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Buddhist & Hindu Pilgrimage Trail: Kolkata, Bodhgaya & Varanasi

0/5
Duration

6 Nights / 7 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a profound journey through the heartlands of Eastern India with our “Buddhist & Hindu Pilgrimage Trail” tour, starting from Kolkata and winding through Bodhgaya to Varanasi. Begin in Kolkata with visits to iconic landmarks like Victoria Memorial and Dakshineswar Kali Temple, immersing in the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Travel onwards to Bodhgaya, where the enlightenment of Lord Buddha under the Bodhi tree awaits discovery at Mahabodhi Temple and Sujata Kuti. In Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities globally, experience the spiritual intensity of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the tranquil serenity of Sarnath, where Buddhism’s foundational teachings began. Complete your pilgrimage with mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremonies along the sacred river, leaving you spiritually enriched and culturally enthralled.

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 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Kolkata

Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel. Walk through the Indian Museum, the largest and oldest museum in India with extensive exhibits on art, archaeology, and natural history. Discover the vibrant atmosphere of New Market, a bustling shopping area with a variety of shops and eateries. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Hooghly River at Princep Ghat, a picturesque riverside promenade.

Day 2: Kolkata

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Victoria Memorial, a majestic white marble building housing a museum with a rich collection of historical artifacts. Explore St. Paul's Cathedral, an Anglican cathedral known for its Gothic architecture and serene ambiance. Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. Explore Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, known for its beautiful temple architecture and peaceful surroundings. Tour the Marble Palace, a 19th-century mansion featuring a stunning collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiques. Experience the lively atmosphere of Park Street, a major thoroughfare known for its restaurants, bars, and shops. Enjoy a traditional Bengali dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Kolkata - Deoghar (Train No. 12023, JANSHATABDI EXP, HWH 1405hr / JSME 1817hr)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure to relax or explore more of Kolkata’s attractions before departure. Board the JANSHATABDI EXP train from Howrah Station to Jasidih, enjoying scenic views along the way. Arrive in Jasidih and transfer to Deoghar, known for its spiritual significance and serene environment. Evening visit to Baidyanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Explore local markets and savor traditional snacks and sweets unique to Deoghar.

Day 4: Deoghar - Bodhgaya (268kms)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to Naulakha Mandir, a beautiful temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna, known for its unique architecture. Explore Tapovan Caves, ancient rock caves with religious significance, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visit Satsang Ashram, the spiritual center established by Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra, attracting devotees from around the world. Depart for Bodhgaya, the sacred place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Evening at leisure to relax or explore Bodhgaya's local attractions and markets.

Day 5: Bodhgaya - Varanasi (250kms)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers, featuring the sacred Bodhi tree. Explore the Great Buddha Statue, an impressive 80-feet tall statue symbolizing peace and spirituality. Visit Sujata Kuti, the village where Sujata offered kheer to Buddha before his enlightenment, marking a significant event in Buddhist history. Depart for Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world and a major center for Hindu spirituality. Evening at leisure to relax or explore the ghats and narrow lanes of Varanasi.

Day 6: Varanasi

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Early morning boat ride on the Ganges River, witnessing the mesmerizing rituals and ceremonies at the ghats, including the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Explore Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, visiting Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum. Stroll through the narrow lanes of Varanasi, discovering hidden temples, vibrant markets, and traditional crafts. Attend the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spectacular ritual of worship with lamps and chants, creating a magical atmosphere along the riverbanks. Visit Bharat Mata Temple, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India, featuring a relief map of India carved in marble. Explore Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, known for its picturesque campus and the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. Morning visit to Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama and known for its beautiful architecture and inscriptions from the Ramcharitmanas.

Day 7: Varanasi - Departure

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, explore more of Varanasi's attractions or enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, carrying memories of a spiritually enriching pilgrimage tour.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 6 Night's 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.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • AC Train ticket Kolkata - Deoghar.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • 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
Deoghar x 1 night: Hotel Imperial Heights/ GenX Rameshwaram By 1589/ Amrapali Clarks Inn
Bodhgaya x 1 night: 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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from $ 1,908.00

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