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Sacred Pathways: A Pilgrimage from Bodhgaya to Varanasi

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Duration

8 Nights / 9 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

English

Overview

Sacred Pathways: A Pilgrimage from Bodhgaya to Varanasi” is a transformative journey that traces the spiritual footsteps of Lord Buddha and offers a profound exploration of Buddhist heritage. Begin in Bodhgaya, where enlightenment dawned on Buddha, and visit ancient monasteries, temples, and the serene Lumbini birthplace. Continue to Sravasti, a city where Buddha spent much of his life, and culminate in Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, where the Ganges River holds timeless rituals. This pilgrimage promises spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, and an enduring connection to the profound teachings of Buddhism.

Highlights

  • Experience spiritual enlightenment at the Mahabodhi Temple and explore the birthplace of Buddhism in Bodhgaya.
  • Visit ancient Buddhist sites in Rajgir and Nalanda, where you'll discover historic caves, temples, and the ruins of Nalanda University.
  • Explore Vaishali's Ashokan Pillar, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and Kesariya's impressive stupa on your way to Kushinagar.
  • Dive into the serenity of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and visit key sites like the Maya Devi Temple and the Shanti Stupa.
  • Discover the rich Buddhist heritage of Shravasti and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi, followed by visits to Sarnath and other cultural landmarks.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
#Discount groupFrom adultTo adultValue
1Discount on 2-person group22 40.8%
2Discount on 3-person group33 45.2%
3Discount on 4-person group44 52.5%
4Discount on 5-person group55 52.9%
5Discount on 6-person group66 57.2%
7Discount on 7-person group77 56.8%
8Discount on 8-person group88 61.1%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bodhgaya

Upon arrival at Gaya airport, you'll be received and transferred to your hotel in Bodhgaya. After settling in, you'll embark on a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which enshrines a large golden Buddha and is surrounded by an ancient railing dating back to 100 BC. The temple complex also includes the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be where Buddha attained enlightenment, and the Vajrasana where Buddha sat. In addition, you'll explore the Great Buddha Statue, Tibetan Monastery, Burmese Temple, Chinese Temple, and more. You'll spend the night at the hotel.

Day 2: Bodhgaya - Patna (180km)

After breakfast, your journey continues as you drive to Patna via two significant Buddhist sites. In Rajgir, you'll find spiritual serenity amidst dense forests, mysterious caves, and springs. Rajgir is famous for its religious shrines related to both Buddhism and Jainism. You'll visit places like Vulture's Peak (Gijjhakuta) and the Sattapanni Cave. Next, you'll explore Nalanda, an ancient center of learning and home to Nalanda University. You'll witness the ruins of this prestigious institution and its historical significance. Upon arrival in Patna, you'll check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Patna - Vaishali - Kesariya - Kushinagar (260km)

Today's journey takes you to Kushinagar, but you'll make two stops en route. First, in Vaishali, you'll visit sites such as the Ashokan Pillar, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and a museum. Then, at Kesariya, you'll explore Kesariya Stupa, a significant Buddhist monument dating back to ancient times. Continuing your drive, you'll reach Kushinagar and check in at your hotel. Here, you'll visit Mahapari-nirvaana Temple, the Ramabhar Stupa, and more. Kushinagar holds immense spiritual importance in Buddhism, being the place of Buddha's passing away. The city is home to various Buddhist monasteries and temples, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection. You'll spend the night in Kushinagar.

Day 4: Kushinagar - Lumbini (160km)

After breakfast, you'll travel to the Sonauli border, where you'll switch to a Nepali vehicle for the onward journey to Lumbini. Upon reaching Lumbini, you'll check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day at your leisure to unwind. Lumbini is revered as the birthplace of Lord Buddha and holds great significance for Buddhists worldwide. It's a place of pilgrimage with numerous temples, monuments, and the Sacred Garden, all honoring Buddha's life and teachings. You'll spend the night in Lumbini.

Day 5: Lumbini

Today, you'll explore Lumbini further. You'll visit important sites such as the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashokan Pillar, the Chinese Maitreya Temple, the Myanmar Golden Temple, and the Shanti Stupa. Lumbini is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a symbol of world peace. The Maya Devi Temple, in particular, is believed to mark the exact spot of Buddha's birth and is a place of deep reverence. Lumbini's serene ambiance and historical significance make it a spiritually enriching experience. You'll spend another night at the hotel.

Day 6: Lumbini - Shravasti (160km)

After breakfast, you'll proceed to the Sonauli border, where you'll transition back to your Indian driver for the journey to Shravasti. Upon arrival, you'll check in at the hotel and explore the ancient city of Shravasti. This city holds special significance as Lord Buddha spent 25 rain retreats here and delivered many teachings. You'll visit the Jetavana Vihara, Saheth and Maheth ruins, Angulimala's stupa, Anathapindika's stupa, and more. Shravasti is a place where the teachings of Buddha continue to echo through the centuries. You'll spend the night in Shravasti.

Day 7: Shravasti - Varanasi (315km)

Today, you'll drive to Varanasi, one of India's oldest and holiest cities. Upon arrival, you'll check in at the hotel and prepare for a mesmerizing evening by attending the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. This ceremony is a magical spectacle, with brass lamps lit, priests chanting holy mantras, and the entire Ghat illuminated with a divine light. The spiritual atmosphere is truly captivating. You'll spend the night in Varanasi.

Day 8: Varanasi

Your day in Varanasi begins with an early morning boat ride along the Ganges, where you'll witness the rituals and devotion of pilgrims bathing and praying by the river. Afterward, you'll visit Banaras Hindu University, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and Sarnath, the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Sarnath is adorned with the grand Dhamekh Stupa and the serene Mahaparinirvana Stupa. Optional visits include the Ram Nagar Fort, known for its unique museum featuring vintage cars, swords, palanquins, and an astrological clock. You'll spend another night in Varanasi.

Day 9: Varanasi - Departure

Your spiritual and cultural journey comes to an end today. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, filled with memories of your remarkable journey through the sacred and historic sites of India and Nepal.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 8 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Nepal Visa fee.
  • 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 ticket.
  • 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?

Hotels used or similar for 8 nights accommodation

5 Star Hotels
Bodhgaya x 1 night: Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya
Patna x 1 night: Maurya Hotel/ The Panache
Kushinagar x 1 night: Marasa Sarovar Premiere/ The Royal Residency
Lumbini x 2 nights: Buddha Maya Hotel/ Lumbini Hokke Hotel
Sravasti x 1 night: Lotus Nikko Hotel/ Hotel Platinum
Varanasi x 2 nights: Ramada JHV/ Radisson Hotel

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