Book instantly and pay securely with your credit card.
Clear pricing with no hidden charges.
This itinerary can be customized to match your preferences.
Reliable support throughout your journey.
Overview & Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our expertly crafted 8 days Short Buddhist Tour North India. The trip includes 4 star hotels, delicious meals, all transfers, Expert Buddhist tour guide, and more. Book now or customize this tour for an incredible holiday!
Key highlights of Short Buddhist Tour North India:
- Experience the profound serenity of Bodhgaya, the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
- Meditate at Gridhakuta Hill in Rajgir, where Lord Buddha meditated and delivered key sermons.
- Explore Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and visit the historic Dhamekha Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum.
- Experience Varanasi, among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating to 11th century B.C.
Follow a 8 Days route covering 6 destinations from New Delhi, India.
Customize hotels, pace, room category and special interests before you confirm the trip.
Stay in 3 hotel options selected to match comfort, location and travel flow.
Book with trusted local experts, fast response times and ongoing trip assistance before and during travel.
Guiding and trip support available in English, German.
Itinerary
On arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to New Delhi airport to board a flight to Bodhgaya. Upon arrival at Bodhgaya airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later in the evening visit Mahabodhi temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodhgaya, marks the sacred location where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Overnight stay at the hotel at Bodhgaya.
After an early morning breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, where you'll see Muchalinda Lake, the Bodhi Tree, and the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), the exact spot where Buddha meditated. Continue your tour with a visit to the Great Buddha Statue, an impressive 80-foot tall depiction of Buddha in a meditative pose. Explore the various monasteries and temples in the area, each built by different Buddhist nations and reflecting their unique architectural styles and cultural traditions. Notable ones include the Thai Monastery, the Japanese Temple, and the Tibetan Monastery. In the afternoon, visit Sujata Kuti, the house of Sujata, who offered Buddha rice pudding, ending his years of asceticism and guiding him toward enlightenment. If time permits, proceed to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha meditated before coming to Bodhgaya. After a day filled with spiritual discovery and historical insights, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
After an early breakfast at the hotel in Bodh Gaya, drive to Rajgir, an important place connected with Lord Buddha. On arrival, visit Vulture’s Peak (Gridhakuta Parvat), where Buddha meditated and gave many important teachings. Next, see Venu Vana (Bamboo Grove), the first monastery gifted to Buddha, followed by Bimbisara’s Prison, which tells an important historical story. Continue to the Cyclopean Wall, an ancient stone wall built without cement, showing the engineering skills of early India. Later, drive to Nalanda to visit the ruins of Ancient Nalanda University, one of the world’s oldest centers of Buddhist learning. In the evening, return to Bodh Gaya. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodh Gaya.
The day is free to meditate at the Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, or to explore Bodh Gaya at your own pace. Our tour guide will assist you in planning your day as per your interests. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodh Gaya.
After breakfast, leave for Sarnath, a place of immense significance among the Buddhists. Here, around 528 BCE, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, laying the foundation for this major world religion. Sarnath brims with historical treasures. First, visit the Sarnath Archaeological Site, home to the Dhamek Stupa and the legendary Ashoka Pillar. Later visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern temple with beautiful murals depicting the life of Buddha. Then visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts from the archaeological site. After that visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, which marks the place where Lord Buddha first met his disciples. In the evening, head to the banks of the Sacred Ganges River to partake in the Aarti ceremony for a truly unforgettable experience. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Start your day with a peaceful morning boat ride on the River Ganges in Varanasi, enjoying the calm atmosphere and spiritual energy of the city. After the boat ride, take a gentle walk along the sacred ghats, where daily rituals and prayers reflect the deep faith of local life. Later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, our driver will transfer you to Varanasi Railway Station to board your express train to New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi Railway Station, our local representative will meet you and assist with a smooth transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in New Delhi.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Humayun's Tomb, an architectural gem built in 1562, followed by a stop at the vibrant Tibetan Market in North Delhi for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Drive through Lutyens' Delhi, passing landmarks like the Presidential House and India Gate, pausing for photos. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Qutab Minar, an iconic minaret and historical marvel, before transferring to IGI Airport for your onward journey.
Personalize Your Itinerary
Share your preferred dates, hotel level, and travel interests. Our experts will refine your itinerary and create the right plan for your trip.
What is Included in This Tour
- One-way domestic flight from New Delhi to Bodhgaya (Economy Class).
- 7 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels on twin or double sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotels (Buffet / Fixed Menu).
- An English speaking Buddhist guide will escort you throughout the tour.
- Airport pick-up / drop-off, all sightseeing and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary.
- 1-2 persons - by comfortable sedan car such as Toyota Etios or Suzuki Dzire or similar.
- 3 persons - by comfortable MUV car such as Toyota Innova Crysta or similar.
- 4 or more persons - by comfortable mini-van such as Tempo Traveller / Tourist Bus or similar.
- Express train ticket from Varanasi to New Delhi (Vande Bharat Express).
- Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
- 1 boat ride on river ganges in Varanasi.
- 1 mineral water bottle per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Insurance - It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to India.
- Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Dutch, are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
- Any International flights are not included.
- Visa fee (if applicable).
- Any personal expenses, laundry, telephone charges.
- Any monument entrance fee, camera fee.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
At Alkof Holidays, we ensure smooth travel planning. Our FAQ covers everything from booking procedures and payment methods to travel itineraries, best times to visit, hotel upgrades, and more. For more assistance, contact us anytime.
Bodhgaya holds immense significance in Buddhism as it is the place where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. This transformative moment marked the birth of Buddhism, making Bodhgaya a cornerstone of the religion. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a symbol of this spiritual journey and attracts devotees and travelers from all over the world. Beyond its historical and religious importance, Bodhgaya embodies a timeless message of peace, compassion, and introspection, serving as a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and spiritual seekers alike. Its serene atmosphere and rich heritage continue to inspire and connect people to the teachings of Buddha.
Yes, the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya is still alive and thriving. The current tree is a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Despite facing destruction multiple times in history, it has been carefully preserved and remains a sacred symbol for Buddhists worldwide.
Yes, this tour is suitable for solo travelers. It is safe, well-organized, and operated on a private basis, with personalized support and assistance throughout the journey.
Yes, we accept international credit cards. Your payments are highly secure, as we process them through trusted platforms such as CCAvenue and PayPal. This ensures your transaction details are protected with the highest level of security standards.
Yes, your pickup is included in the tour. A representative will meet you at your specified location - whether at the airport, railway station, or your hotel - to ensure a smooth transfer, allowing you to begin your journey comfortably and stress-free. All internal airport pickups and drop-offs are also included in the tour.
Know Before Your Go
- If rooms are not available at the mentioned hotels, we will provide alternate hotels of a similar category. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
- For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India, and Nepal.
- Transportation is provided according to the itinerary only and is not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis.
- Any costs arising from natural calamities such as road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
- India VISA: In most cases, you'll need a visa to visit India. Exceptions include Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizens of a few select countries with visa-free agreements. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 30 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 30 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.
If you cancel the tour at least 31 days before the scheduled departure date, there will be no cancellation fee. Kindly read complete details at Cancellation Policy.
Need Support?
Need a human touch? Our friendly Customer Support is there for you 24/7. Contact Support
Why book this tour with Alkof Holidays?
Alkof Holidays creates private and customizable journeys for international travelers with local insight, responsive support, and carefully selected travel partners across India.