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Exploring Buddha trails in a luxury cruise plus exploring Taj Mahal is a unique journey back in time conjoining the two different sides of life. On one hand is Buddha Pilgrimage which teaches us to uplift from the pains and suffering of life through treading the path walked by Lord Buddha. This includes the place of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment, Bodhgaya; the place where he delivered numerous discourses, Rajgir; the place of his first sermon, Sarnath; the site of his final Mahaparinirvana, Kushinagar and the site of his birth, Lumbini.
Other side of the journey allows tourists to witness a marvel that rose out of grief of an Emperor for his wife, Taj Mahal. This is one of the great tourist attractions often considered identical to India and its unmatched architectural heritage. Visit the world heritage site, Taj Mahal and witness the marvel erected Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to enshrine the mortal remains of Queen Mumtaz Mahal as a absolute conclusion to the Buddha and Taj Mahal Tour.
Tour Overview
- Duration: 20 Days
- Starts: Kolkata
- Ends: Delhi
- Tour Guide: Yes, English speaking local guides available at all places
- Group Size: Min 2 - Max 20
- Minimum Age: 12 Years Accompanied By An Adult
- Hotel Ratings: Good 5 Star Luxury Cruise & Hotels
- Country: India
- Meals Included: 19 Breakfasts, 16 Dinners & 10 Lunches
- Theme: Explorer & Cultural
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travelers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Please note:
To confirm your position on this trip we require your full name and date of birth at time of booking, to be able to secure tickets for included train tickets
Click on days for detail tour plan
Itineraries
Arrive at Delhi Airport and you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.
Meals:
No Meals for the day
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame,
Later sightseeing continues to visit New Delhi include Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty;
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive to Agra and check in at your hotel. After some rest move to see the Agra Fort built by Akbar where Shahjahans own son Aurangzeb imprisoned Shahjahan. The Agra fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today you will see the magnificent 7th Wonder of the World TAJ MAHAL. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial that has the tomb of his beautiful wife Mumtaj Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa.
Evening is free to explore on your own. Spend your night in Agra.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Early morning transfer to railway station to board a train to Lucknow
Arrive at Lucknow station and immediately leave for Sravasti where Buddha delivered many of his important sermons. Sravasti is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. Lord Buddha bewildered his sermons with a million fold expression of himself, seated on a thousand-petaled lotus, as fire and water sprung from his body.
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning visit Saheth in Sravasti.
Saheth has many famous Buddhist Stupas, monasteries and temples. The main attraction in this historic park is Gandhakuti and Kosambakuti, two chambers used by Buddha. Gandhakuti or fragrant chamber is the most sacred place as it was used as personal chamber by Lord Buddha and devotees offer large amount of flowers to the Lord.
Then drive to Kapilvastu.
Kapilvastu is a very important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. Lord Buddha had spent his first twenty nine years of his life. Once the capital of the Shakya kingdom; the place will unfold the story of birth of Buddhist religion. Mystic charm and magic of the village can be felt with spirituality and devotion. The village is sprinkled with many Stupas that were built by Ashoka and Gupta kings.
Finally, proceed to Lumbini.
Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning visit Lumbini.
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, effectively portrays many artistic preparations of his birth, like the Maya Devi’s statue in the temple with the same name. Picturesque and tranquil backdrop makes it a heaven for tourist.
Later leave for Kushinagar.
Kushinagar is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon and is one of the four most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage. It was the center of the Mallas dynasty who ruled over the place, however, only few ruins remain today associated with that period. Ashoka the Great had also built many structures in this place where Buddha attained Nirvana.
Arrive and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon visit Nirvana Temple.
Perched high on a plinth, the temple houses reclining Nirvana statue of Lord Buddha and is made of monolithic red sandstone. The statue is placed over huge brick-pedestal with stone-posts at the four ends. Inscriptions are beautifully engraved on the statue which dates back to the 5th century.
Ramabhar Stupa is the cremation site of Lord Buddha and is also called as Mukutbandhan-Chaitya.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning leave for Patna, en route visiting Vaishali.
The lord Buddha preached his last sermon before his death in Vaishali. Vaishali is significantly associated with Buddhism. It is believed that Lord Buddha visited Vaishali many times after he attained enlightenment.
Continue drive to Patna. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning leave for Bodhgaya. En-route visit Rajgir and Nalanda
.
Rajgir and Nalanda are two important sites that are closely associated with the Buddhist religion. There are many sites of Buddhist religion. Jivakameavan Gardens are the royal physician’s dispensary of Lord Buddha. Shanti Stupa boasts four glittering statues of Lord Buddha. Venu Vana was the first king offering to Buddha. Nalanda ruins, Museum, Huan-Tsang memorial are major center of attraction in Nalanda.
Continue drive to Bodhgaya. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning visit Bodhgaya.
Bodhgaya is one of the famous sites situated in eastern India associated with the birth of Buddhism around 2500 years ago. It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Visit magnificent Mahabodhi Temple.
The Maha Bodhi Temple was originally built more than 250 years ago, but it has been restored many times since then. Images of Buddha and other figures can be found in the niche carvings of walls and numerous shrines and stupa that surround the temple. These images manifest the Buddhist presence and communicate his teachings. The spiritual and artistic legacy of Buddhism has spread through east and south East Asia. Pilgrims and tourists from all over the world visit and worship the temple.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning leave for Varanasi. Arrive and check in at hotel.
Varanasi,commonly known as the cultural and spiritual capital of India is one of the oldest inhabited cities of the country. Since bygone era, the city has proudly carried the legacy of the rich tradition and culture of India. The city has been an important pilgrimage site for Hindu mythology. City of lights, as popularly known as, is famous for its enigmatic Ghats. The mythological legacy and aura around this city is quite awe-inspiring.
In the evening witness Aarti ceremony at Holy Ganges.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Early morning boat tour on River Ganges to visit Bathing Ghats
We explore Ghats to witness the live rituals of the world’s most important religion. Sailing on the holy waters of Ganga, enjoy the sight of sunrise and at the background you will experience thousands of pilgrims worshipping sunrise and having a bath in the holy water. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath.
Sarnath is a well-known Buddhist site and a popular tourist destination that is worth a visit. The place got its fame after Buddha delivered its first sermon after attaining enlightenment after 2500 years. It is one of the holiest places in Asia.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
In time get transferred to Varanasi railway station to board your train for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend more time in Delhi, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (pending availability).
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Inclusions
Tour Highlights
Note: The highlights and sightseeing's may change depending on the departure date you choose.
- Enjoy excellent regional cuisine in the area's top cities
- Experience the contrast of life between Old and New Delhi
- Behold the beauty of the iconic Taj Mahal
- Agra – Enjoy a visit to Agra Fort and the legendary Taj Mahal, the most extravagant symbol of love ever built
- Explore Lumbini - the birthplace of Buddha and is the Mecca of every Buddhist; and Kushinagar - the place where Buddha attained nirvana.
- Visit to Ashokan Pillar - an inscribed pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka (249 BC) on the spot of Buddha's birth.
- Visit the Mahabodhi tree and Mahakala Caves in Bodhgaya
- See the archaeological sites at Sarnath & Nalanda University
- Take a boat trip along the Ganges to see the pilgrims
- Experience river ghats (and sari shops) in the "Varanasi of central India"
Important Note:
- The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity.
- As per government restrictions, from Farakka to Patna, no liquor will be served on board. The restaurants and hotels in Rajgir and Bodhgaya will not serve liquor as it is prohibited in the region.
- Satellite phones & drone cameras are not allowed in Varanasi, please ensure the same, while traveling to Varanasi.
Included
- 19 nights accommodation as per tour plan [ 10 Nights accommodation in luxury cruise & 6 nights accommodation in 5 star hotels & 3 nights accommodation in 4 star or similar hotels ]
- Breakfast daily a as per tour plan
- Lunch & Dinner on Day 2 as per tour plan
- All meals [Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner] included in tour plan starting with breakfast on Day 3 and ending with breakfast on Day 12
- From Day 12 till Day 17 clients will get Breakfast + Dinner only, starting with dinner on Day 12 and ending with breakfast on Day 17.
- Full board on luxury cruise as per tour plan
- Train fare for all the sectors as per tour plan
- English speaking guide services at all places as per tour plan
- Morning boat ride on River Ganges in Varanasi
- Sarnath excursion from Varanasi
- All airport and railway stations transfers included as per tour plan
INCLUSIONS IN LUXURY CRUISE
- Luxury Honeycomb Spa Robes with Slippers
- All-Natural Spa-quality Bath Amenities
- In-room Electronic Safe & Individual Climate Control
- High Quality Linens with Duvet and Premium Mattresses
- Bottled Water Replenished Daily
- Welcome Flower Arrangement & Fresh Fruit Upon Arrival on Luxury Cruise
- Complimentary Wireless Internet in All Public Areas
- Make-up Mirror & Hair Dryer
- Alarm Clock & Multi-Configuration Plugs
- Generous Closet Space and Under-Bed Storage
- Flat Screen LCD Television with Movie System
- Mini Bar
COMPLIMENTARY EXCURSION AMENITIES IN LUXURY CRUISE :
- Transfers to/from Jetty for embarkation/disembarkation.
- Shore Excursion Program Series including All Admissions
- Shoe Cleaning after Excursions
- Welcome Drink and Cold Towel Service following Excursions
- One English speaking guide on All Excursions
INCLUDED DINING & ENTERTAINMENT IN LUXURY CRUISE:
- Expertly Trained Culinary Team providing Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Seated
- Multiple Course Dinner.
- Special meal requests like vegan, gluten/lactose free etc. can be arranged with advance information.
- Series of Cultural Performances, Educational Talks, Cooking Classes, Movie Shows and Ship Tour.
- Spacious Air-conditioned Lounge.
- Indoor Board Games and Books to read in the Lounge
- Gym facilities
Land Tour Includes from Day 9 Till Day 20
- Transportation in shared air-conditioned vehicles from Patna jetty to Varanasi airport as per the program from Day 9 Till Day 12 as per tour plan
- Transportation in Private air-conditioned vehicles from Varanasi to New Delhi as per tour program from Day 12 Till Day 20 as per tour plan
- Accommodation in First Class Hotels in Bodhgaya and Varanasi
- Four & Five star accommodation in the tour plan. From Day 13 till Day 15 - 4 star hotels or similar will be provided and on Day 12 and from Day 16 till Day 19 five star accommodation will be provided in tour plan.
- Sightseeing as per program with applicable entrances and English-speaking Guide
- Water during meals at restaurants/hotels and in the vehicles during the drives and sightseeing
What's Not Included
- Airfare to/from Destination
- Specialty Coffees, Wines, Beer & Spirits
- Shipboard Gratuities
- All Incidentals
- Any monuments fees in the tour plan visiting from Day 13 till Day 20 as per tour plan
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Beverages, juices, aerated and alcoholic drinks
- Tips & Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Any item or service which is not listed in the inclusions above
In the summer months, Rajasthan can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use suitable skin guard.
There are numerous early mornings on this trip, as many parts of India really become active in the dawn light.
It can get foggy between December and February, which can put a new twist on the already stunning panorama. Though, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours.
Indian Rupee
Depends on Nationality. For more information of Tourist Visa visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
Yes -But have to pay extra cost. Please send mail to us at india@travelntoursindia.co.uk
Yes – mostly in all the hotels free Wi -Fi is available
3* Category Hotels
60 days prior to departure
About Accommodation
A variety of hotels are exercised in India. These can differ in terms of service, efficiency and cleanliness. In many occasions they might not be like what you are used to back home.
The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Though a number of hotels have generators there may be times when these won’t work. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
During the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, particularly if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in instantly on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and discover our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
Generally, Wi Fi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for Wi Fi access.
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
TRANSPORT IN INDIA
Main roads in India are regularly very busy with an variety of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Surpassing on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your travel agent know immediately.
TRAVEL TIMES
Distances in India do not replicate the driving time and to cover 100km may take much lengthier than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
TRAINS
The best way to see India is at ground level on the railway system. In fact, no visit to India would be complete without the experience of travelling on a train and negotiating the busy railway stations. The chaos in the Indian Railway stations is a replica of the life in India. Indian trains are not merely a conveyance they are an odyssey so sit back relax, be patient and enjoy the show.
tti tours uses a combination of AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier (for overnight journeys) and AC Chair car or second class seats for day journeys.
There are no restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways, but on long distance trains a coach attendant will appear at your berth and ask you if you would like to order food. Regular stops are made at stations where food is also obtainable and on some trains many vendors board the train selling chai, cold drinks and crisps and biscuits.
Don't imagine pristine western standards anywhere in India, but you'll find AC2, AC3 and AC Chair class fairly clean by Indian standards, with both western-style and squat toilets usually in a reasonably sanitary condition. Bring your own toilet paper and hand wash soap or liquid.
Indian trains are quite safe to travel on, even for families or women traveling alone, and you are unlikely to have any problems. Having said that, theft of luggage, although rare is not unheard of, so just for peace of mind you may like to take along a chain and padlock to safe your bags (readily available at all Indian railway stations).
IMPORTANT NOTE: If travelling between December to February in Indian Trains
From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your travel agent in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
FLIGHTS
Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
MEALS
Eating is a big part of traveling. Normally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating opportunities, to give you the maximum elasticity in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Vegetarians will be able to find a huge range of different foods - India is vegetarian heaven.
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