Day 1-2: Lucknow – The Gateway to Heritage and Harmony

Our journey begins in Lucknow, where our representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel for a comfortable start to your adventure. Welcome to the city that seamlessly blends architectural grandeur with the grace of adab and tehzeeb, the refined etiquette and cultural elegance it is known for. Wander through its stunning monuments, from the imposing Rumi Darwaza to the mystical Bara Imambara, each a testament to the city’s storied past. The intricate Satkhanda and the labyrinthine Bhool Bhulaiya stand as echoes of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Awadhi heritage.

Day 3: Shravasti – The Land of Miracles

Nestled in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Shravasti holds profound spiritual significance as the place where Lord Buddha spent 24 monsoon retreats and performed many of his miracles. The Jetavana Monastery, once a vibrant center of his teachings, remains an oasis of serenity, where towering stupas and ancient relics preserve the wisdom that once flourished here.

Day 4: Lumbini – The Sacred Birthplace

Crossing into Nepal, we arrive at Lumbini, where the journey of enlightenment began. The tranquil gardens and monasteries create an atmosphere of deep contemplation, centering around the Maya Devi Temple, which marks the very spot where Queen Maya gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. Pilgrims from across the world walk its serene pathways, reflecting on the origins of a philosophy that transformed humanity.

Day 5-6: Kushinagar – The Final Nirvana

In Kushinagar, Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time. The Mahaparinirvana Temple, with its reclining Buddha statue, offers a place of quiet reflection, while the ancient Ramabhar Stupa marks the site of his cremation. This sacred town is a poignant reminder of impermanence and the path to liberation

Day 7: Vaishali – The First Republic and Buddha’s Legacy

Once the seat of one of the world’s earliest republics, Vaishali is steeped in Buddhist history. Here, Lord Buddha delivered his final sermon, and the Relic Stupa stands as a testament to that momentous occasion. The Ananda Stupa, built in honor of his devoted disciple Ananda, echoes the deep bonds of compassion and wisdom that defined his teachings.

Day 8-9: Nalanda & Rajgir – The Seat of Ancient Wisdom

The ancient city of Rajgir, cradled by hills, was a favored retreat of Lord Buddha, where he preached significant discourses, including the Heart Sutra at Vulture’s Peak. Just beyond, Nalanda, once home to the world’s first residential university, was a beacon of Buddhist learning, attracting scholars from across Asia. The remnants of its vast halls, monasteries, and libraries whisper tales of intellectual and spiritual enlightenment.

Day 10-11: Bodh Gaya – The Path to Enlightenmen

No pilgrimage is complete without Bodh Gaya, the very soul of Buddhist devotion. Beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, and today, the Mahabodhi Temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, radiating an aura of profound peace. Here, amidst the gentle rustling of leaves and the chants of pilgrims, you witness the moment that reshaped human thought forever.

Day 12-13-14: Varanasi – The Eternal Light of Dev Deepawali

Our journey culminates in Varanasi, the city of light and devotion. Draped along the banks of the Ganges, this ancient city pulsates with a spiritual energy unmatched anywhere in the world. Experience Dev Deepawali, when the ghats are illuminated by thousands of flickering oil lamps, mirroring the stars above. The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a spectacle of devotion, where fire, incense, and chants merge in celestial harmony. As the river glows with divine radiance, one cannot help but feel the presence of something greater, a moment of transcendence that lingers long after the journey ends.

This is an odyssey through faith, history, and self-discovery.