Soil of Buddha 06 Nights-07 Days

Mumbai

Mumbai, center of India's "Bollywood" film industry is one of the top tourist destinations. You can reach Mumbai from any part of the city either by flight or train or bus. Gateway of India, famous for some street food and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Haji Ali Shrine, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Global Vipassana Pagoda, Iskcon Temple, Jehangir Art Gallery, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mani Bhavan for those who have an admiration for Mahatma Gandhi, Crawford Market, a shopping paradise, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Taraporevala Aquarium, Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, Kanheri Caves, Mahalaxmi Temple, Mandwa Beach, Bandra Worli Sea Link , Siddhivinayak Temple, Juhu Beach are major tourist attractions.

Aurangabad

Known for its uproar history, Aurangabad was named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. You can reach to the place either by flight or train or bus. Ajanta Caves, displays unique style of paintings that cannot be seen in any part of the world, Ellora Caves, Devgiri Fort, Ghrishneshwar Temple, Pitalkhora Caves, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Bibi Ka Maqbara, known as mini Taj Mahal, Daulatabad Fort, Himayat Baugh, Aurangabad Caves, Salim Ali Lake, Jayakwadi Dam, Chini Mahal, Panchakki Water Mill, Jain temple located at Kachner village, Anand sagar, Siddharth Garden and Zoo, Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum are major tourist attractions.

Bhopal

Also known as City of Lakes, Bhopal has a mixture of Hindu-Muslim art styles that brings special feel to the city. Upper lake, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Van vihar, Lower lake, Gohar Mahal, Birla Mahal, Shaukat Mahal, Moti Masjid are major tourist attractions. You can reach to Bhopal from all major cities of the country as it is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.

Agra

Agra is chiefly famous for its mindboggling Taj Mahal,It is known as home for iconic Taj Mahal, It is the proof of brilliance by Mughals, It would serve as feast to your eyes to watch and it looks more beautiful on the night of full moon day, It stands as a lasting tribute to love and lovers beyond time and also named as wonder of the world. It is the major tourist destination because of its unique history and beauty.

The best way to travel from Delhi to Agra is by different trains . The - trains that you can catch from Delhi to Agra are Bhopal Shatabdi, Kerala Express, New Delhi Jabalpur Superfast Express, A P Express, Intercity Express, Nizamuddin Pune Junction,Kalka Superfast Express and fastest train Gatiman Express.

By road and Bus- Your journey can be made enjoyable by road. Make your journey Smooth by travelling from Yamuna Expressway

There are Multiple bus types are available such as Volvo, AC, Non AC, AC available between Delhi Agra.

By road and Bus- Your journey can be made enjoyable by road. Make your journey Smooth by travelling to Agra a enjoyable one.

Places to visit in Agra

From Delhi we move on to Agra where you will observe a completely distinctive airy. Filled with architectural gems, culture,handicrafts and rich tradition. Agra tour has an element of education in it. You will learn a lot while traveling. Every place has a message to serve and element of entertainment. Certain locations are their which stand apart because of their sheer excellence they have to offer in terms of natural beauty. There are end number of places in Agra which you can cherish life long like Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Wildlife SOS, Mehtab bagh and Shesh Mahal. Three beautiful places which are meagerly famous in Agra are:

1. Taj Mahotsav- More than a event but not less than a event - Taj Mahotsav is the opportunity to experience Art , Craft , Culture & Cuisine under one roof every year during the Month of March at non other than the city of Taj Mahal- Agra and it is organised of UP tourism dept. Started in the year 1992,this event or festival is now grown up child and offer you to experience around 400 artists from different part of India and many more. It also organise Funfair activities which is big attraction for kids and family. This is the chance to experience the glimpse of - whole India at one place.

Excursion from Agra

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary-Famously known as Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It has thousands of rare and endangered birds, which comes here during the winter season. It serves as a home for mant species of birds. It is major tourist destination in Agra and famous for its beauty. It is also declared as World Heritage site.

Fatehpur Sikri , Majorly famous for its mystic Sufism. - Fatehpur Sikri is a fascinating build city. It is one of the praise worthy examplar of Mughal architectural. It is the finest illustration of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a replica of the mosque in Mecca and has layouts, imitative from the Persian & Hindu architecture. - Prime attractions in Fatehpur Sikri are Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal,Tomb of Salim Chisti, Buland Darwaza, Palace of Jodha Bai, Hawa Mahal, Nagina Masjid, Sunehra Makan and the Jama Masjid.

MUGHLAI FOOD

Agra is maily known because of the Mughals. They only constructed all those famous monuments. Muslim empire left indelible imprints on Agra’s cuisine. Mughlai food is famous in Agra for its creamy, boldly flavored curries; lots of ground and whole spices, dried fruits and nuts; roasted meats. It’s a rich cuisine fit for a king. Famous points are Indiana, Pinch of Spice, Tajmahal Restaurant.

Typical street stand breakfast consist of sweet and spicy flavor. Mindblowing apptizing Kachori served with a bowl of spicy sabzi. Jalebi is a must try sweet dish in Agra. Famous points are GMB and Shree ji sweets on fatehabad road.

CHAAT

Tasteful Chaat is very popular in Agra—particularly bhalla, various - kachori, - samosas, and - gol gappas. These all satisfying tempting snacks can oly be found on the streets of India. Famous area is Chaat wali gali in sadar bazaar.

Famous point - Rambabu paranthe wale on old Delhi Agra highway

PETHA

Fragrance of tempting Petha will make you feel tempted as soon as you will enter Agra . It is a centuries-old sweet dish also called as white pumpkin or squash. It comes in many varieties like plain petha of white color, kesar petha, chocolate petha in colorful shades of pineapple, coconut and mango. Famous point and area - Panchhi Petha and Baluganj area.

Sravasti

Located at a distance of around 150 km from Lucknow ,Sravasti is place - where it is believed that Lord Buddha confounded his critics with million fold manifestation of himself, seated on a thousand-petalled Lotus, as fire and water emanated from his body.The attraction of sravasti is “Ananda bodhi tree”, it is believed that under this tree Lord Buddha meditated for a night and delivered sermons.

Lumbini

Lumbini (Birth Place) is located in the southern district of Nepal, Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC. This place is now - the UNESCO world Heritage site. According to Archaeological evidence , it is find that - Emperor “Ashoka the Great” was the first pilgrim who erected the one of his commemorative Pillar here.The easiest way to reach this place from india is by Crossing Indo-Nepal border(Sunauli) at Gorakhpur(India), from Kushinagar, - Lumbini is just around 180 km away - via Gorakhpur.

Kushinagar

Located at a distance of around 250 km from varanasi and around 50 km from Gorakhpur city,well connected via Rail and road network kushinagar is the place where Lord buddha left the world and this incident is known as Mahaparinirvana. This is 3rd place of one of 4 Buddhist Pilgrimage. Excavated in 1876, the statue of reclining Buddha is inside the Mahaparinirvana temple. According to archaeologist, they got many evidence during the excavation - of presence of large community of Monks during 11th century A.D.

Patna

The capital city of indian state of Bihar has a prolonged profound history of almost 2500years.Situated on the bank of River Ganga, this city was the capital of many dynasties. The best place to - get familiar with Patliputra (Patna) is to visit Patna Museum and recently built the “ Karuna Stupa” which is in the city centre.

Bodhgaya

This is kind of Mecca of Buddhism Religion, Bodhgaya, located in Indian State of Bihar at a distance of 16 km from Gaya(District HQ) and around 115 km from Patna, the Capital city of indian State of Bihar, this is place where “Siddhartha Gautama” the man who left his kingdom, wife and a child in his mother lap to find Answers of the Questions about Life and reason of Suffering and many more questions and finally got Enlightenment under a Pipal tree in Bodh gaya (Bihar) which is now known as Bodhi Tree, now the sacred importance in Buddhism religion which attracts million of pilgrims from around the world mostly from Japan, Sri- Lanka, Korea, China etc.Apart from Bodhi tree, there is Maha Bodhi Temple is which was built later on in 3rd century B.C by then famous Emperor “Ashoka the Great”.. Now Maha Bodhi Complex is in UNESCO world Heritage Site.

Excursion- The Indian State of Bihar is not just state in general but it is older than History and consist long history to get familiar with. - The place which gave the first Republic “ Vaishali” to the world, the place which make “ Siddhartha” Lord Buddha. Let’s have a look what Bihar has to show the world :-

Prag Bodhi Hill(Gaya): Around 5km from Bodhgaya , This Hill is - located on the bank of Phalgu river and it is believed that Lord Buddha spent almost 6 years - here in the caves of Prag Bodhi before moving to then Uruvela now known as - the Bodhgaya.

Barabar Caves: At the distance of around 50 km from Bodhgaya, there is place called Barabar Caves in the district of jehanabad in india state of bihar. It is caves believed to be built by the Great Emperor “ Ashoka the Great” of Mauryan Empire for the Buddhist monks who were also known as “Ajivikas”. This is series of 7 caves, in which 4 are in Barabar and rest 3 are in nearby “ Nagarjuni Hill / Caves”

Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh is the land where cultures have evolved and religions emerge. For both Indians and non-Indians, Uttar Pradesh tourism has several exciting destinations. It is also known as heartland of India with Himalayan foothills in the north and the Gangetic plain in the center.

Situated on the west bank of the River Ganga, Kashi or Varanasi is a holy city that has a spiritual legacy dates back to more than 3000 years. To describe the charm of Varanasi, I have only two words, colourful and spiritual.

People come here for spiritual enlightenment and to attain salvation. Renamed after the Varuna and Asi Rivers, it shines with millions of lights, candles, floating diyas and large Jyotis. The magical Indian destination will captivate you with its Ghats, endless lines of Sadhus and Saints, aartis and the floating of earthern lamps over the water of Ganga in the evening.

Varanasi is well connected and accessible to major Indian cities and tourist spots through air, train and bus. You will find daily domestic flights to and from Varanasi to several cities in India. The official language spoken here is Hindi. However, you will find many people who speak English language.

Varanasi Ghats

One of the best things to do in Varanasi is exploring the Ghats. The most charming sight is the Ghats along the River Ganga. To have unrivalled experience, take a walk at sunset hours along the Ghats. The city has almost a hundred Ghats which are bathing Ghats, praying Ghats and cremation sites for Hindus from all over the world. Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Mata Anandamai Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Munshi Ghat, Raj Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Rana Mahal Ghat, Causatthi Ghat, Lalita Ghat, Ahilyabai Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Shivala Ghat, Manmandir Ghat are highly auspicious places to explore that are known for their spiritual ambience. Having boat ride from one Ghat to another is the major attraction here. The Evening Aarti Ceremony which is performed every evening for 45 minutes at Ganges River can be viewed from the Dasawamedh Ghat. Chants, aromas of flowers and incense create a heavenly blessing.

Vishwanath Temple

Without including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the list of places to visit in Varanasi would be incomplete. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and has also been referred to in the Holy Scriptures. You will experience the divine vibes and vintage charm of the whole city in this temple. Without visiting this holy place, your trip to Varanasi will be outright incomplete. The temple once had a golden spire and domes and so it was also called the Golden Temple.

Sarnath

Just a few kilometers away from Varanasi, there is a sleepy village of Singhpur’s Sarnath which is a Buddhist centre of religion. This is the place where Gautama Buddha first came and taught about the concept of Dharma. The Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Chaukhandi Stupa and Dharmarajika Stupa are major attractions. Emperor Ashoka erected a number of stupas and monuments for spreading Buddhism. The crumbling stupas with manuscripts and fascinating inscriptions teach a lot of Indian history, development of Buddhism and provide alternative theories such as Aliens and how they visited the earth.

Chunar Fort

Situated in the Vindhya Range at a distance of about 45 odd km from Varanasi, Chunar fort is located in the Mirzapur district. Lord Vishnu had taken his first step in his Vaman incarnation in the dynasty of Great king Bali and so the fort was called Charanadri initially. However, the name Chunar came after the kingdom is captured by Babar followed by Shershah Suri, Humayun, Akbar, Aurangzeb and finally the Britishers in the year 1772AD.

Inside the fort there is 28 pillars reflecting purely the Hindu style of architecture, Engraving on the mehrab (arch) which is said to have been filled with gold earlier, Deep Bawali (water storage tank) in the fort which still has the water and Samadhi of Bharthari, the brother of King Vikramaditya behind the fort are the major attractions. If you would like to go for a day trek, then the Forest in the Vindhya ranges along the Ganges is an ideal site.

Man Mandir Observatory

Situated some distance away from Dasaswamedh Ghat, the Man Mandir Observatory is a famous tourist spot that is made up of astronomical instruments that calculate time, prepare the lunar and solar calendar and study the movements, distances and angles of the myriad planets, stars and other heavenly bodies.

Kathwala Temple

Situated in the Lalita Ghat, the temple is famous for its exquisite architecture and wood work. This shrine is also called Nepali Temple as it was built by King of Nepal. The major attraction of the place is the intricate wood carving.

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Inside the Benaras Hindu University founded by Sanskrit scholar, Madan Mohan Malviya, there is Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum that has rich collection of Indian paintings that date back to between 11th century and 20th century and are about 12000 in number. The sculpture of marriage of Shiva and Parvati and the 11th century statue of Vishnu and the Gandhara sculpture are the major attractions here.