Tours · IND-09

5-Day Sacred India: Ganges, Buddha & Ancient Empires

Delhi · Varanasi · Sarnath · Bodh Gaya · Gaya · Rajgir · Nalanda · Patna

Duration5 Days, 4 Nights

PaceVery fast pace

Best timeOct–Mar

Journey typeSpiritual & Multi-Faith

PricePrivate quotation in 24 h

The journey

A pilgrimage through Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Nalanda and Patna: the Ganges, the Buddha's path and ancient empires.

Anchored by prominent UNESCO World Heritage designations including Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya and the ancient monastic ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara. A very full schedule with long driving. Choose it only if you accept a demanding day.

Highlights

Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Ganges Aarti.
Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya and Vishnupad Temple in Gaya.
Rajgir (Venuvana, Vishwa Shanti Stupa ropeway), Nalanda ruins, and Takht Sri Patna Sahib; Barabar Caves optional.

Route and day by day

Schematic route, not to scale.

Day 1Delhi to Varanasi & Spiritual Ghats

Fly from Delhi to Varanasi (flight not included). Visit Kashi Vishwanath temple corridor and attend evening Ganga Aarti. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 2Varanasi to Bodh Gaya via Sarnath

Sunrise Ganges boat ride and visit Sarnath. Drive to Bodh Gaya (approx. 5.5–6 hours). Overnight in Bodh Gaya.

Day 3Bodh Gaya & Gaya Ancestral Rituals

Guided tour of UNESCO Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree. Excursion to Vishnupad Temple in Gaya for pind-dan rites (the inner sanctum is generally restricted to Hindus; non-Hindu guests view from outside, confirm locally). Overnight in Bodh Gaya.

Day 4Rajgir, Nalanda University Ruins & Drive to Patna

Drive to Rajgir (approx. 2.5 hours) for Venuvana and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa ropeway (Griddhakuta / Vulture Peak is reached on foot). Tour UNESCO Nalanda Mahavihara ruins, then continue to Patna (approx. 2.5 hours). Barabar Caves are optional and add 2+ hours. Overnight in Patna.

Day 5Patna Heritage & Return to Delhi

Tour Takht Sri Patna Sahib and Patna Museum. Return flight from Patna to Delhi (flight not included).

Best time to visit

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Best Fair Avoid

Best time: Oct–Mar. Also good: Apr, Sep.

October to March is the comfortable season, with warm days and cool mornings. December and January can bring fog and cold at sunrise. April to June is very hot, so we start early and rest at midday. July to September is humid monsoon with fewer visitors.