Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi: Journey through the Cradle of Buddhism
5.0
6 Ratings
Bodh Gaya
Embark on a transformative journey from Varanasi to Bodhgaya, the birthplace of Buddhism. Discover the sacred sites where Buddha attained enlightenment and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of this revered temple town.
Duration: 14 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mahabodhi Temple - At 05:00 AM take your packed breakfast from your Hotel and drive to Bodhgaya.

You will reach Bodhgaya at around 10:00 AM.

On arrival in Bodhgaya visit to Maha Bodhi Temple Complex - is one of the oldest brick temples in India. The magnificent Unesco World Heritage–listed Mahabodhi Temple, marking the hallowed ground where Buddha attained enlightenment and formulated his philosophy of life, forms the spiritual heart of Bodhgaya.

Pilgrims and visitors from all walks of life and religions come to worship or just soak up the atmosphere of this sacred place. An enthralling way to start or finish the day is to stroll around the inside of the perimeter of the temple compound (in an auspicious clockwise pattern) and watch a sea of maroon and yellow dip and rise, while Tibetan monks perform endless prostrations on their prayer boards.

After this see Bodhi Tree - Undoubtedly, the most sacred fig tree ever to grace the Earth was the Bodhi Tree at Bodhgaya, under which Prince Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, achieved enlightenment. Buddha was said to have stared unblinkingly at the tree in an awed gesture of gratitude and wonder after his enlightenment.

The 4.8-hectare (11.9-acre) complex also includes ancient shrines and modern structures built by Buddhist devotees. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002.

After this see the Great Budhha Statue - This 25m-high Japanese-style statue towers above a pleasant garden at the end of Temple St. The impressive monument was unveiled by the Dalai Lama in 1989 and is surrounded by 10 smaller sculptures of Buddha’s disciples. The statue is partially hollow and is said to contain some 20,000 bronze Buddhas.

After this visit to Vishupad Temple - As the name suggests, this temple was built as a dedication to Lord Vishnu and features a 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu that is enclosed by a basin made of silver plates.

Later after this visit to some famous monasteries such as Thai Monastery, Vietnamese Monastery, Japani Monastery etc.

If you wish to perform Pind Daan rituals for your ancentors, you can do it here at some additional cost should be paid to Pundit directly.

Later after all these drive back to Varanasi and on arrival in Varanasi transfer to your Hotel.

What's Included
  • Expert tour guide approved by the government
  • Inclusive of all taxes, fees, and handling charges
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) included
  • Priority access to skip long queues
  • Comfortable travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Everything which is not mentioned into inclusions
Additional Information

Enjoy a guided tour on the same day from Varanasi to Bodhgaya.

Bodhgaya, the birthplace of Buddhism, is where Prince Siddhartha became enlightened under a bodhi tree around 2600 years ago, transforming him into Buddha (‘The Awakened One’). This small temple town holds the same significance to Buddhists as Mecca does to Muslims. As a result, it draws in numerous pilgrims worldwide yearly, who visit for prayer, scholarly pursuits, and contemplation.

  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Location
Mahabodhi Temple
Bihar 824231
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
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1 star
Lizhen_x
Jan 4, 2024
Definitely Worthwhile and Highly Recommended - This is a great tour. It's so heart-touching to actually be inside the Mahabodhi Temple and under the holy Bodhi Tree. Definitely worth the long drive. The tour guide in Bodhgaya, Rakesh Kumar, was really nice. He found ways to beat the unusual crowd that day and showed me around the holy site thoroughly (including Sujata Temple across Niranjana, which was not on the itinerary). Rakesh was very patient and ensured I had sufficient time to explore the holy ground closely. His professionalism and patience made the whole trip fulfilling and worthwhile. I owe a huge thank you to him! The driver, Kamal, was also superb. He navigated through the challenging traffic conditions at night safely and proficiently, ensuring we returned to Varanasi not too late. I traveled alone by myself but felt safe and being well taken care of. Would highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Anil
Dec 15, 2023
Thank you for this - Thank you for this amazing tour. Guide Sujeet was superb. He accompanied us from Bodhgaya and brought us back safe after showing us all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ravi
Oct 21, 2023
Amazing Bodhgaya excursion - Thank you Vimal for your easy communication and sharing pre tour details. Bodhgaya was amazing and guide Dinu helped me explore almost everything possible to see there. Lunch in Sujata was superb. Anyone who is staying in Varanasi for more than 2 nights should choose this excursion for sure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Olga
Oct 3, 2023
Bodhgaya - This trip was very interesting and good organised. Guide provided good history knowledges about places visited . Highly recommend it
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Frequentflier290928
Sep 28, 2022
Amazing same day excursion from Varanasi - Thank you TourVaranasi team for arranging such a beautiful same day excursion. Visiting Bodhgaya was on my bucket list which i managed to complete. All thanks for Sujeet guide for taking me safely there showing all around and giving depth insight of Buddhism religion. Driver Anil was very well and experinced
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rytis_s
Nov 8, 2019
Tour guide (Sujeet Kumar) was very friendly and excellent guide.As well as a driver made our trip safe and on time. - Tour guide (Sujeet Kumar) was very friendly and excellent guide.As well as a driver made our trip safe and on time.
Review provided by Viator
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