How to Plan Your 8 Days Divine Steps of Buddha Tour from Bodhgaya

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich spiritual history of India, the 8 Days Divine Steps of Buddha Tour from Bodhgaya is a fantastic option. This tour takes you on a journey through some of the most significant Buddhist sites in India, following in the footsteps of Buddha himself.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your tour:

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step, of course, is to book your tour. You can do this by visiting the official tour website at https://viator.com. The tour starts in Bodhgaya, so make sure to arrange your travel plans accordingly.

Step 2: Check What’s Included

Once you’ve booked your tour, it’s important to understand what’s included. The following are included in the tour package:

• Private transportation
• Parking fees
• Monument entry fees
• Restroom on board
• Gratuities

It’s worth noting that anything not mentioned in the inclusions is not covered by the tour, so be sure to budget accordingly.

Step 3: Choose Your Pickup Option

The tour offers two pickup options: you can either head directly to the meeting point or request pickup. If you choose the pickup option, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or a designated pickup point. The meeting point for the tour is Kalachakra Maidan, Birla Dharamshala Rd Bodh Gaya Bihar 824231 India.

Step 4: Know the Start and End Time

The tour starts at 01:00 PM, so make sure to plan your travel accordingly. The tour concludes at Varanasi Airport or Station, so plan your departure accordingly.

Step 5: Be Ready for Pickup

The tour operator requests that guests be ready at the hotel lobby or the pickup point 15 minutes prior to pickup time. An IML Travel representative will get in touch with you to inform you of the exact pickup time. You can contact the tour operator’s helpline for any last-minute assistance.

What to Expect on the Tour

The 8 Days Divine Steps of Buddha Tour from Bodhgaya is a comprehensive tour that takes you through some of the most significant Buddhist sites in India. Here’s what you can expect on the tour:

• Day 1: Arrive in Bodhgaya, check into your hotel, and explore the town at your leisure.
• Day 2: Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, the site where Buddha achieved enlightenment. You’ll also visit the Bodhi Tree, which is believed to be the same tree that Buddha meditated under.
• Day 3: Visit Rajgir, the site where Buddha gave his first sermon. You’ll also visit the Vulture’s Peak, which is believed to be where Buddha gave some of his most important teachings.
• Day 4: Visit Nalanda, one of the oldest universities in the world and a significant center of Buddhist learning.
• Day 5: Visit Vaishali, the site where Buddha gave his last sermon. You’ll also visit Ashokan Pillar, which is adorned with some of the earliest and finest art that India has produced.
• Day 6: Visit Sarnath, the site where Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. You’ll also visit Dhamekh Stupa, which is believed to mark the spot where Buddha taught his first lesson.
• Day 7: Spend the day exploring Varanasi, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and a significant center of Hinduism.
• Day 8: Depart from Varanasi Airport or Station and return home.

Additional Information

Here are a few additional pieces of information you should know about the tour:

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
• Transpor…book the tour here

Conclusion

The 8 Days Divine Steps of Buddha Tour from Bodhgaya is a fantastic opportunity to explore the rich spiritual heritage of India. By following these simple steps, you can plan your tour with ease and get the most out of your experience. Book your tour today and prepare for an unforgettable journey.

An Insider’s Guide to the City of Bodhgaya: Discover Hidden Gems and Divine Experiences

Are you planning a visit to Bodhgaya, the city where Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment? With its rich spiritual heritage, Bodhgaya is an enchanting destination for soul-searchers, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts. But if you’re looking for an off-beat, inspirational journey where you can take in the true essence of Bodhgaya and its people, you’ll need some insider tips.

Here are some highlights and hidden gems to help you plan your 8-day Divine Steps of Buddha Tour from Bodhgaya.

Local Attractions: Discover the Off-beat And Lesser-known Options

While visiting the Bodhgaya temple and Mahabodhi tree is a must, you’ll be surprised to learn that the city has many other enticing attractions. The ancient ruins of the Nalanda University and the Ajapala Nigrodha tree, where Buddha is said to have meditated for three sleepless nights, are two fascinating sites to visit.

To get a sense of the local lifestyle, take a stroll to the Bodhgaya village. It’s a bustling hub of artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs, where you can rediscover the spirit of rural India. Another lesser-known attraction is the incredible Sujata Garh, a serene spot where a young village girl offered Buddha a bowl of milk and rice, which started his journey to enlightenment.

Dining Spots: Savor Local Cuisine And Engage In Food Culture

Bodhgaya boasts a deep-rooted food culture that reflects the diversity of its people. Head to the bustling streets to sample delicious street food like Samosas, Jalebis, and Nutella Parathas.

To try out some authentic local cuisine, visit the international meditation center, where they serve a traditional meal with rice, curry, dal, and chapati. Also, check out the Tibetan food offerings at Bodhgaya’s Tibetan restaurant, run by the Tibetan refugees.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself In Local Traditions

During your stay in Bodhgaya, there are plenty of cultural experiences to offer to enrich the journey. Attend the weekly meditation sessions conducted by Buddhist monks, which will help calm the soul. Check out the Nyingma monastery, one of the oldest of the four Tibetan sects, where you can learn about the practices of Tantra, see monks create sand mandalas, and participate in the morning prayers. Watch the Chhau dance, an annual local festival that’s a beautiful blend of tradition, folklore, and art.

Local History: Discover Fascinating Stories From The Past

Bodhgaya is steeped in rich history, and there are many captivating stories that go beyond the regular touristy facts. For instance, visit the Barabar Caves, which hold the record for being one of the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. It served as Ajivika congregational chambers in ancient times.

The Shanti Stupa, one of the top attractions for visitors, has an interesting story. Built by the Japanese Buddhists, it was meant to inspire peace and non-violence in the world after being bombarded during WWII.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Destinations: Unexpected Trip Ideas

Looking to add some unique and unusual experiences to your list of things to do? Attend a Yakshagana, a theatrical dance that enacts mythological stories, performed in the neighboring town of Araria. Spend some time volunteering at the Mahabodhi Tree School, which provides education for several socio-economically disadvantaged children.

Travel to Rajgir, an hour’s drive from Bodhgaya, an ancient city and former capital of the Magadha empire. Here, you can take a thrilling trolley ride in the hills, be awed by the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and visit some ancient Buddhist temples.

Closing Thoughts:

This Insider’s Guide to Bodhgaya has given you a glimpse into a spiritual and enchanting place that is rich in culture and history. Experience the local cuisine, traditions, and off-beat attractions that go beyond the tourist guidebooks. May your journey be filled with profound moments and divine inspiration, and may you find your own path to enlightenment!