Day 01 : Varanasi Arrival – Sarnath Excursion & Evening Buddhist Ceremony
Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport/Railway Station, our representative will receive you and transfer you to the hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, one of the most sacred Buddhist destinations in India.
Sarnath is the holy place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park (Rishipattana) after attaining enlightenment. Explore the important attractions of Sarnath including the Dhamekha Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Buddha Temple, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the Archaeological Museum showcasing priceless Buddhist relics and sculptures.
In the evening, attend the peaceful ritual ceremony at the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple and experience the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist prayers and chanting. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Varanasi.
Day 02 : Varanasi – Sunrise Boat Ride – Drive to Bodhgaya – Mahabodhi Temple Visit
Early morning, experience the divine charm of Subah-e-Banaras with a sunrise boat ride on the holy River Ganges. Witness the spiritual traditions of Varanasi as devotees offer prayers along the ghats during sunrise.
During the boat ride, explore famous ghats such as Assi Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, and the sacred Manikarnika Ghat, known as one of the oldest cremation grounds in the world. Each ghat reflects the timeless culture and traditions of Varanasi.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and later drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 300 KM / 6 Hours). Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax.
In the evening, visit the sacred Mahabodhi Temple and the holy Bodhi Tree, the exact place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.
After sightseeing, return to the hotel for overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 03 : Bodhgaya – Dungeshwari Caves – Buddhist Monasteries – Departure
After breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing around Bodhgaya and Gaya. Visit the famous Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as the Mahakala Caves, where Lord Buddha practiced deep meditation and penance before attaining enlightenment.
Later, visit the sacred Sujata Village Temple, associated with Lady Sujata, who offered kheer to Lord Buddha before his enlightenment.
You can also explore the renowned international Buddhist monasteries of Bodhgaya, including the Burmese Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, Japanese Temple, and Chinese Temple, each reflecting unique Buddhist traditions and architecture from different countries.
After completing the sightseeing tour, transfer to Bodhgaya Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey with peaceful memories of the holy Buddhist pilgrimage tour in India.