06 Nights 07 Days
02
Night in
Varanasi
04
Night in
Bodhgaya
Transfer Included
Stay Included
Meals Included
Sightseeing
Overview
Embark on a profound spiritual journey to two of India’s most revered and timeless pilgrimage destinations — Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva on the banks of the Ganges, and Bodhgaya, the land of Buddha’s enlightenment. This 7-day tour offers a rich blend of Hindu and Buddhist religious heritage, sacred rituals, peaceful meditation, and cultural exploration. Your yatra begins in Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Walk through its mystic alleys, offer prayers at the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and experience the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Explore the serene ruins and stupas of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, and visit other historic temples and landmarks of Kashi. From Varanasi, the journey continues to Bodhgaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holiest site in Buddhism. Meditate under the sacred Bodhi Tree where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, and visit the Mahabodhi Temple, international monasteries, and more. A full-day guided excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda adds further depth to the pilgrimage, allowing you to explore ancient universities, peace stupas, and Buddhist teachings that have shaped human civilization. This tour is ideal for spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and cultural travelers who wish to experience India’s living religious traditions in their most authentic form.
Tour Highlights
Attend the world-renowned Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy Ganges.
Offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
Walk through the heritage lanes of Varanasi to visit Vishalakshi Shaktipeeth and Annapurna Temple.
Experience a peaceful sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, passing sacred ghats like Manikarnika and Assi Ghat.
Explore Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon — including Dhamek Stupa, Moolgandha Kuti Vihar, and Sarnath Museum.
Visit Varanasi’s famous temples — Durga Mandir, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and Tulsi Manas Mandir.
Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya — the epicenter of Buddhist spirituality.
Meditate under the sacred Bodhi Tree, the site of Buddha's enlightenment.
Explore diverse international monasteries built by Buddhist nations such as Thailand, Japan, Tibet, and Bhutan.
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda to witness Vishwa Shanti Stupa, ancient ruins, and India’s first university.
Spiritual guidance, comfortable accommodations, and seamless travel throughout the tour.
Upon your arrival at Varanasi Airport or Railway Station, our driver will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. We recommend scheduling your arrival by mid-morning (around 10–11 AM) to make the most of the day. After check-in and freshening up, begin your tour with an excursion to Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Later, return to Varanasi and embark on a temple tour including visits to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kashi Vishalakshi Devi Temple, and Mata Annapurna Temple. Explore the spiritual charm of the ancient Ganga Ghats and conclude your day by witnessing the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Optional boat ride on the Ganges is available at your own expense. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Varanasi.
After a nourishing breakfast, set out for a half-day excursion to Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the majestic Dhamek Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa, and the peaceful Deer Park. Visit the Moolgandha Kuti Vihar with its colorful frescoes and murals, followed by a trip to the Sarnath Museum, which houses the Lion Capital of Ashoka. You will also visit the Wat Thai Temple and the 80-ft tall Buddha statue, offering tranquil spaces for reflection. Return to Varanasi for local sightseeing in the afternoon, including the New Vishwanath Temple in BHU, Tulsi Manas Temple (known for its Ramcharitmanas inscriptions), Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and Durga Mandir.
Begin your day before dawn with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges — an unforgettable spiritual experience. Watch the river come to life with devotees bathing, chanting, and performing morning rituals as the sun rises above the ancient ghats. Sail past Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, and the sacred Manikarnika Ghat, where cremation rituals connect the soul to liberation. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then check out and depart for Bodhgaya. The drive takes around 5–6 hours through scenic landscapes and rural villages. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind. You may optionally visit the Mahabodhi Temple complex for a peaceful evening walk or short meditation session.
After breakfast, begin your full-day spiritual exploration of Bodhgaya, the sacred site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend time meditating near the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne). Proceed to visit the towering Great Buddha Statue and explore various international monasteries and temples built by countries such as Thailand, Japan, Tibet, Vietnam, and Bhutan — each reflecting its unique architectural and devotional style. You may also visit the Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple and Chinese Temple, adding to the global spiritual richness of Bodhgaya.
After breakfast, set out for a day trip to Rajgir and Nalanda, two iconic destinations in India’s Buddhist and Jain spiritual landscape. In Rajgir, take the ropeway to the beautiful Vishwa Shanti Stupa, located on Ratnagiri Hill. Visit Venuvana, the bamboo grove gifted to Buddha by King Bimbisara, and take a dip (optional) in the Brahmakund Hot Springs, believed to have healing powers. Continue to Nalanda, once home to the world-famous Nalanda University, an ancient seat of Buddhist learning that attracted scholars from as far as China and Tibet. Walk among the ruins of monasteries and classrooms, and visit the Nalanda Archaeological Museum to see ancient artifacts, sculptures, and educational relics. Return to Bodhgaya by evening for rest and reflection.
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in Bodhgaya. You may revisit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex for final prayers or meditation under the Bodhi Tree, or visit any remaining monasteries or temples that you may have missed. Those interested in Buddhist literature and local crafts can explore bookshops and handicraft stalls offering prayer flags, thangkas, and spiritual souvenirs. If your return is from Varanasi, spend a calm and reflective evening in Bodhgaya.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will be transferred to Gaya Airport / Railway Station or With the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Buddha, your Varanasi–Bodhgaya Pilgrimage Tour concludes, leaving you with unforgettable spiritual experiences, a renewed sense of peace, and inner harmony.
The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.
All applicable refunds will be done in the traveler's Refund by COIT.
100.0% of total tour cost will have to be paid 0 days before the date of booking.
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