Mahaparinirvana Express :
Buddhist Circuit Train
Group | Individual | Regular | Heritage Tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
USD$ 945 Onwards
View PDF
Images >
Location map >
Vídeos >
Mahaparinirvana Express: — The Train
● Delhi ● Bodhgaya ● Nalanda/Rajgir ● Varanasi/Sarnath ● Kushinagar ● Lumbini
● Sravasti ● Agra/Delhi
Information
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Hotels x
Destination Info
More Info x
Mahaparinirvan Express - Buddhist Circuit Train Tour
The Mahaparinirvan Express, a Buddhist Pilgrim Train is the newest initiative of the IRCTC ( Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation) that will cater to Buddhist pilgrims on a pan-India, 8 day journey to all major Buddhist destinations. The train traverses through important pilgrim destinations in both India and Nepal. The train was inaugurated in 2007 and 5 years on, has gained decent credibility among Buddhist devotees who swear by the train's well thought out itinerary and the luxury it affords.
Inside The Mahaparinirvan Express
The Mahaparinirvan Express has 18 first AC berths, 92 two-tier AC berths and 256 three-tier AC berths. Although not a luxury train per se, the Mahaparinirvan Express still affords great levels of luxury and comfort to its passengers.
The Journey
The Mahaparinirvan Express journey is an elaborate, well planned 8 day tour that begins and ends at Delhi. During its course, the Mahaparinirvan Express travels through prominent Buddhist pilgrim destinations of Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini, Sravasti, besides the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra. All tour highlights are well spaced and nowhere does the itinerary feels rushed.
The Mahaparinirvan Express is a lifetime experience that can be booked at really reasonable prices. Indian Luxury Trains offers comprehensive packages for the train's upcoming journeys next year. Call us today or drop us an email and we will get back on your tour query.
Salient Features of Buddhist Circuit Special Tour
1. Exclusive Train for the Buddhist Circuit Tour:
The Buddhist Circuit Special Train is an exclusive air conditioned train for Buddhist circuit destinations and does not carry passenger other than the tourist booked with IRCTC for this special tour.
2. Security on train
Private Security Guards in each coach for constant & close watch to ensure safety of the passengers.
3. On-board Hygienic Kitchen Car Facility
The passengers can choose from an assortment of sumptuous hot meals (Veg / Non Veg), snacks and cold drinks. Packaged drinking water, tea and coffee are also available to the passengers in ample quantity.
4. On-board Clean and Hygienic Lavatories and Showers
convenience of the passengers, clean and hygienic lavatories and showers are provide.
5. Accommodation in comfortable Hotels of the Buddhist Circuit
Accommodation in comfortable hotels of the Buddhist Circuit.
6. Insurance Cover
All passengers are provided with Travel Insurance Cover for the duration of the tour.
7. Medical Facility:
In case of any exigency, medical support can be provided through an extensive network of Indian Railways medical facilities.
8. Language Guide
On sufficient advance information, tour guides of various languages would be provided for sizeable groups.
9. Other Assistance:
Tourists are requested to obtain a proper Visa for visiting Lumbini (Nepal) before arriving in India. However, IRCTC provides assistance in obtaining Visa at the time of entry in Nepal as per extant rules.
Partial Tour of Buddhist Circuit Special Train:-
The Cut-off (end of IRCTC services) and Reporting Time (commencement of IRCTC services) for the tourist availing partial
journey (less than 7 nights) on the Buddhist Circuit Special Train would be 1900 Hrs at Railway station / Hotel. Tourists who wish
to join group before 1900 Hrs or extend the tour beyond 1900 Hrs have to pay the charges for an additional night over and above
the total number of nights opted for.
Founded and established by Lord Buddha, Buddhism preaches the path of non-violence, practice and spiritual development. A lot of people aspire to understand, follow and know more about Buddhism in order to bring peace and calm in their lives.
Traveling to the important Buddhist sites of the world helps in understanding and experience Buddhist teachings and lifestyle. To cater to the followers of Buddhism, Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) started the Mahaparinirvan Express in 2007.
The Mahaparinirvana Express train tour, offering excellent Buddhist circuit tours, taking you through destinations of India and Nepal, includes 18 first AC, 92 two-tier AC berth and 256 three-tier AC births. It has to offer various facilities on-board, like private security guards for every coach, hygienic kitchen, medical facilities, language guide and many more.
Day 1: Saturday Delhi - Gaya (990 kms)
13:00 hrs.- Assemble at the Delhi Safdurjung Railway Station, New Delhi where you will be welcomed in a traditional manner. All check -in formalities will be completed. .
14:30 hrs.- Departure of the train for Gaya. Evening Tea & Dinner served on-board. Over night stay on-board.
Day 2: Sunday Gaya - Bodhgaya (16 kms)
Train arrives early morning at Gaya Railway Station. After onboard wash and Change and breakfast ; proceed with overnight clothes to visit Mahabodhi temple & Niranjana River. Later check into hotel at Bodhgaya for overnight stay. After lunch in hotel & brief rest, visit Thai Temple, Japanese temple & Buddha statue Return to Hotel in the evening for Dinner & Night stay in Bodhgaya hotel.
Day 3: Monday Bodhgaya - Nalanda - Rajgir - Gaya - Varanasi Depart
After Early morning breakfast, check out from Bodhgaya Hotel & board buses to drive 2 hours to Rajgir (85 Kms), to visit Bimbimsara Jail,Gridhakut Hill & Venuvan After lunch at a restaurant in Rajgir, proceed to visit ruins of one of the oldest university in the world at Nalanda & nearby located museum Depart by 4 p.m. from Nalanda by bus to reach Gaya railway station by 8 p.m. and board the train. Dinner on-board. Train departs to Varanasi (220 kms) by 1130 p.m. Overnight stay onboard
Day 4: Tuesday Varanasi - Sarnath - Gorakhpur The First Sermon
Early morning tea on-board and arrival at Varanasi railway station, proceed to a hotel room for wash & change only, followed by breakfast Morning excursion to Sarnath (10 kms), to see Dhamek stupa, Sarnath Museum, Ashokan Pillar & Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Drive back to Varanasi hotel for lunch followed by some free time. Tourists can either opt for shopping or other activities.time at leisure. Evening visit ancient Ghats of Holy river Ganges, to view evening lamp immersion ceremony Return to Varanasi railway station by 8 p.m. to board the train. Dinner on board. The train departs by 11 p.m. for Gorakhpur (224kms) & Overnight stay on-board.
Day 5: Wednesday Gorakhpur - Kushinagar Nirvana
Early morning tea on board. Arrive at Gorakhpur railway station. Board buses for Kushinagar Hotel for Overnight stay & breakfast. Morning visit Mahaparinirvan Temple, Rambhar stupa, Mata Kutir temple etc. Return to hotel for lunch & afternoon at leisure. Tourists can either opt for shopping or other activities. Evening participate in chanting & meditation session (Subject to availability of appropriate teachers/instructors). Dinner & overnight stay in Kushinagar Hotel.
Day 6: Thursday Kushinagar - Lumbini(Nepal) - Birthplace - Gorakhpur
After Early morning tea and breakfast, check-out from hotel by 6 a.m. & proceed by bus for excursion to Lumbini(Nepal/across India border). Only those foreign nationals having valid Multiple Entry Visa to India, will be taken across the border by train tour officials After lunch in Lumbini restaurant/hotel, visit Maya devi temple, Ashokan Pillar and Pushkarni lake Depart from Lumbini by 4 p.m.& reach Gorakhpur railway station by 830 p.m. Board train for dinner Depart by train to Gonda at 1130 p.m. Overnight stay on-board.
05:00 hrs. : Early breakfast at the hotel.
Note:- Day-5 & Day-6 program may be interchanged as per the operational feasibility. In such case, Day-5 night stay would be in Lumbini & Kushinagar visit would be on Day-6. This would be communicated to the passengers before the commencement of the trip.
Day 7: Friday Gonda - Sravasti - Gonda - Agra - A Legend Begins
Early morning tea on-board and arrival at Gonda Railway Station. board buses from Gonda Railway station for Sravasti (65kms) Arrival at the Hotel for wash/change and breakfast. Morning visit Jetvana Vihar,Pakki Kuti & Sehat Maher Thai temple, After lunch in Sravasti hotel Drive back to gonad railway station to board the train by 5 p.m. & Depart by train to Agra (450 kms) at 6 p.m. Evening tea & dinner on board Overnight stay on train
Day 8: Saturday Agra - Delhi Depart
Early morning tea, wash & fresh and breakfast on-board. After train reaches Agra railway station, proceed for the sight-seeing of the World famous Taj Mahal one of Seven Wonders of Modern world. Return to train by 1230 Noon and departure by train for New Delhi (220 kms) by 215 p.m. for Delhi Onboard lunch and evening tea. Arrival at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station at approximately 18:30 hrs.
Note: All timings & details shown are for your guidance only. Actual journey time depends on the road conditions, operational factors etc.
DEPARTURE DATES
2017 April
22
2016 October
22
2016 May
26
2016 November
20
2016 June
24
2016 December
2016 July
28
2017 January
18
2017 February
2016 August
18
2017 March
2016 September
All the above dates are on Saturdays. Charters/Group Bookings on Request
TOUR COST per person for 7 Nights Mahaparinirvana Express - Buddhist Circuit Train Tour
No of Persons
INR Tariff-
Only for Indian National
(Taxes Extra)
US$ Tariff-
For Foreign Passport Holders (Taxes Extra)
Occupancy
Type
One
` 77,951/-
US$ 1,155
First Class AC(1A)
One
` 3,08,000/-
US$ 945 + 580*
First Class AC(1A) - Coupe
One
` 3,36,,000/-
US$1,305
Second Class AC(2AC) - Two-Tier
TOUR COST Mahaparinirvana Express - Buddhist Circuit Train Tour Per person Per Night
No of Persons
INR Tariff-
Only for Indian National
(Taxes Extra)
US$ Tariff-
For Foreign Passport Holders (Taxes Extra)
Occupancy
Type
One
` 11,136/-
US$ 165
First Class AC(1A)
One
` 44,000/-
US$ 135 +580*
First Class AC(1A) - Coupe
One
` 48,000/-
US$165 +150
Second Class AC(2AC) - Two-Tier
Classes Description
First AC - Air-conditioned Deluxe Cabins with 2/4 berths each. (18 pax per coach).
AC-2 Tier - Air-conditioned Coaches with berths in two tiers with curtains. (46 pax per coach).
AC-3 Tier - Air-conditioned Coaches with berths in three tiers. (64 pax per coach).
Note:
Hotel Single Occupancy :
Passenger who would like to have Single occupancy i.e. do not wish to share the room with anyone else should choose
the option at the time of booking by paying additional amount of US$ 50 per night or US$ 200 for the full tour.
Note: - Single Occupancy is not be applicable for Train journey.
Add Govt. Taxes Extra ,as applicable on date of journey
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year
Children between 5 and 12 years charged 50% of adult rate (Half fare)
Children below 5 years are complimentary(but no bed)
Option to book for MINIMUM Three nights part journey & pay accordingly
Train tour will operate ,subject to MINIMUM 20 Passengers OR
advance received will be refunded (with no further liability)
Validity: From April 1, 2016 to March 30, 2017 |
* Indicative price subject to change at the time of issue.
TOUR COST INCLUDES
● Journey by Exclusive Air-conditioned Train as per the Itinerary.
● Road transport by AC coaches as per the itinerary.
● Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
● Accommodation as per the itinerary.
● Meals as per the itinerary.
● English / Hindi speaking Tour Escort,
● Group excursion & sightseeing.
● The entrance to places of tourist interest mentioned in the itinerary. (Single visit per site).
● Entrance fees of monuments/sightseeing trips as per the itinerary.
● Travel Insurance.
TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
● International air fare.
● Visa fee and service charges if service provided for issuance of visas.
● Expense of personal nature like spa, business car facilities, drinks, and also food drinks not forming part of the group menus, room service or mini-bar consumption, laundry, medical expenses, telephone and internet services, camera or video camera fee at the monuments, tips and other items.
● Road Transfers to and from Delhi-Safdarjung Railway Station.
Hotel stay in Delhi before & after the trip, air ticket, visa charges etc.
● Personal Insurance is not included in the cost, hence any cost involving health which may include any type of medical expense or medication and any cost derived due to illness would be charged extra. It is advised to take a personal travel insurance
● Cost of Optional or add-on tours unless mentioned otherwise.
● Airport taxes and airport departure tax normally included in the international tickets.
● Meals other than those mentioned as included in the itinerary.
● Services not mentioned in the 'The price includes' box.
VISA
● Travellers should carry a valid tourist visa for
● India (Multiple Entry) and Nepal
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. The accommodation booked under this ticket is not transferable.
2. The voucher is to be carried by the passenger during the journey along with the above photo identity card in original and is valid only when presented with this photo identity card. If the relevant photo identity card is not accompanied with this voucher, it will be considered as ticket-less travel and treated accordingly.
3. The exact train timings are subject to minor modifications. All the travelling passengers must reconfirm the timings with IRCTC, corporate office before the start of their journey.
4. This voucher is to be carried by the passenger during the journey along with the above photo identity card in original and is valid only when presented with this photo identity card.If the relevant photo identity card is not accompanied with this voucher, it will be considered as ticket-less travel and treated accordingly.
5. On demand from ticket checking staff the passenger should produce this voucher along with the above mentioned photo identity card.
6. Visa Clauses :-
a. It may be noted that due to recent change in visa rules, travelers having multiple entry Indian visa on their passport may not be allowed to re-enter India (within Two months) after their Lumbini visit (as per this program).Travelers having double entry Indian visa will only be allowed to re-enter India after their Lumbini visit.
b. Travelers are requested to recheck with Indian visa issuing authorities in their respective countries to have the appropriate visa enabling them travel to Lumbini and return to India. Travelers must present their travel itinerary to the visa issuing authorities at the time of visa application.
c. All Foreign Tourists other than Indian Passport Holders must obtain a valid Indian visa allowing them to visit Nepal (as per the tour itinerary) during the tour and come back to India to complete the tour. All foreign tourists must recheck with visa section at the Indian Embassy / Indian Consulate / Visa Processing authority in their respective countries for the appropriate visa (Double Entry or Multiple Entry) as per their travel program.
d. All Foreign Tourists other than Indian Passport Holders must have valid Nepal visa. In case foreign tourists are unable to process their Nepal visa before joining the tour, IRCTC will facilitate visa processing at the entry post. Such passengers should carry 2 passport size photographs with them.The visa fees if any will be paid by the passengers directly.
e. Indian Nationals must carry a government issued photo identity card (passport, driving license, PAN card etc.) for Nepal visit.
7 IRCTC reserves the right to refuse booking or travel of any passenger without assigning any reason.
8. No refund or adjustment will be made in the event of interruption / non-use of full or any part of the tour or tour service by a tourist on his own after the commencement of the tour or closure of a sightseeing place or monument due any unknown reasons or closure on account of the decision /order of the local municipal administration /any other government authority / unforeseen events, circumstances, situations etc.
9. In case any sightseeing being missed on account of the delay in local transportation buses / train due to the reasons beyond our control, no refund shall be made.
10. Being a group tour, passengers would be required to share the bus / buses and train accommodation with other passengers. In case any passenger / passengers wish to travel in separate bus/buses, he/she should inform IRCTC at least one month in advance. IRCTC would try to make appropriate arrangement for which passenger / passengers would be required to make additional payment. For the smooth operation of the tour, passengers would need to adhere to the instructions given by the Tour Manager from time to time.
11. As per the tour program, this tour involves few long road journeys also. Due to inadequate infrastructure (toilets etc.) en-route, passengers may get little uncomfortable. However, efforts will be made to give breaks at the appropriate places and as & when required by the tourists.
12. Train / Road journey time may exceed the expected travel time due to unforeseen circumstances such as traffic jams, break down of buses etc. This may result in late meal service, shortened / late/or no sightseeing etc.
13. Meals in hotels and on train are of pre-fixed menus and are generally decided keeping the palate of the overall tourists. Menus according to the specific preferences would not be possible.
14. As per the tour itinerary, hotel rooms at certain places are only provided for wash & change purpose. Passengers should not expect rooms to given to them for longer duration. Check-in at hotel rooms at certain places may be delayed to the due delay from hotel in providing the rooms.
15. AC First class - has cabins with 4 berths (two lower & two upper). The cabins can be locked from inside as it has a sliding door.
AC First class Coupe - has cabins with 2 berths (one lower & one upper). The cabins can be locked from inside as it has a sliding door
AC Two Tier -has open cabins with 6 seats (Four on one side of the pathway and two on other side). Four seats cabin has two lower & two upper berths. The cabin does not have door and instead has a curtain. Two Seats (one lower & one upper) are on the other side of the pathway. These two seats also have curtains.
AC Two Tier -has open cabins with 4 seats on one side of the pathway. Four seats cabin has two lower & two upper berths. The cabin does not have door and instead has a curtain.
AC Three Tier -has open cabins with 8 seats (Six on one side of the pathway and two on other side). Six seats cabin has two lower, two middle & two upper berths. This cabin neither has door nor a curtain. Two Seats (one lower & one upper) are on the side of the pathway.
There is a limited storage place inside the train. The luggage can be placed under the seats / berths while on train. Hence, passengers are advised to travel with minimum luggage.
16. Passengers are required to take care of their luggage / belongings themselves. IRCTC will not be responsible for any loss or damage of any of the luggage / belongings at the Railway Stations / Train / Bus / Hotels etc.
17. It is the responsibility of the tourist to carefully read and fully understand all the terms and conditions / services to be offered / type of services to be offered etc. of this tour before making booking. In case of any doubts / clarifications, the same should be cleared with IRCTC before making the booking.
18. The journeys are well planned in advance. We reserve the right to make changes to the programme if necessary at any point of time. Should the minimum number of passengers not be met or due to certain operational reasons & conditions, we reserve the right to cancel the departure or amend the same. Most of the changes made by us would be minor, but on certain occasions there could be possibility of making significant change. A change is defined as significant if it involves change of date or destination. In such an eventuality, we would inform the passengers on the contact details given by them in their booking forms.
In such cases, we would inform you as soon as possible and provide you following solutions :
(a) Accepting the changed arrangements or transferring your tour to another available tour date.
(b) Cancelling or accepting the cancellation where you will receive a refund of payment without interest remitted to us. However, there will be no refund of any service such as pre /post tour accommodation, airline tickets, visa charges etc. that have been booked by you and /or your travel agent.
● The price provided is based on the prices and taxes existing at the time of calculation. Any increase in the airfare, in routing due to withdrawal of existing flights, taxes change if any would be advised at the time of booking.
● Any change in rate of exchange leading to an increase in the cost of the tour, which may come into effect prior to departure would be informed at the time of booking.
● Minimum reporting time in India for International flights in India is three hours and for internal flights is hour and a half.
● Child without bed - Is an individual under 12 years of age, sharing the room with 2 Full Paying adults and without a bed.
● Triple rooms do not exist in India, most hotels use roll away beds which is placed once you arrive at the hotel. The room size is the same as a Double Room.
● Once an air ticket is issued, any change of date or cancellation would attract a penalty charge levied by the airlines. Your sales officer will advise you the amount at the time of making the date change.
● The tour will be operated, subject to a minimum of 06 full paying adult passengers. In the event that the group size is less than 06 adult passengers, you will be given an option of travelling as an individual tourist with private services. Additional supplement might apply. The Tour will be conducted on a seat-in-coach basis for group strength of 20- 25 persons, with the assistance of a local representative.
● Travel Insurance for the duration of the tour is not included in the tour price. However, any passengers who wish to take an insurance cover can request for it at an additional charges.
● The right to vary, amend or withdraw any particular itinerary, departure or excursion rests entirely with the company. Due to demand in particular airline in/ out points may change. Service, will however remain unchanged. Hotels / Flights / Airlines / Itinerary / Route subject to change without notice
HOTEL SELECTION
City
Luxury
Nights
Mysore
01
River Kabini Lodge
While on journey on board
06
The Golden Chariot (Train)
LUXURY HOTELS [+]
River Kabini Forest Lodge, MysoreNamed after the River Kabini, the River Kabini Lodge beckons with the promise of elephants, gaur, deer and a rumour of tiger. Located on the southern fringes of the Nagarahole National Park, this former hunting lodge of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore was rated as One of the Top 5 Wildlife Resorts in the World by the British Tatler’s Travel Guide. A sprawling colonial estate in the heart of elephant country, the River Kabini Lodge echoes with the call of the wild.. ...read more<>
Gaya
Gaya derives its name from the mythological demon Gayasur (which literally means Gaya the holy demon), demon (asur, a Sanskrit word) and Gaya. Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur, the holy demon by using the pressure of his foot over him. This incident transformed Gayasur into the series of rocky hills that make up the landscape of the Gaya city. Gaya was so holy that he had the power to absolve the sins of those who touched him or looked at him; after his death many people have flocked to Gaya to perform shraddha sacrifices on his body to absolve the sins of their ancestors. The most popular temple today is Vishnupad Temple, a place along the Falgu River, marked by a footprint of Vishnu incised into a block of basalt that marks the act of Lord Vishnu subduing Gayasur by placing his foot on Gayasurs chest. Buddhist tradition regards the footstep in the Vishnupad Temple as a footstep of Buddha. For Buddhists, Gaya is an important pilgrimage place because it was at Brahmayoni hill that Buddha preached the Fire Sermon (Adittapariyaya Sutta) to one thousand former fire-worshipping ascetics, who all became enlightened while listening to this discourse. At that time, the hill was called Gayasisa.
Bodhgaya
According to Buddhist traditions, 500 BC Prince Gautama Siddhartha, wandering as a monk, reached the sylvan banks of Falgu River, near the city of Gaya. There he sat in meditation under a bodhi tree. After three days and three nights of meditation, Siddhartha attained enlightenment and insight, and the answers that he had sought. He then spent seven weeks at seven different spots in the vicinity meditating and considering his experience. After seven weeks, he traveled to Sarnath, where he began teaching Buddhism.
Disciples of Gautama Siddhartha began to visit the place where he had gained enlightenment during the full moon in the month of Vaisakh (April-May), as per the Hindu calendar. Over time, the place became known as Bodhgaya, the day of enlightenment as Buddha Purnima, and the tree as the Bodhi Tree.
As the place of the Buddhas Enlightenment, Bodhgaya is the spiritual home of Buddhists. Located in Bihar, 115 kms from Patna, the land is rich and fertile, dotted with green fields and watered by the river Phalgu - the same ancient Nairanjana River where the Buddha bathed after attaining enlightenment. A range of low forested hills silhouette the small hamlets flanking the glistening, sandy banks of the river. Monks and nuns rub shoulders with tourists and believers from all over the world. An all-pervading calm envelops the town, giving visitors a sense of peace
Rajgir
The meandering river Banganga and five hills ensconce picturesque Rajgir, ancient Rajgriha (literally, the abode of kings). During the lifetime of the Buddha this was the capital of the powerful Magadhan kingdom, ruled by the virtuous king Bimbisara. Like many others in search of Truth, Prince Siddhartha, after he renounced his royal heritage came to this city to seek the path of salvation. Later, he overwhelmed the citizens of Rajagriha with his serenity and grace and converted King Bimbisara of Magadha and countless others to his religion. The hills and caves surrounding Rajagriha were home to spiritual teachers, ranging from the materialism of the early Charavaka School to the metaphysics of Upanishadic philosophers. In fact the first Buddhist council after the Buddha was hosted here at the Saptaparni caves. It was Rajgir which saw Gautam Buddha spending several months meditating, and preaching at Griddhkuta, (�Hill of the Vultures�). He also delivered some of his famous sermons. The rich merchant community here soon became the Buddhas followers and built many structures of typical Buddhist architecture.
Nalanda
Nalanda -the most renowned university in ancient India derived its name from Na-alam-da, meaning Insatiable in Giving, one of the names by which the Lord Buddha was known. Nalanda was one of the worlds first residential universities, i.e., it had dormitories for students. In its heyday it accommodated over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The university was considered an architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a lofty wall and one gate. The subjects taught at Nalanda University covered every field of learning, and it attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey.
The Buddha is mentioned as having several times stayed at Nalanda. When he visited Nalanda he would usually reside in Pavarikas mango grove, and while there he had discussions with Upali-Gahapati and Dighatapassi[, with Kevatta, and also several conversations with Asibandhakaputta. The Buddha visited Nalanda during his last tour through Magadha, and it was there that Sariputta uttered his "lions roar, affirming his faith in the Buddha, shortly before his death. Also, Nalanda was the residence of Sonnadinna. Mahavira is several times mentioned as staying at Nalanda, which was evidently a centre of activity of the Jains.
Varanasi
The city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Called Benaras by the British, Varanasi is a holy city in Hinduism, being one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus of all denominations. More than 1,000,000 pilgrims visit the city each year. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, " Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." It has the holy shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanath (a manifestation of Lord Shiva), and also one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to mythology, Lord Shiva once in fact lived in Kashi ( Varanasi ). Hindus believe that bathing in Ganga remits sins and that dying in Kashi ensures release of a persons soul from the cycle of its transmigrations.
Varanasi is one of the holiest places in Buddhism too. It was believed that over twenty-five centuries ago, a sage travelled 200 kms from Bodhgaya, where he had attained Nirvana to reach the ghats of Varanasi of Kashi as it was then called. The city had seen saffron clad spiritual teachers before him, who came here, drawn by its magnetic, inexplicable spiritual power. The Sage was looking for five Hindu ascetics, old companions from whom he had parted, because they had insisted that the only path to salvation was through self-mortification. The Buddha found them at Rishipattana, the Deer park near Kashi, and gave them the gift of the spiritual knowledge which he had attained since he parted with them, and they became his first followers, and the first members of the Sangha
Sarnath
Sarnath is located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India . It Sarnath (also Mrigadava, Migadaya, Rishipattana, Isipatana) is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Gautama Buddha started teaching not to debate but for the advantage of and out of compassion for human beings. He explained the middle way which avoids extremes, the Four Noble Truths, and prescribed the Eight-fold path.
There are remains dating as far back as the 3rd century B.C. when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar edicts. The runs at Sarnath and the art collection in the Archaeological Museum are representations/ examples of the glorious past of Sarnath. Archaeological remains are open from Sunrise to Sunset.
Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur is a city in the eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh in India, near the border with Nepal. It is the administrative headquarters of Gorakhpur District and Gorakhpur Division. Gorakhpur is famous as a religious centre: the city was home to Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Sikh saints and is named after the medieval saint Gorakshanath. The city is also home to many historic Buddhist sites.
Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism, renounced his princely clothing at the confluence of the rivers Rapti and Rohini, near Gorakhpur , before setting out on his quest of truth in 600 BC. The city is also associated with the travels of Lord Buddhas contemporary Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism
Kushinagar
At this location, near the Hiranyavati River, Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (or Final Nirvana) after falling ill from eating a meal of a species of mushroom. It is said that the Buddha had three reasons for coming to Kusin�r� to die:
1. Because it was the proper venue for the preaching of the Mah�-Sudassana Sutta;
2. Because Subhadda would visit him there and, after listening to his sermon, would develop meditation and become an arahant while the Buddha was still alive; and
3. Because the brahman Doha would be there, after the Buddhas death, to solve the problem of the distribution of his relics.As the scene of his death, Kusinara became one of the four holy places declared by the Buddha (in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta) to be fit places of pilgrimage for the pious, the other three being Kapilavatthu, Buddhagaya and Isipatana.
Lumbani (Nepal)
Lumbini (meaning "the lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Rupandehi District, Lumbini Zone of Nepal, near the Indian border. It is the place where Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became a Buddha (Gautama Buddha), and founded the religion of Buddhism. Gautama Buddha lived between approximately 563 BCE and 483 BCE. For Buddhists, this is one of the four main pilgrimage sites based around the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Bodhgaya, and Sarnath.
Lumbini is located 25 km east of the municipality of Kapilavastu, the place where the Buddha grew up and lived up to the age of 29. Kapilvastu is the name of place as well as the neighbouring district. Lumbini has various Buddhist temples including the Mayadevi temple. There is also the Puskarini pond and remains of Kapilvastu palace in Lumbini. There are other sites near Lumbini where, according to Buddhist tradition, previous Buddhas were born and achieved enlightenment and died.
Sravasti
Sravasti, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala , has the honour for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens . The city believed to be founded by the mythological king Sravast, has age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here.
This holy place also has the famous Anand Bodhi tree, an offspring of the one, said to have been planted by Buddhas main disciple. Another famous incident in Sravasti was - during the time of Sakyamuni, Sudatta, a rich and pious merchant, lived in Sravasti. While on a visit to Rajgir, he heard the Buddhas sermon and decided to become the Lords disciple. But he was caught in dilemma and asked the Lord whether he could become a follower without forsaking worldly life. To his query, the Master replied that it was enough that he followed his vocation in a righteous manne
Agra
Agra's Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, the mausoleum of Shah Jahans favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the world, and one of three World Heritage Sites in Agra, the others being Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Completed in 1653 A.D., the Taj Mahal is believed to be built by the Mughal Badshah (king) Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Finished in marble, it is perhaps Indias most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewellers to build and is set amidst landscaped gardens. Built by the Persian architect, Ustad Isa, the Taj Mahal is on the bank of the Yamuna River . It can be observed like a mirage from the Agra Fort from where Emperor Shah Jahan stared at it, for the last eight years his life as a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb. It is a masterpiece of symmetry, seeming to be floating in the air from a distance, and each revealed as an illusion experienced as one enters through the main gate. Verses of the Holy Koran are inscribed on it and at the top of gate 22 small domes, signifying the number of years the monument took to build. The Taj Mahal was built on a marble platform that stands above a sandstone one. The most elegant dome of the Taj, with a diameter of 60 feet, rises 80 feet over the building and directly under the dome is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahans tomb was erected next to hers by his son Aurangzeb. Fantastic inlay works using semi-precious stones decorate the interiors.
IMPORTANT NOTES
HOTELS ...
MEALS ...
TRAVEL BY ROAD ...
AIRFARES AND TRAVELLING BY AIR ...
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ...
First Class 40 Kgs.
Executive Class 35 Kgs.
Economy Class (Y,B,M & H) 20 Kgs.
Economy Class (K,Q,V,W,G,L,U,S,T,X, N & E) 15 Kgs.
Infants not entitled to a seat (All economy classes) Nil
INSURANCE ...
FESTIVALS ...
Local festivals may fall on the date of travel and it is possible that the visits to places of interest are modified by the local government or authorities for which we cannot be held responsible. The program would be amended accordingly so that none of the visits included are missed on an alternative provided.
ACTIVITIES ...
(Wildlife Safari/ Boat ride/ Desert & Rural Safari/ Bicycle & Rickshaw Ride/ Animal Rides)
Boats: To take part in any boat ride, you need to be of average mobility to be able to climb on and off all these boats unaided; able to disembark onto makeshift docks without handrails, or onto muddy and slippery riverbanks.
Canters: These are large, open trucks with wooden bench seats in the back and used for safaris on sharing basis in the national parks.
Elephant ride at Amber Fort (Jaipur): Elephant rides can either be taken to the fort or from the fort based on the directives received from the Rajasthan State Tourism Board and are booked on first come-first serve basis. As such for Elephant ride at Amber Fort, an early departure from the hotel is recommended. Also note Elephant ride to or from the Fort is subject to same being operational and may be stopped due to various reasons by Rajasthan State Tourism Board
Important: At all times, our Tour Managers, Local Guides, and Representatives will assist and brief guests about these activities but cannot guarantee the uninterrupted services during their stay in Indian Subcontinent. All guests must bear full responsibilities for such activities releasing Indior Tours, its associates, its directors, its agents of any claim. It would be in your interest to buy a suitable insurance to cover all risks associated with such travel.
SUGGESTED CLOTHING ...
POPULATION ...
In order not to encourage begging, we suggest that you should not distribute anything during your visits (candy, money, toys, pens etc.).Should you wish to made donations in cash or kind, please consult your guide who would provide you with the best advice.
We suggest that you spend your money to buy locally produced things made my local craftsmen and take them to the country of your origin and contribute to the local economy thus providing work to those in need.
PRICE AND OTHER CONDITION OF SALE ...
RECOMMENDED TIPS ...
(Indicative only because it is at the discretion of each / not to spare but only tickets ) :
CANCELLATION FEES ...
Other Tours
Monasteries in Tibet
Tibet, Nepal, China
Visiting: Kathmandu, Swayambhunath, Patan, Lhasa, Gyantse ...
Travel to the region of Tibet from Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, which can be done every week from April to October. Reached by plane ...
14 Days Onwards € 3,270
BOOK NOW