Varanasi/Kashi - Bodhgaya - Patna Sahib Darshan
Varanasi, also commonly known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the River Ganges. It is regarded as a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is the holiest place in the world in Hinduism (and center of earth in Hindu Cosmology). It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest of India. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in North India for several thousand years. The Benares Gharana form of Indian classical music developed in Varanasi. American writer Mark Twain wrote: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
Day 01 ARRIVE VARANASI
Welcome to Kashi (Varanasi) – The Land of lord Shiva. Upon arrival at Varanasi Airport or Varanasi Railway Station, you will be met by Dolphin Tours representative and then transfer to hotel. Check into your hotel. In the evening visit the old Vishwanath Temple & Dashashwamegh Ghaat for Ganga Aarti.
Overnight in Varanasi. (Breakfast)
Day 02 VARANASI
Get a real feeling of Varanasi, by early morning boat ride on River Ganges. Early morning transfer to Ghaat for Sunrise boating tour. After breakfast at the hotel drive to famous temples for sightseeing
New Vishwanath Temple at Banaras Hindu University, Sankat Mochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple & Bharat Mata Temple.
After Lunch Proceed to Visit Sarnath - the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The ruins, Stupa, the museum and temple are all within walking distance.
Overnight in Varanasi.(Breakfast)
Day 03 VARANASI – BODHGAYA (approx.250 km / 05 hours 30 minute drive)
After breakfast drive to Bodhgaya. On arrival visit to UNESCO heritage site – Mahabodhi Mandir (where Gautam Buddha was enlightened to the Knowledge of Spiritual World, Vishnu Path Mandir (220 year old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu) Visit Main Chinese Temple, Thai Temple, 80 feet Lord Buddha statue in Padmasan, Japanese temple and Sujata Village . Check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Bodhgaya. (Breakfast)
Day 04 BODHGAYA - RAJGIR - NALANDA – PATNA (approx.75 - 15 - 90 km)
After Breakfast at the hotel proceed to Rajgir (the first Buddhist council held after Gautam Buddha’s Mahanirvana). Visit Vishwa shanti stupa at Rajgir . Proceed to Nalanda & visit the ruins of Nalanda University, one of the greatest learning centers in ancient India. Later proceed to Patna.
Visit Takht Sri Patna Sahib, commonly known as Gurudwara Patna Sahib, built by the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the fond memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism. He was born here only on 22nd December, 1666. Overnight in Patna. (Breakfast)
Day 05 DEPART PATNA
Breakfast and transfer to airport / railway station for your return flight / train with happy memories. (Breakfast)
