Buddhist Triangle tour

Buddhist Triangle tour India 13 Day
Background
Embark on a spiritual voyage to explore the roots of Buddhism throughout North India along with a tour to Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Buddhist Triangle Tour in India is designed to introduce the philosophies, teaching, and lifestyle of Gautam Buddha in India. The tour explores the Buddhist circuit that goes through major Buddhist sites. Touring Bodhgaya and Kushinagar, the place Buddha received his enlightenment and the place of his demise respectively, remain the highlight of the tour. Along the tour, you’ll witness the historical Buddhist relics, facts, different institutions, and the greater lifestyle of Buddhist adherents in different parts of the country.

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The Buddhist Triangle Tour begins with your arrival at Delhi, the capital of India. The tour commences with a sightseeing journey around the capital where you’ll get to witness the popular tourist sites such as Lal Quila (Red Fort), Qutub Minar, Humayun’s tomb, and Lotus Temple. The tour moves 861km southeast towards the Buddhist capital of Pataliputra at Patna which was the Magadha Kingdom of Emperor Ashoka. Ashoka was one of the first followers of Buddhism who helped spread the teachings throughout North India, Central Asia, and Nepal. You’ll drive towards Rajgir, the place where Buddha spent a significant amount of time. You’ll also get to explore the World Peace Pagoda built by Japanese. Experience the exact site of Buddha’s enlightenment at Bodhgaya and the popular Mahabodhi Temple before heading towards Varanasi (Benaras). Sarnath at Varanasi houses a deer park where Buddha offered his first teaching. Not far from Varanasi lies Kushinagar, a revered Buddhist site. Also known as the place where Buddha took his last breath. Kushinagar is home to many Chaityas, Viharas, and Temples. You will also get to witness the 6m tall statue of Buddha at Kushinagar before crossing into Nepal and conceding the tour at Lumbini. A UNESCO designated site, Lumbini remains popular for being the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Experience visiting the preserved sites of Mayadevi Temple, Bodhi Tree, a sacred pond, and Ashoka Pillar built around 3rd. B.C.

We, at Himalaya Holiday Service, have been accompanying tourists throughout India and Nepal for over a decade. We provide a full-board package including private and public transportation, comfortable accommodation, and well-trained guides to make sure your adventure is one to remember.

Buddhist Triangle tour Highlights:
Explore the culturally and historically rich Buddhist Circuit Trail from India to Nepal.
Experience the detailed study of Buddha’s life, enlightenment, teaching, and demise along the tour
Explore the popular tourist destinations inside Delhi, Varanasi, Patna, Kushinagar, Bodhgaya, and Lumbini
Witness the greater lifestyle, culture, and traditions of North India and Southern Nepal.

Key Information
The tour covers entry permits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural and historical sites, and Buddhist monuments listed in the itinerary. Ensure to carry extra cash or change at all times to enter the places excluded in the itinerary.
Most airlines flying from Delhi to Patna allow personal luggage weighing up to 25kg and 8kg in a personal handbag.
As you’d be traveling through the Buddhist pilgrimage, you must abide by local rules and regulations regarding meals, clothing, and daily practices.
Train rides through the Indian cities will include meals, toilets, and comfortable seats.
You must oblige with the rules and regulations of every Buddhist sites you will visit during the tour.

FAQ
What is the best season to visit India?
You can consider visiting India in March to June and October to December when the air is clean and fresh with sunny skies. Spring and autumn remain the best season to visit North India and Nepal.

Do I need to use a certified tour operator to undertake Buddhist Triangle Tour?
Certainly, you must book the tour through the licensed Indian or Nepalese tour operator to visit Buddhist historical and cultural sites around India and Nepal. Although it is not mandatory, having a guide with detailed knowledge about the destinations can be very helpful.

Do I need a visa to enter India?
Tourists planning to visit India must obtain a visa before-hand through a licensed India tour operator. You can fill the e-Visa before arriving in India. You can find more information regarding Indian Visa at https://www.indiaimmigration.org.in/faq/how-india-visa-works.

What does the daily package include?
The daily package or the all-inclusive package includes 3-star accommodation, three-times meals, an experienced guide, and transportation (private jeep and flight).

Do I obtain a Visa while entering Nepal?
Yes, you must obtain the Nepalese Visa before entering Nepal. You can easily get on-arrival visas on your entry to Nepal. Find more information on the Nepalese visa at the official website of the Department of Immigration at http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa.

Day 1

Arrival Delhi

Welcome to India! The tour begins with your arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. One of our representatives will greet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel. You will meet your tour guide at the hotel and discuss the itinerary. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2

Explore Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the historical Delhi City. The tour begins with a visit to Qutub Minar, the 12th Century minaret standing 73 meters from the ground. Leaving the UNESCO designated site, you’ll head towards Humayun’s Tomb and then advances towards Red Fort or Lal Quila. Next, you’ll head towards the India Gate, a 42m tall war memorial. The tour ends with a visit to Lotus Temple, a Bahai House of worship.

Day 3

Fly from Delhi to Patna: Buddhist Capital of Pataliputra

Leaving Delhi, you’ll embark on a scenic flight to another historical city of Patna. Also known as the former Buddhist capital of Pataliputra, Patna lies almost 861km from Delhi. Patna is the administrative center and the biggest city in the state Bihar. Patna has major relevance to Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka, who once ruled Pataliputra, helped flourished Buddhism through North India.

Day 4

Explore Patna

Today, you’ll explore the historical Patna city. After breakfast, you’ll embark on the tour of the city along with your tour guide. You’ll get to witness some of the most popular sites in Patna such as Goal Ghar, Buddha Smriti Park, and the old city. The city is home to many Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, and museums. You can choose to visit the Patna Museum that has an amazing collection of the ancient Mauryan and Buddhist sculptures.

Day 5

Drive from Patna to Rajgir and explore

Leaving Patna, you’ll drive towards the neighboring city of Rajgir. Rajgir is one of the places where Buddha first spread his teachings. The tour begins with a visit to the World Peace Pagoda built by a Japanese followed by a visit to Griddakutathe. The tour advances towards Ajatashatru’s fort, Bimbisara’s Jail, and Swarna Bhandar. Other popular places around Rajgir are Remains of the Cyclopean Wall and Venu Vana Park. Overnight in Rajgir.

 

Day 6

Day 06: Drive from Rajgir to Bodhgaya and explore
Leaving Rajgir, you’ll drive towards Bodhgaya which is the place where Lord Buddha obtained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. The exact site is marked by the erection of the ancient brick Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The complex the Vajrasana or “diamond throne.” You will also find the holy Bodhi tree inside the complex. You will get to witness many Buddhist cultural sites around Bodhgaya before resting for the night.

Day 7

Board a train to Bodhgaya to Varanasi

From Bodhgaya, you’ll catch a local train and commute further west towards Varanasi. You’ll travel almost 265km through the vast expanse of Bihar and enter Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is a holy city located on the left bank of River Ganges. It is one of the seven sacred sites of Hinduism in the world. After checking into the hotel, you can visit the Ghat of Ganges to enjoy the evening Aarati (Prayer). Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 8

Explore Varanasi

Although Varanasi offers many historical, cultural, and religious sites to explore, you’ll rather spend more time exploring the nearby city of Sarnath. Sarnath is home to the famous Deer park where Lord Buddha offered his first teaching after attaining enlightenment. After exploring Sarnath, you will drive back to Varanasi and explore the popular nooks and corners of the city. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 9

Board train from Varanasi to Kushinagar

After early breakfast, you’ll embark on a train and ride towards the city of Kushinagar. Located almost 224km north of Varanasi, Kushinagar is home to the exact site where Lord Buddha took his last breath. It is a popular Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site and a center for the followers of Buddhism. You will get to witness the major pilgrimage sites in the city that are associated with Buddha’s life.

Day 10

Explore Kushinagar

After breakfast, you’ll begin exploring the beautiful hamlet of Kasia. You will get to visit the popular Parinirvana Stupa, Nirvana Chaitya, Ramabar Stupa, and Matha Kuar Shrine. The Mahaparinirvana Temple houses a popular 6m tall statue of Lord Buddha reclining on his right side with his face towards the west. It was excavated by Carlleyl in 1867. Ramabhar Stupa, built on the exact site of Buddha’s cremation is another major place to visit. Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 11

Drive to cross Nepal India Border from Kushinagar to Lumbini (Nepal)

After exploring the site where Buddha attained enlightenment and the place of demise, you’ll begin voyaging towards the historical place where he was born. You’ll begin driving north and cross the Nepal-India border at Sunauli. From here, you’ll make your way towards Lumbini. You can choose to explore the nearby areas for the remainder of the day. Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 12

Explore Lumbini, Drive to Kathmandu

Today, you’ll explore the historical City of Lumbini. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses many touristic destinations. The tour begins with a visit to Mayadevi Temple. A well-preserved temple is dedicated to Buddha’s mother. Adjoining the temple lies a Bodhi Tree, a holy pond, and an Ashoka Pillar. You’ll also visit other monastic zones around Lumbini. After lunch, you’ll embark on a scenic 7hr drive towards Kathmandu.

Day 13

Departure

Today, you’ll check out early from the hotel and drive to the airport. You’ll embark on your flight and fly back to your destinations.