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Quest for peace

The stupa at Sarnath; Buddhist monks gathered for a sermon at Nalanda

It is 24 November. We return to the train, Delhi-bound, replenished and cleansed, to take on the lives we’ve left behind. As the train slips out of Agra station, we look at Ozuma’s sketches of our motley bunch. He has given me a flattering look, another reason to remember the journey. FACT FILE WHEN TO GO Mahaparinirvan Express has a bi-monthly run until March 2008 THE COST Per person for seven nights 1st AC: Rs 42,262 2nd AC: Rs 29,583 3rd AC: Rs 24,794 ITINERARY Day 1: Delhi-Gaya Day 2: Gaya-Bodh Gaya Day 3: Bodh Gaya-Rajgir-Nalanda-Gaya-Varanasi Day 4: Varanasi-Sarnath Day 5: Gorakhpur-Kushinagar Day 6: Kushinagar-Lumbini-Gorakhpur Day 7: Gonda-Saravasti-Gonda-Agra Day 8: Agra-Delhi TRAVEL TIPS Besides a medicine kit, pack walking shoes; balm; sun protection cream; padded socks for barefoot walking in temples; a muffler, shawl and sweater; and a parasol if you are sensitive to sunlight. As the train is your home, you can pack all the things you may need, like a hot water bottle. Pack a smaller bag for daily changes; those with bigger bags can avail of the dedicated porter service. Featured in Harmony Magazine January 2008