Day 01: Delhi/Patna
Depart Delhi by morning flight to 2500-year-old ancient city of Patna. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon excursion to Vaishali (1 hour) the place where the Buddha preached his last sermon, announcing his approaching Nirvana. Visit the stupa, holding urns containing ashes of the Buddha and the Ashoka pillar, which were erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to mark the place sanctified by the Buddha. Vaishali is also famous for Madhubani paintings on the walls of village houses. Overnight Patna.

Day 02: Patna/Rajgir
Morning drive to Rajgir (2 hrs) capital of the 6th century Magadha empire. It was the revered site of the Buddha's religious discourses. The Buddha spent many years here, tending the regions hills and wilderness deal for contemplation. Visit the Gridhrakuta, Saptaparni Cave, Ajatasatru fort and Venuvana. After noon, visit to Nalanda, the worlds oldest university founded in the 5th century. Visit the monasteries and temples with impressive Buddhist and Hindu images, also visit Institute for Research into Buddhism and Pali literature which houses rare manuscripts. Also visit archeological museum. Overnight Rajgir.

Day 03: Rajgir/Bodhgaya
Early morning drive to Bodhgaya enroute visit Borobar coves (4 hrs walk) earliest examples of rock cut sanctuaries. Mast impressive craftsmanship of carving and inscriptions can be seen. The caves are also the inspiration of the setting of E.M.Foresters "A Passage to India". Arrive Bodhgaya in The evening. Check into hotel. Overnight Bodhgaya.

Day 04: Bodhgaya
Is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centers, for, it was here that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment to become the Buddha. Visit the Stahabodhi temple, Japanese and Tibetan monasteries, Magadha University and museum. Overnight Bodhgaya.

Day 05: Bodhgaya/Varanasi
Early morning depart for Varanasi (optional by train from Gaya). Arrive by lunch. Check into hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing visiting ghats and temples. Evening boat cruise on the Ganges. Overnight Varanasi.

Day 06: Varanasi/Sarnath/Kushinagar/Gorakhpur
Morning, excursion to Sarnath (10km). The principal center of Buddhism. It was here around 530 BC that Buddha preached his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamekh and the Dharmorajika stupas and the Buddhist shrines. Afternoon, drive to Kushinagar, the place where the Buddha passed into parinirvan or Visit stupas and monasteries. Overnight Gorakhpur.

Day 07: Gorakhpur/Balrampur
Visit Sravasti & Buddhist shrines Overnight Balrampur.

Day 08: Balrampur/Lucknow/Delhi
Drive to Lucknow (150 kms) to board for flight to Delhi.

Day 01: Arrive Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata Hotel check-in is at 12.00 noon. Met on arrival by the our representative and transfer to your hotel.

Day 02: Kolkata
Early this morning we visit the Flower Market and later collect our permits from the Forest Department to visit the Delta Land of the Sunderbans. Visit the Victoria Memorial and the House of Mother Theresa, founder of the Creed of the Sisters of Charity.

Day 03: Kolkata/Basanti/Sajnekali
South of Kolkata are the Sunderbans, "beautiful forests" in Bangla, formed by the delta of the rivers Ganga and Bhramapurtra. It extends across the entire northern shore of the Bay of Bengal sea. They are the largest estuarine forests in the world. This morning we leave for Basanti from where we take a motor-launch over the delta waters to Sajnekali (2 hours), all the while looking out at the plethora of wildlife that abounds in these rich waters. On arrival check-in at the Tourist Lodge. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 04: Sajnekali/Kolkata/Puri
The morning begins with a boat ride through the various creeks to experience the Sunderbans in all their pristine glory. In the afternoon you return to Kolkata in time to board your overnight train to Puri.

Day 05: Puri/Konarak/Puri
On arrival in Puri, transfer to your hotel. Later in the day we take an excursion to Konark. Konarak was once a center of Orissan Buddhism, but is now more famous for its Sun Temple erected in the 13th century. Leisure on the beach.

Day 06: Puri
This morning we visit Puri, one of the biggest pilgrimage centers in India. The afternoon is at leisure on the beach.

Day 07: Puri/Chilka Lake/Bhubaneshwar
Early this morning we leave for the Chilka lake, a 1100 sq. km shallow inland sea, spreading 75 kms from north to south. Enjoy a boat cruise on the lake. Later continue back to Bhubaneshwar.

Day 08: Bhubaneshwar/Kolkata
This morning we visit Bhubaneshwar city of over a 1000 temples. Hotel checkout is 12.00 noon. The afternoon is free for independent shopping. In the late evening we transfer to the railway station in time for the overnight train to Kolkata.

Day 09: Kolkata/Departure
Assistance on arrival and transfer for your onward flight to depart India.

Day 01: Rishikesh
Arrive Rishikesh and transfer to high bank peasants cottage guesthouse. Evening visit the ghats to encounter evening life on the Ganga bank and arti (the evening prayer dedicated to goddesses Ganges).

Day 02: Rishikesh/HanumanChatti
DRIVE: 10 HRS. Early morning drive to Hanuman Chatti. Arrive and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 03: HanumanChatti/Yamnotri/JankiChatti
TREK/HORSE 8-10 HRS. Morning trek to Yamnotri, the source of Yamuna River. The entire trek is gradual ascent. Arrive and after exploring the area and visit to the temple we trek down halfway to janki Chatti. Overnight hotel.

Day 04: JankiChatti/HanumanChatti/Uttarkashi
TREK:2 HRS. DRIVE; 3-4 HRS. Morning trek down to Hanumanchatti. Arrive and commence drive to Uttarkashi. Arrive Uttarkashi and transfer to hotel for overnight stay

Day 05: Uttarkashi/Gangotri/Uttarkashi
DRIVE 8-10 HRS. Morning drive to Gangotri. The entire drive is along the Bhagirathi river. Arrive and explore the area. Visit the temple and drive back to Uttarkashi. Overnight hotel.

Day 06: Uttarkashi/Gaurikund
DRIVE:7-8 HRS. Morning drive to Gaurikund. The entire drive is along the holy Ganga upto Devpryayag. We stop at Devprayag, an ancient town at the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhigairathi rivers. Later we drive to Rudraprayag. After lunch break at Rudra prayag we drive along in Mandakini valley to Gaurikund.Arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel.

Day 07: Gaurikund/Kedarnath
TREK/PONY 5-6 HRS. Morning after breakfast trek to Kedarnath.The entire trek is gradual ascent till we reach Kedarnath. Arrive Kedarnath and transfer to Hotel. Evening visit the kedarnath temple for darshan. Overnight hotel.

Day 08: Kedarnath/Gaurikund/Rudraprayag
TREK 4-5 HRS. DRIVE: 3HRS. After morning puja trek down to Gaurikund. After lunch break and refreshing bath at Gaurikund hot springs we drive to Rudra Prayag. Arrive Rudraprayag and check into hotel for overnight stay.

Day 09: Rudraprayag/Badrinath
DRIVE 7-8 HRS.Morning drive to Badrinath. The entire drive upto Joshimath is along the Alaknanda River. We stop at Joshimath for some time. Later we drive to Badrinath. Arrive Badrinath and check in to hotel. Evening visit the Badrinath temple. Overnight hotel.

Day 10: Badrinath/Rishikesh
DRIVE. 10-12 HRS Early morning drive to Rishikesh. Tour terminates upon arrival at Rishikesh. Overnight Hotel.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Hotel check-in is at 12.00 noon. Met on arrival by our representative and transfer to your hotel.

Day 02: Delhi/Agra
This morning enjoy quick city tour of Old and New Delhi driving past the Presidential Palace, India Gate, Red Fort and Jumma Masjid and visiting Raj Ghat and the Qutab Minar. Hotel checkout is 12.00 noon. In the afternoon drive to Agra Enroute we stop briefly at Sikandra (time permitting), the mighty tomb of Emperor Akbar, within a spacious garden.

Day 03: Agra
Enjoy a tour of Agra visiting Itmad ud Daulah, the Agra Fort and the TajMahal.

Day 04: Agra/Varanasi
Morning transfer to the Railway Station in time for the day train to Varanasi. Assistance on arrival at Mughalsarai and transfer to the hotel in Varanasi.

Day 05: Varanasi/Sarnath/Varanasi
This morning we travel north of Varanasi to Sarnath, where he Buddha preached his first sermon after becoming The Enlightened One. Afternoon city tour of Varanasi.

Day 06: Varanasi/Bodh Gaya
This morning we leave for Bodh Gaya, the most important shrine of Buddhism.

Day 07: Bodhgaya
Today you visit the Maha Bodhi Temple. The rest of the day is free to visit other temples and monasteries of your choice.

Day 08: Bodh Gaya/Nalanda/Rajgir/Patna
This morning we leave for Patna, capital of the state of Bihar. Enroute we visit other prominent sites of Buddhism at Nalanda and Rajgir.

Day 09: Patna/Kushinagar
Continue this morning to Kushinagar where the great Tathagata breathed his last. In the afternoon visit Rambhar Stupa and Mahaparinirvana Temple.

Day 10: Kushinagar/Lumbini
This morning drive to Lumbini, birthplace of The Buddha. Lumbini being in Nepal, formalities of the India/Nepal Immigration have to be completed. We visit the Maya Devi Temple and opposite the Temple that marks the site The Buddha was born.

Day 11: Lumbini/Kapilavastu/Balrampur
Leave this morning for Balrampur. Enroute we stop at Kapilavastu, here Prince Siddhartha Gautama (before he became The Buddha) spent his childhood. Visit the ruins of the ancient capital. In the afternoon visit Sravasti, where The Buddha spent 24 monsoons in the Jetvana Gardens.

Day 12: Balrampur/Lucknow/Delhi
In the morning we drive to Lucknow in time to connect the train to Delhi.

Day 13: Delhi/Departure
Departure The day is free for your personal shopping. Hotel check-out is 12.00 noon. Late evening transfer to the airport in time to board your onward flight to depart India. Bon Voyage !

Day 01: Arrive Chennai
Hotel check-in 12.00 noon. Assistance on arrival by our Representative and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of Chennai visiting Fort St. George and the Marina Beach.

Day 02: Chennai/Kanchipuram/Mahabalipuram
This morning we visit Kanchipuram, famous for its brilliant Kanjivaram silk sarees. Continue onto Mahabalipuram. Later visit the famous rock-cut and shore temples.

Day 03: Mahabalipuram/Pondicherry
We leave for the Old Portuguese township of Pondicherry. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and other sights before checking in at the hotel. In the afternoon take an excursion to Auroville, a powerful happening of international integration.

Day 04: Pondicherry/Velankanni
Leave for the shrine of Our Lady at Velankanni, which like Lourdes in France is renowned for miraculous healing. Visit the inspiring Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. In the evening you may wish to recite the Rosary as Our lady is carried in procession around her Basilica.

Day 05: Velankanni/Thanjavur
This morning we leave for Thanjavur. In the afternoon, visit the Temple and Museum (subject to being open).

Day 06: Thanjavur/Tiruchirappalli/Madurai
Leave for Tiruchirappalli and visit the Temple and Rock Fort. Continue onto Madurai.

Day 07: Madurai
This morning you will visit the famous Shree Meenakshi temple. The afternoon is free for independent activities.

Day 08: Madurai/Periyar
This morning we drive to Periyar. Enjoy a visit to the Periyar wild life Sanctuary in a boat on the Periyar Lake.

Day 09: Periyar/Kovalam/Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Beach Resort (South of Kovalam) This morning we leave for south of Kovalam, on the shores of the Arabia Sea.

Day 10: Kovalam for Ayurveda
Early this morning take an excursion to Cape Comorin, confluence of the three great oceans - the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea to witness the sunrise. The Ayurvedic Beach Resort surrounded by pristine nature with a lovely beach, has a full fledged Ayurvedic Centre. Ayurveda, the 3000 year old Indian system of medicine prescribes time tested and trusted methods to improve your physical and mental activity irrespective of the age group. It is the only system of medicine in the world that has methods to totally rejuvenate the body and mind. Day at leisure on the beach and time to benefit from the ancient herbal treatment of Ayurveda on your own.

Day 11: Kovalam/Alleppy/Cochin
Depart for Cochin. Enroute enjoy a cruise on the emerald palm fringed backwaters of Kerala. In the afternoon we visit the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, the Dutch Cemeter and the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Day 12: Cochin/Munnar
This morning drive up through groves of jackfruit trees, pineapple plantations and churches with beautiful facades to the hill station of Munnar set in the heart of the Western Ghats. Evening at leisure.

Day 13: Munnar/Ooty
In the morning we drive up to Ooty, (2268 meters ) "Queen of Hill Stations", which still has the lingering flavor of the British Raj.

Day 14: Ooty/Mysore
This morning we visit the Botanical Gardens, the Ooty Lake and take an excursion to Doddabatta. In the afternoon we drive down to Mysore.

Day 15: Mysore/Hassan
Mysore is one of the finest cities oalign="justify" f South India with tree-lined boulevards, beautiful gardens and stately buildings. Visit also the Mysore Palace. In the afternoon drive to Hassan.

Day 16: Hassan/Bangalore
This morning we will venture out to see some of the most strikingly beautiful temple sculptures of India. Visit the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid. In the afternoon drive to Bangalore, and check in to your hotel on arrival.

Day 17: Bangalore/Chennai
This morning enjoy a tour of Bangalore city. In the afternoon board the super-fast train to Chennai.

Day 18: Chennai/Departure
Departure Morning at leisure. Hotel checkout is 12.00 noon. Late evening transfer the airport in time to board your onward flight to depart India. Bon Voyage!