Varanasi and Bodhgaya 4N
Places Covered: Varanasi – Sarnath – Bodh Gaya
Highlight:
- Ganga Aarti
- Early morning Ganges cruise
- Visit to modern and ancient temples of Varanasi
- Road trip to Sarnath and visit to numerous temples and stupas
- Visit to Buddha temples in Bodhgaya
- Visit to Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan temple in Gaya
- Visit to Phalguna River
Overview
This itinerary explores two significant Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites. The trip pauses in Varanasi, Bodhgaya, and Sarnath over the span of 4 nights and five days. The tour focuses primarily on places of worship. The tour includes a few natural landmarks. For several of the trip’s days, the schedule is purposefully left blank so that you can tailor it to your preferences.
One of the oldest cities that are still populated is Varanasi. It was the moment when Hinduism was born. Along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, there are a lot of temples to be found. The first sermon that Lord Buddha gave after being enlightened was given in Sarnath. Buddha, Vishnu, and other temples may be found in Bodhgaya. The Bodhi tree of enlightenment is also located here.
Tour Itinerary
The tour starts with a representative picking you up from railway station or airport and escorting you to a pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day until evening is free for leisure activities, shopping or short sightseeing that you desire. Right before sunset, you will be taken to Dashashwamedh Ghat to enjoy Ganga Aarti. This ritual takes place every evening during sunset. During this ritual, priests perform synced rituals and thousands of small oil lamps are let to float on a leaf on the river. The river will be filled with small balls of fire like the sky. It is an iconic attraction of Varanasi.
Since the ghat will be filled with devotees and tourists, you can hire a boat and watch the ceremony from the river. It is an important attraction in Varanasi. Overnight stay in Varanasi
The trip starts very early in the morning even before your breakfast. Early morning Ganges cruise on a boat is another iconic tourist attraction here for two main reasons. The first reason is the ghats that you find along your route. Each ghat has a specialty. For instance, Manikarnika Ghat is a spot to find Hindu cremation ceremonies. Moreover, you can find many people taking holy bath or performing rituals along the sides of the river. The second reason is the aesthetically pleasing river during a foggy morning.
After the cruise, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour that covers important temples like Annapurna temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple, Bharat Mata temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple, Manas Mandir, BHU and others. Later, you will be escorted back to your hotel for breakfast and brief rest.
By early afternoon, you will be taken on a road trip to Sarnath. Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrim spot. This is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Top attractions in Sarnath are Chaukhandi stupa, Buddha temple, Dhamekha stupa, archeological museum and others. You will return to Varanasi by early evening. The rest of the day is free for leisure shopping, sightseeing or resting. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
After breakfast, you will be taken on a road trip to Bodhgaya. After checking into a hotel, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour that covers Bodhi tree, Maha Bodhi temple, Buddha statue and others. Apart from these Buddhist attractions, you will be taken to Ram Chura, Janki temple, SitaKund, Haleshwar Asthan and others. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
After breakfast, you will be taken on a road trip to Gaya. Gaya is famous for unique temples. There is a temple in Gaya where you can find Lord Vishnu’s footprint. Top tourist spots covered are Vishupad temple, Vishnu temples, Chinese temple, Tibetan temple, Japanese temple, Phalguna River and others. By early evening, you will be taken on a road trip back to Varanasi. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
After breakfast, the rest of the day until your departure train/flight is free. You will be escorted to the railway station or airport as per your choice. You can also skip it and choose to stay back in the city and enjoy the other places on your own.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation in standard category of rooms at all hotels.
- Meal Plan on Bed & Breakfast at all places accordingly.
- Aarti ceremony in the evening
- All Transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary by air-conditioned private vehicle for the entire tour
- All applicable current taxes for hotels and transport
Exclusions:
- 5% GST
- Air Fare / Rail Fare
- Boat Ride
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry / tips / shopping / telephones / Medical etc.
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusions mentioned above
- Entry fees to Monuments specifically
- Charges in hotels for additional services
- Photography and video making fees at the sites
- Personal insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Unforeseen Expenses because of the weather conditions
