NALANDA
- Next to Lumbini and Sravasti, Nalanda is the most important pilgrimage
for Buddhists. Founded in the 5th century B.C, Nalanda was one of the world's
great universities. It was an important Buddhist centre till its sacking by
the Afghans in the 12th century. Hieun Tsang, a famous Chinese scholar and traveller,
visited Nalanda in the 7th century. He left behind a detailed description of
the architecure of the university, its high academic standards and the purity
of monastic life (it was the home of 10,000 monks and students) practised here.
The Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka built many monasteries in Nalanda. The monasteries
here were built in old Kushan architectural style. They are arranged in a row
of cells around a courtyard. Later, the Gupta kings patronised these monasteries
as well. It is believed that Buddha visited Nalanda a number of times. The bhikshus
(Buddhist monks) were encouraged by Buddha to study the various arts and sciences.
Nalanda is a well-maintained site. It is perfumed with the fragrance of roses
and shrubs. The extensive brick-built remains include the
Great Stupa,
with steps, terraces and a few votive stupas around it. An
Archaeological
Museum (open from Saturdays-Thursdays) houses the Nalanda University seal
and other sculptures. The newest building here is the Xuan Zhang Memorial Hall
built as a peace pagoda by the Chinese. Xuan spent five years here as student
and a teacher.
| Tour Programmes That Include : NALANDA |
| Not available, but
if you like to make |
 |
PERIYAR
- THEKKADY - Thekkady is one of the spice stations of Periyar wildlife
sanctuary near the Tamil Nadu - Kerala border in south India. Rolling hills
carpeted with lush plantations, rare flora and fauna, fresh air and great tea
and coffee. Thekkady makes a great holiday if you are looking for a quiet spot
to beat the city dust that?s settled in your soul?
Thekkady is the populated part of Periyar in Idukki district. A ? Heritage hotel?
overlooks a lake. The balconies serve as good vantage points to view wildlife.
If you are looking for more adventure, sit on machaans (watchtowers) and stay
up all night to see the animals at close quarters. During the day, go boating
-- you might chance upon a herd of elephants here. If you are lucky they just
might pose for pictures!
| Tour Programmes That Include : PERIYAR |
| Not available, but
if you like to make |
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SRAVANABELGOLA
- It is one of the oldest and most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India.
It boasts 1000 years old, 17m high naked statue of Bahubali, which is tallest
monolithic statue in the world. Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony takes place here,
once every 12 years. The next is due in 2005. There are other Jain temples and
monasteries of interest.
| Tour Programmes That Include : SRAVANABELGOLA |
| Not available, but
if you like to make |
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