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Bodhgaya Varanasi Tour

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Duration

05 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

30 people

Languages

English

Embark on a spiritually enriching journey through two of the world’s most sacred Buddhist destinations—Bodh Gaya and Varanasi. Explore the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, visit ancient monasteries, the historic ruins of Nalanda University, the serene hills of Rajgir, and Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The tour also includes the spiritual charm of Varanasi with its sacred Ganga Aarti, temple visits, and sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges. This pilgrimage offers a perfect blend of Buddhist heritage, Hindu spirituality, history, and cultural experiences.

Highlights

  • Visit the sacred Mahabodhi Temple and meditate under the holy Bodhi Tree.
  • Explore renowned international Buddhist monasteries of Thailand, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Japan.
  • Visit the iconic 80-ft Great Buddha Statue, Sujata Village, and Dungeshwari Caves.
  • Excursion to Rajgir and the ancient Nalanda University ruins.
  • Discover Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
  • Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
  • Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the sacred River Ganges.
  • Visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Day 01: ARRIVE GAYA AIRPORT / RAILWAY STATION

Upon your arrival at Gaya Airport or Gaya Station, our representative will meet and greet you. Transfer to hotel by AC transport.

Bodhgaya - one of the most important Buddhists pilgrimage sites where Buddha attained Enlightenment underneath the Mahabodi tree.

In the evening, visit the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree. These are significant places where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment and the Bodhi tree is the very spot where he meditated. The temple complex is filled with a sense of serenity and awe-inspiring beauty, making it an ideal place for meditation and reflection.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02: BODHGAYA

Morning after breakfast, worship at Mahabodhi Temple and madidate under the Bodhi tree. This Buddhist site has more significance as it inscription the exact location where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment and overcame the forces of evil and temptation to attain blissful Nirvana.

Later, proceed towards the international monasteries of Thai, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Japan to explore their unique Buddhist culture and practices. Also visit 80 feet high Buddha statue.

After lunch visit Sujata Village, also known as Senani Village. This village holds importance in Buddhist history as it marks the place where the young maiden Sujata offered rice milk to end Sakyamuni's hard austerity. This incident inspired Lord Buddha to walk on the 'Middle Path' in every aspect of life. The site where he received the offering is marked by the Sujata Temple.

Later, visit Dungeshwari Caves - it believed that Prince Siddhartha performed austere meditation for years at this place, reducing himself to a skeleton.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: BODHGAYA - RAJGIR - NALANDA – BODHGAYA

Morning after breakfast, same day excursion to Rajgir. Rajgir - holds great sanctity and importance among Buddhism pilgrimage. Upon arrival, visit Gridhkutta Hill, Bimbisar Jail, and Ajatashatru's Fort.

After lunch drive to Nalanda (15 Kms). Nalanda is one of the oldest universities in the world and an international centre for Buddhist studies. It was one of the greatest monastic universities of the ancient world, established in the 5th century BC. Lord Buddha and the founder of Jainism religion, Lord Mahavir, taught at this university for years. A monument also honours the Chinese traveller monk and writer, Hiuen Tsang, who studied at this university in the 7th century A.D.

By evening, drive back to Bodhgaya.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: BODHGAYA - VARANASI

Morning after breakfast, drive to Varanasi (250 Kms/06 hrs). Varanasi - India's holiest and world's oldest living city popularly known as Kashi, Benares or Banaras, located on the sacred Ganges River.

Upon arrival, check-in at hotel and enjoy your lunch.

After lunch, drive to Sarnath (15 Kms/ 30 minutes) – one of the four major pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon to his five disciples after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. Also visit Dhamekh Stupa remarkable structure was built by Emperor Ashoka, Deer Park- The site of Buddha's first teachings and Archaeological Museum (Note: The museum at Sarnath is closed on Friday).

Evening witness Aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat - located at the banks of the holy River Ganga and near to Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. After Aarti ceremony, return back to hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05: VARANASI / DEPARTURE

Early morning boat ride at river Ganges. Later back to hotel. After breakfast, visit temples of Varanasi. In-time transfer to Varanasi airport or railway station for onward journey.

  • Accommodation in well-appointed hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and dinner.
  • Airport/Railway station transfers.
  • All sightseeing and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Services of an experienced tour representative.
  • Entry to all destinations as per the itinerary (where applicable).
  • Boat ride on the River Ganges in Varanasi.
  • Excursion to Rajgir, Nalanda, and Sarnath.
  • All applicable hotel taxes.
  • Airfare, train fare, and visa charges (if applicable).
  • Lunch unless specifically mentioned.
  • Monument entrance fees and camera/video charges.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, beverages, shopping, etc.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Tips, porterage, and gratuities.
  • Any optional sightseeing or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Expenses arising due to flight delays, weather conditions, natural calamities, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under "Tour Inclusions."

Multi day

English

Tour's Location

1. What is the best time to visit Bodh Gaya and Varanasi?

The ideal time is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and pilgrimage.

2. Is this tour suitable for senior citizens?

Yes. Most sightseeing involves minimal walking, though some temple complexes may require moderate walking. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

3. Are Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites both included?

Yes. The tour covers major Buddhist pilgrimage sites including Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, and Sarnath, along with the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Ganga Aarti in Varanasi.

4. Is the Ganga boat ride included in the package?

Yes. An early morning boat ride on the River Ganges in Varanasi is included as per the itinerary.

5. What type of clothing should I carry?

Comfortable cotton clothes are suitable for most of the year. During winter (November–February), carry warm clothing, especially for early morning and evening visits.

6. Are vegetarian meals available during the tour?

Yes. Vegetarian meals are widely available throughout the tour, especially around pilgrimage destinations. Non-vegetarian options are also available at many hotels and restaurants where permitted.

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