Entrancing Buddha’s Steps By Luxury Cruise India 20 Days
Description
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury river cruise along the Ganges River, exploring the sacred Buddha pilgrimage sites while also experiencing the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. This unique 20-day journey offers a spiritual and historical odyssey that connects the teachings of Lord Buddha with the grandeur of India’s architectural marvels. Visit sacred locations such as Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment; Rajgir, where he gave transformative discourses; Sarnath, the site of his first sermon; Kushinagar, where he achieved Mahaparinirvana; and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. This deeply enriching experience allows you to walk in Buddha’s footsteps while immersing yourself in the spiritual history of India. On the other side of this remarkable journey, witness the world-renowned Taj Mahal, an epitome of Mughal architecture and a testament to eternal love. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal remains one of the most iconic and visited landmarks in the world. This luxury tour seamlessly blends the spiritual path of Buddha with the monumental beauty of the Taj Mahal, offering an unparalleled exploration of India’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Duration
20 Days, 19 Nights
Language
English
HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Kolkata on arrival and overnight stay
Sail the Ganges from Farakka to Samtaghat
Visit ancient Vikramshila University ruins
Witness the evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
Discover the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini
Included
- 10 Nights’ Of Accommodation In luxury cruise cabin as Per Desire With Base Category Of Rooms At Each Place
- 9 Days accommodation in 5 star hotels as per tour plan with base category of rooms at each hotel
- Daily Breakfast & Dinners At All The Hotels As per tour plan
- Full Board in Luxury Cruise [ Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ] From Day 2 Till Day 11 As per tour plan
- 19 Breakfasts, 18 Dinners & 10 Lunches Included in the tour plan
- All Transportation, Driver And Sightseeing Tours Using An AC Medium Car.
- Sightseeing As Per Tour Program.
- Explore Kolkata on arrival and overnight stay
- Sail the Ganges from Farakka to Samtaghat
- Visit ancient Vikramshila University ruins
- Train fare of air conditioned class included in the tour plan
- Witness the evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
- Discover the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini
- English speaking local guide services included in the tour plan
- All Pick-Ups & Drop-Offs As Per Itinerary.
- All Taxes, Parking, Toll Charges, Driver Allowance, And Service Charges
Excluded
- Medical Insurance Of Any Kind
- Any Domestic / International Flight Fares
- Any Meals ( Unless Specified )
- Anything Except In Inclusions.
- Any Guide Services & Monument Fees As Per Tour Plan
- Any Expenses Arising Out Of Unforeseen Circumstances Like Flight Delay/Cancellation/Fare Hike, Strike Or Any Other Natural Calamities.
- Personal Nature Expenses I.E. Telephone Calls, Laundry, Soft / Hard Drinks, Meals, And Tipping
Travel Itinerary
1 - Arrive Kolkata
On arrival at Kolkata airport you shall be greeted and get transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. Night stay is in Kolkata
2 - Kolkata / Farakka – Samtaghat
Board an early morning train in Kolkata to arrive at Farakka by midday. Transfer from the train station to the jetty for embarkation. Lunch onboard while the ship sails on the main Ganges River towards Samtaghat.
Dinner & overnight onboard
3 - Samtaghat – Bateshwarsthan
Today we sail full day towards Bateshwarsthan enjoying breakfast and lunch. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river. We will arrive in Bateshwarsthan by evening.
Dinner & overnight onboard
4 - Bateshwarsthan – Sultanganj
After breakfast drive in cars to the 8-9th century excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. Vikramshila University was an important Buddhist centre of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here. We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj while enjoying lunch onboard.
Dinner & overnight onboard
5 - Sultanganj – Munger
After breakfast excursion to Sultanganj, which is notable for two prominent granite rock islands in the river connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one of the islands is a mosque; on the other larger one is the Ajgaibinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. We will visit the Shiva temple. Return to the ship and sail towards Munger while enjoying lunch onboard.
Dinner & overnight onboard
6 - Munger
After breakfast visit the Chandika Sthan Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Munger Fort and the local market popular for fruits, vegetables, textiles, and readymade garments.
Dinner & overnight onboard
7 - Munger – Simaria
Enjoying our breakfast and lunch onboard, we continue our journey further upstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. We will arrive in Simaria by late afternoon. In the evening walk in the riverside village of Simaria to see the daily activities of the local people.
Dinner & overnight onboard
8 - Simaria – Patna
Today we sail full day through wonderful countryside to Patna, enjoying breakfast and lunch. Patna is the capital of the State of Bihar and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra.
Dinner & overnight onboard
9 - Patna Disembark / Nalanda – Bodhgaya
Disembark early morning with packed breakfast and drive to the World Heritage Site of Nalanda which was a renowned Mahavihara (Buddhist monastic university) in ancient Magadha operating from 427 until 1197 CE. Continue to Rajgir, which was one of Buddha's most important preaching locations. Lunch at a restaurant here before we continue to Bodhgaya, which is one of the four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha.
Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Bodhgaya
10 - Bodhgaya
After breakfast at hotel visit the World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple, which was the place where Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment under the “Bodhi Tree.” Return to hotel for lunch Thereafter spend the day exploring the several Buddhist temples and monasteries that have been built by the people of various countries like Bhutan, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam. These buildings reflect the architectural style exterior and interior decoration of their respective countries.
Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Bodhgaya
11 - Drive Bodhgaya / Varanasi
After early breakfast at the hotel drive to Varanasi, the holiest town for the Hindus. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and have lunch. In the evening visit the ghats to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.
Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Varanasi.
12 - Varanasi – Sarnath - Varanasi
At early dawn enjoy a sunrise boat tour to witness the incredible scenes along the holy Ganges River. Return to hotel for breakfast. Thereafter visit the archaeological site of Sarnath, where Buddha after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya, preached his first discourse to his first five disciples. The Dhamek Stupa here is one of the eight stupas where Buddha’s ashes after his cremation were divided and buried.
Thereafter return back to your hotel for overnight stay.
13 - Varanasi – Kushinagar [By Drive]
Morning drive to Kushinagar, the site of Lord Buddha’s last sermon and Nirvana. Visit the Nirvana Temple, housing a 5th-century reclining Buddha statue. Explore Ramabhar Stupa, the cremation site of Buddha. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
14 - Kushinagar – Lumbini [By Drive]
Drive to Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace in southern Nepal. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and the Shakya Tank, which are part of the archaeological site dating back to the 3rd century BC. Lumbini is a serene and significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Overnight stay in Lumbini.
15 - Lumbini – Kapilvastu – Sravasti [By Drive]
Morning drive to Sravasti. En-route visit 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 Sravasti
Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay
16 - Sravasti – Lucknow [By Drive]
After breakfast visit 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. Also 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.
Later drive to Lucknow for your overnight stay.
Overnight stay at hotel
17 - Lucknow – Agra [By Train]
Day is at leisure. In time get transferred to Lucknow railway station to board your train for Agra. On arrival at Agra you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. Night stay is in Agra.
18 - In Agra
Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, a white marble monument built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. Afterward, explore the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Agra.
19 - Agra – Delhi [By Drive]
After relaxed breakfast drive to Delhi. It is a scenic 2 hours and 30 minutes’ drive to Delhi. On arrival check in at your hotel and relax. Night stay is in Delhi.
20 - Tour of Delhi & Depart
Tour Old Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid, and drive past India Gate, Raj Ghat, and Rashtrapati Bhawan. Visit Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, showcasing Mughal architecture. Transfer to New Delhi airport for your departure. Tour ends.
Extra Notes - Important Notes
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Book
Have your breakfast and get prepared for a full day excursion tour. Start your day with visit to Gateway of India and the very famous Taj Hotel. You can further proceed to the Prince of Wales Museum and en route to Mumbai High Court and University. You can go for the picturesque view of Marine Drive and Hanging Garden. Pay a visit to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station from outside to get the exquisite beauty of the monuments. Later, visit Tower of Silence from outside and Mani Bhavan (which tends to be the house of Mahatma Gandhi). Pay a visit to Jain Temple, World Trade Centre, and Jehangir Art Gallery. You can cover Nehru Planetarium and Haji Ali.
Welcome
Have your breakfast and get prepared for a full day excursion tour. Start your day with visit to Gateway of India and the very famous Taj Hotel. You can further proceed to the Prince of Wales Museum and en route to Mumbai High Court and University. You can go for the picturesque view of Marine Drive and Hanging Garden. Pay a visit to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station from outside to get the exquisite beauty of the monuments. Later, visit Tower of Silence from outside and Mani Bhavan (which tends to be the house of Mahatma Gandhi). Pay a visit to Jain Temple, World Trade Centre, and Jehangir Art Gallery. You can cover Nehru Planetarium and Haji Ali.
Tour Terms & Conditions
- Until 90 days prior to arrival – 30% of the deposited amount
- Between 89 days to 60 days prior to arrival – 40% of the deposited amount
- Between 59 days to 0 days prior to arrival – NO REFUND
For more details click here
Contact Information
Have a question in mind
Looking for more info? Send a question to the tour agent to find out more.
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