Footsteps of Buddha Train Tour allow pilgrims to retrace the journey that was taken 2,500 years back by a Prince turned ascetic who sacrificed wealth and power for self-knowledge and enlightenment. Beginning from Delhi, this train tour takes pilgrims to Agra, one of the must visit heritage sites during a tour to India famous for Taj Mahal. Later, the pilgrimage enters the zone of Buddha through Sravasti, Kushinagar, Varanasi and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, Lumbini in Nepal and Vaishali, Patna and Bodhgaya in Bihar. The best part of this tour is that the journey is connected via train which are considered the most economical, safe and reliable way of journeying in India.

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Day 1. Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi Airport and meet India Luxury Train representative who will assist the transfers to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 2. Delhi

Begin full day Delhi city tour featuring a visit to the Qutab Minar, Humayun, Safdarjung & Lodhi Tomb, Birla Temple and Red Fort. Overlooking the Red Fort is Chandni Chowk, one of the most famous specimens of old lane bazaars in Delhi. Later enjoy the opportunity of cherishing the colonial architectural grandeur designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens - Rashtrapati Bhawan / President House, Sansad Bhawan / Parliament House and lush green gardens of India Gate archway memorial. Sum up the day with a visit to Connaught Place, the English style market place. Overnight stay.

Day 3. Delhi - Agra - Gonda

Early morning transfer to Railway station to board Train # 2002 Bhopal Shatabdi Express dep. 06:00 hr. Arrive Agra at 07:55 hr. On arrival, transfer towards the sightseeing of Taj Mahal. Famous worldwide as an epitome of love, Taj Mahal is the iconic architectural specimen of India. Later visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah, fondly called as Baby Taj. In the evening, transfer to Railway station and board Train, Avadh Express dep. 21:50 hr to reach Gonda. Overnight on board. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)

Day 4. Gonda - Sravasti (Sahet-Mahet)

Arrive Gonda at 10:25 hr. Drive to Sravasti (28 kms). Its modern name is Sahet-Mahet. In Buddhist times (6th century BC-6th century AD), Sravasti was the capital of the Kosala Kingdom, considered important according to its status as a prosperous trading centre and for its religious associations. Lord Buddha is believed to have spent 24 monsoons of his life, in the city. Bhagwan Mahavir, during his penance and later as Tirthankar, visited Sravasti many times.

Day 5. Sravasti – Lumbini

After breakfast, drive to Lumbini (150 km / 4 hr). Enroute visit Kapilvastu, the place Lord Buddha entered into Mahaparinirvana (passed away). On arrival, check in at hotel. In afternoon, begin sightseeing of Lumbini including a visit to Maya Devi Temple and Ashokan Pillar etc. Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 6. Lumbini - Kushinagar

After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar (175 km / 5 hr). Arrive Kushinagar, the site of Lord Buddha's parinirvana and check in at pre-booked hotel. In afternoon, begin the sightseeing of Kushinagar via a visit to Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar and Nirvana Stupa, Thai Temple, etc.

Day 7. Kushinagar - Vaishali - Patna

After breakfast, leave for Patna (250 km / 8 hr). Enroute visit Vaishali, one of world's first republics. This ancient kingdom served as the site where Lord Buddha announced his Mahaparinirvana. The whole region is dotted with rich Buddhist heritage including Asokan Pillar, Stupa relics, etc. Arrive Patna and check in at pre-booked hotel.

Day 8. Patna – Bodhgaya

After breakfast, leave Patna for Bodhgaya (215 km / 7 hr). Enroute visit Rajgir & Nalanda. Visit Gridhrakula, Sapataparni cave, Ajatsatru fort and Venuvana. Also visit Nalanda University ruins, monastery and temples with impressive Buddhist & Hindu heritage. The Institute for research into Buddhism and Pali literature which houses rare manuscripts is also worth visiting for the enthusiasts. Archaeological musuem is also not to be missed for the rare collections. Arrive Bodhgaya and check in at pre-booked hotel.

Day 9. Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centres where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment under the "Bodhi" tree. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, the center of Bodhgaya and meditate under Bodhi Tree. Visit Japanese and Tibetan monasteries along with Magadha University museum are also to be visited.

Day 10. Bodhgaya - Varanasi

In morning optional visit to temples. In afternoon, transfer to the Railway Station and board the connecting train for Varanasi. Check into hotel for overnight stay.

Day 11. Varanasi

Early morning boat-ride on River Ganges to see the beautiful sunrise at Ganges. In afternoon, begin an excursion to Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Return back to Varanasi and experience the mesmerizing Ganges Aarti on Dashashwamedha Ghat. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 12. Varanasi - Delhi

Early morning boat-ride on River Ganges to see the beautiful sunrise at Ganges. In afternoon, begin an excursion to Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Return back to Varanasi and experience the mesmerizing Ganges Aarti on Dashashwamedha Ghat. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 13. Delhi / Onward destination

Arrive Delhi at 07:45 hr. Transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.

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