Destinations Covered: Patna – Rajgir – Bodhgaya – Varanasi

Overview 

06 Days short Buddhist Tour to India covered Patna, Rajgir, Bodhgaya Varanasi, where we visit  Nalanda university – Buddha visits there during his teachings, explore to see Ajatshatru’s Fort, Venuvana Monastery, Swarna Bhandar Caves, Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, visit Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya and other monasteries,  explore the holy city of Hindu – Varanasi, enjoy the boat ride on the holy river the Ganges and visit famous Buddhist site – Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.

Highlights of Tour

Visit Nalanda University

Explore Ajatshatru’s Fort, Venuvana Monastery, Swarna Bhandar Caves

Visit Famous Mahabodhi Temple

Attend Evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

Enjoy a boat ride at Varanasi

Day 1: Patna – Rajgir

Upon arrival at Patna airport, you will be met and transferred approx. 2hours (92.8km) to Rajgir. En route, visit Nalanda University, which is one of the first universities in the world which is said to have been visited by Buddha during his teachings.

Upon arrival in Rajgir, check into your hotel and have the remainder of the evening free at your leisure.

Day 2: Rajgir – Bodhgaya

Enjoy a morning visit to the city of Rajgir, filled with a number of temples, monasteries, and pagodas. you will tour Ajatshatru’s Fort, Venuvana Monastery, Swarna Bhandar Caves, and the Cyclopean Walls. The final stop will be to visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), where you will take a chairlift to the top.

Afterward, depart for Bodhgaya. The drive will take approximately 1.3 hours (78.4km). Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

Day 3: Bodhgaya

After breakfast, you will visit the sites of Bodhgaya. Start with the Mahabodhi Temple, also known as the ‘Great Awakening Temple’ and is one of the earliest Buddhist temples that still survives today. Parallel to the temple is the Jewel Walk, also known as Chankaramana, a low platform that has impressions of Buddha’s footprints.

Next to the Animeshlochana Temple is the Bodhi Tree, where it is believed that Buddha gained enlightenment after meditating underneath the tree facing east for 49 days.

You will also see Vajrasana, the seat where Buddha sat in meditation, the ancient railings which surround the Mahabodhi Temple, and the nearby shrine Ratnagar, which is a sacred place for Buddhists.

Surrounding the area are a number of monasteries that have been built by the people of Tibet, Japan, China, and Thailand. Each monastery reflects the style of their respective countries.

Day 4: Bodhgaya – Varanasi

After breakfast and check-out, leave for Varanasi arriving later in the afternoon. The drive will take approx. 3.5hours (256km).

As the religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India as well as one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and Jainism. This evening we take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Varanasi to the ghats of the River Ganges to witness the Pooja ceremony of Ganga Aarti (a prayer ceremony).

Day 5: Varanasi

Early morning wakeup and cruise on the River Ganges to view the ghats at sunrise when they are abuzz with activity. As you cruise along the ghats you will have an ideal vantage point to view these activities.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, commence on a city tour of Varanasi. Visit Bharat Mata Mandir, the temple is inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, Another is the Durga Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Durga, and the nearby Tulsi Manas Temple which is dedicated to Lord Rama. Later we drive  Banaras Hindu University – The largest residential university of Asia, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Here you will see the new Vishwanath Temple which is located inside the University Campus.

This afternoon, travel to Sarnath, Important where  Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples expounding the principles of Buddhism.

Please note: Refrain from taking photos of any burning ghats, as this is a funeral ceremony and is inappropriate.

Day 6: Varanasi (Departure)

After check-out from your hotel, you will be transferred to Varanasi airport where your arrangements end.

Inclusions

Accommodation on twin/Double sharing at the Standard Hotels

Meal Plan will be on a breakfast basis

All transfers, tours, and excursion as per itinerary using air-conditioned Vehicle

Local English speaking guide as per itinerary

Shared boat ride at Varanasi

All taxes, tolls, parking fees, and service tax.

Exclusion

Any airfare (International or domestic).

Passport and Visa fees for India.

Any Lunch / Dinner is not Included

Any Monument Entrance Fees

Any meals OR options not mentioned in the itinerary/cost inclusion.

Any item of personal nature and Gratuities or Tipping

Any insurance.

Additional nights for participants, which are offered at additional cost to individual participants.