The Mahaparinirvan Express is a special train service which provides a practical and comfortable option for pilgrims in the land of the Buddha. The eight-day train tour takes pilgrims to the various sacred sites that the Buddha visited in his lifetime, such as Bodhgaya and Lumbini. The cost includes rail and road travel, all meals, sightseeing and a guide, entrance fees to monuments, security and insurance. For the most recent updates on train schedules and prices, contact Universal Travel Link & Services on 02-645-3542 or 08-1922-1595, or visit www.railtourismindia.com. Story by Sanitsuda Ekachai . Photos by Sanitsuda Ekachai and Somnuek Khemacheva.
The Mahaparinirvan Express is a special train service which provides a practical and comfortable option for pilgrims in the land of the Buddha. The eight-day train tour takes pilgrims to the various sacred sites that the Buddha visited in his lifetime, such as Bodhgaya and Lumbini. The cost includes rail and road travel, all meals, sightseeing and a guide, entrance fees to monuments, security and insurance. For the most recent updates on train schedules and prices, contact Universal Travel Link & Services on 02-645-3542 or 08-1922-1595, or visit www.railtourismindia.com. Story by Sanitsuda Ekachai . Photos by Sanitsuda Ekachai and Somnuek Khemacheva.
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The Mahaparinirvan Express arrives at Delhi's Safdarjung Railway Station, where pilgrims can board without having to go through the usual hustle and bustle at other stations.
The passengers are greeted by a traditional Indian welcome ceremony before boarding the train.
Breakfast, Western style.
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, in the state of Bihar, is considered the capital by Buddhist pilgrims. After six years of earnest spiritual quests during which starvation almost killed him, the Buddha attained enlightenment here.
A giant Buddha image in a Japanese temple, which is part of the international complex of Buddhist temples in Bodhgaya.
A Tibetan monk prostates on the floor to pay respect to the sacred Bodhi tree where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
After Bodhgaya, the pilgrims head for Rajgir to visit the Griddhkuta Hill where the Buddha gave many important sermons. Poor women sweep clean the steps leading to the Buddha's cell at the hilltop in return of some rupees.
The ruins at Nalanda, a Buddhist university of great renown in ancient India. The vast complex housed over 10,000 monks and various monuments in its heyday. The remains attest to the law of impermanence, an essential teaching in Buddhism.
After Rajgir, is Varanasi and the sacred Ganges River. Here, pilgrims can contemplate on the inevitability of death and the need to deepen their dharma practice.
The colourful spices of India.
A group of pilgrims are circling around the Dhameka Stupa in Sarnath, near Varanasi. Here, the Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment. Following the ordination of his five disciples, it was here also that Sangha came into existence.
After Sarnath, it is off to Kushinagar in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where the Buddha passed away. The 15-metre-high Rambhar Stupa stands on the site where Lord Buddha was cremated.
A Bodhi tree serenely stands at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, the Buddhas birth place, now in rural Nepal. Its shade provides a mind-soothing environment for monks and visitors to meditate.
After Lumbini, the pilgrims head back to India to visit the Jetvana Vihara in Sravasti. The Buddha stayed here for over 20 years to teach the dharma. The ruins of Buddha's cell are considered the holiest spot.
A special treat at the end of the week-long pilgrimage is a visit at the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra.
