BUDDHIST MONASTERY WITH KERALA

DURATION : 15 NIGHTS / 16 DAYS

DAY-01: Arrive in Gaya

Arrive in Gaya ex-Delhi. Then, drive to Bodhgaya. Later, visit to the Mahabodhi temple and the Mahabodhi Tree at Niranjana River. Stay overnight in the hotel.

DAY-02: Bodhgaya

Have breakfast at the hotel. Later, visit many international temples, big statue of Lord Buddha. Stay overnight in the hotel.

DAY-03: Bodhgaya – Varanasi

Have breakfast at the hotel. Later, proceed to Varanasi by surface (approx. 250 km / 06 hrs). In the evening, take a visit to Sarnath. Stay overnight in the hotel.

DAY-04: Varanasi – Bhubaneswar by Indian Rail

In the morning, take the boat ride at Ganges and tour the city. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Thereafter, proceed to the railway station for train to Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

DAY-05: In & Around Bhubaneswar

On arrival, transport to the hotel and later, visit the Buddha temple and the Dhauli Stupa along with the rock cut edict. Stay overnight in the hotel.

DAY-06: Bhubaneswar – Monastery – Bhubaneswar

Take the excursion to the Diamond triangle (Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitgiri) and explore the Chaityas and Viharas. Stay overnight in the hotel.

DAY-07: Bhubaneswar – Konark – Puri

After breakfast, proceed to visit the Sun temple at Konark. Stay overnight in the hotel.

DAY-08: In & Around Puri

In the morning, walk on the beach and later, visit the holy city Puri and experience the religious life and activities. In the evening, relax at the beach. Stay overnight in the hotel.

DAY-09: Departure-Transport to the Airport for God’s Own Country-Kerala.

On your arrival at Cochin airport/railway station, our tour executive will welcome you. Then, transport to Cochin – “the Queen of Arabian Sea”. Sightseeing includes Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Church of St. Francis and Chinese Fishing Nets. Later, in the evening if time permits, watch Kathakali dance. Stay overnight in Cochin.

DAY-10: Cochin – Munnar

Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Munnar – the beautiful hill station which was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days blessed with exuberant tea plantations which are unrelenting, unspoiled
Valleys, mountains and further, observe the beautiful fauna and flora. On arrival at Munnar, check into the resort and relax. Stay overnight in Munnar.

DAY-11: Munnar

After breakfast, go for a sightseeing tour by visiting the Munnar’s highest peak called Raja Mala, National Park of Eravik Ulam where the mountain goats called Nilgiri Thar are seen, Mattupetty Dam, Eco – point and Tea Museum. Stay overnight in Munnar.

DAY-12: Munnar – Periyar

After breakfast, check out from the resort and drive to Periyar – a land full of cardamom and spice plantation and home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. On arrival, check into the resort and relax. Explore on your own way.

DAY-13: Periyar

After breakfast, visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary and go for a ride on the boat and do a spice plantation tour or you can participate in some other jungle activities. Stay overnight in Periyar.

DAY-14: Periyar – Kumarakom

After breakfast, check out from the resort, drive to Kumarakom – a beautiful backwater village in the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, a place full of low-lying palms and paddy fields, check into the resort and relax. Later, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Stay overnight in Kumarakom.

DAY-15: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Overnight at Houseboat)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey; embark at the houseboat at the afternoon. While from Alleppey to Alleppey, you will pass through beautiful canals and lagoons, watch day-to-day life of local people and you will enjoy by having the delicious Keralian meals prepared by the boat crews. Spend overnight in the Houseboat.