05:00 AM – Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

• Pick-up from your hotel lobby at 5:00 AM.
• Transfer to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• Board a private hand-rowed boat for a serene Sunrise Boat Ride on the River Ganges.
• Witness morning rituals, floating diyas, and the vibrant life along the ghats.
• Sail from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat, observing Varanasi’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

After the boat ride, visit prominent temples in the city:

• Birla Temple (located within Banaras Hindu University – BHU)
• Tulsi Manas Temple – dedicated to Lord Rama
• Mother India Temple – features a unique marble map of undivided India

Breakfast & Refresh - Return to hotel by mid-morning & Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon Visit to Sarnath

• In the afternoon, depart for Sarnath (approx. 10 km from Varanasi).
• Explore the sacred site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.

Key highlights include:

• Dhamek Stupa
• Ruins of ancient monasteries
• Buddha Temple and large Buddha statue
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum
• Deer Park

Return & Overnight Stay

• Return to the hotel in the evening.
• Dinner 
• Overnight stay in Varanasi

Morning at Leisure

• Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel

Spend the morning at your own pace or choose from the following optional activities

• Death & Rebirth Walk Tour – a guided spiritual walk exploring Varanasi’s cycle-of-life philosophy and sacred rituals
• Visit to Ramnagar Fort – an 18th-century fort and museum located on the eastern bank of the Ganges

Afternoon Drive to Bodhgaya

• Depart for Bodhgaya in the early afternoon
• Distance: Approx. 250 km | Duration: 5–6 hours by road
• Scenic countryside drive with possible refreshment stop en route

Evening Arrival in Bodhgaya

• Check-in at your Bodhgaya hotel upon arrival
• Evening at leisure to rest or take a short local walk (optional)
• Dinner 
• Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel

Begin your day with a visit to:

• Mahabodhi Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
• Explore the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) and Animesh Lochana Chaitya, significant spots within the temple complex

Great Buddha Statue & Monasteries

• Visit the Great Buddha Statue – a majestic 80-foot tall statue of Buddha in meditation pose.
• Explore various Buddhist monasteries and temples, each built by different countries such as Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, showcasing unique architectural styles and cultural traditions.

Afternoon – Cultural & Historical Exploration

• Visit the Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum – view relics, sculptures, and artifacts related to Buddha’s life and the region’s Buddhist heritage.
• Proceed to Sujata Village – the place where Sujata offered kheer (rice pudding) to Buddha, marking the end of his extreme asceticism.

Evening – Dungeshwari Cave Temples

• End your sightseeing with a visit to the Dungeshwari Caves (Mahakala Caves) – the meditation site of Buddha before his enlightenment.

Return & Overnight Stay

• Return to your hotel by evening.
• Dinner 
• Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.

Free time in the morning for:

• Personal exploration
• Last-minute souvenir shopping
• Quiet reflection or rest before your journey

Check-out & Departure

• Check out from the hotel.
• At a suitable time, transfer to Bodhgaya Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.