How to Plan Your 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi

If you’re planning on visiting India, you won’t want to miss out on the rich cultural and religious history that Bodhgaya has to offer. With our 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi, you’ll get to experience firsthand the birthplace of Buddhism and explore the many temples and sites that make this city so special.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour:

Overview

This private tour is designed to give you a personalized experience of Bodhgaya, providing you with your own personal tour guide who will take you on a journey through the city. You’ll explore the most famous and historically significant temples and monuments, and you’ll stay in comfortable and well-appointed accommodation.

What’s Included

The 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour is all-inclusive, meaning you won’t have to worry about additional expenses or hidden fees. Here’s what you can expect to be included in your tour package:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
• Professional private tour guide
• Entrance fees to all the temples and monuments
• One-night accommodation with breakfast
• Lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast and lunch on the second day
• Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

You have two options for meeting and pickup: you can head directly to the meeting point, or you can request pickup at your hotel. If you choose to meet at the point, the meeting point is Taj Ganges Varanasi. If you prefer to be picked up, you’ll be contacted by an IML Travel representative to determine the exact pickup time.

Meeting Point

• Taj Ganges Varanasi
• Nadesar Palace Grounds Nadesar Chaukaghat Varanasi Uttar Pradesh 221002 India
• The guest are advised to wait at the main entrance of the Taj Ganges Nadesar located right on the main road. IML Travel representative will be holding a placard in the name of the guest for easy identification.

Pickup Point

• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
• Babatpur Uttar Pradesh 221006 India

Start Time and End Point

The tour starts at 07:30 AM and ends back at the meeting point. Guests are advised to be ready at the hotel lobby area or pickup point 15 minutes prior to pickup time.

What to Expect

On the first day, you’ll arrive in Bodhgaya and start by exploring Mahabodhi Temple, also known as the Great Awakening Temple. This is one of the most famous temples in India and is known as the place where the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. You’ll also get a chance to explore the Bodhi Tree, which is located within the temple complex.

You’ll then move on to explore the other sites in Bodhgaya, including the Thai Monastery and Burmese Monastery, the Vishnupad Temple, and the Japanese Temple.

After a full day of exploring, you’ll stay overnight in Bodhgaya at a well-appointed hotel, complete with breakfast included.

On the second day of the tour, you’ll visit the Nalanda University ruins, which is an ancient university that was one of the most important centers of learning during the Buddhist period. You’ll also visit the ruins of the ancient city of Rajgir and the Bimbisar Jail of King Bimbisara, who was jailed by his son.

After this, you’ll be returned to your hotel or the pickup point, depending on your preference.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Infants must sit on laps
• Near public transportation

To book your 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi, visit here. With all the must-see sites and once in a lifetime experiences included, this tour is your best bet for exploring and experiencing the cultural wonderland of Bodhgaya.

An Insider’s Guide to Bodhgaya: The Hidden Gems, Local Cuisine and Traditions, and Off-The-Beaten-Path Treasures

Bodhgaya is a city rich in history and culture, known for its spiritual significance and the birthplace of Buddhism. Tourists flock to this city to visit places related to Lord Buddha’s life, and experience peace and tranquility. But Bodhgaya has much more to offer than just the famous Mahabodhi Temple and other popular tourist spots. As a Bodhgaya insider, there are hidden gems that only the locals know, local cuisines to satisfy your taste buds, and unique experiences to make the most of your trip to this incredible city.

Local Attractions: Uncovering Bodhgaya’s Hidden Gems

While the Mahabodhi Temple and other famous Buddhist monasteries are well-known tourist locations, there are some hidden gems in the city that only local people know. One such place is the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Lord Buddha spent time meditating before he attained enlightenment. It’s a short 12km drive away from Bodhgaya and can be visited as part of day-trip. Another such hidden gem is the Royal Bhutan Monastery, which may be less crowded but is rich in traditional Bhutanese architecture and decor. Make sure to add them to your list of attractions to not miss out on the best of Bodhgaya’s hidden treasures.

Dining Spots: Savoring Bodhgaya’s Delicious Local Cuisine

The cuisine in Bodhgaya is a unique blend of local flavors, influenced by different regions and cultures. Litti-chokha is a popular delicacy consisting of roasted gram flour balls stuffed with spiced sattu (gram flour) and served with potato mash and chutney. You can find many shops and street vendors selling this savory treat in Bodhgaya. For dessert, do try sattu ki khajoor, made of dates stuffed with sattu, Yoghurt and chena. You’ll find exclusive dishes like these at local restaurants and cafes, but don’t be afraid to wander off the main streets to look for the authentic and tasty gems.

Cultural Experiences: Bodhgaya’s Traditions, Festivals, and Art

Bodhgaya is proud of its local culture, and this can be seen through its vibrant traditions, festivals, and artistic heritage. Visit the city during October or November, and you may be lucky to catch a glimpse of the ten-day Buddha Mahotsav, a festival that celebrates Lord Buddha’s life and teachings with vibrant processions, music, dance, and art exhibitions. Apart from that, Bodhgaya is enriched with cultural heritage sites like Great Buddha Statue, Sujatha Stupa, Burmese Temple, and many more which showcases Buddhism’s art and culture. When exploring Bodhgaya, keep your eyes open for local festivals and cultural programs to gain insight into the city’s rich culture.

Local History: Captivating Stories Behind Bodhgaya’s Past

Bodhgaya has a rich and fascinating history that is often overlooked by tourists. Do you know that Bodhgaya was once considered the capital of the Magadha Kingdom and war ensued between the King of this region and the Lichchhavis of Vaishali that ultimately resulted in the spread of Buddhism? Even Lord Buddha spent six years traveling through different parts of the city performing austerities before he reached enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Bodhgaya’s history goes beyond the premises of the famous temple, and delving into its stories can be a rewarding experience.

Off-The-Beaten-Path: Unique Suggestions for your Bodhgaya Visit

Bodhgaya is full of unique experiences that go beyond the conventional tourist spots. For instance, take a morning or evening walk around the streets to experience the cityscape and the local vibe. You can also rent bicycles and travel around the city’s rural outskirts, enjoying the lush greenery and scenic views of the surrounding hills. There are several meditation centers offering courses and retreats for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. Visit the local Bodhgaya market at Pragati Maidan, where you’ll find everything from clothing to souvenirs to the freshest produce from nearby villages. Bodhgaya offers a wide range of exciting and unique activities to discover, making your trip a one-of-a-kind experience to cherish.

In conclusion, Bodhgaya is more than just a spiritual city; it’s a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. Exploring the hidden gems, local food culture, and experiencing the different cultural and off-the-beaten-track activities can create a unique and engaging experience. By following these suggestions that we listed, you can discover the fascinating and diverse sides of Bodhgaya that fully complement its spiritual significance as well.