Awakening in India: The Grand 13-Day Buddhist Pilgrimage

Description

Embark on Awakening in India: The Grand 13-Day Buddhist Pilgrimage. This exceptional journey traces Lord Buddha's footsteps through India's spiritual heartland, exploring holy sites like Sravasti, Kushinagar, Vaishali, Nalanda, Rajgir, and Bodhgaya where enlightenment emerged. Also discover Varanasi and Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, plus the magnificent Sanchi Stupa (Bhopal), ancient Bhimbetka caves, and the majestic Ajanta & Ellora Caves (Aurangabad). Beginning in Delhi and departing from Mumbai, this pilgrimage promises an intense awakening into centuries of wisdom and heritage. With expert guides, seamless travel, and comfortable accommodations, this is more than a journey—it’s a divine awakening of mind and spirit.

Duration

13 Days 12 Nights

Language

English

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Grand 13-day spiritual pilgrimage across India.
  • Travel Smart, Save More: Explore fully by private car & overnight train, skipping costly domestic flights for a comprehensive, budget-friendly journey.
  • Trace Lord Buddha's footsteps through sacred sites.
  • Visit pivotal locations: Sravasti, Kushinagar, Vaishali, Nalanda, Rajgir, & Bodhgaya.
  • Experience Varanasi's spiritual essence and Sarnath, Buddha's first sermon site.
  • Explore monumental heritage: Sanchi Stupa (Bhopal), Bhimbetka caves, and the majestic Ajanta & Ellora Caves (Aurangabad).
  • Seamless journey beginning in New Delhi and concluding in Mumbai.
  • A profound, transformative 'awakening' into India's rich wisdom and heritage.

Travel Itinerary

Your Awakening in India Buddhist pilgrimage begins with your arrival at New Delhi International Airport. Upon landing, our representative will greet and will give transfer to your hotel. 

For those arriving earlier in the day, take this time to relax and recover from your journey, settling into your accommodation. Standard hotel check-in time is 12:00 PM.

After breakfast, explore Delhi's rich history. Visit the imposing Red Fort, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, and the magnificent Humayun's Tomb. Marvel at Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret.

Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi's bustling lanes. Drive past iconic landmarks like India Gate and the President’s House, occupying yourself in capital's heritage.

This morning, journey from New Delhi to Lucknow by train, followed by a scenic drive to Sravasti. This sacred site is where Lord Buddha performed extraordinary miracles including a million-fold manifestation of himself. 

Here you can examine into the Jetavana Monastery, his habitual residence, exploring his chamber Gandhakuti. Visit the admired Anand Bodh Tree and Anathapindika’s Stupa, submerging yourself in spiritual atmosphere of this ancient city.

Drive to Kushinagar, the blessed site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana at 80. Witness the calm Mahaparinirvana Temple with its reclining Buddha statue.

Visit the respected Ramabhar Stupa, where Buddha was cremated, and explore the Nirvana Stupa and Temple, believed to hold his ashes. Immerse in the deep spiritual energy of this pilgrimage site. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Travel to Patna, pay a visit to Vaishali en route where Buddha addressed his last sermon and declared his approach to Nirvana. See the Lion Pillar raised by the Emperor Ashoka to mark this important event.

You will also watch the Relics Stupa and Ramkund here. Visit Vaishali Museum and stop at the World Peace Pagoda constructed by Japanese Buddhists.

Visit of Vaishali Museum and World Peace Pagoda

Today, we shall be moving towards Bodhgaya. En route, visit Nalanda to explore the Great Stupa ruins. Then, proceed to Rajgir, discovering the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Japanese Shanti Stupa Temple. Finally, arrive in Bodhgaya, the sacred site where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment under the holy Mahabodhi Tree over 2,500 years ago. You'll visit this iconic tree upon arrival. Overnight stay is in Bodhgaya.

Full day is for the sacred marvels of Bodhgaya. Explore the holy Maha Bodhi Temple and the respected Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Absorb the spiritual energy of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Later, discover Sujata Village, named after the girl who offered milk to the starving Gautama on his path to wisdom. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Today, your journey continues to Varanasi, one of the world's most ancient and spiritually blessed cities. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel.


In evening time, prepare for a mesmerizing experience as you become a spectator to the admired Ganga Aarti ceremony. Witness this powerful Hindu religious ritual unfolding on the ghats of the sacred River Ganges. The stunning display of lights, devotional sounds, and spiritual fervor creates an unforgettable view – truly a sight not to be missed. Return to your hotel for overnight stay

Begin with an early morning boat ride on the holy River Ganges in Varanasi, followed by a city tour.

In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Explore its significant stupas. Later in the evening, board your overnight train for Bhopal, enjoying a unique travel experience. Overnight is on board.

Upon arrival in Bhopal, you will be transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, drive to Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this wonderful complex, a testament to Emperor Ashoka's vision, dotted with ancient Buddhist stupas and pillars.


Visit the Archaeological Museum at Sanchi, where you can see the iconic four-lion capital that once crowned the Ashoka Pillar. Return to Bhopal for your overnight stay.


(Please note: Standard hotel check-in time is around 12:00 PM; early check-in is subject to availability at time of check in.)

Today, begin on a fascinating journey to Bhimbetka Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Bhopal. Explore this extraordinary complex of over 600 rock shelters, which served as ancient asylums for early humans. Wonder at the intricate rock paintings spanning from the Paleolithic to the medieval age, with the oldest dating back 12,000 years. See the evolution in artistry, as paintings become smaller and more precise over time.


In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board your overnight train to Aurangabad. Enjoy your journey on board, resting as you travel towards your next destination of ancient wonders.

On arrival, get transferred to your hotel .

After fresh n up discover Ellora Caves dating from A.D. 600 to 1000 [Closed on Tuesdays]. Positioned into the base of a hill the caves enclose intricate carvings of gods and goddesses and symbolize three of the main faiths of ancient India & Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

[Note check in time is around 1200 hours so room is subject to availability at time of check in.]

This morning, drive to the magnificent Ajanta Caves (closed Mondays), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore these 30 rock-cut cave monuments from the 2nd century BCE, renowned for masterpieces of Buddhist religious art—paintings and sculptures depicting Buddha's life and Jataka stories. 


At evening time return to your and then board your flight from Aurangabad airport to Mumbai, On arrival at Mumbai board your flight for onwards journey concluding your Awakening in India: The Grand 13-Day Buddhist Pilgrimage.

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