Sacred Cities of North India
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Begin in Ayodhya and finish at Patna – a 5 day journey through India’s spiritual heartlands. In Ayodhya, you’ll visit Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan, then join the Sarayu Aarti at dusk. Continue to Varanasi for dawn boat rides, the moving Ganga Aarti, winding lanes and the Kashi Vishwanath area – plus nearby Sarnath’s stupas and museum. Travel on to Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple Complex and international monasteries for quiet reflection. Conclude via Rajgir and Nalanda – from Vulture’s Peak views to evocative university ruins – before departing from Patna. Expect rich ritual, layered history and a gentle, well paced itinerary.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
AyodhyaEnds
VaranasiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$2,445.00
$1,301.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Gorakhpur
Ayodhya
Ayodhya Division
Varanasi
Varanasi Division
Bodh Gaya
Rajgir
Nalanda
Patna
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Exploring Ayodhya
Arrive at Ayodhya airport, where we meet you and arrange a smooth transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you can take a little time to settle in before we begin exploring this historic city, long revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama.
We visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, then continue to Hanuman Garhi, an ancient temple-fort dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and Kanak Bhawan, closely associated with Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. As dusk falls, we join the Sarayu Aarti on the riverbank – an evening prayer with chants and lamps. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Journey to Varanasi
After breakfast, we drive from Ayodhya to Varanasi – about 220 kilometres, taking roughly five hours – and check in to your hotel on arrival. You can take some time to settle in before we head out at dusk to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the Ganga Aarti – a coordinated ritual of lamps, incense and chant honouring the Ganges. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 - Exploring Varanasi
We rise early for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, watching daily rituals along the ghats as the city comes to life. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we continue into Varanasi’s old lanes and markets.
We visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, then the Bharat Mata Temple with its marble relief map of India, and the campus of Banaras Hindu University.
In the afternoon we drive to Sarnath – the site of the Buddha’s first sermon – to see the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Museum. We return to Varanasi afterwards. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Varanasi to Bodh Gaya
After breakfast, we depart Varanasi for Bodh Gaya – approx. 250 kilometres – about 6 hours by road. On arrival, we visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. We then explore the Royal Bhutan Monastery, Thai Monastery and Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple, each reflecting distinct Buddhist traditions. You may wish to spend some quiet time at the meditation areas within the complex for personal reflection. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 - Journey to Patna
From Bodh Gaya, we drive to Rajgir, continue to Nalanda and then on to Patna Airport – approximately 120 km, around 3 hours by road. In Rajgir, we visit the Rajgir Archaeological Museum to see artefacts from the Mauryan and Gupta periods, then head up to Vulture’s Peak, a key Buddhist site associated with the Buddha’s discourses and broad views of the surrounding landscape. We travel onward to Nalanda to walk among the ruins of the ancient university and visit the Nalanda Archaeological Museum, where sculptures, coins and other finds trace the region’s scholarly heritage. We then continue to Patna Airport for your onward journey.
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Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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