Welcome to Bihar & Jharkhand
Remote and rural, Bihar is the birthplace of Buddhism – indeed its very name derives from vihara, the Sanskrit word for Buddhist monastery. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world throng its many places of religious significance, most extraordinary of which is Bodhgaya, the site of Buddha's enlightenment, where getting caught up in the spiritual atmosphere is a major draw for travellers. In tribal Jharkhand, holy Parasnath Hill is a revered Jain pilgrimage site, and joining devotees on the hike to the top is a surreal highlight for those who like to get off the beaten track.
Top experiences in Bihar & Jharkhand
Travel guides
Starting at $45.49
Bihar & Jharkhand activities
Day Trip To Nalanda And Rajgir From Bodhgaya With Lunch
You will be picked up from your hotel in Gaya and driven to Nalanda, which is a 2-hour drive away.Nalanda is one of the world’s oldest living cities. It flourished as an international university under the patronage of Emperors Ashoka and Harshavardhana, who built temples and monasteries here. Nalanda was the first residential university of the world. It attracted scholars from all over the Buddhist world and at its peak had around 2 000 teachers and 10 000 monks staying here. The monasteries here are built on the Kushan style of architecture. There is a large courtyard that is surrounded by cells where the monks lived. Nalanda was destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 12th century. The three libraries here were burnt down. It is said that they had such a large collection of books and manuscripts that the fire burnt for six months. Spend some time walking through the ruins of this ancient seat of learning.Next take lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded).After lunch visit Rajgir, that is 10 miles from Nalanda. Rajgir was the capital of the ancient state of Magadh. Lord Buddha spent many years in Rajgir and delivered some of his famous sermons here. This town is important for the Jain community, too, as Lord Mahavira is also said to have stayed in Rajgir. The travelogues of ancient Buddhist travelers Huen Tsang and Fa Hian also mention Rajgir. Vulture peak - Lord Buddha’s favorite retreat and Ajatshatru Fort are two important sites to visit in Rajgir.At the end of the tour you will be driven back to Gaya and dropped off at your hotel.
Day Trip To Nalanda And Rajgir From Bodhgaya
You will be picked up from your hotel in Gaya and driven to Nalanda, which is a 2-hour drive away.Nalanda is one of the world’s oldest living cities. It flourished as an international university under the patronage of Emperors Ashoka and Harshavardhana, who built temples and monasteries here. Nalanda was the first residential university of the world. It attracted scholars from all over the Buddhist world and at its peak had around 2 000 teachers and 10 000 monks staying here. The monasteries here are built on the Kushan style of architecture. There is a large courtyard that is surrounded by cells where the monks lived. Nalanda was destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 12th century. The three libraries here were burnt down. It is said that they had such a large collection of books and manuscripts that the fire burnt for six months. Spend some time walking through the ruins of this ancient seat of learning.Next take lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).After lunch visit Rajgir, that is 10 miles from Nalanda. Rajgir was the capital of the ancient state of Magadh. Lord Buddha spent many years in Rajgir and delivered some of his famous sermons here. This town is important for the Jain community, too, as Lord Mahavira is also said to have stayed in Rajgir. The travelogues of ancient Buddhist travelers Huen Tsang and Fa Hian also mention Rajgir. Vulture peak - Lord Buddha’s favorite retreat and Ajatshatru Fort are two important sites to visit in Rajgir.At the end of the tour you will be driven back to Gaya and dropped off at your hotel.
Explore Bodhgaya - Lord Buddha's Enlightenment Place With Lunch
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken for a tour of Bodhgaya. Visit the 170 feet high Mahabodhi Temple that has a huge statue of Lord Buddha made of black stone. In the grounds of the temple is the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment. The tree is believed to be the fifth generation of the original tree. Also visit the 80 feet statue of Lord Buddha that is built in the Japanese style.Next drive over to Sujata Village, where a village girl offered food to the Buddha that inspired him to choose the Middle Path. Your guide will also take you to the banks of the River Niranjana in which the Buddha bathed after attaining enlightenment.At the end of the tour, enjoy an included lunch (beverage excluded) at a local restaurant. After lunch you will be dropped back at your hotel.
Explore Bodhgaya - Lord Buddha's Enlightenment Place
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken for a tour of Bodhgaya. Visit the 170 feet high Mahabodhi Temple that has a huge statue of Lord Buddha made of black stone. In the grounds of the temple is the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment. The tree is believed to be the fifth generation of the original tree. Also visit the 80 feet statue of Lord Buddha that is built in the Japanese style.Next drive over to Sujata Village, where a village girl offered food to the Buddha that inspired him to choose the Middle Path. Your guide will also take you to the banks of the River Niranjana in which the Buddha bathed after attaining enlightenment.At the end of the tour, enjoy lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant. After lunch you will be dropped back at your hotel.
Trip to Bodhgaya - The Holy Place of Enlightenment, with Nalanda-Rajgir
Mahabodhi Temple - depicting the various phases of Buddha's journey towards enlightenment, showing different aspects of his life; Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum - houses a small collection of Buddhist sculpture from the 1st century B.C, to the 11th century A.D; Jagannath Temple close by has a four armed statue of Shiva in black stone. Visit Rajgir which is one of the most important site. Rajgir has its own very scenic beauty surrounded by five holy hills, the picturesque little town of Rajgir is important for Buddhists as well as Jains. Nalanda is one of the world's oldest living cities. The Buddhist University of Nalanda, once the most prestigious center of learning in Asia, was built here. Enjoy the company of our knowledgeable Local Tour Guide, who will brief you about the important sites. What you can expect – Itinerary is given below for your reference Day 1: Bodhgaya On time, pick-up from Bodhgaya Airport and meet our Tour Escort, check in at hotel. Day 2: Bodhgaya Proceed for city tour of Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple - depicting the various phases of Buddha's journey towards enlightenment, showing different aspects of his life; Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum - houses a small collection of Buddhist sculpture from the 1st century B.C, to the 11th century A.D. Day 3: Bodhgaya - proceed for excursion of Rajgir & Nalanda After breakfast at Hotel, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Nalanda & Rajgir. Nalanda is the antiquated seat of taking in, the remains of the University uncover that it was the primary International University of the world, where more than 2,000 instructors and 1,000 understudies from everywhere throughout the Buddhist world lived and considered. The exhumed vestiges are astounding, with sanctuaries, cloisters and address lobbies symmetrically spread over a vast region. Rajgir – It is another imperative spot of journey for Buddhists and also Jains. Antiquated Rajgirha, truly the house Kings, was the principal capital of Magadha. Vulture Peak, Ajatsatru Fort, Griddhakuta, are the imperative spots to visit in Rajgir. Evening on time, drop back to Bodhgaya Hotel. Day 4: Depart Bodhgaya On time, transfer to Gaya Airport to connect flight for onward destination.
Lord Buddhas Trail Tour
Mahabodhi Temple - depicting the various phases of Buddha's journey towards enlightenment. Sarnath:Located merely 8 kilometers away from Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the major Buddhist attractions venerated by the Buddhists from all across the globe. It was at Sarnath where the Lord Gautama Buddha after attaining enlightenment had preached His first sermon to His five disciples. Banaras Hindu University:Scattered over a vast area of 2,000 acres, the Banaras Hindu University has the privilege of being the largest and the oldest university of north India. Attend Ganga Aarti at Holy River Ghat. Enjoy the company of our knowledgeable Local Tour Guide, who will brief you about the important sites. What you can expect – Itinerary is given below for your reference Day 01 : Arrive Gaya by International flight Arrive Gaya Airport on time. On arrival, meet & greet by our Representative and direct proceed to Bodhgaya. On arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in. Overnight stay at Hotel. Day 02: Bodhgaya After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Bodhgaya. Here under the Bodhi Tree, Shakyamuni Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, "the Enlightened one" the profounder of one of the great religious of the world. River Niranjana in which the Buddha bathed after attaining enlighten flows quietly outside the tiny hamlet. Also visit the local monasteries & temples. Overnight stay at Hotel. Day 03: Bodhgaya – Varanasi (Approx. 275 Kms / 6 Hrs. drive) Breakfast at Hotel. Morning leave Bodhgaya for Varanasi by drive. Upon arrival transfer to hotel for check-in. Evening attend Ganga Aarti at Holy River Ghats. Overnight stay at Hotel. Day 04:Varanasi Early morning boat excursion in the River Ganga, a ferry Pilgrimage from Ghat to Ghat People bath early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. Return to hotel for Breakfast. Later sightseeing tour of the city including the Bharat Mata Temple with a big relief Map of India in Marble, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University which is an art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb built on a site of an ancient Hindu Temple. Afternoon enjoy excursion to Sarnath. It was here that the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and set in motion the wheel of law of Buddhist faith. Evening on time, drop back to Varanasi Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel. Day 05: Varanasi – Departure Morning enjoy breakfast at Hotel. Later on time, check-out from Hotel and directly transfer to the Airport to connect flight for onward destination.