Compare The Best of India by SmarTours vs Buddhist Tour from the Birth to Death by Varanasi Excursion

Day 1

Depart USA.

Your exotic India tour begins this afternoon as you depart on a non-stop wide-body jet flight bound for Delhi.

Day 2: Arrive Delhi

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: The Park Hotel

Afternoon arrival in India’s bustling capital. You’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your upscale city-center hotel. Later this evening, your tour director hosts a welcome briefing followed by a short orientation walk to explore lively Connaught Place, located near your hotel! Later, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner with a cooking demonstration at an Indian home.

Day 3: Delhi

Meals: Breakfast

After a good night’s rest and a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a guided tour to introduce you to Delhi’s major attractions.  In exotic  Old Delhi you will view the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.  Visit the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and drive by the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 as a symbol of Mughal’s power. Then, walk through Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi.  In New Delhi,  you will see the Birla Temple, the India Gate, the Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Enjoy dinner on your own.

Day 4: Delhi

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, proceed to visit Akshardham, the main building at the center of the complex is a 141-foot high monument to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Designed according to ancient Vedic texts known as the Sthapatya-Shastra, it features a blend of architectural styles from across India. Within the monument, under the central dome, there is an 11-foot high, gilded image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He is surrounded by the gurus of the sect. The building itself is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and features no stell or concrete. It’s height and location ont he banks of the Yamuna mean its presence is felt from afar, and its carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities covering its surfaces from top to bottom, leave most visitors in awe. Also enjoy an exhibitions show with cultural boat ride. Afterwards, enjo a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 5: Delhi/Agra

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Clarks Shiraz Hotel

After breakfast, depart for the fabled city of Agra, home of the legendary shrine built and dedicated to love – The Taj Mahal. After you arrive this afternoon, take a guided visit to Agra Fort, the original red stone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. The fort’s maze of courtyards, it smarble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Also visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah “a jewel box in marble”. This mausoleum was built by the Empress Nur Jahan as a gesture of love for her father. The tomb is built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and beautiful inlay of work of semi previous stones. The central chamber contains the yellow marble tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and his wife. The tomb is painted with floral decorations and fine marble screens of geometric latticework suffuce the interior in a soft light. Return to your hotel later this afternoon.

Day 6: Taj Mahal Excursion

Meals: Breakfast

Agra is an ancient city that came into prominence in Medieval times under the Mughal rulers and was once the capital of a sprawling Mughal kingdom that covered much of southeast Asia. The highlight of this morning’s included tour is a guided visit to the fabled, perfectly proportioned, Taj Mahal considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. This 17th century, white marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jehan to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth. Building began around 1632 and took over twenty years to complete, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. As you get closer, you’ll see that the white marble surface is covered with floral patterns and beautiful calligraphy made of inlaid jasper. Even today the Taj Mahal remains one of the most breathtaking structures ever built. The balance of the day is free to explore on your own, shop or relax at your luxury hotel’s pool.

Day 7: Agra/Fatehphur Sikri/Ranthambore

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Jungle Vilas

After breakfast depart Agra for Ranthambore, stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, once a glittering capital, later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Marvel at the well-preserved buildings and red sandstone palaces. Later, voyage by road to Jaipur, the “Pink City”, famous for its exquisite buildings built of rose-colored terracotta. Afterwards continue to Bharatpur railway station, stopping along the way for lunch, and then board the train for Ranthambore. Upon arrival in Ranthambore, one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, travel to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to explore the beautiful new surroundings and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur before dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Ranthambore

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Set out today on an early morning drive to the wildlife sanctuary at Ranthambore National Park. A local naturalist guide joins you in your vehicle as you begin your search for elusive tigers as well as hyenas, jackals, and foxes. The park is dotted with structures, including a huge hilltop fort that reminds visitors of a bygone era. Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of “Project Tiger”. The park is truly a wildlife enthusiasts and photographer’s dream, most famous for its tigers and one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat.

Later, visit the Dhonk Village, which aims to provide a sustainable livelihood to people living near Ranthambore. Dhonk’s objective is to promote raw local talent and bring out the colors of Rajasthan for the consumer. Dhonk is a blend of ethnic and modern fashion giving the best of both worlds to the buyer. It is focused on achieving perfection steadily to bring maximum joy for its patrons. Enjoy lunch at the hotel, with time to relax before the evening safari which is sure to thrill all. Return to the lodge in time for dinner together.

Day 9: Ranthambore/Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Park Regis Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City”, famous for its exquisite buildings built of rose-colored terracotta. After you check into your upscale, conveniently-located hotel, join your guide for a walk to explore the colorful local bazaar. The balance of the day is at your leisure to continue exploring. You might consider watching Bollywood movie at a local theater! Park Regis Jaipur (B)

Day 10: Jaipur/Amber Fort/Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast

This morning venture out of the city to nearby Amber Fort, ancient capital of Rajasthan. You’ll ride up to the imposing hill where the fort is perched. A local expert will guide you through its magnificent ramparts & watchtowers commanding spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the lake below. Visit the ornate chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their unique architecture and decoration. Return to Jaipur where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore as you wish. You may enjoy a rickshaw ride through the picturesque old town or join an optional visit to some of the city’s renowned pink sandstone buildings including the Palace of Winds and the City Palace Museum, housing a magnificent art collection of the Maharajas. Your guide can also arrange for you to attend a unique prayer ritual at a local Hindu temple. (B)

Day 11: Jaipur/Delhi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning, attend a yoga session with a professional teacher. Later, enjoy free time for any last minute pursuits. Explore the markets and lanes of Jaipur where you can buy spices, unique local souvenirs or bargain for beautiful, hand-woven carpets. Later, return to Delhi where you’ll join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Following dinner, transfer to the airport for your late night flight.

Day 12: Delhi/USA.

Bid farewell to your incredible India tour. As you arrive the USA this morning,  your memorable travel to India ends .

Day 1: New Delhi - Varanasi (By flight)

Arrive at Varanasi and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon proceed on a half day temple tour of Varanasi visiting Bharat Mata (Mother India) Mandir, Durga, Tulsi Manas, Sankat Mochan Temple and the new Vishwanath Temple. Followed by Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat and overnight at hotel.

Start point arrival gate, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Day 2: Varanasi

In morning after breakfast half day city tour of Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi, where the Buddha preached his first sermon in the Deer Park, contains the most impressive remains, as well as a modem temple. The Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dhamek stupas are outstanding. There are also the remains of a monastery, and the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Varanasi - Bodhgaya

Morning proceed for Bodhgaya which is about 247 kms / 6-7 hrs drive. Bodhgaya is the place where Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. On arrival check into hotel and the rest of the day is free. You can leave for attending evening prayer at Mahabodhi temple. Later, return to the hotel and have a comfortable stay at night.

Day 4: Bodh Gaya - Rajgir

After breakfast, depart for Rajgir, 70 km, 2 hrs by road. Arrive in Rajgir and check into hotel. Rajgir was the capital of the Magadha kingdom and is a pilgrimage for Jains and Hindus as well. The Japanese Buddhists have built the massive Vishwashanti Stupa on the Ratnagiri Hill which can be accessed by a chairlift. The stupa has statues of Buddha at the four stages of his life - birth, enlightenment, teaching and death. From the hill top, the Jain shrines can also be viewed scattered across 26 distant hills. Griddhakuta, located on Ratnagiri Hill is another site where Budhha stopped by to preach. Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 5: Rajgir - Patna

After breakfast, proceed to Patna by road, 80 km. Arrive in Patna and check into hotel. Patna is Bihar’s capital city and can be used as a base to visit the Buddhist sites of Vaishali and Kesariya. After lunch, take a local sightseeing tour of Patna. This would include: Golghar (built as a granary), Gandhi Museum, Patna Museum, Har Mandir Takht, Qila House or Jalan Museum with some really rare relics like Napolean’s bed and Marie Antoinette’s porcelain; and the ruins of Pataliputra. Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 6: Patna- Vaishali - Kushinagar

Morning proceed to Kushinagar (approx. 256 kms and 07 hrs drive) enroute visiting Vaishali - place where Buddha announced the approaching of his Mahaparinirvana. After that continue drive to Kushinagar (place where Lord Buddha had left the world behind him after offering an invaluable contribution to humanity, the great religion known as Buddhism). On arrival Kushinagar, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Mahaparinirvana Temple (where Buddha took his last breathe) and Rambhar Stupa (cremation site of Lord Buddha). Overnight stay at Kushinagar hotel.

Day 7: Kushinagar - Lumbini

Morning after Breakfast drive to Lumbini - the birth place of Lord Buddha (180 kms and 05 hrs drive). On arrival, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the birth place of Buddha - Mayadevi Temple. This place is a blessed one for its serenity and the natural beauty, purely coinciding to the perception of a place where the legend was born. Overnight stay at Lumbini hotel.

Maha Parinirvana Day: Parinirvana Day, or Nirvana Day is a Mahayana Buddhist holiday celebrated in East Asia in death place of lord Buddha (Kushinagar). By some it is celebrated on 8 February, but by most on the 15 February. It celebrates the day when the Buddha is said to have achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body.

Day 8: Lumbini - Kapilavastu

Morning leave for Kapilavastu - the childhood home of Gautam Buddha. & also visit ruins of the Palaces Overnight stay at Kapilavastu hotel

Day 9: Kapilavastu - Sravasti

In the morning after Breakfast proceed to Sravasti where the Buddha preached most of his sermons. Here he is said to have performed many miracles, and levitated. During the monsoon, he used to stay at the Jetavana monastery on the outskirts of this town. Visit various tourist spots such as Anand Bodhi tree, ruins of the Jetavana monastery, age-old stupas Visit Sahet Mahet and Angulimal caves. Overnight stay in Sravasti.

Day 10: Sravasti - Lucknow - (By flight) Delhi

Morning breakfast at hotel & drive (190 kms / approx. 5.5 hrs drive) to Lucknow airport for onward journey to board flight for New Delhi. Arrive at Delhi Airport and transfer to pre- book hotel. Representative will assist you till hotel check in. Evening at leisure, overnight stay at Hotel in Delhi.

Day 11: Delhi Sightseeing

Morning relish breakfast visit city tour of exciting capital of India is awash with sights. Start to Delhi sightseeing visit Jama Masjid - largest Mosque in India Chandni Chowk oldest, biggest street super market of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and try out a rickshaw ride for Red Fort, Rajghat would be our next stoppage where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated Humayun Tomb - first garden-style tomb of India inspired by Persian architecture. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - residence of the President of India and India Gate - subjected in respect to honor the soldiers who in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutabud- din Aibak. Return to hotel. Retire for the night at hotel in Delhi.

Day 12: Departure from Delhi

Breakfast at hotel. Carry out activities, get an transfer assistance for the Airport to board your flight back home.

Tour ends here with sweet memories.