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7 Days: Delhi - Bodhgaya - Varanasi

Tour overview:

Experience an inspiring journey through northern India, where magnificent monuments, ancient cities, and sacred Buddhist sites reveal centuries of history and tradition. Explore the architectural treasures of Delhi, visit the revered Bodhi Tree where Buddha attained enlightenment, discover the legendary university of Nalanda, and witness the timeless rituals along the Ganges in Varanasi. An unforgettable exploration of India's cultural and spiritual legacy.

Day 1 - Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi, India’s bustling capital city. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Day 2 - Delhi Sightseeing

Morning tour the historic landmarks of Old Delhi, drive past the Red Fort, visit Raj Ghat and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. Afternoon, is dedicated to New Delhi, as you drive along Rajpath and see the Parliament House, the President’s House and India Gate. Pay a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple. (B)

Day 3 - Delhi / Patna / Rajgir / Nalanda / Bodhgaya – Surface (198 kms / 6 hrs)

Fly to Patna, upon arrival you will be met and drive to Bodhgaya en rout visit Nalanda, the famous ancient seat of learning. The ruins of one of the world's most ancient university. Founded in the 5th century AD, this seat of learning flourished until the 12th century. Continue on to Rajgir, once a great city, Rajgir is just a village today but vestiges of a legendary and historical past remain. An aerial ropeway provides the link with a hilltop stupa built by the Japanese. On one of the hills is the cave of Saptaparni, the first Buddhist council was held here. Later proceed to Bodhgaya. Upon arrival check in at hotel. (B)

Day 4 - Bodhgaya – Visit to Sujata Village

Together with his disciples, Buddha traveled back to Sujata’s Village (Bakror) where they visited with Sujata and the young buffalo boy, Svasti. They then returned to the kingdom of Maghada where King Bimbasara offered Buddha a large bamboo grove in Rajagaya (Rajgir) for his monks to stay during the three months rainy season if Buddha would teach him as well. As Buddha traveled, more and more people were drawn to his teachings. Buddha returned home accompanied by his disciples. His father was disappointed that Buddha had no wish to take over the kingdom but his wife, Vasodhara and adopted mother, Gotama, were deeply touched by his teachings and in time started a monastic branch for women. Four years later his son Rahula asked to become a disciple. In his dharma talk at Sujata Village, Thay said that the Buddha was reluctant to teach because what he understood was so profound. He needed to make the teaching very simple. Learn from your own suffering. If what you eat makes you sick, don’t eat it again. What matters is your practice not theory. If you integrate the knowledge that all is empty and all is connected, you will be freed from fear. Later return to Bodhdaya. (B)

Day 5 - Bodhgaya / Varanasi – Surface (280 kms / 7 hrs)

Morning tour Bodhgaya, one of the most sacred places for the Buddhists as well for the  Hindus. Here under the Bodhi Tree (The Tree of Awakening) Gautama attained the supreme knowledge to become Buddha the "Enlightened one" the propounder of one of the great religions of the world. The Tree that stands today is supposed to have grown from the original tree under which Lord Buddha meditated. River Niranjana in which Buddha bathed after attaining enlightenment flows quietly outside the tiny hamlet, where the story of Prince Siddhartha ended and the saga of the Buddha began. You will visit the Temple and the Bodhi Tree, which is a walking distance from the hotel and visit other sights and monasteries. Upon arrival in Varanasi check in at hotel. (B)

Day 6 - Varanasi

A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges presents an incredible tableau, as multitudes of devotees pay homage to the Sun God. Cruise past the bathing ghats and crematoriums, followed by a walking tour of the old city. Afternoon Visit the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath, scene of Buddha’s first sermon. Later return to the hotel. (B)

Day 7 - Varanasi / Delhi

Morning is at leisure. Later in the day you will be transferred to airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to HOTEL, where you will have room for couple of hours for wash and change. Late evening you will be transferred to airport for flight back home. (B)