Jamwai Journeys is a more thoughtful way of exploring India. Each itinerary is crafted with care to honor culture, support local communities, and leave a positive impact.
Arrival at Delhi Airport (DEL): Arrive in Delhi anytime. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your locally-owned hotel. The drive from the airport to a centrally located hotel typically covers about 17-20 km, taking approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Optional Orientation Visit: Consider an optional orientation visit to the National Museum to see significant Buddhist relics and artifacts, providing historical context for your journey.
Rest and Prepare: Use the rest of the day to relax and prepare for your exciting journey ahead.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Flight to Varanasi: After breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport for your morning flight to Varanasi. The flight from Delhi to Varanasi is approximately 665-670 km and takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your locally-owned hotel.
Spiritual Ghats & Lanes: In the afternoon, explore the spiritual ghats and the labyrinthine narrow lanes of Old Varanasi, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this ancient holy city.
Ganges Sunset & Aarti: Experience a serene sunset boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual spectacle of light, sound, and devotion.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Sarnath Exploration: Begin your day with a visit to Sarnath, located 12 km (approx. 30 min drive) from Varanasi. This is a highly significant Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore key sites including the towering Dhamek Stupa, the remains of Chaukhandi Stupa, and various ancient monasteries.
Scenic Drive to Bodh Gaya: After Sarnath, embark on a scenic drive to Bodh Gaya, the sacred place of Buddha’s enlightenment. This journey covers approximately 260 km and takes about 6-7 hours.
Leisure/Meditation: Upon arrival, enjoy the evening at leisure or consider a quiet moment of reflection or meditation under the auspicious Bodhi Tree.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Full Day Exploration: Dedicate the full day to exploring Bodh Gaya, the heart of Buddhist pilgrimage.
Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site), home to the sacred Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
Explore various international monasteries, including the Thai, Japanese, and Bhutanese temples, each showcasing unique architectural styles and Buddhist traditions.
Optional Activities: You have the option to participate in a meditation session or engage in a community visit to understand local life around this spiritual hub.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Rajgir Sites: Depart from Bodh Gaya and drive to Rajgir, approximately 75 km away (about 2 hours). In Rajgir, visit Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta Hill), a site where Buddha often meditated and delivered sermons. Explore the ancient hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties.
Nalanda Exploration: Continue your journey to Nalanda, which is 15 km (approx. 30 min drive) from Rajgir. Explore the magnificent Nalanda University ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the oldest and most renowned centers of learning in the ancient world. Conclude your visit at the Nalanda Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts excavated from the site.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Vaishali Exploration: Depart from Nalanda and drive to Vaishali, approximately 115 km away (about 3 hours). Explore the significant Buddhist sites in Vaishali, including the well-preserved Ashokan Pillar, a remnant of Emperor Ashoka’s reign, Buddha’s Stupa, and various relic shrines.
Drive to Kushinagar: After Vaishali, drive to Kushinagar, the sacred site where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana). This leg of the journey covers approximately 190 km and takes about 4.5 hours.
Sacred Temples: In the evening, visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses a reclining Buddha statue, and the Ramabhar Stupa, marking the cremation site of Buddha.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Border Crossing & Lumbini: Depart from Kushinagar and prepare to cross the India–Nepal border at Sunauli. This border crossing and drive to Lumbini is approximately 150 km and typically takes 4-5 hours, including border formalities.
Lumbini Exploration: Upon crossing into Nepal, visit Lumbini (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the revered birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Explore the peaceful Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact spot of his birth, and wander through the tranquil Sacred Garden.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Return to India & Drive to Shravasti: Drive back to India via the Sunauli border and head to Shravasti. This journey covers approximately 180 km and takes about 5-6 hours, including border formalities. Shravasti is significant as Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons here and delivered many important sermons.
Shravasti Exploration: Upon arrival, visit key sites such as the Jetavana Monastery, an ancient Buddhist monastery, and the Ananda Bodhi Tree, believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya. Explore other monastic ruins that speak of the site’s past importance.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Drive to Lucknow: After breakfast, drive to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, known for its rich cultural heritage and refined etiquette. This journey is approximately 180 km and takes about 4-5 hours.
Optional En Route Stops: En route, consider optional stops for local experiences, such as interacting with villagers or visiting small historical sites if time permits.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Full Day City Tour: Dedicate the day to exploring Lucknow’s unique blend of historical and modern attractions.
Visit Buddha Park and the grand Ambedkar Memorial, iconic landmarks in the city. Enjoy cultural sightseeing, including the magnificent Bara Imambara, an impressive architectural complex, and the bustling Chowk market, famous for its traditional crafts and cuisine.
Rest: Enjoy a restful evening at your locally-owned hotel.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Flight to Delhi: After breakfast, transfer to Lucknow airport for your flight back to Delhi. The flight is approximately 417-420 km and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Transfer & Rest: Upon arrival in Delhi, you’ll be transferred to your locally-owned hotel.
Optional Farewell: In the evening, consider an optional farewell dinner with your group, or a final moment of reflection at Lodhi Garden, a serene historical park, or a Buddhist cultural center.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Departure: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You can depart anytime today. Assistance will be provided for your airport transfer to Delhi International Airport (DEL) for your onward journey.
Transport : Private vehicle
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