Day 1: Arrival transfer + Northern Bazar Walk tour + Attend evening aarti ceremony

On arrival at Varanasi airport, meet with our company assistance and transfer to your hotel. Later start from your hotel at 04:00 PM and begin your day with Northern Bazar Walk. Exploring the Northern Bazaar area in Varanasi can be a fascinating experience as it gives you a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture, ancient architecture, and bustling markets. See Kachori Gali [Food Street], Thatheri Bazaar, Perfume Market, Flower market, Manikarnika Ghat [Cremation Ground]. Later, after this walk, head to a private balcony of Dashwasamedh Ghat to sit on private chairs reserved with the best view of the aarti ceremony. As the sun dips below the horizon in Varanasi, the Ghats of the Ganges come alive with the Evening Aarti Ceremony. Flames dance in the hands of devout priests, hymns fill the air, and incense weaves mysticism. A mesmerizing spectacle unfolds, where ancient rituals bridge the earthly and the divine, captivating hearts. After this, return to the hotel around 08:30 PM. Enjoy your dinner and stay overnight.

Day 2: Sunrise boat ride + Visit to some major Temples + Visit to Sarnath

05:00 AM pick-up from your hotel lobby and drive to river Ganges. Embark on a private hand rowing boat for an enchanting journey that transcends time and space with a Sunrise Boat Ride in Varanasi. Varanasi boat ride at the time of sunrise from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat is the most resplendent ride that takes you across the heritage of Varanasi. After this visit to Banaras Hindu University (BHU)'s Birla Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple & Mother India Temple etc. Return to the hotel to enjoy breakfast and freshen up. Later in the afternoon, visit to Sarnath - is a sacred pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Echoes of enlightenment permeate the ancient stupas, serene gardens, and the Dhamek Stupa. You will see here Ruins of Sarnath, Buddha Temple, large Buddha statue, Archaeological Museum and deer park etc. After this return back to hotel and stay overnight.

Day 3: Morning at Leisure and Drive to Bodhgaya

Spend the morning at leisure. Depending on your interests, you can opt for the Death & Rebirth Walk tour or a visit to Ramnagar Fort. In the afternoon, start the drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 250 km, 5-hour drive). Check in to your hotel and stay overnight.

Day 4: Bodhgaya Sightseeing

Bodhgaya is a significant pilgrimage site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha. Start your day with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the sacred Bodhi Tree under which Buddha meditated. Explore the temple complex, including the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) and the Animesh Lochana Chaitya. Next, visit the Great Buddha Statue, an impressive 80-foot statue depicting Buddha in meditation. Explore the various monasteries built by different Buddhist countries, each showcasing unique architectural styles, including the Thai Monastery, Japanese Temple, and Tibetan Monastery. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts related to Buddha's life. Then, head to Sujata Village, where Sujata offered Buddha kheer (rice pudding) after his long period of fasting. This village provides a glimpse into the local life and the historical significance of Buddha's journey to enlightenment. End your day with a peaceful visit to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples (Mahakala Caves), where Buddha meditated before attaining enlightenment. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Day Excursion to Rajgir & Nalanda and drop at Patna

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, drive to Patna, with en-route visits to Rajgir and Nalanda. Rajgir, an ancient city in the northeast Indian state of Bihar, is surrounded by hills and renowned for its holy sites. You will explore the remains of the Cyclopean Wall, which encircled the city centuries ago and still stands in the center. Close by, Venu Vana Park, once home to a monastery built for Buddha, offers a serene and historical setting. Next, visit Nalanda, a name that resonates as an inspiration for its historical significance as the nurturing ground of the first residential international university in the world. This ancient university was a center of great learning during an era when most other countries were in their nascent stages of development. The ruins of this glorious past continue to mesmerize visitors, reflecting the grandeur and scholarly excellence of the time. Later, continue your drive to Patna. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. Enjoy an overnight stay in Patna, reflecting on the historical and spiritual significance of the sites visited.

Day 6: Patna Sightseeing

After breakfast at your hotel, set out to explore Patna, a city rich in history and culture. Start your day with a visit to Golghar, a large granary built by the British in 1786. This unique structure offers panoramic views of the city and the Ganges River from its top. Next, head to the Patna Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and a fossilized tree. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the region's history and culture. Following your visit to the museum, proceed to Gandhi Maidan, a historical ground that has witnessed many significant events in India's freedom struggle. Spend some time walking around the Maidan and reflecting on its historical importance. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Bihari cuisine. After lunch, visit the Bihar Museum, a modern museum that showcases the state's rich cultural heritage with interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art displays. In the late afternoon, explore the Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the holiest Sikh shrines. This beautiful gurudwara is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The serene atmosphere and stunning architecture make it a must-visit. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the banks of the Ganges River at the Gandhi Ghat. Witness the evening aarti, a spiritual ceremony that adds a tranquil end to your day. Afterward, return to your hotel to freshen up and pack. At an appropriate time, transfer to the airport or railway station for your departure, taking with you the rich memories of Patna's historical and cultural treasures.

Day 7: Patna to Kushinagar + Departure

After an early breakfast in Patna, embark on a scenic drive to Kushinagar (250 km, 5-6 hours). Kushinagar holds great significance in Buddhism as the place where Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana after his death. Upon arrival in Kushinagar, start your visit with Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses a 6.10 meters long reclining statue of Lord Buddha. This temple is built amidst sal groves, which are known as the site of Buddha's cremation. Explore the serene and peaceful ambiance of the temple complex. Next, visit the Ramabhar Stupa, located a short distance away from the Mahaparinirvana Temple. This stupa marks the site where Buddha was cremated, offering a profound spiritual atmosphere. After exploring these sites, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) and then continue your tour with a visit to the Kushinagar Museum. The museum houses a collection of ancient sculptures, coins, and artifacts related to Buddhism, providing deeper insights into the region's historical and cultural heritage. Later in the afternoon, at an ideal time transfer to Kushinagar airport or railway station to catch your flight or train for onward destination.

Feel free to fill out the form on the right-hand side or send us an email at tours@tourvaranasi.com with your arrival and departure flight/train timings. This will allow us to create a customized itinerary and provide you with a tailored quote for your Varanasi visit. We're here to ensure your travel plans are perfectly suited to your needs and preferences.5