Excellent
753 Reviews
12 Days
Golden Triangle Tours
40 People
Any Language
This 12-Day Golden Triangle with Buddha Circuit Tour offers a profound journey through India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The tour combines the iconic Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) with the Buddha Circuit, visiting key sites that trace the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. From the grandeur of the Taj Mahal to the spiritual sites of Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar, this extended tour provides a deep dive into India’s historical, cultural, and spiritual landmarks, making it an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.
Taj Mahal (Agra): Visit the world-famous symbol of eternal love, a stunning white marble mausoleum.
Bodh Gaya (Bihar): Explore the Mahabodhi Temple, the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
Sarnath (Varanasi): Visit the site where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment at the Dhamek Stupa.
Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh): The place where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana, home to the Reclining Buddha Statue and Nirvana Stupa.
Red Fort (Delhi): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s Mughal past.
Qutub Minar (Delhi): A towering 12th-century minaret, showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture.
Amber Fort (Jaipur): A grand hilltop fort with stunning views of Jaipur and a mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
City Palace (Jaipur): A royal palace complex that reveals the grandeur of Rajasthan's royal history.
Fatehpur Sikri (Agra): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, once the Mughal capital, showcasing beautiful Mughal architecture.
Bodhgaya and the Bodhi Tree: Visit the very spot where Buddha attained enlightenment, an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Lumbini (Nepal): The birthplace of Lord Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though located outside India, it can be included in an extended tour.
| Destination | Delhi, Agra and Jaipur |
| Included |
|
| Excluded |
|
Arrive in Delhi, India’s vibrant capital. Visit India Gate, the Red Fort, and Qutub Minar, iconic landmarks representing India’s history and architecture. Explore Humayun’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Optionally, visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and Chandni Chowk, a bustling market in the heart of Old Delhi.
Visit Akshardham Temple, an intricately carved temple showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage. Explore Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Visit Lotus Temple, a symbol of peace and unity, and the Baha’i House of Worship. Evening at Dilli Haat, an open-air market offering handicrafts, textiles, and regional cuisine.
Travel to Agra (3-4 hours drive). Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise to witness the monument in its full glory. Explore Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Itimad-ud-Daula’s Tomb, also known as the "Baby Taj," an exquisite example of Mughal architecture. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River.
En route to Jaipur (5-6 hours), visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue the drive to Jaipur and check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a cultural experience or traditional Rajasthani dinner.
Visit Amber Fort, an impressive fort with panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. Explore City Palace, home to the Maharaja of Jaipur, with its museums and courtyards. Visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with large instruments used to track celestial bodies. Explore the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur’s most famous landmark. Wander through Jaipur's local markets for Rajasthani handicrafts and souvenirs.
Morning flight or train to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India. Upon arrival, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a boat ride on the Ganges River, witnessing the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Stroll through the ancient streets of Varanasi, full of temples, ghats, and local shops.
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the ghats at dawn. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, visit Tulsi Manas Temple and Durga Temple. Optionally, visit Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most famous cremation ghats in Varanasi.
Early morning drive to Bodh Gaya (6-7 hours drive), the site of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and meditate under the Bodhi Tree. Explore the Mahayana Buddhist Monasteries and other important Buddhist sites in the area. Visit Bodhi Sarovar, a serene lake near the Mahabodhi Temple.
Drive to Kushinagar (approx. 4-5 hours), the place where Buddha attained Nirvana. Visit the Reclining Buddha Statue, a massive statue of Buddha in a reclining position, and the Nirvana Stupa. Explore the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Kushinagar Museum.
Drive to Lumbini (approximately 3 hours), the birthplace of Lord Buddha (located in Nepal but an important site for Buddhists). Visit the Lumbini Garden, the Maya Devi Temple (the birthplace of Buddha), and the Sacred Pond where Buddha’s mother took a bath before his birth. Explore the Lumbini Monastic Zone, home to several monasteries built by countries from around the world.
Morning return drive to Delhi (approx. 10 hours or take a flight via Kathmandu). Upon arrival, check in and relax after a long journey. In the evening, visit Connaught Place for last-minute shopping and dining.
Depending on your flight schedule, visit any remaining attractions or explore local markets for souvenirs. Departure from Delhi.
Explore India's rich culture, heritage, and beauty with Grand India Tours – your ultimate travel guide.
Copyright 2024 Grand India Tours | Design By WIL Vertex Pvt Ltd
