Compare Royal India: Taj, Forts & Palaces by Great Value Vacations vs Buddhist Tour from the Birth to Death by Varanasi Excursion

Day 1 Welcome to Delhi!

Immerse yourself in colorful culture and fascinating history as you land in Delhi, India's vibrant capital! Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first hotel and check in. Once you're settled, head out and explore on your own! Treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal of local cuisine. 

Day 2 Delhi

Rise and shine! Grab your camera and get ready for a fun first day in India. After breakfast, hop in a rickshaw and explore Old and New Delhi the traditional way! See the once water-filled square of Chandni Chowk, then discover the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque! You'll continue onto Raj Ghat, a striking memorial to Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River.

In the afternoon, drive past India Gate and the Government Secretariat buildings as you approach Qutab Minar - the five-storied victory tower which signifies the beginning of the Muslim rule in India by the first Muslim ruler, Qutab-ud-din-Aibak. 

Day 3 Delhi - Udaipur

This morning, hop on a quick flight to Udaipur, known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful lakes. The capital of the former kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is also known as the "City of Lakes." Take in beautiful views of lakeside palaces, pavilions, and clusters of charming whitewashed houses.

After a comfortable ride to your Udaipur accommodation, you'll have the rest of the day at leisure! Get to know the area and do some exploring on your own. 

Day 4 Udaipur

Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then take a morning tour of the grand City Palace and its immediate surroundings, the vibrant Folk Art Museum and the sparkling lakeside panorama. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the famous ghats and historic temples on the banks of Lake Pichola. You'll even visit an ancient step well, which was used for drinking water by the locals years ago!

Next, you'll make a stop at the fascinating three-story Jagdish Temple. Climb up stone steps lined with elephant sculptures and admire intricate pillars, carved ceilings, and stunning frescoes. 

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure!

Day 5 Udaipur - Deogarh

Enjoy a scenic drive as you venture to Deogarh! Stop en-route and visit the White Marble Jain Temple in Ranakpur. Famous for being extremely important pilgrimage centers for the Jain community, the spectacular Jain Temples consist of 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each uniquely adorned with hundreds of carved figures.

Proceed to Deogarh and check into your beautiful accommodation. Quickly settle in, then take a short rural train ride from Phulad to Kamblighat. Keep your eyes focused out the windows, as you pass breathtaking views of jungle, hills, and tunnels! As this train stops at small local stations, you'll get a real taste for everyday life in this remote region. 

Day 6 Deogarh - Jodhpur

This morning, take a peaceful morning walk through the countryside. Watch as local farmers head to their fields and tend to their herds of cattle and goats. Mosey on to Deogarh Village and immerse yourself in the daily culture of shops and markets filled with cobblers, dyers, potters, and other artisans. 

Wave goodbye to Deogarh and enjoy a drive to beautiful Jodhpur. Overlooking the desert, the old walled city of Jodhpur is a fascinating jungle of winding streets, fascinating forts, and sacred sites. Check into your luxurious accommodation and explore this picturesque area.

Day 7 Jodhpur - Jaipur

Start your day with a morning visit to Mehrangarh Fort, one of the best-preserved and largest forts in India! Next, you'll head to Jaswant Thada, a white marble monument known for its intricately carved designs.

In the afternoon, you'll travel to the one and only "Pink City" - Jaipur! Check into your next accommodation and begin to explore this fascinating world of pastel-colored architectural wonders.

Day 8 Jaipur

Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then enjoy a morning visit to the impressive Amber Fort. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, this structure is a true example of authentic Rajput architecture. Be sure to look out for one of its most spectacular buildings: the Hall of Mirrors! Next, stop for a photo-op at the eye-popping Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)! Gawk at this beehive-shaped red and pink sandstone structure and take in its grand beauty. 

The rest of your afternoon will be spent at leisure. You might want to visit Jaipur's Royal City Palace, then check out one of the five astronomical observatories built by the founder of Jaipur! Why not immerse yourself in the local culture? Visit a local temple and watch a traditional prayer ceremony. 

In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk dance show with dinner!

Day 9 Jaipur - Agra

After an energizing breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Agra. Along the way, you'll stop at Abhaneri Village to experience the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple! Be sure to have your camera ready; Chand Baori is the largest and deepest stepwell in all of India!

Settle into your accommodation in Agra, a charming city filled with bustling streets, narrow alleys, and fascinating architecture. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure and get to know this historical city. 

Day 10 Agra

Feel yourself flutter with excitement as you embark on an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal! Enjoy this special experience, as you see this monument by the first orangey-pink light of the day. Be sure to take tons of photographs of this awe-inspiring scene; it's surely a sight you'll never want to forget.

What a morning! Return to your hotel for breakfast, then enjoy a day of independent exploration. You might want to check out the Agra Fort and North India's oldest Christian cemetery. 

Day 11 Depart India

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and enjoy one last scenic drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival at the airport, find your gate and board your flight home!

Until next time, India!

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.