8 Nights 9 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Tour Package

8 Nights 9 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Tour Package — Bodhgaya Tour Package Overview

Experience the grandest multi-faith pilgrimage circuit of India with our 8 Nights 9 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Tour Package — an unhurried 9-day sacred journey covering six extraordinary destinations across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Begin with two full nights at Bodhgaya — the site of the Buddha's Enlightenment — for the UNESCO Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred Bodhi Tree, the international monastery circuit, and Rajgir–Nalanda day excursion (ancient Buddhist university and hot springs). Stop at Gaya for Vishnupad Temple darshan and optional Pind Daan for ancestral liberation. Spend two rich nights in Varanasi — the eternal city of Shiva — for a sunrise Ganga boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Sarnath, and the grand Dashashwamedh Ganga Aarti. Visit Prayagraj for a dawn Sangam Snan and Akshaya Vat darshan. Journey to Chitrakoot for Kamadgiri Parikrama and Gupt Godavari Caves. Reach Ayodhya for Ram Mandir darshan and Saryu Snan. Conclude at Chhapiya — the birthplace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The extra night at Bodhgaya adds Rajgir and Nalanda — making this the most comprehensive and leisurely version of this sacred circuit, perfect for first-time pilgrims who wish to absorb every destination without the pressure of early departures.

Package Highlights

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Tour Highlights — Key Experiences in This Package

UNESCO Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree & Vajrasana at Bodhgaya — the Enlightenment site

Rajgir — Vishwa Shanti Stupa ropeway, Venuvana & Griddhakuta Hill

Nalanda University ruins — the world's greatest ancient university (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Vishnupad Temple & Pind Daan at Gaya for ancestral Moksha

Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges at Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga & grand Vishwanath Corridor

Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa & Ashoka's Lion Capital (India's national emblem)

Grand Dashashwamedh Ganga Aarti at Varanasi

Triveni Sangam Snan & Akshaya Vat at Prayagraj

Kamadgiri Parikrama & Gupt Godavari Caves at Chitrakoot

Ram Mandir darshan & Saryu Snan at Ayodhya

Swaminarayan Janmabhoomi at Chhapiya

Day-by-Day Itinerary — 8 Nights 9 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Tour Package

8 Nights / 9 Days · Bodhgaya · Timings adjustable to your arrival

Day 1

Arrival in Bodhgaya — Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree & International Monasteries

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Arrive at Bodhgaya via Gaya Junction (17 km) or Gaya Airport. Meet your guide and check in to hotel. After freshen-up, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple Complex — built at the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautama meditated under the Pipal tree and attained Enlightenment in 528 BCE after 49 days. Circumambulate the sacred Bodhi Tree, sit in meditation on the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), and visit the Animesh Lochan Chaitya and Ratnachankrama. Explore the stunning international Buddhist monasteries surrounding Bodhgaya — Japanese Daijokyo Temple, Tibetan Tergar Monastery, Royal Thai Monastery, Bhutanese Temple, and Chinese Buddhist Temple. Evening: meditation session at the Mahabodhi complex as monks from across the world chant under the Bodhi Tree. Dinner and overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 2

Rajgir & Nalanda — Ancient University, World Peace Stupa & Hot Springs

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After breakfast, drive to Rajgir (approx. 80 km, 1.5 hrs) — one of India's most ancient cities, the erstwhile capital of the Magadha empire. Ride the ropeway to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) atop Ratnagiri Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the Rajgir valley. Visit Venuvana Vihara — the bamboo grove gifted to the Buddha by King Bimbisara and the first Buddhist monastery in history. Explore Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak) — where the Buddha delivered the Prajnaparamita and Lotus Sutras, and where Mahavira also preached. Bathe in the sacred Brahmakund hot springs (Rajgir hot springs) — believed to have medicinal properties. Proceed to Nalanda (12 km) — the greatest university the ancient world ever produced (founded 427 CE), which at its zenith housed 10,000 students and 2,000 professors from across Asia. Explore the sprawling UNESCO-listed Nalanda Archaeological Ruins and the Nalanda Museum. Return to Bodhgaya for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Gaya — Vishnupad Temple & Pind Daan → Drive to Varanasi — Kashi Vishwanath Evening Darshan

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After breakfast, check out and drive to Gaya city (17 km). Visit the Vishnupad Temple — the revered shrine built over the 40 cm footprint of Lord Vishnu embedded in solid basalt rock on the banks of the Falgu River. For devotees wishing to perform Pind Daan — the most sacred Shraddha ritual in Hinduism, believed to liberate ancestors from the cycle of rebirth and grant them Moksha — our guide will coordinate with a qualified Gaya Panda. Drive to Varanasi (approx. 250 km, 5 hrs). Arrive by evening. Check in to hotel. Proceed for darshan at the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, whose golden spire has gleamed over the sacred city of Kashi for millennia, drawing devotees who believe a single darshan here grants liberation. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 4

Varanasi — Sunrise Boat Ride, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor & Grand Ganga Aarti

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Pre-dawn: board a traditional wooden rowing boat for the iconic Varanasi sunrise — one of the most transcendent spiritual experiences on earth. Float past all 84 ghats as Kashi awakens: priests perform Surya Puja, sadhus sit in Samadhi, thousands of devotees chant and take holy dips, and the eternal fires of Manikarnika Ghat — burning for 3,500 years without pause — glow on the sacred waters. After breakfast, explore the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor — the magnificent temple precinct inaugurated in 2021, surrounding the Jyotirlinga with Annapurna Devi Temple, Avimukteshwar Mandir, and the historic Vishwanath Lane. Afternoon: Durga Kund Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir (built at the spot where Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas in 1574 CE), and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Evening: the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat — 7 priests perform a 45-minute synchronized fire ritual with 21-tier wands that draws thousands each evening. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 5

Sarnath — Buddha's First Sermon Site → Drive to Prayagraj — Triveni Sangam Boat Ride

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After breakfast, drive to Sarnath (10 km) — the Isipatana Deer Park where the newly Enlightened Buddha gave his first sermon in 528 BCE, turning the Wheel of Dharma for all humanity. Visit the Dhamek Stupa (5th century CE, marking the exact spot of the first sermon), Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara with its golden life-murals, and the world-class Sarnath Archaeological Museum — home to the exquisite Ashoka Lion Capital (India's national emblem, 3rd century BCE) and the first-known Dharmachakra sculpture. Return to Varanasi for check-out. Drive to Prayagraj (approx. 200 km, 3.5 hrs). Check in to hotel. Evening: sunset boat ride at the sacred Triveni Sangam — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati. Overnight in Prayagraj.

Day 6

Prayagraj — Sangam Snan, Akshaya Vat, Anand Bhawan → Drive to Chitrakoot — Ram Ghat Aarti

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Wake before sunrise for the supreme pilgrimage act at Prayagraj — a dawn Sangam Snan at the Triveni Confluence, believed by the Puranas to cleanse the karmic debt of all past lives. After the snan, visit Allahabad Fort (1583 CE) for the Akshaya Vat — the immortal banyan tree mentioned in the Mahabharata as indestructible through cosmic dissolution. Visit Saraswati Koop, underground Patalpuri Temple, and Bade Hanuman Ji — the reclining Hanuman idol that submerges each monsoon. Anand Bhawan (Nehru-Gandhi family museum). Post-lunch check out and drive to Chitrakoot (approx. 130 km, 3 hrs) — the sacred hill of Lord Ram's forest exile. Check in to hotel. Evening: Ram Ghat on the Mandakini River — the ghat where Sita bathed daily during exile. Attend the gentle Mandakini Aarti as diyas float on the river. Overnight in Chitrakoot.

Day 7

Chitrakoot — Kamadgiri Parikrama, Gupt Godavari, Hanuman Dhara → Drive to Ayodhya

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Rise early for Mandakini Snan at Ram Ghat. After breakfast, complete the full Chitrakoot sacred circuit: Kamadgiri Parikrama — the 5 km barefoot circumambulation of Lord Ram's hill, said to fulfill all wishes; Gupt Godavari Caves — wade through the inner cave's underground Godavari waters where Ram held his royal court; Hanuman Dhara — the miraculous perpetual spring on the hillside; Janaki Kund — Sita's bathing ghat; and Sati Anusuiya Ashram. Post-lunch check out and drive to Ayodhya (approx. 280 km, 5 hrs). Arrive by evening. Check in to hotel. Proceed for the most awaited darshan — the Ram Mandir, consecrated 22 January 2024, the grandest expression of Ram Bhakti in the world. Visit Hanumangarhi. Evening: Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi as lamps float on the holy Saryu. Overnight in Ayodhya.

Day 8

Ayodhya Full Darshan — Saryu Snan, Kanak Bhawan, Guptar Ghat → Drive to Chhapiya — Swaminarayan Janmabhoomi

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Wake before sunrise for a Saryu Snan at Ram Ki Paidi. After the snan, explore the full Ayodhya circuit: Kanak Bhawan (the golden palace gifted to Sita by Kaikeyi), Sita Ki Rasoi (the original royal kitchen), Nageshwarnath Temple (established by Luv and Kush), Treta Ke Thakur at Tulsi Ghat, Mani Parvat, and Guptar Ghat — where Lord Ram took Jal Samadhi at the end of his earthly avatar. Post-lunch, check out and drive to Chhapiya in Gonda district (approx. 100 km, 2 hrs) — the sacred birthplace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, born as Ghanshyam Maharaj on Ram Navami day 1781 to Dharmadev and Bhaktimata. Visit the Swaminarayan Janmabhoomi temple complex, revered by millions of BAPS, Vadtal, and Swaminarayan faith followers worldwide. Attend the evening aarti at the Janmabhoomi mandir. Dinner and overnight in Chhapiya / Gonda.

Day 9

Chhapiya — Morning Aarti & Swaminarayan Janmabhoomi → Departure via Lucknow

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Rise early for the morning aarti and complete darshan at the Swaminarayan Janmabhoomi complex — the birthplace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan who walked 12,000 km barefoot across India at age 11 before founding one of the world's largest Vaishnava movements. Explore the Janmabhoomi Mandir marking the birth house, the childhood hindola (swing) of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the temple of Dharmadev and Bhaktimata, and the serene temple grounds. Collect prasad and final blessings. After a blessed morning, drive to Lucknow (approx. 90 km, 1.5 hrs) for your onward journey from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport or Lucknow Junction Railway Station. Alternatively, depart from Gonda Railway Station. Tour concludes with the complete sacred blessings of all six holy destinations — Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, and Chhapiya.

What's Included & What's Not Included

Inclusions

8 nights accommodation (2N Bodhgaya + 2N Varanasi + 1N Prayagraj + 1N Chitrakoot + 1N Ayodhya + 1N Chhapiya/Gonda)
Daily breakfast and dinner as per itinerary (9 Breakfasts + 8 Dinners)
Private AC vehicle for all transfers throughout the 9-day circuit
Full route: Bodhgaya → Rajgir → Nalanda → Gaya → Varanasi → Sarnath → Prayagraj → Chitrakoot → Ayodhya → Chhapiya → Lucknow/Gonda
Dedicated English/Hindi-speaking pilgrimage guide at all destinations
Ropeway tickets at Rajgir Vishwa Shanti Stupa
Sunset boat ride at Triveni Sangam Prayagraj
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges at Varanasi
Mandakini River boat ride at Ram Ghat Chitrakoot
Kamadgiri Parikrama guidance and briefing at Chitrakoot
Pind Daan coordination with qualified pandit at Gaya (dakshina extra)
All toll taxes, driver allowance, parking, and fuel charges
Arrival pick-up at Gaya Junction / Gaya Airport
Departure drop at Lucknow Airport/Station or Gonda Station
24/7 on-call support throughout the 9-day journey

Exclusions

Flight or train tickets to Gaya/Bodhgaya (start) or from Lucknow/Gonda (end)
Lunches and beverages not listed in the itinerary
Personal puja samagri, prasad, temple donations, and offerings
Pind Daan pandit dakshina and ritual materials at Gaya (approx. ₹1,500–3,000)
Allahabad Fort entry ticket (Akshaya Vat darshan)
Nalanda and Sarnath ASI site and museum entry fees (approx. ₹40 each for Indians)
Any personal expenses — shopping, laundry, beverages, phone calls
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Medical or emergency expenses
Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
Any services not explicitly listed under inclusions

Good to Know

Dress modestly at all pilgrimage sites — cover shoulders and knees; remove footwear at all temples and ghats.

Carry a valid government-issued photo ID for each adult (required at Allahabad Fort, Sarnath, and Nalanda).

For Pind Daan at Gaya: carry the full name, gotra, and father's name of each ancestor for whom the ritual is performed.

For Gupt Godavari inner cave: wear clothes suitable for wading ankle-deep water for ~50 metres; keep valuables dry.

Kamadgiri Parikrama is done barefoot — carry a cloth bag for footwear during the 5 km walk.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside Ram Mandir sanctum (Ayodhya) and Kashi Vishwanath main shrine (Varanasi).

Nalanda and Sarnath ASI entry fees are payable on-site (approx. ₹40 for Indian nationals).

Tour starts at Bodhgaya/Gaya and ends at Chhapiya. Drop to Lucknow Airport/Station or Gonda Station is included.

During Pitru Paksha at Gaya (Sept–Oct) and Magh Mela at Prayagraj (Jan–Feb), book 8–10 weeks in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions — 8 Nights 9 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Tour Package

What does the extra night at Bodhgaya (vs the 7N8D package) add?

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The second night at Bodhgaya allows a full Day 2 excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda — two of the most extraordinary ancient sites in Asia. Rajgir is the ancient Magadha capital where the Buddha spent many rainy seasons, featuring the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (ropeway), Venuvana (first Buddhist monastery), Griddhakuta Hill (where the Buddha gave the Lotus Sutra), and the famous hot springs. Nalanda (80 km from Bodhgaya) was the world's greatest university, housing 10,000 students across Asia from the 5th to 12th century CE — its UNESCO ruins are among the most moving heritage sites in India.

Is this 8N9D tour the right choice for Buddhist pilgrims visiting India?

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Yes — this is one of the most complete Buddhist pilgrimage circuits available in India. It covers Bodhgaya (the Enlightenment site), Sarnath (the First Sermon site), Rajgir (where the Buddha spent many retreats and delivered key sutras), and Nalanda (the great Buddhist university). When combined with Hindu sacred sites, this tour also allows Buddhist pilgrims to witness the living spiritual traditions of India — the Ganga Aarti at Varanasi, Kamadgiri at Chitrakoot, and Ram Mandir at Ayodhya — providing a profound cross-cultural pilgrimage experience.

Can we visit Kushinagar (the site of Buddha's Parinirvana) on this tour?

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Kushinagar is approximately 250 km from Ayodhya (4 hrs). It can be added as a day excursion from Ayodhya or as an additional overnight, extending the tour to 9N10D. Kushinagar houses the Mahaparinirvana Temple with the famous reclining Buddha statue marking the site of the Buddha's death (Parinirvana). For serious Buddhist pilgrims who wish to visit all four sacred Buddhist sites (Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Rajgir, Kushinagar), we recommend adding this extension. Contact us for a customized quotation.

How is the Nalanda visit managed within the itinerary?

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On Day 2, we drive from Bodhgaya to Rajgir (80 km, 1.5 hrs) in the morning for the Vishwa Shanti Stupa ropeway, Venuvana, Griddhakuta, and hot springs. After lunch, we drive to Nalanda (12 km from Rajgir) for the UNESCO ruins and museum (2–3 hrs). We return to Bodhgaya for the evening (total round trip approx. 200 km, 4–5 hrs driving). This comfortable day-excursion structure ensures you have adequate time at both Rajgir and Nalanda without feeling rushed.

What is the best season for this 9-day Bihar–UP pilgrimage circuit?

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October to March is ideal — pleasant temperatures across all destinations (8–25°C), comfortable for outdoor pilgrimages. Key festival highlights: Buddha Purnima at Bodhgaya (April–May), Dev Deepawali at Varanasi (November), Magh Mela at Prayagraj (January–February), Ram Navami at Ayodhya and Chitrakoot (March–April — also Swaminarayan Jayanti at Chhapiya on the same day). Pitru Paksha at Gaya (September–October) is the most auspicious time for Pind Daan. Avoid May–June due to extreme heat (42–46°C in both Bihar and UP).

Can this tour be customized to add Naimisharanya near Ayodhya?

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Yes. Naimisharanya (Nimsar, Sitapur) — the sacred forest of 88,000 rishis and home to Chakra Tirth and Lalita Devi Shakti Peetha — is 130 km from Ayodhya and can be added as a 1-night extension, making this a 9N10D package. It is also only 85 km from Lucknow, making it easy to include on the departure day with a morning visit before catching a Lucknow flight or train. Contact us to add Naimisharanya to this itinerary.

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