The Land of Buddha: Varanasi, Gaya and Nalanda 4 night Pre Tour

Our driver will meet you at Varanasi airport and transfer you to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Take rowing boats for sunrise over the bathing ghats along the Ganges. After breakfast, visit the old city and explore the labyrinth of narrow streets, visiting Kashi Vishwanath temple and witnessing local weavers in action. After lunch, visit Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at the Deer Park. Finish the day with a walk along the Ghats to witness the Aarti rituals before dinner in a local restaurant.

After breakfast in your hotel, take a train to Bodh Gaya, one of the most sacred and important Buddhist pilgrimage centres in the world. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Today we visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, one of earliest Buddhist temples built in brick that still survives today. See the famous Bodhi tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and explore the many temples and monasteries. Return to your hotel for the evening.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel overland to Nalanda. Dating back to the 5th century CE, this ancient university and Buddhist monastic centre was noted as among the greatest centres of learning in the ancient world. Continue onwards Patna for embarkation of your Pandaw expedition.