India: A Journey Through Hindu And Buddhist Pilgrimage

7 Days Duration

Experiences

Instant Booking

About This Tour

Follow a meaningful route through some of India’s most important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage destinations on this 7-day journey. From the colonial-era landmar...

Duration: 7 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Calcutta, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Rajgir, Nalanda · Languages: English

Know before you go: WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE; STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE; PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY; INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE; Not suitable for pets; Infants must not sit on laps; Wheelchair accessible; Not wheelchair accessible; Hotels used or similar for 6 nights accommodation. Kolkata x 2 nights 3* - Regenta Orko's/ The Fern Residency 4* - The Peerless Inn/ The Fern Residency 5* - ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection/ The Lalit Great Eastern Deoghar x 1 night 3*, 4* & 5* - GenX Rameshwaram By 1589/ Amrapali Clarks Inn Bodhgaya x 1 night 3* - Hotel Taj Darbar/ Hotel Mahamaya 4* & 5* - The Royal Residency/ Lotus Nikko Hot Varanasi x 2 nights 3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel 4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges 5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

About Bodh Gaya

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Bodh Gaya

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What's Included

Breakfast
Assistance on arrival at the airport.
6 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
Tain ticket Kolkata - Deoghar
Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
Bottled drinking water in the car.
Government taxes.

Not Included

Any flight ticket.
Camera charges at monuments if any.
Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
Gratuities and optional activities.

Itinerary

1

Day 01

KolkataUpon your arrival at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, our representative will warmly welcome you with traditional greetings and assist you with your luggage. You'll then be transferred to your chosen hotel in Kolkata's city center.After checking in and freshening up, take some time to explore the nearby areas. Experience the vibrant streets of Kolkata, perhaps starting with a stroll along Park Street or exploring the bustling New Market. Kolkata, known as the 'City of Joy', with its blend of colonial architecture, cultural festivals, and mouth-watering cuisine, offers a fascinating introduction to India.Overnight at hotel.
2

Day 02

KolkataBegin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel's dining area. Head out for a full-day city tour to explore Kolkata's iconic landmarks and historical sites.Visit Fort William, a symbol of British colonial rule in India. Explore its exterior and surrounding grounds.Marvel at the majestic Victoria Memorial, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Visit the museum inside to delve into Kolkata's colonial history.Discover Netaji Bhawan, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence.Witness the iconic Howrah Bridge, one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world, connecting Kolkata to Howrah.Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the serene Dakshineswar Kali Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali. Take a leisurely stroll along the temple complex and admire its architectural beauty.Overnight at hotel.
3

Day 03

Kolkata - Deoghar (Train No. 12023, JANSHATABDI EXP, HWH 1405 / JSME 1817hrsEnjoy a leisurely morning in Kolkata before heading to Howrah railway station. Board the JANSHATABDI EXP (Train No. 12023) departing at 13:10 to Deoghar (Jasidih Jn), with an arrival time of 19:10. Relax and enjoy the scenic train journey through the Indian countryside. As you traverse through picturesque landscapes and rural settlements, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the journey.On reaching Deoghar, our friendly driver will greet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and resting for a bit, take a leisurely walk around the hotel to soak in the local ambiance or try some regional delicacies for dinner.Overnight at hotel.
4

Day 04

Deoghar - Nalanda - Rajgir - Bodhgaya (268kms/ 5hrs approx)After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, embark on a spiritual and historical exploration of Deoghar.Visit the revered Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the twelve jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the spiritual rituals and immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere of the temple complex.Post lunch, begin your journey to Nalanda, an ancient center of learning and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the archaeological ruins of Nalanda University, one of the world's first residential universities, and gain insights into ancient India's intellectual and cultural heritage.Continue your drive to Bodhgaya, the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. En route, stop at the Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, a magnificent peace pagoda atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.Upon reaching Bodhgaya, check-in at your hotel and unwind after a day of exploration.Overnight at hotel.
5

Day 05

Bodhgaya - Varanasi (250kms/ 5hrs approx)Begin your day with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Explore the intricately carved temple complex, the ancient Bodhi Tree, Vajrasana (the diamond throne), and the tranquil Tibetan Monastery nearby. Reflect upon the teachings of Buddha and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred place.Journey onward to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. On arrival, check-in at your chosen hotel and freshen up.In the evening, head to the ghats (riverfront steps) of the River Ganges to witness the mesmerizing Holy Ganga Aarti. The rhythmic chants, the glow of the lamps, and the spiritual fervor create an enchanting ambiance that is quintessentially Varanasi.Overnight at hotel.
6

Day 06

VaranasiRise early to experience the ethereal beauty of Varanasi during a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise. Glide past the ancient ghats, observe the morning rituals, and witness devotees offering prayers and taking holy dips in the sacred river.After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Varanasi:Explore this sprawling Banaras Hindu university campus, one of Asia's largest residential universities. Discover its lush green surroundings, iconic clock tower, and the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, showcasing a vast collection of Indian art and artifacts.Visit this unique temple dedicated to Mother India, housing a large relief map of India carved out of marble. It symbolizes national unity and diversity.Pay homage to Lord Rama at Tulsi Manas temple constructed at the place where the great Indian epic Ramcharitmanas was written by Goswami Tulsidas.Take a short drive from Varanasi to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, housing ancient artifacts and sculptures.If time permits, visit the Ram Nagar Fort & Museum to delve deeper into Varanasi's royal heritage and history. Return to your hotel in the evening for a restful overnight stay.Overnight at hotel.
7

Day 07

Varanasi - DepartureAfter a relaxed morning and a sumptuous breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Varanasi Airport for your onward journey.As you board your flight to Kolkata/Delhi/Mumbai, take a moment to reminisce about the enriching experiences, spiritual insights, and cherished memories from your journey through the sacred sites of India.

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Pickup service provided in Kolkata. · Tour start: Pickup service provided in Kolkata. — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.