Kashi to Colombo Buddhist Tour

Kashi to Colombo Buddhist Tour: Overview

This Great Kashi to Colombo Buddhist Tour Package is a most popular package for Buddhists from India Nepal & Sri Lanka etc. And is especially custom made to cover Top Buddhist Sites in India Nepal & Sri Lanka. Along with Buddhist Pilgrimage in India, it also offers enough Sightseeing and Glimpses of real India.

This package is carefully designed with 11 nights start from Bodh Gaya. We offer you Tour of Bihar Nepal & Sri Lanka Buddhist sites Bodhgaya kushinagar lumbini Anuradhapura Polonnaruwa etc. You will see lots of devotees in all the important Buddhist shrines and Temples on this journey. We hope you will be inspired by the teachings of the Buddha and observe how buddhists practice the five precepts of Buddhism.

What is Unique in Kashi to Colombo Buddhist Tour Package?

For your consideration we have designed some of our best tour itinerary on Kashi to Colombo Buddhist Tour Package in India. We specialize in custom-made trips, but we work to organize the tour around your exact plan and as per your budget. We choose hotels which are centrally located in each destinations of our tour itinerary selected carefully which will suite you at time of your journey. We constantly check the reviews of our clients regarding our tour packages and our transportation, means behavior of our driver and their services to our clients. We handle all details from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. 

Package Inclusion:

• One night accommodation in Bodh Gaya,1 Night at Patna, 1 Night at Kushinagar, 1 Night at Lumbini, 1 Night at Sravasti & 1 Night stay at Varanasi.

• One night accommodation in Colombo,2 Nights at Anuradhapura, 1 Night at Polonnaruwa, 1 Night at Kandy.

• All transfers and sightseeing by AC Vehicle.

• Meals as per APAI plans includes all meals Viz. breakfast,lunch & dinner.

• English speaking guide in Bodhgaya,Varanasi,Nalanda & Rajgir.

• Welcome drink on arrival at all the three hotels.

• Sightseeing as per itinerary.

• Return Airport Transfers/Railways station Transfer.

• All applicable road taxes,parking,fuel charges,driver allowances etc.

• Varanasi - Colombo return airfare

Package Exclusion

• Any monastery, entrance fees, Any Joy ride or rafting.

• Medical expenses (apart from first aid) and insurance of any kind.

• Tips, laundry, liquors, wines, mineral water, telephone charges, camera fee and items of personal nature.

• Transportation is not on disposal basis. It is strictly as per the programme, any extra running will be charges extra.

Hotels used in Package

2 star Hotels

Hotel Ananda Inn - Lumbini

Hotel Buddha Residency - Bodh Gaya

Baba Lolark P Guest House - Varanasi

Elevens Inn - Patna

Hotel Adelphi Grande - Kushinagar

Nutan Hotel - Sravasti

The Saffron - Colombo

Miridiya Lake Resort - Anuradhapura

Hotel SGM - Polonnaruwa

Hotel Hill Top - Kandy

3 star Hotels

Lumbini Buddha Garden Resort - Lumbini

Lucky Guest House - Bodh Gaya

Hotel Kiran Palace - Varanasi

Buddha Heritage - Patna

The Imperial - Kushinagar

Ban Sarita Resort - Sravasti

Colombo City Hotel - Colombo

Hotel Alakamanda - Anuradhapura

Thidas Arana Lake - Polonnaruwa

Amanda Hills Hotel - Kandy

Varanasi to Colombo Direct Flight

Sri Lankan Airlines UL - 150 L VNS (14:00) → CMB (17:30) 03h 30m 
Sri Lankan Airlines UL - 149 L CMB(09:30) → VNS (13:00) 03h 30m

Buddhist Attractions in Bodhgaya

The Bodhi Tree

The Bodhi tree is an auspicious ficus tree, the fifth generation plant of the original one, under which prince Siddhartha had attained enlightenment or the perfect knowledge. Under the tree is the Vajrasan, the platform on which Siddhartha had sat in meditation. Close to Vajrasan is Buddhapada, the footprints of the Buddha on stone and Chaukramana, the Jewel Walk, where it is believed that the Buddha strolled while in deep thought. Many sacred trees in India and other countries are originally raised from seeds brought from the ancient Bodh Gaya tree. Bhikkhuni Sanghamitra, daughter of the Indian emperor, Ashoka had taken a shoot of the original Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, where it was planted by the Sri Lankan ruler, Devanampiya Tissa at the Mahavira monastery in Anuradhapura, and is still a sacred place for the Buddhists.

Lotus Tank

In the north of the Maha Bodhi temple lies a large tank full of lotus plant. The Buddha is believed to have spent a week at this site. 

Shaivite Monastery 

The Shaivite monastery is situated adjacent to the Maha Bodhi temple, and has a cluster of four temples. These temples are surrounded by enchanting greenery and marked by architectural marvels and have several 'Samadhi' in their vicinity.

Bodh Gaya Museum

The Bodh Gaya museum fulfills the requirement of religious art lovers as it initiates one into the age of the Buddha's centered art forms. The museum houses artistic Buddhist sculpture collection from 1st century BCE to the 11th century CE.

Vaishali

At a distance of 55km from Patna, Vaishali is regarded as the world's first republic. It was also associated with Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira.

Nalanda

Nalanda is located at distance of 95 km from Patna and preserves the ruins of one of the most centers of learning in the ancient world. Nalanda University. The University existed during the 5th century and was supported by the Buddha. 

Bodhgaya 

135 kms away from Patna, Bodhgaya is one of the four extremely sacred places for the Buddhists. It was in Bodhgaya that Lord Buddha attained the divine knowledge under the Bodhi tree. A number of pilgrims make a beeline to offer their prayers to this great leader at Bodhgaya. 

Buddhist Attractions in Kushinagar

Japanese Temple

Japanese Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Kushinagar. This is a must visit site during your tour to Kushinagar. A magnificent 'Ashta Dhatu' or 'Eight Metals' statue of Lord Buddha marks this temple. This statue has been brought from Japan in dismantled form and was later joined before it was established in this temple. The temple itself is worth appreciation. The Atago Isshin World Buddhist Cultural Association has erected this temple that was generously funded by the Japanese Monarchy. The temple consists of a single circular chamber, housing a golden image of Buddha, softly lit through small stained-glass window. 

Watt Thai Temple

Watt Thai Temple is one of the most beautiful and most visited temples in Kushinagar. Watt Thai Temple is only one of its kinds not only in Kushinagar but also in whole of Indian Sub-continent. The temple is centrally located in Kushinagar and that is why it can be seen from anywhere and everywhere in Kushinagar. The Temple has been laid out on a lush green lawn that is spread in several acres of land. This beautiful Temple was designed in order to serve as a Forest-Monastery. That is why the campus of this temple boasts off innumerable kinds of trees, plants, herbs and shrubs that make it more beautiful and watch able. This temple was erected to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of His Majesty King Bhumibol’s accession to the throne of Thailand. The gates of this truly magnificent temple was opened to the general public in the year 2001; since then this temple has remained at the helm of affairs in Kushinagar. 

Chinese Temple

Chinese Temple is another fairly frequented tourist destination in Kushinagar. The temple is famous for its distinct architecture that puts it away from the numerous Buddhist Temples in Kushinagar. The architecture of this temple is predominantly 'Han Chinese' and has design elements that have been borrowed from various provinces of Mainland China. The exteriors of the temple have a subtle fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese architecture. A beautiful statue of Chinese Buddha marks the temple that attracts thousands of devotees as well as casual visitors every year. The temple also provides free stay to the pilgrims.

Nirvana Temple Kushinagar 

Nirvana Temple is one of the most frequented amongst Buddhism shrines in the world. Nirvana Temple is a must visit destination during tour to India. The place evokes emotion for every Buddhist because it is the same temple near which, Buddha died. 

Nirvana Temple houses a statue of reclining Lord Buddha that is 6 meters long. It is believed that this statue represents the very last moments of Lord Buddha i.e. moments before he attained Mahaparinirvana. The sculpture was unearthed during the excavations of 1876. Carved from Chunar sandstone, the statue represents the dying Buddha reclining on his right side. An inscription below dates the statue to the fifth century AD. 
The temple stands on the same plinth as the Stupa behind it. As mentioned above the ruins of this temple, Carlleyl discovered Nirvana statue inside in 1876. By sinking a vertical trench at the center of its mound he first discovered the great statue in a much-shattered condition lying on a broken pedestal and then he unearthed other ruins.

Ramabhar Stupa

Ramabhar Stupa can be counted as one of the most sacred shrine of Buddhism in the world. Situated just a kilometer off from the city center, Rambhar Stupa is a must visit for every tourist flocking India. Ramvara Stupa is said to mark the site where Lord Buddha was cremated and got Mahaparinirvana. Kushinagar is a place that has been frequented by Lord Buddha. There are sources, which confirm that Lord Buddha had many discourses at this place. 

Mathakaut Temple

Mathakaut Temple is one of the most famous and most visited shrines in Kushinagar. The Mathakaut shrine is situated at the distance of 300 meters from Maha-Parinirvana Stupa, another famous Buddhist shrine in Kushinagar. The place is famous for because this is the site from where a black stone image of the Buddha in the 'Bhumi Sparsha Mudra' was recovered during early excavations. 'Bhumi Sparsha Mudra' in Hindi means 'Kneel down Posture'. 

Buddhist Attractions in Sarnath 

Dhamekha Stupa

Dhamekha Stupa signifies 'the seat of the holy Buddha' and occupies the space of the most prominent structure at Sarnath. This is the spot where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. The size of the Stupa is 31.3 meter in height and 28.3 meter in diameter, while its lower part has been beautifully carved with stones.

Choukhandi Stupa

The Choukhandi Stupa is believed to be the place where the Buddha met his five disciples, including his favorite, Anand. 

Ashoka Pillar 

The great Indian emperor, Ashoka, when converted into a Buddhist, paid a visit to the holy place of Sarnath. A smooth glistening stone pillar, known better as the Ashoka Pillar, commemorates Ashoka's visit of Sarnath. The lion capital that was found on the top of the Ashoka pillar is now the National Emblem of India. 

Sarnath Museum

The Sarnath museum is the proud owner of the Buddhist artifacts, manuscripts, and statues. 

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

This is a modern temple built by the Mahabodhi society and has excellent frescoes by a famous Japanese painter, Kosetsu Nosu.

Bodhi Tree 

Bodhi tree is another sacred place for the Buddhists as it originated from the sapling of the Sri Lankan Bodhi tree, which is also a branch of the original Bodhi tree (Bodh Gaya) under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in 528 BCE.

Digambara Jain Temples

Besides Buddhist temples and monasteries, the holy city of Sarnath boasts of the Digambara Jain temples, a sacred place for the Jains. Besides, a statue of Lord Mahavira, there is a museum related to the life of the Jain 'teerthankars' in the temple's premises.

Nearby Attractions of Varanasi

Varanasi

Varanasi is situated on the bank of the river Ganges or the Ganga at a distance of 10 kilometers from Sarnath. Earlier known as Banaras, Varanasi is a holy place for the Hindus. Boats on Varanasi Ghat.

Kaushambi

A major Buddhist site, Kaushambi, which lies 185 kilometers away from Varanasi, is though in ruins today, but still its importance lies in its year’s old history. The ancient city of Kaushambi was visited by Lord Gautama Buddha in the sixth and ninth year after He was showered with the divine light of enlightenment. It was due to the Buddha's sermons that a large section of people at Kaushambi had converted to Buddhism, which further helped in the spread of the Buddhist doctrine. Even today, the ruins of the ancient city speak of the golden days of Buddhism in India.

Vindhyachal

One of the major Shaktipeeths, Vindhyachal is highly revered by the Hindus. Located 80 kilometers from Varanasi, the small hilltop of Vindhyachal is a home to Vindhyavasini Devi temple, Ashtabula temple and Kalikhoh temple, all of which have been dedicated to different forms of the Goddess Durga. 

Ramnagar 

A historical village, which lies 14 kilometers away from Varanasi on the other side of the holy river Ganges, Ramnagar, is famous for its old fort. The fort, once the residence of the Maharaja (ruler) of Varanasi, now comprises a museum, which displays the royal collection consisting of arms and weapons, old cars, palkies, ivory works and several others. Besides, Ramnagar also houses two major temples for the Hindus - the Chhinnamastika temple and the Durga temple. 

Buddhist Attractions in Lumbini

The Buddhist monastery

It’s built in the way of the modern Buddhist temples of Nepal but is quite important in the purview of architecture of the walls. The middle hall contains some exquisite murals resembling the medieval periods'.

Maya Devi Temple 

Lumbini remained neglected for centuries. In 1895, a famous German archaeologist discovered the great pillar, further exploration and excavation of the surrounding area revealed the existence of a brick temple and a sandstone sculpture within the temple itself which represents the scenes of Buddha’s birth. On the south of the Maya Devi temple there is the famous sacred bathing pool known as Puskarni. It is believed that Maha Devi took a bath in this pool before the delivery. The temple is built gradually and is composed of many temples, one after the other. It is also found that there is possibility that a Ashoka Stupa existed in the place of temple.

The Ashokan pillar

The Ashokan Pillar, essentially erected by Ashoka (249 BC) visited Lumbini and erected an inscribed Ashokan Pillar on the spot of Buddha's birth. The inscription of the pillar (the oldest in Nepal) declares that Ashoka granted Lumbini tax-free status in honor of Buddha’s birth. It is 6m high and half of it is beneath the ground. It is behind the Maya Devi Temple, to the west of the temple. Emperor Ashoka erected many other pillars throughout India. The carved top of the pillar has never been found.

Things to do in Colombo City

Shopping

The best place to start your shopping in Sri Lanka is none other than the country’s largest city and commercial hub, the city of Colombo. Colombo offers an interesting and exciting array of choices in shops and goods. Be it world famous Ceylon tea, designer clothes, leather goods, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, antiques, ceramics or whatever your heart desires, is available at a plethora of stores easily accessible in the city.
Apart from the main shopping malls, shops and boutiques in Colombo, travellers can enjoy a unique shopping experience in Pettah, which is in the Fort area of Colombo. In this part of the city, there are numerous street stalls selling everything and anything at very affordable prices.

Play Golf

The Royal Colombo Golf Club which is the second oldest golf club outside the United Kingdom boasts a 130 year history. A sanctuary in the midst of a bustling city, the golf course is an easily accessible past-time to relax, unwind and indulge in.

Discover Sri Lankan History

The Colombo National Museum is a remarkable Italian architecture colonial building, which was established in 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time.

Festivals & Events in Colombo

Christmas party Colombo

•Leo District Council 306 B2, Sri Lanka join hand with Leo Club of Colombo Circle organizing the Christmas party 'LEO DJ BLACK NIGHT' On 20th Saturday December 2014 from 6 pm onward in GSH Colombo, 382, Galle road, colombo 6.

Kama Colombo

•As always Kama Colombo is ready to give you your monthly dosage of Salsa. Drop in at Kama on Saturday, the 20th of December, and enjoy smooth Latin tunes to get your Salsa groove on! Spin masters for the night, SELECTRO, will take care of the dance floor as you sway and move to some groovy Salsa.
Also, indulge yourself in some of the best special offers on some of the finest cocktails and drinks in town.
*Free entrance between 9pm and 12am
*50% off on all beverages before midnight
Do not miss out on yet another unforgettable night at Kama Colombo as we spice up your holiday season.

Colombo Holi Festival

Welcome to The Colombo Grand Holi Festival Events. The Best Year end  HOLI Festival for you and your loved ones. Featuring the best DJ’s in Colombo to play and get you groove on the grounds with Stunning HoliColours splashing all directions by making lovely memories and that will cherish for an eternity.
Some amazing games and fun events are waiting for you so be a part of it and stand a chance to WIN FREE GIFTS at the event.
Children below 12 years can walk in free.

Climate of Colombo

Sri Lanka is a typical example of a tropical zone, with a well defined summer and winter, interspersed by two monsoons – the south-west monsoon (in May-August) and the north-east monsoon (in October-January). The climate is generally temperate, with temperatures rarely rising above 35? C. The central highlands have a much cooler climate with mean temperatures hovering at a comfortable 16 degrees dition, the final day of the four devales (Vishnu, Natha

Appropriate Time to Visit India for Buddhist Pilgrimage

All the towns of Pilgrimage circuit are in north  & eastern India where the summers are real hot.The summers are followed by monsoon showers and temperature become pleasant after September.It’s recommended to sojourn your journey  between October and March when the temperatures are a in a comfortable range of 5-15 degrees Celsius. This is a good time to be out sightseeing as the weather is pleasant and very cool.