Shravasti and Kushinagar Tour Package: Uttar Pradesh Buddhist Circuit
Discover the Shravasti and Kushinagar Tour Package
The Shravasti and Kushinagar Tour Package: The Uttar Pradesh Buddhist Circuit provides travelers with an immersive experience of Gautama Buddha’s sacred heritage. Shravasti stands as a key Buddhist hub where Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons while Kushinagar marks the location of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana making both locations fundamental to Buddhist heritage. This tour package expertly combines spiritual elements with historical sites and tranquil landscapes to appeal to pilgrims and travelers who are searching for both spiritual enlightenment and peaceful experiences.
Related Keywords
The Uttar Pradesh Buddhist Circuit combines visits to the Shravasti Buddhist tour and Kushinagar pilgrimage with explorations of the Jetavana Monastery and Mahaparinirvana Temple.
What makes the Shravasti and Kushinagar Tour Package an ideal choice for travelers?
This tour package explores the heart of Buddhism located in Uttar Pradesh, the state where Buddha’s teachings originated. As two of the eight major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations Shravasti and Kushinagar deliver deep spiritual and historical encounters.
- Spiritual Significance: Visit locations where Buddha taught his disciples and achieved nirvana to connect with his teachings.
- Historical Richness: Visit ancient stupas and monasteries along with relics from the Mauryan and Kushan periods.
- Cultural Immersion: International temples such as the Indo-Japan-Sri Lanka Temple showcase the wide-reaching impact of Buddhist traditions.
- Serene Retreats: Find peaceful surroundings that provide perfect conditions for meditation and personal reflection.
This tour offers an ideal opportunity for travelers interested in exploring India’s rich Buddhist history.
The Tour Highlights of Shravasti and Kushinagar
Shravasti: Buddha’s Rainy Season Retreat
The city of Shravasti served as the ancient Kosala Kingdom’s capital and was 150 kilometers from Lucknow where Buddha spent his monsoon retreats for 24 consecutive years. At Shravasti he demonstrated the “Twin Miracle” by producing fire and water to surprise doubting observers. Key sites include:
- Jetavana Monastery: Merchant Anathapindika constructed this site which contains ruins and stupas along with the Ananda Bodhi Tree that originated from the original Bodhi Tree.
- Angulimala Stupa (Pakki Kuti): The Angulimala Stupa stands as a monument to the once-violent Angulimala who transformed into a follower of non-violence under Buddha’s guidance.
- Kacchi Kuti: A historic stupa representing Buddhist monastic remains.
Source: Buddhist Tourism, “Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh”.
Kushinagar: The Site of Mahaparinirvana
At age 80 Buddha reached Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar which lies 50 km away from Gorakhpur thus ending his cycle of rebirth. Key attractions include:
- Mahaparinirvana Temple: The Mahaparinirvana Temple contains a sandstone reclining Buddha statue that measures 6 meters in length and represents his final moments.
- Rambhar Stupa: The 15-meter tall cremation site of Buddha stands as a construction by the Malla Kings.
- Indo-Japan-Sri Lanka Temple: The Indo-Japan-Sri Lanka Temple showcases a golden Ashta-Dhatu statue that incorporates Buddhist influences from around the world.
- Matha Kuar Shrine: This location serves as the site where Buddha delivered his final sermon and it features a 3-meter Bhumisparsha Buddha statue.
Source: Agoda, “Places to Visit in Kushinagar”.
What to Expect from the Tour Package
Travelers will enjoy a stress-free and meaningful journey throughout this 4 to 6-day tour.
- Duration: The tour includes Shravasti and Kushinagar with optional visits to Kapilvastu or Lumbini.
- Accommodation: Reside at the Lotus Nikko hotel in Kushinagar or SR Hotels in Balrampur to ensure your comfort during your stay.
- Guided Tours: Professional guides provide knowledge about Buddhist history and philosophical teachings.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March for pleasant weather (15–25°C).
- Optional Activities: Guests can enjoy meditation sessions or explore Kushinagar Museum and take the IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Train for a luxurious travel experience.
Source: IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Train.
FAQ: Shravasti and Kushinagar Tour Package
- What are the main highlights of the Shravasti and Kushinagar Tour Package? The tour package provides transportation services alongside guided tours and accommodations including visits to Jetavana Monastery and Mahaparinirvana Temple together with Rambhar Stupa. Participants can choose to add meditation sessions and museum tours to their itinerary.
- When is the best time to visit Shravasti and Kushinagar? The months between November and March provide perfect weather conditions for outdoor exploration at these historical sites.
- Is this tour suitable for individuals not specifically interested in Buddhism? The tour provides an ideal experience for those interested in history and culture as well as spirituality seekers through easily accessible locations led by professional guides.
- How can I travel to Shravasti and Kushinagar? The distance to Shravasti from Lucknow airport or railway station is 150 km and Kushinagar is located 50 km from Gorakhpur airport or railway station. The Buddhist Circuit Train by IRCTC provides another transportation option.
- Can the tour itinerary be customized to include other nearby Buddhist sites? Tour My India and Ashoka Holidays provide custom travel plans that feature visits to neighboring destinations such as Lumbini.
Conclusion: Embark on a Spiritual Journey
The Shravasti and Kushinagar Tour Package: The Uttar Pradesh Buddhist Circuit provides access to the deep-rooted heritage of the Buddha. This tour connects the spiritual teachings at Shravasti’s Jetavana Monastery with Buddha’s nirvana at Kushinagar’s Mahaparinirvana Temple to create an experience rich in spiritual significance and historical value. This tour is ideal for pilgrims and travelers because it leads to peace and enlightenment.
