06 Nights / 07 Days
Package Price :₹0.00/-Per Person
Booking Price :₹ 0.00/- Per Person
Coverage Area : Varanasi - Sarnath - Bodhgaya - Prayag (Allahabad) - Ayodhya
The Varanasi-Sarnath-Bodhgaya tour offers a spiritual journey through key destinations in India's Buddhist heritage. Begin in Varanasi, one of the world's oldest cities, exploring its ghats, temples, and the sacred Ganges River. Visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Next, travel to Bodhgaya, home to the iconic Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This tour combines rich history, spirituality, and cultural immersion, providing a deep connection to India's religious traditions. Perfect for those seeking peace, reflection, and insight into Buddhism.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Varanasi Arrivals + Ganga Aarti
Day 02: Varanasi – Morning Boat Ride – Sarnath (15 KM 0.5 hr) - Temple Tour
Day 03: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (300 Kms 6 Hrs)
Day 04: Bodhgaya-Gaya-Varanasi (300 Kms 6 Hrs)
Day 05: Varanasi- Ayodhya (250KM - 5 hrs)
Day 06: Ayodhya- Allahabad (200KM - 4 hrs)
Day 07: Allahabad – drop to Allahabad/Varanasi
Package Include-:
• Cost as per Mentioned Itinerary only.
• Commercial vehicle which Includes all Tax, Toll tax, Parking, Driver night charges
• Pickup and Drop to/from Railway station/Airport
• Hotel as per selected above with CP plan (Twin sharing room with Complimentary Breakfast)
• One Boat ride for about 45 min which covers all major Ghats of Varanasi ( At time of morning sunrise / evening sunset).
Package Exclude-:
• Any personal expenditure like tip, Pooja etc.
• Any other boat ride, Guide charges
• Any Entrance Ticket
• Any Train/Flight Ticket
• GST as 5 % ( As per Indian government norms)
Note:
• Any deviation in itinerary will change the above proposed cost.
• For 3,5,7,9… pax(Odd number) - One room will be triple sharing
• Child below 5 is complimentary
• Children from 6-12 will be charged 70% of adult cost and Room will be shared by an existing room with an extra bed.
• Children of 12 + are treated as adults.
Day 01: Varanasi Arrivals + Ganga Aarti
Pickup from Airport/Railway station and check in to the Hotel. In the evening, get ready to experience one of the most memorable moments of your life, as you will be taken to the River Ganges. Enjoy Ganga Aarti. Get a glimpse of the spiritualism at the Ganga Ghats (river front).Can enjoy the Ganga Aarti on Boat (optional and at your own cost). Night stay at Hotel in Varanasi.
Day 02: Varanasi – Morning Boat Ride – Sarnath (15 KM 0.5 hr) - Temple Tour
Early in the morning, we will be taken for a boat ride on the Ganges. It is a mystical and spiritual experience as you watch people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking holy dip in the Ganges. We will visit all the famous Ghats of Varanasi via boat. Later visit the most religious Kashi Vishwanath temple, Annapurna Temple, the Bharat Mata temple, Sankat Mochan(Hanuman temple), Manas Mandir, BHU. Come back to the hotel for breakfast.
Later in noon, we will be taken for an excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples. The attractions at Sarnath are the Buddha temples, the Dhamekha stupa, Chaukhandi stupa and the archaeological museum.
In the evening, have leisure time for shopping in Varanasi (optional and on your own). Night stay at Hotel in Varanasi.
Day 03: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (300 Kms 6 Hrs)
After Breakfast transfer to Bodhgaya Check in Hotel. Later Visit Lord Buddha Temple (Maha Bodhi temple), Bodhi Tree, Buddha Statue Covers other sightseeing places Sita Kund, Janki temple and Overnight stay at Hotel in Bodhgaya.
Day 04: Bodhgaya-Gaya-Varanasi (300 Kms 6 Hrs)
After Breakfast transfer to Gaya (12 Kms).Visit Vishnu Temples, Vishnupad Temple is sacred among Hindus and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to believers and religious texts, the footprints inside the temple are those of Lord Vishnu. Visit the Japanese Temple, Chinese Temple, Tibetan Temple, Phalguna River and drive to Varanasi. Overnight stay at Hotel in Varanasi.
Day 05: Varanasi- Ayodhya (250KM - 5 hrs)
After early breakfast, we proceed to Ajodhya. Full day sightseeing of Ayodhya city. Ayodhya - a very holy city and is an important pilgrimage site. Lord Rama was born and had many of his pastimes here. It is said to have once had a perimeter of 96 miles and was the capital of Kosala. It is on the banks of the Gogra (Ghaghara or Saryu) River , bathing in which is supposed to destroy even the sin of killing a Brahmin. On the right bank of the river Ghagra or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts, stands the holy city of Ayodhya, believed to be the birth place of lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of lord Vishnu. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kosaldesa. The Atharvaveda describes it as "a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself". The illustrious Ikshvaku of the solar clan (suryavamsha) was the ruling dynasty of this region. Ayodhya is pre-eminently a city of temples yet, all the places of worship here are not only of Hindu religion. At Ayodhya several religions have grown and prospered simultaneously and also at different periods of time in the past. Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam can still be found in Ayodhya. According to Jain belief, five tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya, including Adinath (Rishabhadeva), the 1st tirthankar. Night stay in a Hotel in Ayodhya.
Summary :
1. Lord Rama birth place
2. Saryu River bathing
Day 06: Ayodhya- Allahabad (200KM - 4 hrs)
After breakfast , we drove to Allahabad. Check-in to Hotel have lunch and then proceed to see the Sangam (Meeting point) of the three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati. Sangam - overlooked by the eastern ramparts of the fort, wide flood plains and muddy banks protrude towards the sacred Sangam. At the point at which the brown Ganges meets the Greenish Yamuna, pandas (priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. Covers other spots in Allahabad like Hanuman Temple, Anand Bhavan - one of the country’s best-running museums in memory of Jawahar Lal Nehru. Swaraj Bhawan -the house where the former Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born . Night stay at Allahabad.
Note : Have option to come back to Varanasi by boat (Sailing tour)
Summary :
1. Sangan bath
2. Hanuman Temple
3. Anand Bhavan, Swaraj Bhavan
Day 07: Allahabad – drop to Allahabad/Varanasi
After Breakfast, I have leisure time in the morning. Later drop to the airport/Railway station with a pleasant memory of a holy trip.
1. What are the major attractions on this tour?
Varanasi: The Ghats (like Dashashwamedh Ghat), Kashi Vishwanath Temple, evening Ganga Aarti, and the ancient temples and narrow lanes of the old city.
Sarnath: The Dhamek Stupa, the Archaeological Museum, and the spot where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Bodhgaya: The Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree (under which Buddha attained enlightenment), and other Buddhist monuments like the Tibetan Temple.
2. What is the best time to visit Varanasi, Sarnath, and Bodhgaya?
The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to March. The weather is more pleasant, and you can comfortably explore the temples, ghats, and other attractions. Avoid visiting during the hot summer months (April-June) or the monsoon season (July-September).
3. How long is the tour?
A typical tour for these three places can range from 5 to 7 days, with 2-3 days in Varanasi, 1 day in Sarnath, and 2-3 days in Bodhgaya. The exact duration depends on the pace of the tour and the number of sites you'd like to explore.
4. How do I travel between Varanasi, Sarnath, and Bodhgaya?
Varanasi and Sarnath are very close to each other, only around 10 km apart, and can be visited in one day.
To travel from Varanasi to Bodhgaya, you can take a train (approximately 6-7 hours), bus (7-8 hours), or a private car (around 5-6 hours). Alternatively, some prefer to fly to Patna and then drive to Bodhgaya (about 1.5-2 hours).
5. Are the sites accessible for people with mobility issues?
Varanasi: The narrow streets and ghats may be challenging for those with mobility issues. However, boats on the Ganges and some temples are accessible.
Sarnath: The Dhamek Stupa and other key sites are generally accessible, with some areas having ramps.
Bodhgaya: The Mahabodhi Temple complex is relatively accessible, though some areas may require walking long distances.
6. Is it safe to travel to these locations?
Varanasi, Sarnath, and Bodhgaya are popular tourist destinations and are generally safe. However, like any major tourist destination, it's important to stay alert, keep your belongings secure, and avoid crowded places at night.
It's advisable to check local conditions and news before your trip for any potential safety concerns.
7. What is the cultural and spiritual significance of these places?
Varanasi: Known as one of the oldest cities in the world, it is considered the spiritual heart of India, particularly for Hindus. It is a place for pilgrimage, rituals, and ceremonies along the Ganges River.
Sarnath: It is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, making it one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists.
Bodhgaya: The site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, this place is the most important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide.
8. What should I wear during the tour?
Varanasi, Sarnath, and Bodhgaya: When visiting temples and sacred sites, it's respectful to dress modestly. Women and men should cover their shoulders and knees. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended for walking around these areas, as some sites require walking on uneven terrain.
9. Are there any food recommendations?
Varanasi is known for its street food, including chaat, kachori, and sweets like kheer and jalebi. However, be cautious with street food and drink only bottled water.
In Sarnath and Bodhgaya, you'll find a mix of vegetarian food and international options catering to the large number of tourists. Many Buddhist monasteries and temples also serve meals for pilgrims.
10. What is the cost of a typical tour package?
Tour packages can vary widely based on the duration, level of comfort, and inclusions. A budget package might cost around INR 15,000-25,000 ($200-$350 USD) for a 5-7 day tour, while a more luxurious package can cost upwards of INR 40,000-60,000 ($550-$800 USD).
11. Are there any special events or festivals?
In Varanasi, festivals like Kashi Vishwanath Temple's special prayers, Dev Deepawali (festival of lights on the Ganges), and Maha Shivaratri attract large crowds.
In Bodhgaya, Buddha Jayanti (celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death) is celebrated with processions and prayers.
12. Can I hire a guide for the tour?
Yes, it's highly recommended to hire a local guide who can provide historical, cultural, and spiritual context during your visits to temples, ghats, and Buddhist sites. Most hotels or tour agencies can arrange a guide for you.
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