Places Covered : Bodhgaya – Varanasi – Rajgir – Nalanda – Bodhgaya
Day 1 : Gaya to Bodhgaya** (11 KM approximately 30 minutes.)
Evening: Upon your arrival at Gaya Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by G L P Travel with a traditional garlanding ceremony or a katha. As you settle into the car, enjoy some fresh juice, cake, and water while our friendly guide introduces themselves and shares a brief overview of your trip. You will then be driven to your luxurious hotel in Bodhgaya, where you will check in and freshen up.
Sightseeing: Your first stop will be the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple. After exploring this sacred site, you will return to your hotel, where a delectable buffet dinner awaits you, featuring a variety of international cuisines.
Overnight: You will spend the night at your luxurious hotel in Bodhgaya, ensuring a restful and comfortable stay.
Day 2 : Bodhgaya to Varanasi 247 km approximately 6:00 Hours.
Morning : After enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Varanasi, covering approximately 247 kilometers, which should take around 6 hours. Lunch : Upon arrival in Varanasi, check into your hotel, freshen up, and indulge in a delightful lunch buffet featuring a variety of international cuisines.
Afternoon : Post-lunch, begin your exploration by visiting the historic Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, followed by Chaukhandi Stupa. Continue your spiritual journey by visiting the serene Sri Lankan and Thai Temples. Don’t miss out on the Sarnath Museum, which is a treasure trove of Buddhist relics (note that the museum is closed on Fridays).
Evening : Spend the evening shopping at Varanasi’s bustling shopping mall before returning to your hotel, where a sumptuous buffet dinner awaits you. Overnight : Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel in Varanasi, ready for more adventures the next day.
Day 3 : Varanasi to Bodhgaya 247 km approximately 6:00 Hours.
Morning: Start your day early with a serene visit to the Ganga Ghat. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and perhaps take part in the morning rituals by the river. After soaking in the tranquility, head back to your hotel and indulge in a sumptuous buffet breakfast. Once you’re refreshed and satiated, embark on your drive to Bodhgaya.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Bodhgaya, check into your hotel and take some time to freshen up. Then, treat yourself to a delightful buffet lunch, specifically catered to foreign tastes, ensuring a diverse and satisfying meal.
Evening: In the evening, explore the spiritual and historical sites of Bodhgaya. Begin with a visit to the Sujata Temple, a significant site in the life of Buddha. Then, head to the location where Kusha grass, instrumental in Buddha’s enlightenment, is found. Continue your journey to Dhungeshriya Hill, where you can experience the serene environment that Buddha once meditated in. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel. Dinner: Relish a delicious buffet dinner at your hotel, offering a variety of dishes to end your day on a flavorful note.
Overnight: Enjoy a restful overnight stay in your luxurious hotel in Bodhgaya, ready to embrace the new experiences that await you the following day.
Day 4 :
Bodhgaya – Rajgir – nalanda – Bodhgaya (71 KM approximately 1 Hour 50 minutes.)
A day trip from Bodhgaya to Rajgir and Nalanda, returning to Bodhgaya, can be a fulfilling experience, full of historical and spiritual significance. Here’s a suggested itinerary:
Morning: Start early from Bodhgaya, ideally around 6 AM. Head towards Rajgir, which is approximately a 2-hour drive. Once you arrive, visit the ancient Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the Griddhakuta Hill, where Lord Buddha delivered many sermons. Don’t miss the serene Venu Vana, a bamboo grove monastery.
Afternoon: After exploring Rajgir, drive to Nalanda, which is about an hour away. Reach there by noon and take some time to have lunch at a local restaurant. Post-lunch, visit the Nalanda University ruins, one of the oldest universities in the world, and the Nalanda Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the ancient university.
Evening: Depart Nalanda in the late afternoon and head back to Bodhgaya, a journey of around 3 hours. Arrive back in Bodhgaya by evening. If time permits, visit the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple, where you can spend some quiet time reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Overnight: Enjoy a peaceful night in Bodhgaya, perhaps staying at one of the many serene guesthouses or hotels. Reflect on the rich history and spiritual essence of the places you visited, making it a memorable conclusion to a day filled with exploration and enlightenment.
Day 5 : Bodhgaya to Gaya airport (11 KM approximately 30 minute.)
Breakfast : Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
Explore : Head to the local market or the Mahabodhi Temple to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and spirituality of the area.
Return to Hotel : By 11:00 AM, return to the hotel to pack your luggage.
Afternoon : Lunch : Enjoy a delicious lunch at the hotel, savoring the local cuisine and reflecting on your morning experiences.
Transfer to Gaya Airport : After lunch, a car transfer will take you to Gaya Airport for your departure.
This itinerary promises sweet memories with Golden Lotus Pond Travel, leaving you with a profound appreciation of Dhungeshriya and its surroundings. Safe travels!