Pilgrimage NittyGritty

[cooran]

Hello all,

I would like to hear anyone's experiences of Pilgrimage in India to the Four Holy Places - especially the nittygritty of costs, places to stay, transport, tour companies etc.

metta
Chirs

[David N. Snyder]

Hi Chris,

Didn't you just come back from pilgrimage about a year ago?

[David N. Snyder]

I went with Shantum Seth's tour:

http://www.buddhapath.com/index.html

and they were very good, tour guide, driver, all the sites, 4 star hotels, all meals (although we skipped the evening meal even though it was included) and it was well-done.

Lotus Nikko was a very nice hotel in Bodh Gaya and close to the Maha Bodhi Temple.

[cooran]

Hello TheDhamma,

Yes, I last went in 2007 - but that was out of Bangkok with a Thai group and all the pricing was done from there. That particular group was 120 people (four busloads in India) and arranged by a group member who happened to be a Bangkok Travel Agent. Any time I have travelled in northern India, it has been with that group and that manager.

The next Pilgrimage which may be occurring is not associated with that group, but out of Brisbane, Australia, with max. 20-25 people, direct to India.

Thanks for the site - I did not find any pricing? .... maybe best to contact them directly?

I am also very interested in anyone else's experience - particulary with the practical details such as accommodation and transport. I am interested in 2 week tours with the option of 3 weeks.

Anyone's assistance or suggestions will be appreciated.

metta
Chris

[jcsuperstar]

i'd be interested in this too, but from america to india

[David N. Snyder]

Thanks for the site - I did not find any pricing? .... maybe best to contact them directly?

Hi Chris,

Yes, it is best to contact them directly. You can write / talk to Shantum or one of his two assistants (I forgot their names, but they were very helpful too). Tell them I referred you and maybe he'll give me a discount for next time.

But more than likely for my next visit, I may go without the tour and hang-out mostly in Bodh Gaya, Maha Bodhi Temple for meditation.

[David N. Snyder]

Costs varies, but averages around $1,000 USD to $3,000 USD per person, depending upon how long the tour is, from two weeks to four weeks.

The cost of the flight to get to India is separate, additional cost. From America, it can be quite expensive as most routes go to Europe first, then New Delhi, then another flight or train ride to Patna to be near the Buddhist sites in Bihar province.

Or if you are on the West coast of the U.S. you could always go West and have a stop in East Asia first, such as Japan or Singapore and then from there to Bangkok and India.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

Whilst not directly related to a traditional pilgrimage, it looks like I might be visiting Thailand next year... which will be very exciting as I've never had the opportunity to visit a traditional Buddhist country before.

May those who go on pilgrimage find what they're looking for!



Metta,
Retro.

[Zack]

Greetings,

Whilst not directly related to a traditional pilgrimage, it looks like I might be visiting Thailand next year... which will be very exciting as I've never had the opportunity to visit a traditional Buddhist country before.

May those who go on pilgrimage find what they're looking for!



Metta,
Retro.

Me too, I hope, In November.
I noticed there are flights from Bangkok to Gaya now so I hope to sample both Thailand and India.

[David N. Snyder]

Me too, I hope, In November.
I noticed there are flights from Bangkok to Gaya now so I hope to sample both Thailand and India.

The best time to go is between November to February. It starts getting hot in March and it can be unbearable around May and June -- temps. around 100 degrees or more with high humidity. The temps. start cooling off around the middle of August, but it is still hot through October.

[salmon]

why not try the mahaparinivan express?

http://www.indiatravelnews.com/travel_i ... ddhist.asp