrampur in the afternoon. On the way guests will also pay a visit to Sravsati to view the ruins of Jetavana Monastery. At Balrampur guests will be accommodated in a hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 16: Balrampur – Lucknow
This morning post leisurely breakfast proceed to explore Balrampur. Thereafter guests will drive to Lucknow late in the afternoon where they will be accommodated in a hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 17: Lucknow – Delhi (by flight)
At Lucknow the day will be devoted to a visit to the famous Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in the region. This tour will first begin with Imambara and followed by a visit to Rumi Darwaza. Thereafter guests will be transferred to the Airport again where they will board the flight to Delhi. At Delhi guests will be again escorted to a hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 18: Delhi – Departure
Today is the last of Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour with Golden Triangle at Delhi. Therefore, enjoy the morning at leisure. Later in the afternoon timely transfer to the airport to board the flight for your onward journey to next destination.
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