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Spiritual Tour of Bodhgaya & Varanasi

0/5
Duration

4 Nights / 5 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Dive deep into the spiritual essence of India by exploring Bodhgaya and Varanasi, two of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the world. Start your journey with a visit to the ancient Nalanda University ruins, once a bustling hub of Buddhist scholarship attracting monks and scholars from Tibet, China, and Central Asia. Experience the tranquil town of Rajgir, surrounded by lush forests, sacred caves, and historical temples linked to Buddha and Mahavir. In Bodhgaya, marvel at the towering Mahabodhi Temple complex and meditate beneath the revered Bodhi Tree where Buddha attained enlightenment. Witness the soul-stirring evening Ganga Aarti on the ghats of Varanasi, soaking in centuries of ritual by the sacred river. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and explore its stupas and monasteries that mark the origins of Buddhist teachings. This journey blends profound spirituality with cultural richness, offering a transformative experience.

Highlights

  • Walk through the ruins of Nalanda University, an ancient intellectual center of Buddhism.
  • Explore Rajgir’s natural landscapes, including Vulture’s Peak and the historic Sattapanni Cave.
  • Visit the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Bodhi Tree, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Participate in the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy Ganges in Varanasi.
  • Discover Sarnath’s archaeological and religious sites, including the Dhamekh Stupa and Ashoka Pillar.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 41.9%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.7%
4 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 50.6%
5 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 49.9%
6 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 55.3%
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 54.2%
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 59.1%

Itinerary

Day 1: Patna – Bodhgaya (175 kms)

• Arrival at Patna airport where your driver and guide will welcome you.
• Drive to Nalanda (approx. 1.5 hours), the site of the world’s first residential university dating back to the 5th century CE. Explore the extensive ruins including monasteries, lecture halls, and temples, reflecting Nalanda’s past glory.
• Continue to Rajgir (approx. 1 hour), a serene town embraced by hills and forests. Visit Vulture’s Peak (Gijjhakuta), where Buddha is said to have delivered sermons, and the Sattapanni Cave, used for the First Buddhist Council. Explore other historic sites like the ruins of the ancient kingdom and hot springs.
• Drive onward to Bodhgaya (approx. 1 hour), the place of Buddha’s enlightenment. Check in to your hotel and unwind.
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.

Day 2: Bodhgaya

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit the Mahabodhi Temple complex, a magnificent 54-meter-high structure built over the site of Buddha’s enlightenment. Explore the inner sanctum, the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) where Buddha meditated, and the ancient Bodhi Tree, a direct descendant of the original tree.
• Visit the Tibetan Monastery featuring intricate murals and a massive Maitreya Buddha statue symbolizing the future Buddha.
• Tour the Burmese, Chinese, Bhutanese, and Thai monasteries, each offering unique cultural and architectural insights.
• Enjoy leisure time to reflect or meditate in the peaceful surroundings.
• In the evening, participate in the temple aarti, a spiritual ritual with chanting, lamps, and offerings, creating a mystical atmosphere.
• Overnight stay at Bodhgaya hotel.

Day 3: Bodhgaya – Varanasi (250 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Varanasi, the world’s oldest living city and a center of Hindu spirituality.
• Check in to your hotel and refresh.
• In the evening, experience the magical Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform a ritual with fire lamps, chanting, and music against the backdrop of the sacred river. Witness the glowing lamps floating on the water and absorb the spiritual ambiance.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 4: Varanasi

• Early morning boat ride along the River Ganges to witness the ghats come alive with devotees bathing, performing rituals, and offering prayers. See the unique blend of life and death as cremations also take place on specific ghats.
• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Banaras Hindu University, one of India’s largest residential universities, with sprawling grounds and the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum showcasing art and artifacts.
• Explore Bharat Mata Temple, notable for its relief map of undivided India carved in marble, symbolizing patriotism and unity.
• Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir, dedicated to Lord Rama, featuring walls inscribed with verses from the Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi epic poem.
• Drive to Sarnath (about 10 km from Varanasi), the site where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Explore the Dhamekh Stupa, Ashoka’s pillar inscribed with edicts, and various museums displaying ancient relics and sculptures.
• Return to Varanasi for overnight stay.

Day 5: Varanasi – Departure

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Transfer to Varanasi airport according to your flight schedule.
• End of services.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 4 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast at hotels and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels as part of the tour package. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, quality service, and prime locations to enhance your overall travel experience. In regions where luxury options are limited, the best available quality properties, boutique retreats, or heritage hotels are provided. If a listed hotel is unavailable, a similar standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 4 nights accommodation:
5 Star Hotels / Best Available
Bodhgaya – 2 Nights: Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya
Varanasi – 2 Nights: Ramada JHV OR Radisson Hotel

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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