Buddhist Temple Tour of North East

Tour Destination: Delhi - Varanasi - Sarnath - Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Patna - Kolkata - Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Pelling - Gangtok - Kalimpong - Bagdogra

Travel Duration: 16 Nights/17 Days

DAY 1: DELHI

Arrive in Delhi and later transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can enjoy local activities and shopping the local markets.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: DELHI

After breakfast enjoy full day city tour of Old Delhi & New Delhi visiting

RED FORT- This is a magnificent fort with beautiful artwork of red sandstone on the banks of river Yamuna. It is a huge complex of gardens and pavilions and marble palaces.

JAMA MASJID- This is the largest mosque in India, located opposite to the Red Fort, it was again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan behind this architectural masterpiece.

RAJ GHAT- Built on the banks of the legendary Yamuna, which flows past New Delhi, Raj Ghat-the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.

INDIA GATE- Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War I, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931. The green, velvety lawns at India Gate, particularly, are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike.

PRESIDENT'S HOUSE- New Delhi, centers around the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. 

HUMAYUN'S TOMB- The emperor's grieving widow, Haji Begum, built Humayun's Tomb the first mature example of Mughal architecture in India, in 1565 AD.

LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE- Also called the Birla Mandir it was built in 1938; the temple is an ideal introduction to some of the gods of the India pantheon.

LOTUS TEMPLE- The Bahai's Temple, is shaped like a lotus. It is an eye-catching edifice worth exploring. Built by the Bahai's community, it offers the visitor a serenity that pervades the temple and its artistic design.

QUTAB MINAR- It is among the tallest and famous towers in the world. Qutab Minar is famed as the highest brick minaret of the world, located amidst the lush greens of South Delhi. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: DELHI - VARANASI

With a beautiful morning, transfer to airport to catch flight to Varanasi situated on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges. Transfer to hotel. After freshen up, visit the holy city

KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE- Kashi Vishwanath, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is the patron deity of Varanasi. The idol is a jyotirlinga, one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. The Kashi Vishwanath temple has been built and re-built several times over the past few centuries. The present temple was built in the 18th century by Rani Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the previous temple and built a mosque at the site (now adjacent to it). The temple gets its name from Kashi, which is another name for Varanasi.

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY- Banaras Hindu University is one of the largest universities in the world and a prime attraction in Varanasi. It was founded by Pandit Mohan Malviya in 1916 and is internationally reputed. 

ASSI GHAT- Assi Ghat is the southern most ghat . It is located at the confluence of Ganga and Assi rivers. In the evenings, there is an aarti at Assi Ghat which attracts many tourists. Pilgrims bathe in the waters at the ghat before paying homage to Lord Shiva. It is the best place to witness Hindu culture and traditions as well as a beautiful sunrise.

DASHASHWAMEDH GHAT- Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest and most important ghats in Varanasi. In the early 16th century when the Marathas were ruling over the region, they built several ghat sin Varanasi that lined the holy river Ganga. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4: VARANASI - SARNATH - VARANASI

Today morning go on an excursion to the City of Enlightenment- Sarnath. Located 10kms East of Varanasi close to the confluence of rivers Ganges and Varuna, Sarnath is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. 

CHAUKANDI STUPA- The stupa is regarded as one of the most divine and important monuments of the Buddhist culture. This stupa has been built on the exact spot where the great Lord Buddha first met his five ascetics- to whom he later went on to preach his first teachings.

ASHOKA PILLAR- The national emblem of India and a mark of Emperor Ashoka's visit to Sarnath, the Ashoka Pillar crafted out of stone is an impressive structure with four lions at the top.

THAI TEMPLE- The temple displays the Thai style of architecture. The temple is set amongst beautiful gardens and is managed by Thai Buddhist Monks offering calm and peaceful surroundings.

TIBETAN TEMPLE- This Buddhist shrine has been decorated with Thangksa, which are Tibetan Buddhist paintings. The temple features a statue of Shakyamuni, the Buddha. 

Later return back to Varanasi and spend evening view Aarti ceremony on the Ghats. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 5: VARANASI - BODHGAYA

Today drive to Bodhgaya. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can enjoy local activities and shopping the local markets.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 6: BODHGAYA

After breakfast visit the holy city of Gaya.

MAHABODHI TEMPLE- The Mahabodhi temple is also called as the "Great Awakening Temple". It is among one of the World Heritage Sites. It is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, which marks the location where the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. Mahabodhi temple is a historical place at which the Enlightenment of Gautam Buddha took place which later on became a place of pilgrimage. 

BODHI TREE- The Bodhi Tree, is perhaps the most prominent and respected sacred places in Buddhism because of the rich historical significance attached to it. It is under this tree that Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who later became to be known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment. It is believed that Prince Siddhartha had to sit and meditate under this tree for seven days. Later on, a shrine known as Animisalocana Cetiya was erected on the spot where he had sat down. A small temple was also built near the Bodhi tree in the 7th century.

GREAT BUDDHA STATUE- This statue of Lord Buddha is the tallest in India and was instated by the XIV Dalai Lama in 1989. It is a meditating Buddha resting on a giant lotus, constructed using intricately carved sandstone and red granite.

THAI MONESTRY- Well known for its curved roof covered with exquisite tiles of gold, the Thai Monastery houses a bronze statue of Buddha and another recently erected 25m high statue in the garden.

ROYAL BHUTAN MONESTRY- The Royal Bhutan Monastery has been named so, as it was built by the King of Bhutan as a dedication to Lord Buddha. Clay carvings are seen on the interior walls of the monastery that depict different aspects of the Buddhist culture.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 7: BODHGAYA - RAJGIR - NALANDA - PATNA

Today morning go on an excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda. 

JAPANESE PEACE STUPA- Also known as the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, this pillar is situated atop the Gridhakuta hill at an altitude of 400m. It was built as a symbol of world peace by the Japanese. This marble pillar also showcases four golden statues of Buddha depicting different stages of his life - birth, enlightenment, preaching and death. This location can be accessed by an aerial ropeway.

VULTURE'S PEAK- This was the place where the Lord Buddha set in motion his second wheel of Law and for three months every year during the rainy season, preached many inspiring sermons to his disciples. The Buddha Sangha of Japan has constructed a massive modern stupa, the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), at the top of the hill in commemoration.

BAMBOO GROVE- King Bimbisara donated the Bamboo Grove, Veluvana to Buddha for his residence. Today, it is a park with admiring sights of bamboos, flowers and a large pond with Buddha's image in the centre.

Further continue your drive to the beautiful city of Nalanda visiting 

NALANDA UNIVERSITY- This University is one of the ancient heritage marvels of India that shaped the country's identity as the giver of the knowledge. Spread over an area of 14 hectares, the ruins here feature splendid temples and monasteries built by the patron kings.

NALANDA MUSEUM- Established in 1971, Nalanda Museum houses many ancient antiquities excavated from Nalanda University ruins and also at Rajgir. The antiques here feature many Buddhist and Hindu bronzes, a number of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, coins, pottery and inscriptions of Maurya and Gupta period.

SURYA MANDIR- Located near Nalanda University, Surya Mandir is dedicated to the Sun God and features a number of Hindu and Buddhist idols.

HUIEN TSANG MEMORIAL HALL- This memorial hall is dedicated to the historic Chinese traveller who came who left his home country in pursuit of Buddha and Buddhism to India in the 5th century AD and stayed in Nalanda for 12 years as a student. Also, he served the university as a teacher and studied the social and political conditions in the country. The memorial hall was built in his memory.

In the evening drive to Patna. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 8: PATNA - KOLKATA

With a beautiful morning, transfer to airport to catch flight to the City of Joy- Kolkata. Later transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is to be spent at leisure. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 9: KOLKATA

After breakfast full day city tour of the City of Joy- Kolkata. 

VICTORIA MEMORIAL- Another symbol of the British Raj in India, the Victoria Memorial is located in the heart of Kolkata, India. This white marbled beauty, which can rightly be called the epitome of grace and elegance, was built in memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over India. The intricate memorial not only bears testimony to the British rule in India but also stands out as an example of refined and excellent architecture in the Indo-Saracenic revivalist style that existed in that era. 

FORT WILLIAM- The mighty edifice of Fort William is situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. Built in the year 1696, the fort gets its name from King William III and was the first stronghold of the British in the country. The imposing structure of Fort William is embellished with hundreds of archlike windows and overlooks lush green gardens.

HOWRAH BRIDGE- The iconic landmark of Kolkata, Howrah Bridge is a massive steel structure which is considered as one of the longest cantilever bridges of its type in the world. Also called as Rabindra Setu, it extends across the Hooghly River and connects Howrah and Kolkata. It is also regarded as one of the busiest ones among them as it carries a daily traffic of over 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians. 

BIRLA PLANETARIUM- Kolkata's Birla Planetarium is a magnificent edifice set up by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 2nd July 1963. Also known as Taramandal, the Birla Planetarium regularly hold many programs are in various languages including Hindi, English, Bengali, and other regional languages. A visit to the Birla Planetarium is perhaps one of the most innovative ways to ignite your interest in science and the motion of planets.

INDIAN MUSEUM- The ninth oldest museum of the world and largest in India, the Indian Museum is located in the old city of Kolkata. The foundation stone of the Indian Museum was laid down in the year 1814 it exhibits some of the finest collection of historical importance ranging from contemporary paintings and a sacred relic of Buddha to Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures.

BELUR MATH- Sprawling over forty acres of land on the west bank of the Hooghly River, Belur Math is a place of pilgrimage and also the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. People from all over the world, irrespective of the religion that they believe in, visit this temple to enjoy the tranquility and serenity that it imbues.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 10: KOLKATA - BAGDOGRA - DARJEELING

With a beautiful morning, transfer to airport to catch flight to the Bagdogra. After arrival drive to Queen of Hills- Darjeeling. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit 

DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY- The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is also known as the Toy Train. It is a narrow gauge rail that is 2ft in width and runs between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri and was built in the years between 1879 and 1881. In 1999, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

DARJEELING ROPEWAY- From the ropeway of Darjeeling which is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, you can have mind blowing view of the valley below, see the spread of lush tea gardens, dense forests, mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls, and the awesome snow peaks at the background. 

Spend the rest of the day at leisure or you can go for a leisure walk around the place.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11: DARJEELING

After breakfast, visit the city of Darjeeling.

SINGALILA NATIONAL PARK- Located at an altitude of approximately 2134 meters above sea level the National Park is situated in the highest regions of West Bengal. The park is known for its amazing peaks and the panoramic views of the lesser Himalayas. The National Park is famous as a trekker's paradise with a large verity of mountainous vegetation, fauna, and birds. 

PARMESAN NADIA ZOOLOGICAL PARK- Known for its famous Red Panda and Snow Leopard breeding program, the park is spread in an area of 67.56 acres. It is the largest high altitude zoos in India and some of the rare and endangered species in the zoo are snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Salamanders, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan mountain goat and Siberian tigers.

HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE- The Institute was created by the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights.

OBSERVATORY HILL- It is a famous view point and tourist attraction in Darjeeling. The location is famous for its magnificent views of Kanchendzonga and the ancient temple dedicated to Mahakaal or Lord Shiva.

JAPANESE PEACE PAGODA- Built during 1885-1985 by a Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fuji. The Buddhist shrine is located amidst some really enticing locations and is built in a beautiful white structure with golden colored sculptures.

TEA ESTATE- Spread across a massive area of 437-acres, and situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, the Tea Estate is one of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling. The place is located amidst some of the most breath taking surroundings in India. It also houses one of the highest tea factories in the world.

DARJEELING MALL- The Chowrasta or the Mall is the town center in Darjeeling. This is a lovely little flat area, a public square where four roads meet. This public place is where you would like to lounge & bake in the sun, sit and watch the wonderful views of the mountain range and see many locals and tourists hanging around.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 12: DARJEELING - PELLING

Early morning at 4am, excursion trip visiting

TIGER HILL- Located at the highest point in Darjeeling area, Tiger Hill is best known for the dazzling sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga and the snow covered peaks of the entire eastern Himalayan range. On a clear day you can even see the Mount Everest from here. Tiger Hill is located 11km from the Darjeeling Town

GHOOM MONASTERY- On your way back, visit Ghoom Monastery- also called Yiga Choeling monastery, it is one of Darjeeling's oldest gompas. Belonging to the Yellow sect of Buddhism, the construction of this monastery started in 1850. The statue of Maitreya Buddha, Lord Buddha of the future is the main attraction here. 

BATASIA LOOP- The War memorial, lying in the well-maintained garden, bounded by Batasia Loop. The memorial is built in the memory of Gorkha martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the wars to save their country.

Later continue your drive to the hill station Pelling. Transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or you can go for a leisure walk around the place.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 13: PELLING - GANGTOK

After breakfast at hotel, visit the little town of Pelling

KANCHENDZONG WATER FALLS- The Khanchendzongna waterfall lies 28 km away from Darap en route to Yuksam and 15 km before reaching Yuksam. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim and is normally active throughout the year.

KHECHEOPARI LAKE- This is considered one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. 

RIMBI WATERFALLS- About 12kms away from Pelling and about 5 kms further down from Darap village is Rimbi River Bank which falls on the way to Khecheopalri and Yuksam where the main attraction is water falls which is spectacular in summer that attract many waterfalls lovers.

RABDENTSE PALACE RUINS- Rabdanse Ruins lie hidden from the main road. The walk towards Rabdantse is through a forest area with some rare species of orchids and a few lakes. These lakes are also home to local carp fish. There are good views from the top of the ruins looking across the deep valley and to the Khang-chen-Dzonga ranges.

PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY- Pemayangtse literally means perfect sublime lotus. This is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim. Founded in 1705, this monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect. 

YUKSOM- Yuksom is a large village with a total area of 812.16 hectares (2,006.9 acres). It is located in a basin-like valley surrounded by mountain ranges. Located at the head of the Khangchendzonga National Park, it is the gateway to Mt. Khangchendzonga. The popular mountaineering trek starts from Yuksom. 

PHAMRONG WATER FALLS- Located between Yuksom and Gerethang this highest waterfall of West Sikkim presents a magnificent scenario especially during Monsoon. A gentle gradient footpath takes one to a viewpoint for a closer view of this mighty discharge of water.

DUBDI MONASTERY- Dubdi Monastery also commonly called as the Yuksum Monastery is another Buddhist pilgrim centre located in the Tibetan Buddhism of the Nyingma Sect, close to Yuksum.

SINGSHORE BRIDGE- Singshore Bridge, a 198 meter suspension bridge. It is also the highest bridge of Sikkim and second highest George Bridge in Asia.

TASHIDING MONASTERY- It is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Buddhism in Western Sikkim, northeastern India. It is located on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the Rangeet River.

Later continue your drive to the hill station Gangtok. Transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or you can go for a leisure walk around the place.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 14: GANGTOK

After breakfast at hotel, visit the Gangtok City

RUMTEK MONAESTRY- This is the largest monastery in Sikkim. Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa Lama, the third highest monk in Tibetan Buddhism. It also serves as one of the most important seats of the Kagyu (Black Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet and is also known as Dharmachakra Centre.

GANESH TOK AND HANUMAN TOK- Located near Tashi View point, Ganesh Tok is a temple dedicated to Ganesha and Hanuman Tok is a temple of God Hanuman. The temple is famous among tourist. People visit the temple to offer prayers and also to enjoy the beautiful view. There is a circular balcony around the temple and a viewing lounge to soak in the view. You can see the majestic mountains, rolling hills and Gangtok town from here.

ENCHEY MONASTERY- This is a religious site of the Nyingma order. Enchey literally means Solitary. This Monastery was built with the intention that no other construction would be allowed near it. It is said that the site has been blessed by Lama Drupko Karpo, a revered tantric master reputed for his power to fly. 

DO DRUL CHORTEN- This was built by Trulshi Rimpoche. He was the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. The golden-colored dome is the highlight of the structure. You can spot lamas engrossed in their prayers. One of the important stupas in Sikkim with two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche.

TASHI VIEW POINT- This was built by the late King of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal. One can have a clear view of the Himalayan range, besides Mt. Khanchendzonga on a clear day. Tourist can enjoy the scenic view of mount Kanchendzonga, mount Siniolchu and the whole of Himalayan range.

RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY- Perched on the top of a beautiful hill, the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology was established in 1958 to promote research into the Mahayana sect of Buddhism and Tibetan language and culture. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 15: GANGTOK

After breakfast go on the excursion trip to 

TSOMGO LAKE- Changu Lake, lying at an elevation of 12,400 feet above the sea level is a glacial lake, which is 37 km away from Gangtok. This stunning attraction, it is frequently visited by Brahmin ducks and other colorful migratory birds. This oval-shaped lake is 50 feet deep and is covered with snow all round the year.

BABA MANDIR- Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial War temple, around 20 km from here. Originally a war memorial, built in the memory of soldier Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment, who sacrificed his life in the Indo-China was of year 1962, it slowly turned into a temple. It was constructed in 1983 by the Indian Army after the deceased soldier appeared in the dream of his soldier friend.

In the evening, you can visit the M G Road (Mall) to indulge in shopping and collecting memorabilia. Get your hands on woolen clothes, Thangka paintings, handicrafts and more

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 16: GANGTOK - KALIMPONG

Drive to a small hill station Kalimpong. Transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or you can go for a leisure walk around the place.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 17: KALIMPONG - BAGDOGRA

After breakfast visit the little hill town Kalimpong viewing 

DEOLO HILL- Situated at an elevation of nearly 1914 meters Deolo Hill commands an excellent view of the town. With Teesta Valley below and the snowy ranges in the distant horizon, the place is one of the beautiful sites around Kalimpong. Deollo / Dello is a location on the edge of a Ridge with spectacular views.

HANUMAN MANDIR- Located on the way to the Deolo Hill, the Hanuman Temple in Kalimpong is another quick stopover. You need to climb a set of stairs to reach the Hanuman statue which is the tallest in northeast India.

MANGAL DHAM TEMPLE- Built over an area of two acres, the Mangal Dham Temple is among the popular tourist places in Kalimpong. The many paintings in the temple depict various scenes from Krishna Leela. It is a well-maintained temple and the religious tourists mostly flock to this place.

GRAHAM HOMES- Dr. Graham's Homes School is one of the finest school of Kalimpong and is internationally famous. Established in the year 1900 on the lower slopes of Deolo Hill. It was founded to educate the children of tea workers.

DURBIN GOMPA- This monastery was established in the year 1922. This Gompa belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in the Tibet in the 14th century and to which the Dalai Lama belongs.

THONGSA GOMPA- A short distance lower down the hill is the Thongsa Gompa of Bhutanese Monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the area and was founded in the year 1692. The original monastery was destroyed by the Gurkhas and was rebuilt later. In prehistoric ages Tibetan traders use to pay homage to the gods for safely having crossed the treacherous trails.

FLOWER NURSERIES- Kalimpong is famous for flower nurseries which export exotic flowers. Kalimpong is the only place in the region where many commercial flower nurseries are situated. 

In the evening continue your drive to Bagdogra to catch your flight/train towards onward destination.