7-Day Temples, Ganges & Buddha Trail: Delhi to Patna
Delhi · Khajuraho · Panna · Varanasi · Sarnath · Bodh Gaya · Rajgir · Nalanda · Patna
The journey
Temples, tigers, the Ganges and the Buddha's footsteps in seven days from Khajuraho to Patna.
Connects UNESCO World Heritage treasures of Khajuraho, Mahabodhi Temple Complex, and the excavated ruins of Nalanda University across North India. Comfortable rhythm with time at each site.
Highlights
- Khajuraho temples & Panna/Raneh Falls.
- Varanasi Ganga Aarti & sunrise boat ride.
- Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University ruins, and Takht Sri Patna Sahib.
Route and day by day
Schematic route, not to scale.
Day 1Delhi to Khajuraho
Flight to Khajuraho; guided tour of Western Group of Temples. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 2Panna National Park & Raneh Falls
Morning tiger safari in Panna Reserve and visit Raneh Falls canyon. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 3Khajuraho to Varanasi
Transit to Varanasi by flight (flights not included; see the routing note on IND-08); check in and attend evening Ganga Aarti. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 4Varanasi Rituals & Sarnath
Dawn boat ride on the Ganges; visit Sarnath archaeological site and museum. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 5Varanasi to Bodh Gaya
Drive to Bodh Gaya (approx. 5.5–6 hours); tour UNESCO Mahabodhi Temple complex. Overnight in Bodh Gaya.
Day 6Rajgir & Nalanda University Ruins
Drive to Rajgir (Griddhakuta / Vulture Peak) and tour UNESCO Nalanda ruins. Drive to Patna (approx. 2.5 hours). Overnight in Patna.
Day 7Patna Sahib & Flight to Delhi
Visit Takht Sri Patna Sahib; return flight to Delhi (flight not included).
Best time to visit
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. Panna safari zones usually close during the monsoon.
What is included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Licensed guide (English or Russian)
- Monument entry fees
- Jeep safari
Not included
- Flights
- Hotels (quoted to your preferred category)
- Meals unless stated
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Indicative; your personal quotation confirms exactly what is included.
Places on this journey
Kandariya Mahadeva
Panna Tiger
Raneh Falls
Ganga Aarti
Sunrise Boat
Mahabodhi
Nalanda Ruins
Patna Sahib
GriddhakutaQuestions
Is this journey private?
Yes. Every journey is for you and your travelling companions only, with your own guide, car and driver. There are no groups or shared tours.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. This itinerary is a starting point. Tell me your interests, pace and dates and I will adjust it before I quote.
Which languages are available?
Vikramjeet guides in English and Russian.
How demanding is this journey?
Comfortable rhythm with time at each site. The pace rating is moderate pace.
How do I book, and when will I know the price?
Send a request with your dates. You receive a personal itinerary and quotation within 24 hours.
Themes
Spiritual & Multi-Faith UNESCO World Heritage Trail
Destinations
Delhi Khajuraho, Orchha & Gwalior Varanasi & Sarnath Bodh Gaya & the Buddhist Circuit
Similar journeys
1 Day1-Day Taj Mahal & Agra Fort: Private Day Journey from Delhi
Sunrise-fresh light on the Taj Mahal and the red sandstone courts of Agra Fort, in a single private day from Delhi, with your own guide and car.
View journey →
1 Day1-Day Imperial Delhi & Spiritual Heritage: Private Full-Day Tour
Old Delhi's lanes, Mughal tombs and sacred sites of three faiths, paced around you in one private day.
View journey →
1 Day1-Day Jaipur Royal Express: Private Tour from Delhi
Amber Fort, the City Palace and the Pink City's best-known sights in one long day from Delhi, for travellers who have only a day to give.
View journey →