Day 01: Arrival in Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti
Welcome to Varanasi – an important religious destination for people of Hindu faith. On arrival at the Airport or Railway Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
In the evening, you will depart for Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the spectacular celebration of the Ganga Aarti on the edge of the holy River Ganges. The Ganga Aarti takes place every day and is a simple ceremony that includes lighting of lamps, hundreds of people singing bhajans (devotional songs), and a very spiritual atmosphere. You also have the option of watching the Ganga Aarti from a boat (extra costs apply). After the ceremony you will return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Approximate Ganga Aarti Times:
Winter — 7:00 PM — 8:00 PM
Summer — 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM
Day 02: Sunrise Boat Ride – Temple Tour – Sarnath Excursion
Be an early riser & celebrate “Subah, E, Banaras” by taking part in an optional, additional fee, sunrise boat trip upon the Ganges, as witness the many devotees attempting to give thanks for the sun on a daily basis , & discover how the daily activities along the ghats offers a spiritual atmosphere about your journey, during your boat ride, you will see the iconic Manikarnika Ghat , Assi Ghat , and Dasashwamedh Ghat.
After returning to your hotel to have breakfast, go to the following temples : Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, Sankath Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple (Manas Mandir), & Banaras Hindu University.
In the afternoon you will go to Sarnath to see where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon near kya (Deer Park) and the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archeological Museum will be there for you to see when you visit the area; then return to the city of Varanasi for dinner & a night’s sleep.
Day 03: Varanasi to Bodhgaya – Buddhist Pilgrimage (300 km / 6 hrs)
Following breakfast, you will drive to Bodh Gaya, one of the most important places for Buddhist pilgrimage.
After checking into your hotel, you will visit the Mahabodhi temple which is a sacred site as well as a UNESCO world heritage site. This temple is the location of the Bodhi tree where the Buddha obtained enlightenment. You will also see international monasteries including Japanese, Chinese and Tibetan temples. You will then have dinner and spend the night in Bodhgaya.
Day 04: Bodhgaya – Gaya – Return to Varanasi
Following breakfast you will transfer to Gaya (approximately 12 kilometres) to Vishnu Pad Temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu.
Then, head to various other nearby religious sites: Sita Kund; Janaki Temple; Haleshwar Asthan; Ramchura Mandir and the holy Phalgu River.
After that return by car to Varanasi for check-in at a hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 05: Departure from Varanasi
After breakfast, enjoy some free time for relaxation or last-minute exploration. Later, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of your spiritual trip.
