9 Nights 10 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Lucknow Tour Package

9 Nights 10 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Lucknow Tour Package — Bodhgaya Tour Package Overview

Discover the ultimate pilgrimage and cultural odyssey of North India with our 9 Nights 10 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Lucknow Tour Package — the most comprehensive sacred and heritage circuit spanning seven extraordinary destinations across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Begin with two enriching nights at Bodhgaya — the site of the Buddha's Enlightenment — covering the UNESCO Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred Bodhi Tree, and a full day excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda (the world's greatest ancient university). Visit Gaya for Vishnupad Temple darshan and Pind Daan. Spend two transformative nights in Varanasi for a sunrise Ganga boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Sarnath, and the grand Ganga Aarti. Seek blessings at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Journey deep into Chitrakoot for Kamadgiri Parikrama and Gupt Godavari Caves. Receive Ram's blessings at Ayodhya's grand Ram Mandir. Visit Chhapiya — the birthplace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Conclude your journey at Lucknow — the City of Nawabs — for a final evening of the magnificent Imambaras, iconic Rumi Darwaza, and the legendary Awadhi cuisine of Tundey Kababi and Idris ki Biryani. This 10-day journey is a seamless blend of Buddhist enlightenment, Hindu devotion, Ramayana heritage, Swaminarayan faith, and Nawabi culture — India's most spiritually and culturally complete pilgrimage circuit, ending at Lucknow's international airport for onward connections across India and the world.

Package Highlights

VisitKashi

Your trusted travel partner · 24×7 support

Tour Highlights — Key Experiences in This Package

UNESCO Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree & Vajrasana at Bodhgaya

Rajgir — Vishwa Shanti Stupa ropeway, Venuvana & Griddhakuta Hill

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

Vishnupad Temple & Pind Daan at Gaya for ancestral liberation

Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges & Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga at Varanasi

Sarnath — Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara & Ashoka's Lion Capital

Grand Dashashwamedh Ganga Aarti at Varanasi

Triveni Sangam Snan & Akshaya Vat inside Allahabad Fort at Prayagraj

Kamadgiri Parikrama & Gupt Godavari Caves at Chitrakoot

Ram Mandir darshan & Saryu Snan at Ayodhya — birthplace of Lord Ram

Swaminarayan Janmabhoomi at Chhapiya — birthplace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan

Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza & Awadhi cuisine at Lucknow

Day-by-Day Itinerary — 9 Nights 10 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Lucknow Tour Package

9 Nights / 10 Days · Bodhgaya · Timings adjustable to your arrival

Day 1

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

▼

Arrive at Bodhgaya via Gaya Junction Railway Station (17 km) or Gaya Airport. Meet your dedicated pilgrimage guide and check in to hotel. After freshen-up, proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple Complex — built at the exact spot where Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in 528 BCE after 49 nights of unbroken meditation. Circumambulate the sacred Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa) — a living descendant of the original tree, one of the most venerated living objects on earth. Touch the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) — the stone slab marking the precise seat of the Buddha's meditation. Visit the Animesh Lochan Chaitya (where the Buddha stood gazing at the Bodhi Tree for one full week without blinking), the Ratnachankrama (the jewelled promenade where the Buddha paced in meditation), and the Ratanaghar Chaitya. Explore the extraordinary international Buddhist monastery circuit surrounding Bodhgaya — Japanese Daijokyo Temple, Tibetan Tergar Monastery, Royal Thai Monastery, Bhutanese Temple, Vietnamese Monastery, and Chinese Buddhist Temple. Evening: seated meditation under the Bodhi Tree as monks from across the world chant in unison. Dinner and overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 2

Rajgir & Nalanda — Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Venuvana, Griddhakuta & Ancient University Ruins

▼

After breakfast, drive to Rajgir (approx. 80 km, 1.5 hrs) — one of India's most ancient cities and the erstwhile capital of the mighty Magadha empire where the Buddha spent several rainy seasons (varsha). Ride the ropeway to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) atop Ratnagiri Hill — offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Rajgir valley, ringed by five sacred hills. Visit Venuvana Vihara — the lush bamboo grove gifted to the Buddha by King Bimbisara, the world's first Buddhist monastery. Climb Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak) — the hilltop where the Buddha delivered the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, and other key discourses; Mahavira also preached here. Soak in the Brahmakund hot springs — natural sulphurous thermal waters believed to have medicinal properties, used by pilgrims for centuries. Proceed to Nalanda (12 km from Rajgir) — the greatest residential university the ancient world ever produced, founded in 427 CE, which at its zenith housed 10,000 students and 2,000 professors from China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, and Sri Lanka. Explore the sprawling UNESCO-listed Nalanda Archaeological Ruins — the massive brick remains of 14 temples and 9 monasteries spread across 14 hectares — and the Nalanda Museum housing rare Buddhist artifacts. Return to Bodhgaya for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

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

▼

After breakfast, check out and drive to Gaya city (17 km from Bodhgaya). Visit the Vishnupad Temple — the sacred shrine built over the 40 cm footprint of Lord Vishnu embedded in solid basalt rock on the banks of the Falgu River. The temple was rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in 1787 and is considered one of the most important Vaishnava pilgrimage sites in India. For devotees who wish to perform Pind Daan — the most sacred Shraddha ritual in Hinduism, believed to liberate ancestors from the cycle of rebirth and grant them Moksha for seven generations — our guide will coordinate with a qualified Gaya Panda (hereditary priest). Please carry the full name, gotra, and father's name of each ancestor. 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 sacred Jyotirlingas and the most revered Shiva shrine in the world, whose golden spire has gleamed over the sacred city of Kashi for millennia. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 4

Varanasi — Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges, Vishwanath Corridor & Grand Ganga Aarti

▼

Pre-dawn: board a traditional wooden rowing boat on the Ganges for the legendary Varanasi sunrise — arguably the most spiritually charged and visually breathtaking experience in all of India. Float past all 84 ghats as the ancient city awakens: priests perform Surya Puja, sadhus sit in deep Samadhi, thousands of devotees chant and take holy dips, silk weavers begin their looms, and the eternal flames of Manikarnika Ghat — burning continuously for over 3,500 years — cast a golden glow on the sacred river. After a traditional breakfast, explore the magnificent Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (inaugurated 2021) — the grand redeveloped precinct surrounding the Jyotirlinga with Annapurna Devi Temple, Avimukteshwar Mandir, Kashi Karvat Temple, and the vibrant Vishwanath Lane. Afternoon: Durga Kund Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir (built at the exact spot where Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi in 1574 CE), and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (founded by Tulsidas himself). Evening: the spectacular Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat — 7 head priests wielding 21-tier fire wands perform a 45-minute synchronized ritual before thousands of awestruck pilgrims and travelers. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 5

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

▼

After breakfast, drive to Sarnath (10 km, 20 mins) — the sacred Isipatana Deer Park where Siddhartha Gautama, having attained Enlightenment at Bodhgaya, delivered his very first sermon (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to his five disciples in 528 BCE — setting the Wheel of Dharma (Dhammachakra) in motion and founding the Buddhist Sangha. Visit the imposing Dhamek Stupa (5th century CE, built by Emperor Ashoka) marking the exact site of the First Sermon; Chaukhandi Stupa; Mulagandha Kuti Vihara (the Buddha's first residence at Sarnath, adorned with golden murals of his life by the Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu); and the world-class Sarnath Archaeological Museum — home to the Lion Capital of Ashoka (250 BCE, India's national emblem) and the earliest known Dharmachakra sculpture. Return to Varanasi for check-out. Drive to Prayagraj (approx. 200 km, 3.5 hrs). Check in to hotel. Evening: tranquil sunset boat ride at the Triveni Sangam — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati. Overnight in Prayagraj.

Day 6

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

▼

Wake before sunrise for the supreme pilgrimage act at Prayagraj — Sangam Snan at the Triveni Confluence. The Puranas proclaim a single dawn bath at the meeting of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati is equal in merit to the combined merit of all pilgrimages, all yagnas, and all acts of charity. After the snan, visit the Allahabad Fort (1583 CE, Emperor Akbar) for Akshaya Vat darshan — the immortal banyan tree described in the Mahabharata as indestructible even through cosmic Pralaya, recorded also by Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang in 644 CE. Visit Saraswati Koop, underground Patalpuri Temple, and Bade Hanuman Ji — the famous reclining Hanuman that submerges in Ganga floods each monsoon. Anand Bhawan (Nehru-Gandhi ancestral museum). Post-lunch check out and drive to Chitrakoot (approx. 130 km, 3 hrs). Check in to hotel. Evening: Ram Ghat on the serene Mandakini River — the same ghat where Sita bathed daily during Lord Ram's forest exile. Attend the gentle Mandakini Aarti as oil diyas drift on the river. Overnight in Chitrakoot.

Day 7

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

▼

Rise early for Mandakini Snan at Ram Ghat. After breakfast, immerse in the full Chitrakoot pilgrimage: Kamadgiri Parikrama — the sacred 5 km barefoot circumambulation of the Kamadgiri hill where Lord Ram is believed to dwell in his subtle form, said to fulfill all sincere wishes, with key shrines including Bharat Milap Mandir (where Bharat prostrated before Ram seeking his return). Gupt Godavari Caves — enter the twin caves where Ram held his forest royal court; wade through the inner cave's ankle-deep underground Godavari waters for an extraordinary experience. Hanuman Dhara — the miraculous hilltop spring that appeared when Hanuman prayed for cooling after returning from Lanka, flowing perpetually since. Janaki Kund and Sati Anusuiya Ashram. Post-lunch check out and drive to Ayodhya (approx. 280 km, 5 hrs — the longest drive of the tour). Arrive by evening. Check in to hotel. Visit Ram Mandir — the grand temple consecrated 22 January 2024, built at the birthplace of Lord Ram after a 500-year sacred movement. Visit Hanumangarhi. Evening: Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi. Overnight in Ayodhya.

Day 8

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

▼

Wake before sunrise for a Saryu Snan at Ram Ki Paidi — the most sacred bath in Ayodhya, believed to grant liberation (Moksha). After the snan, complete the full Ayodhya darshan circuit: Kanak Bhawan (the golden palace gifted to Sita by Queen Kaikeyi, housing resplendent golden idols of Ram and Sita), Sita Ki Rasoi (the original royal kitchen of the Ayodhya palace), Nageshwarnath Temple (established by Ram's sons Luv and Kush — one of the oldest continuously worshipped temples in Ayodhya), Treta Ke Thakur at Tulsi Ghat (where Tulsidas received a divine vision of Lord Ram), Mani Parvat, and Guptar Ghat — the solemn site on the Saryu where Lord Ram took Jal Samadhi at the conclusion 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 (3 April 1781) to Dharmadev and Bhaktimata. Visit the magnificent Swaminarayan Janmabhoomi temple complex. Attend evening aarti. Dinner and overnight in Chhapiya / Gonda.

Day 9

Chhapiya — Swaminarayan Janmabhoomi Darshan → Drive to Lucknow — Imambara & Nawabi Heritage

▼

Rise early for the morning aarti and full darshan at the Swaminarayan Janmabhoomi complex — the birthplace where Bhagwan Swaminarayan spent his early childhood before beginning his extraordinary spiritual journey: at age 11 he renounced home and walked 12,000 km barefoot across India over 7 years, later founding one of the world's most active Vaishnava movements with over 5 million followers and 1,100 temples globally including the Akshardham temples in Delhi and New York. Explore the Janmabhoomi Mandir marking the birth house, the childhood hindola (swing) of Ghanshyam Maharaj, and the beautiful temple grounds. Collect prasad and blessings. Check out and drive to Lucknow (approx. 90 km, 1.5 hrs) — the City of Nawabs, erstwhile capital of the Awadh Sultanate, a city of extraordinary architectural beauty, refined tehzeeb (cultural etiquette), and legendary cuisine. Check in to hotel. Afternoon: the magnificent Bara Imambara (1784 CE) — built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula as a famine relief project, featuring the bewildering Bhulbhulaiya labyrinth (a unique unsupported roof passage system, one of the architectural wonders of India) and the Asfi Mosque. Chhota Imambara (Palace of Lights) — adorned with thousands of crystal chandeliers from Belgium and golden calligraphic inscriptions. The iconic Rumi Darwaza — the 60-foot triumphal gateway modeled on a portal in Constantinople. Evening: stroll through Hazratganj, Lucknow's elegant colonial promenade. Dinner at a heritage restaurant — savour the legendary Awadhi cuisine: Dum Biryani, Galouti Kebab, Sheermal, Nihari, and Meetha Paan. Overnight in Lucknow.

Day 10

Lucknow — British Residency, Hussainabad & Departure

▼

After a leisurely breakfast, explore the remaining heritage gems of Lucknow: the British Residency (1800 CE) — the poignant ruins of the British administrative headquarters that became the site of the legendary 1857 Siege of Lucknow, now a protected monument with a haunting museum preserving the largest concentration of British graves in one place in India. Hussainabad Clock Tower (1887 CE) — the tallest clock tower in India at 67 metres, modeled on Big Ben. The Picture Gallery at Hussainabad Imambara — housing life-size portraits of the Nawabs of Awadh painted by European artists. Janeshwar Misra Park (Asia's second largest urban park) for a morning stroll. If time permits: Akbar's Tomb at Sikandara (en route) or the Zoo. Savor a final Lucknow breakfast of Nihari with Kulcha or Sheermal at one of the legendary old-city establishments. Transfer to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport or Lucknow Junction Railway Station for your onward journey. Tour concludes with the complete blessings of all seven destinations — Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Chhapiya, and Lucknow.

What's Included & What's Not Included

Inclusions

9 nights accommodation (2N Bodhgaya + 2N Varanasi + 1N Prayagraj + 1N Chitrakoot + 1N Ayodhya + 1N Chhapiya/Gonda + 1N Lucknow)
Daily breakfast and dinner as per itinerary (10 Breakfasts + 9 Dinners)
Private AC vehicle for all transfers throughout the 10-day circuit
Full route: Bodhgaya → Rajgir → Nalanda → Gaya → Varanasi → Sarnath → Prayagraj → Chitrakoot → Ayodhya → Chhapiya → Lucknow → departure
Dedicated English/Hindi-speaking pilgrimage-cum-heritage guide throughout
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
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 International Airport or Lucknow Junction
24/7 on-call support throughout the 10-day journey

Exclusions

Flight or train tickets to Gaya/Bodhgaya (start) or from Lucknow (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)
British Residency and Hussainabad Clock Tower entry fees (nominal)
Any personal expenses — shopping, laundry, beverages, phone calls
Travel insurance (strongly recommended for senior pilgrims)
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 before all temples and ghats.

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

For Pind Daan at Gaya: carry the full name, gotra, and father's name of each ancestor; pandit dakshina is extra (approx. ₹1,500–3,000).

For Gupt Godavari inner cave: wear clothes comfortable for wading ankle-deep water for ~50 metres; keep valuables in a waterproof pouch.

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

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

Nalanda, Sarnath, and British Residency ASI entry fees are payable on-site (not included, approx. ₹40–50 for Indian nationals).

Tour starts at Bodhgaya/Gaya and ends at Lucknow. Pick-up from Gaya Airport/Junction and drop to Lucknow International Airport/Junction included.

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

Frequently Asked Questions — 9 Nights 10 Days Bodhgaya Varanasi Prayagraj Chitrakoot Ayodhya Chhapiya Lucknow Tour Package

Why does this 10-day tour end at Lucknow instead of Chhapiya?

▼

Lucknow (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport) is the major flight hub for the entire Awadh-Uttar Pradesh region, with direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and international destinations. Ending the tour at Lucknow provides the most convenient departure options. As a bonus, the final evening and morning in Lucknow allows guests to experience the magnificent Nawabi heritage of the city — the Imambaras, Rumi Darwaza, and legendary Awadhi cuisine — making for a rich cultural finale to the pilgrimage.

What makes this 9N10D tour the most complete version of this circuit?

▼

This is the grand full version: 2 nights at Bodhgaya (covers both the Mahabodhi Temple and the Rajgir–Nalanda day excursion), 2 nights at Varanasi (covers Kashi Vishwanath, Sarnath, all major ghats, and the Ganga Aarti), plus dedicated nights at Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Chhapiya, and Lucknow. No destination is rushed. Every city has enough time for its most important sites AND the surrounding spiritual atmosphere. The 7N8D and 8N9D versions are compressed alternatives — this 9N10D is for travelers who wish to truly absorb each sacred destination.

What is Lucknow famous for and why is it included in a pilgrimage tour?

▼

Lucknow was the capital of the Nawabs of Awadh (18th–19th century CE) and is one of the most culturally refined cities in India, known for its extraordinary Mughal-Nawabi architecture, the art of Chikankari embroidery, classical Kathak dance, and the world's most celebrated Awadhi cuisine (Dum Biryani, Galouti Kebab, Nihari). Its Bara Imambara (1784 CE) is an architectural masterpiece with the famous unsupported Bhulbhulaiya roof system. Including Lucknow transforms this pilgrimage circuit into a complete cultural journey — sacred heritage AND the living grandeur of India's composite civilization.

Is the Bhulbhulaiya (labyrinth) at Bara Imambara safe to explore?

▼

The Bhulbhulaiya is a well-maintained historical attraction with guided tours available. It consists of a series of interconnected corridors and staircases on the upper floor of the Bara Imambara with 489 identical doors — visitors without a guide can easily get lost. We recommend taking the official ASI guide available at the entrance (small additional fee) rather than exploring independently. The labyrinth is perfectly safe for all ages; just follow your guide and it becomes a delightfully disorienting adventure.

What is the best time of year for this Bodhgaya to Lucknow grand circuit?

▼

October to March is ideal — pleasant weather (8–26°C) across all seven destinations, making outdoor pilgrimages, ghat walks, and heritage exploration comfortable. Festival highlights: Buddha Purnima at Bodhgaya (April–May), Dev Deepawali at Varanasi (November — all 84 ghats illuminated with millions of diyas), Magh Mela at Prayagraj (January–February), Deepotsav at Ayodhya (November), Ram Navami at Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Chhapiya (March–April). Lucknow's Nawabi Festival (Lucknow Mahotsav) in November–December is an excellent time to experience the city's cultural grandeur.

Can this 10-day circuit be extended to add Naimisharanya?

▼

Yes. Naimisharanya (Nimsar, Sitapur) is only 85 km from Lucknow and can easily be added as a morning excursion on Day 10 before reaching Lucknow Airport (for afternoon/evening flights). Alternatively, adding a dedicated night makes it an 11N12D package. Naimisharanya — with Chakra Tirth, the Lalita Devi Shakti Peetha (one of 108 Shakti Peethas), and the Vyasa Gaddi where the Puranas were composed — is one of the most spiritually significant yet undervisited sites in India. We can customize the itinerary to include it on request.

Ready to Explore Bodhgaya?

Customized itineraries · Best price guarantee · 24×7 support

💬 Get Quote on WhatsApp 📞 Call Now