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Spiritual Tour of Bodhgaya & Varanasi

Package price On Request

Product Code : AGORA104

Spiritual Tour of Bodhgaya & Varanasi private tour will begin with pickup from Patna airport and will end with drop off at Varanasi airport. Explore the Buddhist sites of Nalanda, Rajgir and Bodhgaya where Buddha achieved enlightenment while sitting under a bodhi tree. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha went to Sarnath: and it was here he delivered his first sermon and set in motion the 'Wheel of the Dharma'. Varanasi the spiritual capital of India, and one of the oldest cities on earth, where you can see bathing and cremations by the sacred River Ganges.

 

Day 1: Patna - Bodhgaya (175kms)

On arrival at Patna airport assistance and drive to Bodhgaya via visiting Nalanda, established in the 5th century CE was an ancient Mahavihara, a revered Buddhist monastery which also served as a renowned center of learning, in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. The ancient university of Nalanda obtained significant fame, prestige and relevance during ancient times, and rose to legendary status due to its contribution to the emergence of India as a great power around the fourth century. At its peak the school attracted scholars and students from near and far, with some traveling from Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia. 

Next drive to visit Rajgir, a spiritual town with natural serenity amongst the dense forests, mysterious caves and springs. Rajgir houses many religious shrine dedicated to Buddhism & Jainism. Both lord Buddha and Lord Mahavir have said to spent time here giving it huge spiritual and religious importance. One can visit various ruins, temples and sites here and also spend some time indulging in its refreshing calmness. Among notable places in the area are the tranquil Vulture`s Peak (Gijjhakuta), where the Buddha meditated, and the Sattapanni Cave, where the First Council was organized after the Buddha`s passing. 

Arrive Bodhgaya check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel. 

 

Day 2: Bodhgaya 

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Mahabodhi Temple an UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 54mts tall temple has been renovated over the years. It enshrines a large golden Buddha, and is encompassed by an ancient railing, dating back to 100 BC. Bodhi Tree: where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, and the Vajrasana or throne, where Buddha sat. Tibetan Monastery, housing the Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha).

Also see the Burmese Temple, Chinese Temple and Monastery, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, Thai Temple and Monastery, and many more. 

Rest time to relax, evening attend temple aarti. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 3: Bodhgaya - Varanasi (250kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Varanasi check in at hotel. 

Evening attend Holy Ganga Aarti, a magical ritual held every evening at sunset on the banks of the Holy Ganges. The entire Ghat gets illuminated with a divine light that can be felt strongly. The magnificent ritual involves huge brass lamps lit with oil and the priests chant the holy mantras that reverberate in the entire location. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 4: Varanasi 

Early morning boat ride & ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats, most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while two ghats are used exclusively as cremation sites. The ghats are frequented by the people which include early morning bathers, priests, people practicing meditation and yoga, students and tourists as well. 

Breakfast at hotel, city tour visit Banaras Hindu University. With 5.3 sq kms campus and 30, 000 residing students it is the largest residential university in the continent. Bharat Mata Temple built in 1936 houses a relief map of undivided India, carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Mandir one of the most famous temples in Varanasi. The temple has beautiful images of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman. The walls of temple are adorned with verses from Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi version of the epic Ramayana. Continue to Sarnath, it was here Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The great Dhamekh Stupa and glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 5: Varanasi - Departure

As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination. (Standard hotel check out time 11 AM).

Assistance on arrival at airport.

4 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

Daily breakfast at hotels. Any other meal (lunch/ dinner) if clearly mentioned in the itinerary).

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.

Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

Bottled drinking water in car.

Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 4 nights accommodation

Bodhgaya x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Taj Darbar/ Hotel Mahamaya
4* & 5* - The Royal  Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hotel

Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

Any flight tickets.

Camera charges at monuments.

Meals other than mentioned in day plan.

Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

Gratuities & optional activities.

Anything not mentioned in inclusions.