Delhi –Jaipur – Agra – Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir – Bodhgaya –Bodhgaya – Varanasi
Kushinagar – Gorakhpur - Lumbini-Balrampur – Lucknow – Delhi
13 Nights / 14 Days
Tour Highlights
- Drives pass though the Raisina Hill Rajpath.
- Stand in front of Taj Mahal
- Visit Ghost City of Fatehpur Sikri
- Comprehensive tour of Buddha Tour and Golden Triangle
- Aarti ceremony at Varanasi
- Morning boat cruise to Ganges
- Visit to Sarnath
- Visit Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya
Get the best of both the worlds. Experience the architectural splendor of the ancient Mughal Empire including the greatest tribute to love - the Taj Mahal. Also explore the places that were once the stronghold of Buddhism. The serenity of Buddhism and the thrill of the Mughal monuments give you a complete experience of the land of India.
Day 1 Arrive in Delhi
Arrived Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Meet & Greet at the airport by Recreation Travel’s representatives. Escorted transfer to your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle.
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages.
Day 2 Old & New Delhi
After Breakfast Proceed to the Old Delhi tour was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India
New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House & President House. You will visit the monuments Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Overnight stay.
Day 3 Delhi – Jaipur 260 kms / 4-½ hrs
After breakfast drive to Jaipur – the pink city. Upon arrival check-in hotel.
Jaipur - once the capital of Rajasthan province, "the abode of rajahs." Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. It has the distinction of being a well planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound.
Day 4 Jaipur City Tour
After early breakfast, Journey back in time at deserted 17th century fortress of Amber Fort. 11 Kms. from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings.
Afternoon venture back into the city tour: Visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
Day 5 Jaipur – Agra 232 kms / 5-½ hrs
After breakfast proceed to Agra. On the way you will visit Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.
Day 6 Agra - Patna
Today morning visit the Agra Fort – built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-I-Am, Diwane-I-Khas and Musamman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment, besides Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal. Itmad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noor Jehan in the memory of Her Father.
Enjoy the Magnificent Taj Mahal – The Monument of Love in the warm glow of Sunset, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori's hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, As you drive through the city witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Agra is famous for Marble Items. Departure transfer at Tundla Station to board the overnight train for Patna. Overnight train Journey.
Day 7 Arrival Patna
Morning Transfer from Railway station to hotel, check into the hotel. After breakfast proceed for full day sight sight-seeing, covering Goal Ghar, Stupa of Buddha, Temple and old city. Overnight stay.
Day 8 Patna – Nalanda – Rajgir – Bodhgaya 198 kms / 4-½ hrs
Morning drive to Bodhgaya en route visit to Nalanda – the centre of one of the oldest known universities of the world, its ruins show that over 2000 teachers and 10000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied here. An international centre for Buddhist studies also functions here. Rajgir – was the ancient capital of the Magadh Kings. Buddha often came here. Rajgir is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus as the temple complex here is to the Sun God. Visit Venu-Vana (the famous Bamboo Garden), where Lord Buddha took the first refuge after coming to Rajgir. Arrive Bodhgaya & check in hotel. Overnight stay.
 
Day 9 Bodhgaya
Morning visit Sujata Village. Afternoon visit Mahabodhi Temple, Budhi Tree and Tibetan Monastery. Overnight stay.
Day 10 Bodhgaya – Varanasi 285 kms 6 hrs
After breakfast drive to Varanasi. On arrival Varanasi check into the hotel & sight-seeing of Sarnath Temple. Evening see “Aarti” Ceremony on the River Ganges & Stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world-famous Banaras Silks, overnight stay.
Day 11 Varanasi – Kushinagar - Gorakhpur
Early morning Boat excursion on the Holy River Ganges to see the Bathing ghats and crimination sites, watching people bathing and worshiping at the ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. Also visit to Sarnath in 12 kms from Varanasi this can be done during sightseeing. You can choose either sightseeing tour After Breakfast drive to Kushinagar and on arrival visit MAHAPARINIRVANA PLACE on The Cremation Centre of Lord Buddha. Then drive back to Gorakhpur on arrival in Gorakhpur check into hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 12 Gorakhpur – Lumbini - Balrampur
After Breakfast drive to Lumbini on arrival Lumbini. Visit the Birth Place of LORD-BUDDHA. drive to Balrampur on arrival Balrampur check into the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 13 Balrampur - Lucknow
After breakfast sightseeing of Sravasti visit Sahet & Mahet and back to Balrampur & Drive to Lucknow. On arrival in Lucknow check into the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 14 Lucknow - Delhi
Morning sightseeing of city. Afternoon transfer to the Airport to board in a flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to the city, evening free at Leisure and also transfer to the airport to board in a flight for next destination.
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