Wonders of Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism are two fundamental religions that initiated in India. Various elements of both traditions have transferred to Western culture and inspired a reformation of belief and action. Although differing in principle and heritage, Hinduism and Buddhism offer a similar transcendence to religiosity. Journey to the heart of two ancient traditions and experience an essence of Eastern divinity.

Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India's legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi's spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit the sites of Delhi: Red Fort, a marvel of red sandstone; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Also drive past India Gate, Parliament House and Chandni Chowk. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (5.5 hours). Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the "Pink City" due to the pink colored buildings and avenues. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, proceed on a full day tour of Jaipur. Start with a visit to Amber Fort. The final descent to this ancient city is made by elephant back—a truly memorable experience! In the fort, you will see magnificent palaces and halls covered with mirrored mosaics. After lunch, explore Jaipur city. Visit City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that is still occupied by the Royal family. Also visit the Palace of the Winds and Jantar Mantar, the solar observatory. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive to Agra (5 hours). En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted but perfectly preserved sandstone city. On arrival in Agra, check into your hotel and proceed on an afternoon tour including the Agra Fort, a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions. In the evening, enjoy a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Overnight in Agra.

This morning, drive to Agra (4 hours) and transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. En-route, visit Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon. Overnight in Varanasi.

Today, enjoy a full day tour of Varanasi. Varanasi, also known as Benares, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. According to myth, the city was founded by the Hindu deity Shiva, making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country. Situated on the banks of the Ganges river, Varanasi is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus.
Take a boat ride on the Ganges to view the famous bathing ghats. Also visit the Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and the Tulsi Manas Temple. Overnight in Varanasi.

In the morning, drive to Bodhgaya. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Bodhgaya is one of the most sacred cities for Buddhists. 2500 years ago, Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya under the Peepal Tree. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, tour Bodhgaya. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, depicting Buddha's journey toward enlightenment; Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum, housing a collection of Buddhist sculptures from the 1st century BC; and the Jagannath Temple, housing a statue of Shiva in black stone. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

This morning drive to Patna, the capital of the Indian state of Bihar. The city is also the birthplace of the final Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Nanak and Guru Tegh Bahadur visited Patna and honored the birth house. Visit Golghar, a dome-like structure offering fantastic views of the Ganges, and the Patna museum, housing Mauryan and Buddhist sculptures. Overnight in Patna.

After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar, the site of Buddha's cremation ground. Upon arrival, tour the Rambhar Stupa, which marks the cremation ground. Also visit Mahaparinirvana Temple, housing the recumbent figure of Lord Buddha. Overnight in Kushinagar.

Drive to Balrampur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Balrampur is famous for its association with sacred Buddhist and Jain temples. Afternoon at leisure to explore the sacred sites of the city. Overnight in Balrampur.

Drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Lumbini.

After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu (7 hours). Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley, consisting of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, may have been inhabited as early as 900 BC. The city houses various Hindu and Buddhist temples as well as the King's Palace. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, visit the sights of Kathmandu: Kumari Bahal, the Temple of the Living Goddess; Kasthamandap, the wooden house that gave Kathmandu its name; Durbar Square, the central area housing an array of temples; the Royal Palace, overlooked by the ancient Hanuman Dhoka; and Swayambhunath, the 2000 year old Buddhist stupa. In the afternoon, take a tour of Patan city, built in 3rd century AD by Emperor Ashoka. Patan boasts of fine arts enclosed within 4 stupas. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Morning at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your onward flight. Bon Voyage!