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Spiritual and Cultural Heritage: Kolkata, Bodhgaya, and Varanasi Tour

0/5
Duration

6 Nights / 7 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a profound journey through India’s spiritual and cultural heartlands with the Spiritual and Cultural Heritage: Kolkata, Bodhgaya, and Varanasi Tour. Begin in Kolkata, the colonial city known for its historic charm and vibrant culture, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge. Travel to Bodhgaya, the revered site of Buddha’s enlightenment, where the Mahabodhi Temple and international monasteries offer a serene spiritual experience. Continue to Varanasi, the sacred city on the banks of the Ganges, where the Ganga Aarti and a boat ride at sunrise provide deeply moving experiences. This tour beautifully blends historical exploration with spiritual discovery, offering an enriching adventure through India’s most sacred sites.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 45.3%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 46.9%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 53.5%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 55.7%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 58.9%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 59.7%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 63.5%

Itinerary

Day 1: Kolkata

Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Stroll along Park Street, known for its colonial-era charm, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Kolkata

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before sightseeing. Visit the Victoria Memorial, a grand marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria, showcasing an impressive collection of paintings and artifacts. Explore St. Paul's Cathedral, an Anglican cathedral known for its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Visit the Marble Palace, a 19th-century mansion known for its collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiques. Visit Howrah Bridge, an iconic cantilever bridge spanning the Hooghly River, offering panoramic views of the bustling city and river. Walk through the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, housing a vast collection of antiques, fossils, and artifacts. Explore the Kalighat Kali Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Kolkata, dedicated to the goddess Kali. Explore the bustling New Market, a historical shopping area offering a variety of goods from textiles to jewelry. Stroll along the Prinsep Ghat, a beautiful riverside promenade with colonial-era architecture and serene views of the Hooghly River.

Day 3: Kolkata - Patna (flight) - Bodhgaya

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before your flight. Fly from Kolkata to Patna and transfer to Bodhgaya by road. Enroute visit Nalanda, an ancient center of learning and one of the oldest universities in the world, with extensive ruins of monasteries and temples. Visit Rajgir, a historical city associated with Buddha and Mahavira, featuring ancient caves, hot springs, and the Vulture's Peak. Check-in to your hotel in Bodhgaya and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 4: Bodhgaya

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before sightseeing.
Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
Explore the Bodhi Tree, a sacred fig tree at the Mahabodhi Temple complex, considered to be the direct descendant of the original tree.
Visit the Great Buddha Statue, a 25-meter high statue of Buddha in meditation pose, a significant landmark in Bodhgaya.
Explore various international monasteries such as the Thai Monastery, showcasing Thai architecture and tranquil gardens.
Visit the Japanese Temple, featuring a giant Buddha statue and serene surroundings.
Explore the Tibetan Monastery, adorned with vibrant Tibetan art and prayer flags.
Visit the Sujata Stupa, built to commemorate Sujata, who offered Buddha food before his enlightenment.
Explore the Archaeological Museum, exhibiting artifacts and relics from Bodhgaya's rich historical past.
Visit the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha meditated before his enlightenment.

Day 5: Bodhgaya - Varanasi (250kms)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before departing for Varanasi. Drive to Varanasi, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours. Arrive in Varanasi, check-in to your hotel, and relax for the evening. Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerizing evening ritual involving lamps, incense, and devotional music.

Day 6: Varanasi

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before sightseeing.
Take an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the rituals performed on the ghats and the stunning sunrise.
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the western bank of the Ganges.
Explore the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum.
Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, with walls inscribed with verses from the Ramcharitmanas.
Stroll through the Varanasi Ghats, including Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, to witness the daily life and rituals along the river.
Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stupa marking the location of Buddha's first teaching.
Visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, an important Buddhist stupa marking the spot where Buddha met his first disciples.
Explore the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts from the ancient Buddhist site.

Day 7: Varanasi - Kolkata/ Delhi/ Mumbai

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your departure schedule, explore any remaining sights or indulge in some local shopping. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kolkata, Delhi, or Mumbai for your onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 6 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Kolkata - Patna & Varanasi - Kolkata/ Delhi flight fare approx. INR 9,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 6 nights accommodation

3 Star Hotels
Kolkata x 2 nights: Golden Tulip/ Polo Floatel
Bodhgaya x 2 nights: The Imperial/ Hotel Taj Darbar
Varanasi x 2 nights: Meraden Grand/ Hotel Tridev

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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