4-Day Varanasi & Bodhgaya Guided Tour with Sarnath & Boat Ride (Entry Included)

Day 1 : Arrival in Varanasi – Visit Sarnath & Evening Ganga Aarti.

Upon your arrival in Varanasi (hotel, airport, or railway station), our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with transfer to your hotel. After check-in and some rest, prepare for a spiritual Afternoon, Evening.

In the afternoon, drive to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Explore:

• Dhamek Stupa – A massive stone structure marking Buddha’s first teachings.
• Chaukhandi Stupa – Commemorates Buddha’s meeting with his disciples.
• Mulagandha Kuti Vihar – Peaceful monastery with stunning frescoes.
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays) – Famous for the Lion Capital of Ashoka, India’s national emblem.

At sunset, Go to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the world-famous Ganga Aarti ceremony. Priests, dressed in saffron robes, perform synchronized rituals with large brass lamps, incense, and conch shells, as chants and bells echo across the ghats. The sight of flickering oil lamps reflecting on the River Ganga creates an unforgettable divine atmosphere.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 2 : Sunrise Boat Ride, City Temples & Old Market with Street.

Wake up early for a serene sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges, one of the most magical experiences of Varanasi. Watch as pilgrims bathe in the holy river, offer prayers, and perform age-old rituals on the ghats while the rising sun paints the sky golden.

After breakfast, begin your temple sightseeing:

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and the spiritual heart of the city.
• Bharat Mata Temple – Unique for its giant marble map of India instead of idols.
• Gopal Mandir - A traditional haveli and private property of a Vaishnav family. It is a private temple of Shreenathji (a form of Krishna). Everyday routine aarti and sleep time is followed. Chhappan bhog is the main attraction. The entire premises is set as original village of Mathura. You have cows, lanes for people to cross, etc. Inside the haveli, photography is not allowed. Please respect that.

Return to Varanasi for an overnight stay.

Day 3 : Varanasi to Bodhgaya – Mahabodhi Temple & Monasteries

After breakfast, check out and drive to Bodhgaya, En route Visit Dungeshwar Cave Temple, also known as the Mahakala Caves. These caves are a significant pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha spent six years in meditation and fasting before his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, featuring Hindu and Buddhist shrines, including a statue of the emaciated Buddha.

the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world.

On arrival, visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. The peaceful temple grounds inspire meditation and reflection.

Continue to the 80-foot Great Buddha Statue, an awe-inspiring landmark, and explore international monasteries built by countries like Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, and Tibet, each showcasing unique Buddhist architecture and traditions.

Evening is free for meditation, cultural walks or exploring Bodhgaya’s local market. 

Overnight stay in Bodhgaya hotel.

Day 4 : Bodhgaya Exploration & Return to Varanasi

After breakfast, visit Sujata Village, where the maiden Sujata offered rice milk to Buddha, an important turning point in his spiritual journey. Also visit the Niranjana River, closely associated with Buddha’s meditation and enlightenment.

If time permits, you may explore additional Buddhist monasteries for deeper insights into global Buddhist practices.

Later, check out from the hotel and drive back to Varanasi or Bodhgaya, We will drop you at your preferred location (hotel, airport or railway station).

Your 4 days Varanasi to Bodhgaya spiritual tour comes to an end with blessings of peace, wisdom and unforgettable memories.