Taj Mahal met Boeddhistische Tour

Bij aankomst op de luchthaven van New Delhi ontmoet een vertegenwoordiger van Alkof Holidays je en brengt je naar het hotel. De rest van de dag is ter vrije besteding om de bruisende straten van de stad te verkennen of over de brede, met bomen omzoomde boulevards te slenteren om je eerste voorproefje van India te krijgen. Overnachting in het hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, depart for Agra, the city renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. After fresh-n-up, visit the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah, the majestic Agra fort, and the Taj Mahal. Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Lucknow. En route, visit Sankisa, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Upon arrival, first visit the Sri Lanka Sankissa Buddhist Temple. Later, explore the remains of the unique Ashoka Pillar, featuring an elephant instead of the usual lion, which commemorates the Buddha's descent from heaven. Next, visit a small temple dedicated to Mata Mha Maya Prajapati Gautami, the foster mother of Gautama Buddha. This temple holds significant historical and spiritual importance, as it commemorates the maternal figure who played a crucial role in Buddha's early life. According to legend, Gautama Buddha himself brought her back from heaven to Sankisa to help spread Buddhism in the world. Explore the village's archaeological treasures, including impressive Buddhist sculptures from the Mahayana era. Afterwards, continue your drive to Lucknow. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the Bada Imambara Complex in Lucknow, a marvel of Mughal architecture and a treasure trove of historical and cultural experiences. This grand complex, commissioned by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, boasts an impressive central hall, Bhool Bhulaiya (the labyrinth), and the stunning Asfi Mosque. As you wander through its intricately designed corridors and grand courtyards, you'll be transported to an era of opulence and architectural brilliance. The labyrinth, with its maze of interconnected passages, is a highlight that promises a fascinating adventure. The complex also offers panoramic views of the city from its rooftop, making it a perfect spot for capturing beautiful memories.

Later, head towards Shravasti, the former capital of the Kosala kingdom. Upon arrival, visit Jetavana Gardens, a historic site where Anathapindika's generosity enabled the creation of a monastery. Here, the Buddha delivered many profound teachings and resided for 24 rainy seasons, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Inside the Jetavana Gardens, visit the sacred Ananda Bodhi Tree, a site of immense importance for Buddhists. Later, visit the Angulimala Stupa and the Anathapindika Stupa. Next, visit Orajhar, where Buddha performed two miracles. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Shravasti.

Early in the morning, get a packed breakfast and leave for the Sonauli Border for the immigration process to enter Nepal from India. On the way, visit Kapilvastu, located near the Sonauli Border in Uttar Pradesh, India. The site holds immense historical significance as it is where the Shakya clan preserved the eighth part of Gautama Buddha's remains after his nirvana. This sacred site offers a serene ambiance and a glimpse into early Buddhist history. Exploring Kapilvastu allows travellers to connect with the profound sense of history and spirituality that envelops this revered place.

Later, continue to the Sonauli Border for the immigration process, which may take 3 to 4 hours depending on the number of visitors. After completing your immigration formalities, proceed to the hotel in Lumbini. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Mayadevi Temple, the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. Inside the temple, visit the Birthplace of Buddha. Later, visit the sacred pond, Puskarini, where Queen Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth to Gautam Buddha. Finally, visit the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to Lumbini in 249 BC.

Later, visit the World Peace Pagoda, a symbol of universal peace and harmony, offering serene surroundings for reflection and meditation. After that, hop on a rickshaw to visit several other temples and monasteries, including the Japanese Temple, the Korean Temple, the Chinese Temple, the Myanmar Golden Temple, the Vietnamese Temple, and more.

After sightseeing in Lumbini, proceed to Kapilvastu, 50 kilometers from Lumbini, inside Nepal. Upon arrival at Kapilvastu, first visit the Gotihawa Stupa and Pillar. Emperor Ashoka visited this site in 249 BC, erected a stone pillar, and built a large stupa dedicated to Krakuchhanda Buddha to mark his birthplace. Later, visit Tilaurakot, the ancient Shakya capital where Siddhartha Gautama spent his early years before becoming the Buddha. Here the Eastern Gate is significant as it marks the departure of the Buddha from Kapilvastu, beginning his journey to enlightenment, renouncing his family and royal lineage at the age of 21. Also, visit the Western Gate, built to control the flow of people in and out of the city and to defend against floods and enemies. After that, visit the Kapilvastu Museum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

Early in the morning, get a packed breakfast and leave for the Sonauli Border for the immigration process to re-enter India from Nepal. The process may take 3 to 4 hours, depending on the number of visitors at the immigration department. After completing the immigration process, proceed to Kushinagar. Upon arrival, first visit the Parinirvana Stupa, also known as the Mahaparinirvana Temple, believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana. Later, visit the Matha Kaur Shrine, considered to be the site where Buddha delivered his last sermon before attaining Nirvana. After that, visit the Ramabhar Buddhist Stupa, a significant site believed to mark the place where Lord Buddha was cremated. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kushinagar.

After breakfast, leave for Rajgir. On the way halt to Vaishali, to visit the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, commemorating Buddha's last sermon. Then, explore the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda, built in collaboration with the Japanese government to promote peace and harmony. Next, visit Buddha Stupa I and II, which contain the ashes of Lord Buddha and are significant pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Stop by the Abhishek Pushkarini, an ancient tank believed to have been used for the coronation rituals of the Licchavi rulers, adding to the cultural richness of Vaishali. Also visit the Vaishali Archaeological Museum, which houses an array of coins, figures, and artifacts from ancient times. Later continue your drive to Rajgir for overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Vulture's Peak (Griddhakuta Parvat), a sacred site where the Buddha gave many important teachings. Take your time to absorb the spiritual atmosphere and enjoy the panoramic views. Later in the morning, head to Bimbisara's Prison, the historical site where King Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son Ajatashatru. Reflect on its significance and the story behind it. Also visit Venu Vana (Bamboo Grove), a peaceful monastery gifted to Buddha by King Bimbisara. Later proceed to Nalanda, to visit the Ruins of Ancient Nalanda University, one of the world's oldest educational institutions. Spend sometime exploring its architectural grandeur and learning about its historical significance in Buddhist studies. In the evening, leave for Bodhgaya for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After an early morning breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, where you'll see Muchalinda Lake, the Bodhi Tree, and the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), the exact spot where Buddha meditated. Continue your tour with a visit to the Great Buddha Statue, an impressive 80-foot tall depiction of Buddha in a meditative pose. Explore the various monasteries and temples in the area, each built by different Buddhist nations and reflecting their unique architectural styles and cultural traditions. Notable ones include the Thai Monastery, the Japanese Temple, and the Tibetan Monastery. In the afternoon, visit Sujata Kuti, the house of Sujata, who offered Buddha rice pudding, ending his years of asceticism and guiding him toward enlightenment. If time permits, proceed to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha meditated before coming to Bodhgaya. After a day filled with spiritual discovery and historical insights, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, leave for Sarnath, a place of immense significance among the Buddhists. Here, around 528 BCE, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, laying the foundation for this major world religion. Sarnath brims with historical treasures.

First, visit the Sarnath Archaeological Site, home to the Dhamek Stupa and the legendary Ashoka Pillar. Later visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern temple with beautiful murals depicting the life of Buddha. Then visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts from the archaeological site. After that visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, which marks the place where Lord Buddha first met his disciples. In the evening, head to the banks of the Sacred Ganges River to partake in the Aarti ceremony for a truly unforgettable experience. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.

Start your day with a serene boat ride on the River Ganges, basking in the peaceful morning ambiance. Following the boat ride, choose to visit the revered Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple or take a contemplative walk through the various sacred Ghats of Varanasi, each offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual heart of the city. In the afternoon, your driver will escort you to the Varanasi Railway Station, ensuring you have a smooth and comfortable boarding process for your train journey to New Delhi. Upon arrival at the New Delhi Railway Station, our local representative will be there to greet you and provide a seamless transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Humayun's Tomb, an architectural gem built in 1562, followed by a stop at the vibrant Tibetan Market in North Delhi for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Drive through Lutyens' Delhi, passing landmarks like the Presidential House and India Gate, pausing for photos. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Qutab Minar, an iconic minaret and historical marvel, before transferring to IGI Airport for your onward journey.