Buddhism, one of the world's great religions, traces back with the life of Siddharth when a curious wandering prince from the small Shakya Kingdom located at the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal, began his quest for the ultimate truth to solve the mystery of existence.He renounced his royal pleasures and meditated beneath the sacred Bodhi tree at Gaya for years before he attained spiritual enlightenment. Then, as the Buddha, or the enlightened one, he spent the remainder of his life spreading the knowledge of The True Self in the Indian sub-continent. However, it was during the reign of emperors Bimbisara, Ashoka, Milinda and Kanishka that Buddhism flourished at its best and became a global religion, especially in Southeast Asia, due to sincere and untiring efforts of the missionary Bhikshus.
In the Mahaparinirvana sutra, the Buddha tells his followers that they can attain merit and a noble rebirth by going on pilgrimage to the places where he was born (Lumbini), gained enlightenment (Bodh Gaya), first taught (Sarnath), and attained Nirvana (Kushinagar).
India, the country where Buddhism originated, still has rich reminiscence of the Buddhist legacy. As part of its drive towards austerity, the only kind of art and architecture that it supported were Stupas (stone cased mounds that commemorated relics of Buddha), Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (cells for the monks).
Come, discover the path to enlightenment with the Mahaparinirvan Express.
"Buddham Sharnam Gachhaami Dharmam Sharnam Gachhaami Sangham Sharnam Gachhaami"
| Tour Highlights |
Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya, considered the most important buddhist pilgirmage destination in the world, is the place where the Buddha attained enlightment
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Varanasi
The oldest living city in the world.
"Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even then legend..." - Mark Twain. |
Rajgir
Rajgir (Rajgiraha), literally means 'The Adobe of Kings'. It is surrounded by meandering river Banganga and five hills. Rajgir is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site as the Buddha spent twelve years here, and the first Buddhist council was hosted there at the Saptarparni caves. |
Nalanda
Nalanda literally means " The Giver of Knowledge". It was the most renowned university in ancient India. Many international scholars and travelers from far away places like Java/Sumatra/Korea/Japan & China were attracted to this University. |
Sarnath
It was in the Deer park at Sarnath that the Buddha gave his first sermon now termed as Dharmachakra Pravartan or turning of the wheel of law. In it, the Buddha explained the way to end suffering and attain knowledge. |
Lumbini
The Birthplace of Guatama Buddha, Lumbini is an important destination for every Buddhist and is one of the four holiest places of Buddhism. |
Sravasti
Buddha is believed to have spent twenty four monsoons in Sravast. Age-old Stupas, Majestic monasteries and several temples near the village of Sahet-Mahet highlight the Buddha's association with Sravast.
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KUShinagar
Kushinagar (Kushinara) is a place where Tathagata, "the reciter of truth", attained Nirvana. The huge statue of the reclining buddha at the Mahaparinirvaran temple, was excavated in 1876.
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Agra
Tajmahal, one of the Seven wonders of the world, is the Mausoleum of Mumtaz mahal, Emperor Shah Jahan's beloved wife.
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The Path to Enlightment
Day 1: Depart Delhi (Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station in the afternoon) for Gaya. Dinner on-board.
Day 2: Arrive Gaya in the morning. Check in at the hotel, Breakfast, Visit Bodhgaya temples-Lunch. Dinner & over night stay at hotel.
Day 3: Breakfast. Depart for Rajgir & Nalanda. Lunch. Depart Gaya for Varanasi in the evening. Dinner on board.
Day 4: Arrive Varanasi in the morning. Breakfast. Visit Sarnath. Lunch. Visit the Ganges for the evening Aart. Depart Varanasi for Gorakhpur in the evening. Dinner on Board.
Day 5: Arrive Gorakhpur in the morning. Breakfast. Visit Lumbini(Nepal). Lunch. Return to Gorakhpur. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.
Day6: Breakfast. Visit Kushinagar. Lunch. Depart Kushinagar for Gonda in the evening. Dinner-on-board.
Day 7: Arrive Gonda in the morning. Breakfast. Visit Sravasti. Lunch. Depart Gonda for Agra in the evening. Dinner on board.
Day 8: Arrive Agra in the morning. Breakfast. Visit Taj Mahal. Depart Agra for Delhi in the afternoon. Lunch on-board. Arrive Delhi (Delhi Safdarjung Railway station) in the evening. |
Tour Dates:
1 October 2008, 18 October 2008, 1 November 2008, 15 November 2008, 29 November 2008,
13 December 2008, 27 December 2008
1 January 2009, 24 January 2009,
7 February 2009, 21 February 2009, 7 March 2009,
21 March 2009 |
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| Tariff |
Type of Accommodations in the train |
Rates(Per Person/ night on Twin sharing basis)
Oct 08- Mar 09. |
| AC - 1st Class |
US$ 150 |
| AC - 2Tier |
US$ 125 |
| AC - 3 Tier |
US$ 95 |
Children below 5 years (without extra berth / seat) Free. For Single Occupancy in Hotel, US$ 200 extra for entire trip or US$ 50 per night. Terms & Conditions listed on the website |
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