Hiking-Rafting

Day 01. Arrival in Gaya
Upon arrival in Gaya, meet the Metta insight Journey representative for assisted check-in at the hotel in the city.
Gaya serves as the gateway to the most important Buddhist heritage cities in the country. It was here that Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the shade of the “Bodhi tree.” Pilgrims visit this religious shrine to commemorate this sacred event and seek blessings and inspiration from this landmark in the life of the Lord Buddha.

Day 02. Bodhgaya
After breakfast, proceed to Sujata Kuti, located 2km west of Bodhgaya, near the Phalgu River. This is where Sujata, an Uruvela tribeswoman, offered milk pudding to the meditating Siddhartha. After austere meditation for 49 days, Siddhartha, on the 50th day, partook in the pudding and attained enlightenment or Bodhi.

Day 03. Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Patna
Check out from Bodhgaya and drive to Rajgir. This 6th-century capital of the Magadha Empire hosted Lord Buddha before his enlightenment. Post-enlightenment, he delivered many enlightening sermons here. A tour of Rajgir offers pilgrims the chance to experience the Buddhist heritage embedded in the region through visits to Gridhakuta, Saptaparni Caves, Ajatsatru Fort, and Venuvana Vihara. Next, proceed to Patna. En route, visit Nalanda University.Upon arrival in Patna, check into the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 04. Patna – Vaishali – Kushinagar
Depart from Patna in the morning for Kushinagar, the site of Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana (253 km / 8 hrs).
En route, visit Vaishali. Once one of the eight Mahajanapadas during the time of Lord Buddha, it served as the site where he delivered his last sermon and announced his Mahaparinirvana. Continue towards Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Visit the Mahaparinirvan Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, and Mathakuar Shrine. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Day 05. Kushinagar – Lumbini
Check out from Kushinagar the next morning for Lumbini, the glorious site of Lord Buddha’s birth. The Buddhist heritage ingrained in the region features the Maya Devi Temple and the sacred Pushakarini pond, which are associated with the roots of Buddhism. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

Day 06. Lumbini – Sravasti
Proceed to Sravasti. Upon arrival, begin sightseeing of Sravasti. The capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kosala, Sravasti is an active center for Buddhism. Visit Sahet Mahet. Jetavana Vihar is honored for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons and features the famous Anand Bodhi tree, age-old stupas, majestic monasteries, and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 07. Sravasti – Varanasi
Check out from Lumbini and proceed to Varanasi, the city of lights and learning. Upon arrival, begin the sightseeing of Sarnath. This is the principal center of Buddhism where Lord Buddha, post-enlightenment, preached his first sermon, turned the wheel of law, and laid the foundation of Buddhism based on his first five followers. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 08. Varanasi – Bhusaval
Ajanta Ellora
Early morning, Start on a special boat ride on the River Ganges and witness the spiritual sunrise illuminating the mighty river. After breakfast, check out from Varanasi and transfer to Varanasi Railway Station to board the connecting train (1130 Hrs-0620 Hrs) for Bhusaval. This is the gateway city to the Buddhist heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves.Overnight in Train.

Day 09. Bhusaval – Ajanta – Aurangabad
Upon arrival at Bhusaval Railway Station in Jalgaon, proceed to Ajanta. Ajanta is one of the ancient rare achievements of India’s best-kept heritage. The set of ancient caves at Ajanta illustrates the story of Buddhism that prevailed from 200 BC to 650 AD on Sahyadri hills and is a recognized world heritage site. The rock cuts here display the finest collection of Buddhist murals. The tempera technique etched paintings here display the finest surviving art specimens. After the sightseeing of Ajanta Caves, proceed to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 10. Aurangabad – Ellora – Mumbai Departure
After breakfast, begin a sightseeing tour of Ellora caves. This is one of the highly visited world heritage sites of the country featuring 34 monasteries and temples dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The caves display a range of stonework rock cuts illustrating the legends of Lord Shiva. After the sightseeing session, return to Aurangabad and transfer to the airport to