Path of Enlightenment

Highlights:
• Akshardham Temple (closed Mondays)
• Qutub Minar – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Local restaurant lunch

Program:
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day Delhi city tour. Visit Akshardham Temple, a masterpiece of Indian spirituality and architecture symbolizing devotion, harmony, and timeless wisdom. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Later, visit Qutub Minar, built in 1200 AD, representing the early Indo-Islamic architectural legacy.
Return to the hotel by evening.

Overnight: Delhi

Distance & Time: 202 km | Approx. 4 hrs

Highlights:
• Taj Mahal – Symbol of Eternal Love
• Agra Fort – Mughal stronghold

Program:
After early breakfast, drive to Agra. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal – a timeless marble masterpiece (closed Fridays).
Later explore Agra Fort, an impressive red sandstone fortress overlooking the Yamuna River.
Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Agra

Distance & Time: 370 km | 7–8 hrs approx.

Highlights:
• Sankissa Buddhist site – Descent of Buddha from heaven
• Scenic drive through Uttar Pradesh

Program:
After breakfast, drive toward Lucknow with an en-route visit to Sankissa, a revered Buddhist site associated with Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa heaven.
Lunch at Hotel Royal Residency, then continue driving to Lucknow.
Check-in upon arrival.

Overnight: Lucknow

Distance & Time: 155 km | Approx. 4 hrs

Highlights:
• Jetavana Monastery
• Ancient capital of Kosala

Program:
Post breakfast, drive to Shravasti. Check-in and lunch at hotel.
Later visit Buddhist sites where Lord Buddha spent 24 monsoon seasons preaching at Jetavana Gardens.
Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Shravasti

Distance & Time: 180 km | Approx. 6 hrs

Highlights:
• Lumbini – Birthplace of Lord Buddha
• Sacred Mayadevi Temple area

Program:
After breakfast, drive to Lumbini, crossing into Nepal. After check-in and lunch, visit the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, born in 623 BC under a Sal tree.
Experience the deeply spiritual ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight: Lumbini

Distance & Time: 165 km | Approx. 5 hrs

Highlights:
• Mahaparinirvana site
• Muktabandhan Stupa

Program:
After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana at the age of 80.
After lunch, visit sacred stupas housing Buddha’s relics, reflecting profound peace and liberation.

Overnight: Kushinagar

Distance & Time: 300 km | Approx. 8 hrs

Highlights:
• Vaishali – Buddha’s last sermon site
• Ancient republican capital

Program:
After breakfast, drive to Rajgir with an en-route visit to Vaishali, one of Buddha’s favorite retreats and site of his final sermon.
Lunch at Vaishali, then continue to Rajgir.

Overnight: Rajgir

Distance & Time: 70 km | Approx. 2 hrs

Highlights:
• Rajgir & Nalanda University ruins
• Peace Pagoda chair-lift ride

Program:
Morning sightseeing of Rajgir, visiting Ajatshatru’s Fort, Venuvana, Cyclopean Wall, Swarna Bhandar, and Peace Pagoda.
Continue to Nalanda, the ancient Buddhist university.
After lunch, drive to Bodhgaya.

Overnight: Bodhgaya

Highlights:
• Mahabodhi Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Sacred Bodhi Tree

Program:
After breakfast, visit Mahabodhi Temple, marking the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Walk around the sacred Bodhi Tree, radiating serenity and spiritual depth.

Overnight: Bodhgaya

Distance & Time: 255 km | Approx. 6 hrs

Highlights:
• Sarnath – Buddha’s first sermon
• Ganga Aarti boat experience

Program:
Drive to Varanasi after breakfast. Post lunch, visit Sarnath, including Dhamekha Stupa and Deer Park.
In the evening, enjoy a private boat ride on the Ganges to witness the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti.

Overnight: Varanasi

Flight Details:
• Varanasi → Delhi: 6E6362 | 10:35–12:05
• Delhi → Bhopal: 6E894 | 19:25–20:50

Highlights:
• Seamless intercity flights
• Arrival in Central India

Program:
After breakfast, transfer to Varanasi airport. Arrive in Delhi, lunch at local restaurant, then fly to Bhopal.
Meet local representative and transfer to hotel.

Overnight: Bhopal

Distance & Time: 50 km one way | Approx. 1 hr

Highlights:
• Sanchi Stupa – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Program:
After breakfast, excursion to Sanchi, visiting the Great Stupa, monasteries, and ancient Buddhist structures.
Lunch at local restaurant. Later visit Bhimbetka Caves, showcasing prehistoric rock art over 100,000 years old.
Return to Bhopal.

Overnight: Bhopal

Flight: Bhopal → Delhi | 6E2215 | 08:55–10:15

Highlights:
• India Gate & Lutyens’ Delhi
• Grand farewell dinner

Program:
After breakfast, fly to Delhi. Lunch at local restaurant, followed by New Delhi city tour including India Gate, Parliament House, Secretariat Buildings, and Rashtrapati Bhavan (drive past).
Dinner at local restaurant before transfer for onward international departure.