Varanasi to Patna Tour via Bodhgaya, Rajgir & Nalanda – Buddha Circuit Tour Spiritual Route

Bodhgaya, India | Historical Tour

Duration: 5N/6D Cities: Varanasi | Bodhgaya | Rajgir | Nalanda | Patna

Discover the spiritual essence of India on a journey through its most sacred and historic cities. Begin in Varanasi, the world’s oldest living city, where ancient rituals, sacred ghats, and the famed Ganga Aarti reflect a deep connection to life and death. Continue to Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree, making it the holiest site in Buddhism. Explore Rajgir and Nalanda, ancient centers of learning and faith, deeply rooted in both Buddhist and Jain traditions. End in Patna, Bihar’s capital and the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, rich in history and religious significance.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Varanasi - Northern Bazaar Walk - Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Arrive at Varanasi Airport or Railway Station, where our representative will meet and assist you with your transfer to the hotel for check-in

04:00 PM – Northern Bazaar Walk Tour: Begin your cultural immersion with a guided walking tour through the bustling lanes of Varanasi’s northern markets

  • Kachori Gali – famous for local snacks and street food
  • Thatheri Bazaar – known for brass and metalware
  • Perfume Market – traditional ittars (natural perfumes)
  • Flower Market – vibrant and aromatic stalls
  • Manikarnika Ghat – Varanasi’s sacred cremation site, reflecting the city’s unique philosophy on life and death

Ganga Aarti Experience at Dashashwamedh Ghat:

  • After the walk, proceed to a private balcony with reserved seating overlooking Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Evening Ganga Aarti.
  • As the sun sets, witness priests perform a synchronized ritual with fire lamps, chants, and incense—a powerful spiritual spectacle on the banks of the Ganges.

08:30 PM – Return to Hotel:

  • After the ceremony, return to the hotel.
  • Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 2 - Sunrise Boat Ride- Temple Visits - Excursion to Sarnath

05:00 AM – Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges:

  • Early morning pick-up from your hotel lobby and transfer to the Ganges River.
  • Embark on a private hand-rowed boat from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat.
  • Experience the serenity of Varanasi at sunrise, with views of ancient ghats, morning rituals, and the spiritual rhythm of life along the river.

Morning Temple Visits: After the boat ride, visit key spiritual landmarks:

  • Birla Temple – located within Banaras Hindu University (BHU), dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Tulsi Manas Temple – where the Ramcharitmanas was written
  • Mother India Temple – features a unique marble relief map of undivided India

Breakfast & Refresh at Hotel:

  • Return to the hotel for breakfast and some time to freshen up and relax

Afternoon Excursion to Sarnath:Visit Sarnath, one of the holiest Buddhist sites, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.

Key highlights include:

  • Dhamek Stupa – the main stupa marking the sermon site
  • Ruins of ancient monasteries
  • Buddha Temple and Large Buddha Statue
  • Archaeological Museum – houses rare sculptures and relics
  • Deer Park – a peaceful garden associated with the Buddha’s teachings

Evening – Return to Hotel:

  • Return to your hotel in Varanasi by evening.
  • Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.

Day 3 - Morning at Leisure - Optional Activities - Drive to Bodhgaya (250 km / ~5 hrs)

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel

Spend the morning at your own pace, or choose from the following optional experiences:

  • Death & Rebirth Walk Tour – a guided exploration of Varanasi’s spiritual philosophy on the cycle of life and death.
  • Visit to Ramnagar Fort – an 18th-century riverside fort and museum showcasing royal artifacts and vintage collections.

Afternoon – Drive to Bodhgaya:

  • After check-out, begin your overland journey to Bodhgaya, one of Buddhism’s most sacred destinations.
  • Distance: Approx. 250 km
  • Duration: Around 5–6 hours by road, with possible refreshment stops along the way.

Evening – Arrival in Bodhgaya:

  • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel in Bodhgaya
  • Evening at leisure
  • Dinner and Overnight stay in Bodhgaya

Day 4 - Full-Day Sightseeing in Bodhgaya

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • See the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
  • Explore the temple complex, including the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) and Animesh Lochana Chaitya, key meditation and reflection spots within the complex

Visit the Great Buddha Statue & International Monasteries:

  • Marvel at the Great Buddha Statue, an 80-foot-tall sculpture of Buddha in a seated meditation pose
  • Explore international monasteries and temples built by countries such as Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Tibet—each reflecting unique architecture and traditions of Buddhism

Afternoon – Museum & Sujata Village Visit:

  • Visit the Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum, housing rare artifacts, sculptures, and relics related to Buddha’s life and teachings
  • Proceed to Sujata Village, where a local woman named Sujata offered Buddha his first meal (kheer) after years of extreme asceticism—an act that led him to choose the Middle Path

Evening – Dungeshwari Cave Temples:

  • Conclude your day with a tranquil visit to the Dungeshwari Caves (Mahakala Caves), where Buddha meditated before his enlightenment
  • These caves are a quiet, spiritual retreat nestled in the hills
  • Dinner  and overnight stay in Bodhgaya

Day 5 - Excursion to Rajgir - Nalanda - Transfer to Patna

Morning – Depart from Bodhgaya:

  • After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey towards Patna
  • En route, visit two of Bihar’s most historically and spiritually significant sites: Rajgir and Nalanda

Visit to Rajgir: Explore the ancient city of Rajgir, nestled among scenic hills

  • Visit Venu Vana, a serene bamboo grove and the site of a monastery built for Lord Buddha.
  • Discover the peaceful surroundings where Buddha spent several seasons teaching and meditating.

Visit to Nalanda:Continue to Nalanda, home to the ruins of the world’s first residential international university

  • Walk through the remains of Nalanda University, once a global center of Buddhist learning and scholarship.
  • Reflect on its role in shaping Buddhist philosophy and education across Asia.

Evening – Arrival in Patna: Resume your drive to Patna, the capital city of Bihar

  • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax after a day of exploration.
  • Dinner & Overnight stay in Patna

Day 6 - Patna Sightseeing - Departure

Morning – Begin Your Exploration: After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, begin your sightseeing tour of Patna, a city rich in history and cultural heritage

  • Visit Golghar: Explore Golghar, a massive granary built by the British in 1786, offering panoramic views of the city and the Ganges from the top.
  • Patna Museum: Continue to the Patna Museum, home to an extensive collection of sculptures, coins, paintings, and even a fossilized tree over 200 million years old.
  • Gandhi Maidan: Walk through Gandhi Maidan, a historic ground that played a key role during India’s freedom movement and still stands as a symbol of public gatherings and patriotism.
  • Bihar Museum: Visit the Bihar Museum, a modern cultural space with interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art displays showcasing the history, art, and heritage of the state.

In the late afternoon, visit Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the holiest Sikh shrines and the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. Admire the serene architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

Evening – Gandhi Ghat & Aarti Ceremony:

  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Ganges River at Gandhi Ghat.
  • Witness the evening Ganga Aarti, a peaceful and spiritual ceremony that brings a graceful close to your journey

Departure:

  • Return to the hotel to freshen up and pack.
  • At a suitable time, transfer to Patna Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Bihar’s sacred sites and cultural heritage
Inclusions

  • Pickup from Varanasi Railway Station/Airport and drop at Patna airport/station
  • 02 Standard Room on Double occupancy 
  • 05 Nights at Hotel (02 Nights stay at Varanasi,02 Nights stay at Bodhgaya,01 Nights stay at Patna)
  • 05 Breakfast Per Person
  • 05 Dinner per person
  • Tours/ Sightseeing 
  • Tours and Transfer on Private Basis 
  • Assistance from Company end

Exclusion

  • Flight Ticket
  • Visa ( If Applicable)
  • Meals (Other Than specified in Inclusion)
  • Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Cost of any other services not specifically mentioned in inclusions
  • Personal and incidental expenses
  • Entrance ticket (Other Than specified in Inclusion)
  • Transfers other than specified in the inclusions
  • Early Check-In & Late Check-Out

Hotel Detail

Hotel Location Rating No. of Nights Meals
Varuna Hotel or Similar Hotel Varanasi 3 Star 2 Breakfast
Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya or Similar Hotel Bodh Gaya 4 Star 2 Breakfast
CP Palace Hotel or Similar Hotel Patna 3 Star 1 Breakfast
Terms & Condition

  • Rates are dynamic and subject to change as per availibility.
  • Booking confirmations are subject to availability and We are not holding any reservations of hotel rooms and in case mentioned hotel is sold out at time of confirmation then similar category (Star Category) hotel will be provided as per our sole discretion.
  • Any overstay expenses due to delay or change or cancellation in flight will be on the guests own & we will not be held liable for such expenses.
  • Holiday Surcharge will be additional if applicable such as Christmas , New Year Eve and other events as per origin and Destination market festivals/Exhibitions/events. Peak/Festival/Events Period Surcharge to be paid extra. Will be notified at time of booking confirmation.
  • The passengers must ensure on their own that they have a valid passport and other required documents for the necessary period as per the traveling destination immigration rules.
  • The passengers should also arrange for visas before traveling with this holiday package if applicable.
  • We do not accept any responsibility if the passenger cannot travel because of a passport or visa issue or anyother reason at any point. The cancellation policy will be applicable as per the booking terms and conditions.

Cancellation Policy

Amendments are not allowed once booking is confirmed and non-refundable

-No Shows are non refundable