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India · A flexible NxVoy holiday

Sacred Heartlands of India: Varanasi, Bodh Gaya & Allahabad

A profound journey for two, tracing ancient spiritual paths through India's most revered cities.
Duration
3 nights
Journey
Varanasi → Bodh Gaya → Allahabad
Designed for
Couples
Best time
October
Curated by
Sakthi Sri
NxVoy Travel Editor✓ Verified Editorial
OverviewDay by dayPlaces to exploreMake it yoursWhat to budget forGood to know
Shasa
A ready-made idea. A holiday you can change.

Choose your dates, compare live flights and hotels, then add or remove stops and experiences in your draft.

The journey

Embark on an enriching 4-day, 3-night spiritual odyssey designed exclusively for couples, delving into the ancient heartlands of India. This meticulously crafted journey guides you through Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, and Allahabad (Prayagraj), cities steeped in profound spiritual and historical significance. We've thoughtfully curated this itinerary to offer a seamless blend of cultural immersion and serene reflection, ensuring a deeply personal and meaningful experience.

This journey is ideal for those who seek a focused spiritual and cultural exploration within a comfortable timeframe. We prioritise depth over rush, allowing you to truly connect with each sacred site. The flow between these profoundly significant cities has been optimised for comfortable travel, ensuring you return not just refreshed, but profoundly enriched by India's timeless heritage.

Signature Moments

What you'll remember

01

Witnessing the hypnotic chants and flickering lamps of the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a truly spiritual spectacle shared with your loved one.

02

Experiencing a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, observing timeless rituals along the ghats as Varanasi awakens.

03

Finding profound peace and contemplation under the sacred Bodhi Tree at Mahabodhi Temple, the very spot of Buddha's enlightenment.

04

Journeying through the grandeur of Anand Bhavan, a poignant exploration of India's fight for freedom.

Your days, your way

Your holiday, day by day

Start with this itinerary. In your draft, change the stops, stays and activities to suit your holiday.

4 days to exploreCustomisable in your draft
Dashashwamedh Ghat, VaranasiDashashwamedh Ghat · Varanasi
Photo: Saaremees / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0CC BY-SA 4.0

Day 1 · Varanasi

Varanasi: Arrival & The Enchanting Ganga Aarti

  1. Morning

    Your spiritual journey begins with arrival in Varanasi. You will be transferred to your accommodation for check-in. Settle in and enjoy some leisure time to refresh after your travel, preparing for the experiences ahead in this ancient city.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • Pre-book your airport transfer through a local operator like Visit Kashi for a smooth arrival experience.
  2. Afternoon

    Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps resting at your accommodation or taking a gentle stroll nearby. This allows for relaxation and preparation before the evening's significant spiritual event along the sacred Ganges River.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • Confirm the exact timing for the Ganga Aarti with your hotel or a local guide to plan your evening.
  3. Evening

    Witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a vibrant riverside ritual of devotion. For a unique perspective, consider viewing this spiritual spectacle from a boat on the Ganges.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • To secure a good viewing spot, arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat early or book a boat ride with ALAKNANDA CRUISELINE LIMITED in advance.
Meal notes

Indulge in authentic local vegetarian thalis, known for their rich flavours and variety.

Helpful tips for today
  • Pre-book your airport transfer through a local operator like Visit Kashi for a smooth arrival experience.
  • Confirm the exact timing for the Ganga Aarti with your hotel or a local guide to plan your evening.
  • To secure a good viewing spot, arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat early or book a boat ride with ALAKNANDA CRUISELINE LIMITED in advance.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, VaranasiDashashwamedh Ghat · Varanasi
Photo: Saaremees / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0CC BY-SA 4.0

Day 2 · Varanasi

Varanasi: Sunrise on the Ganges & Sarnath's Serenity

  1. Morning

    Awaken early for a serene sunrise boat ride on the sacred Ganges River from Dashashwamedh Ghat. Observe the city stirring to life as pilgrims perform timeless rituals. ALAKNANDA CRUISELINE LIMITED offers excellent options for this spiritual experience.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • Pre-book your sunrise boat ride with ALAKNANDA CRUISELINE LIMITED in advance.
    • Arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat early to witness the full sunrise.
  2. Afternoon

    Embark on a journey to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist site. Visit Dhamek Stupa Sarnath, a prominent Buddhist Temple. Continue to the Great Buddha Statue, which is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, to appreciate its grandeur.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • Ensure you plan your visit to Great Buddha Statue within its operating hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  3. Evening

    Return to Varanasi from Sarnath. Enjoy a quiet evening at your leisure, perhaps reflecting on the day's spiritual insights and experiences. Consider a relaxed dinner.

Meal notes

Try the famous 'Kachori Sabzi' for breakfast and enjoy some local street food in the evening.

Helpful tips for today
  • Pre-book your sunrise boat ride with ALAKNANDA CRUISELINE LIMITED in advance.
  • Arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat early to witness the full sunrise.
  • Ensure you plan your visit to Great Buddha Statue within its operating hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh GayaMahabodhi Temple · Bodh Gaya
Photo: Bpilgrim / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5CC BY-SA 2.5

Day 3 · Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya: The Path to Enlightenment & Mahabodhi Temple

  1. Morning

    Begin with a scenic drive from Varanasi to Bodh Gaya, a journey covering 258 km and taking approximately 5.2 hours. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and settle in, preparing for your visit to this hallowed ground.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • Start your journey early from Varanasi to make the most of your day in Bodh Gaya.
    • Pack some snacks and water for the approximately 5.2-hour drive.
  2. Afternoon

    Proceed to the profound serenity of the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, the site where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. Explore the temple and its sacred surroundings, including the revered Bodhi Tree.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • The Mahabodhi Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing ample time for your visit.
    • Dress modestly and remember to remove your shoes before entering the Mahabodhi Temple complex.
  3. Evening

    Continue your exploration and reflection within the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The peaceful ambiance in the evening offers a unique spiritual experience. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet dinner in Bodh Gaya.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • The Mahabodhi Temple complex is beautifully illuminated after sunset, offering a different, tranquil atmosphere.
Meal notes

Experience the unique flavours of Bihari cuisine, which can be found in local eateries around Bodh Gaya.

Helpful tips for today
  • Start your journey early from Varanasi to make the most of your day in Bodh Gaya.
  • Pack some snacks and water for the approximately 5.2-hour drive.
  • The Mahabodhi Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing ample time for your visit.
  • Dress modestly and remember to remove your shoes before entering the Mahabodhi Temple complex.
  • The Mahabodhi Temple complex is beautifully illuminated after sunset, offering a different, tranquil atmosphere.

Day 4 · Allahabad

Allahabad: Echoes of History & Mughal Grandeur

  1. Morning

    Following breakfast, embark on a significant journey from Bodh Gaya to Allahabad, covering 366 km, estimated to take about 6.8 hours. This drive leads you to a city where history and spirituality converge.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • Arrange your transport with Omanshi travels for this long inter-city journey.
    • Depart early from Bodh Gaya to allow sufficient time for travel and afternoon sightseeing in Allahabad.
  2. Afternoon

    Upon arrival in Allahabad, despite the limited time, visit the poignant Anand Bhavan. This significant housing complex offers a glimpse into India's modern history, providing a cultural experience.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • Check local information for current visiting hours or specific entry procedures for Anand Bhavan upon arrival.
  3. Evening

    Conclude your day with a visit to the impressive Allahabad Fort, a massive 16th-century fortress overlooking the river. Parts of this historical landmark are open to the public, offering architectural grandeur.

    Tips for this part of the day
    • Allahabad Fort is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; plan your visit to ensure entry.
    • Enquire locally if any specific areas of Allahabad Fort require special permission or a guide.
Meal notes

Try the famous 'Allahabadi Tehri' or enjoy a multi-cuisine meal at your hotel.

Helpful tips for today
  • Arrange your transport with Omanshi travels for this long inter-city journey.
  • Depart early from Bodh Gaya to allow sufficient time for travel and afternoon sightseeing in Allahabad.
  • Check local information for current visiting hours or specific entry procedures for Anand Bhavan upon arrival.
  • Allahabad Fort is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; plan your visit to ensure entry.
  • Enquire locally if any specific areas of Allahabad Fort require special permission or a guide.
Day 1 of 4

This is your starting plan. Available flights, hotels and activity options are checked when you build your draft.

Worth adding

Activities we can arrange

Curated for the places this trip visits. Share your dates and we will confirm the current option, price and meeting point before you pay.
Editorial view related to sunrise boating and walking tours near Varanasi
Sunrise Boating and Walking Tours in Varanasi
Boat Trips and Cruises · Varanasi
On enquiry
Check price & availability
Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Editorial view related to buddhist circuit tours near Bodh Gaya
Buddhist Circuit Tours in Bodh Gaya
Spiritual and Temple Tour · Bodh Gaya
On enquiry
Check price & availability
Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Licensed editorial image of Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple
Religious Site Visit · Bodh Gaya
On enquiry
Plan this visit with NxVoy
Bpilgrim — File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg — CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5) — via Wikimedia Commons

Find your kind of holiday

Places worth exploring

The well-known sights and a few quieter discoveries. Explore photos and reviews, then shape your days in the draft.

Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi
Photo: Saaremees / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0CC BY-SA 4.0

India

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Bustling riverside steps down to the Ganges River, used for religious rituals daily.

India

Amar Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park Prayagraj

Biggest park of the city, with major heritage & recreational sites like a stadium & memorials.

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Photo: Bpilgrim / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5CC BY-SA 2.5

India

Mahabodhi Temple

Buddhist pilgrimage center with 2,500 years of history, a sacred tree and an ornate temple complex.

India

Allahabad Fort

Massive 16th-century fortress overlooking the river & partially open to the public.

Varanasi

Pastry Palace

Bakery

Locals send you here for the really delicious and always fresh cakes and pastries, with a very sweet and friendly shop owner.

Varanasi

Popular Sweets & Bakers

Candy Store

This very old shop is known for its awesome Malai roll and other delicious, high-quality sweets, with genuine interaction from the staff.

Varanasi

The Brunch House cafe & Library

Cafe

Come for the perfectly steamed momos with soft outer layers and super refreshing mojitos, offering a decent meal in budget with warm hospitality.

Bodh Gaya

Tibetan Handicrafts & Jewellery

Store

Locals send visitors here for the excellent selection of authentic Tibetan treasures like singing bowls and mala beads, all offered at reasonable prices.

Sunrise Boating and Walking Tours in Varanasi

Varanasi

Sunrise Boating and Walking Tours in Varanasi

Buddhist Circuit Tours in Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya

Buddhist Circuit Tours in Bodh Gaya

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Photo: Bpilgrim / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5CC BY-SA 2.5

Bodh Gaya

Mahabodhi Temple

These are ideas for your trip. Entry, tickets and opening times need checking; only services in your final booking are included.

The route

How you travel

624 km on the road, about 12 hours of driving in total.
  • Varanasi → Bodh Gaya258 km by road · about 5.2 h
  • Bodh Gaya → Allahabad366 km by road · about 6.8 h

This is your NxVoy holiday

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Make the route yours

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Build your kind of day

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From inspiration to your own holiday

Review what is available and the full price before checkout. Building a draft does not make a booking.

Plan with the full picture

What to budget for

What this sample holiday is built around. Your selected flights, stays and activities determine the final price and inclusions in the draft.

In this holiday plan

  • 3 nights accommodation as specified (Varanasi: 2 nights, Bodh Gaya: 1 night)
  • Return economy class flights from Bengaluru to Varanasi
  • All intercity transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Daily breakfast at hotels
  • Entrance fees for all specified activities (Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat boat ride, Sarnath, Mahabodhi Temple, Anand Bhavan, Khusro Bagh)
  • Local assistance and support from NxVoy

Plan for these extras

  • −Lunch and Dinner
  • −Visa fees
  • −Travel Insurance
  • −Personal expenses
  • −Gratuities

A little preparation goes a long way

Good to know

Useful details to help you decide, with the finer points confirmed for your own trip.

When to goOctober, November, December, January, February, March
Local currencyIndian Rupee (₹)
Your starting price₹18,600

per person, twin-share. Includes return flights and all stays. Ground transfers quoted with your itinerary.

Local know-how
  • For a peaceful experience, visit Darbhanga Ghat after sunset to see the Brijrama Palace with vibrant evening lighting, or head to Varanasi Beach in the morning for sunrise boat rides.
  • If you're looking for budget-friendly food, The Brunch House Cafe offers decent meals, and Taste and See Cafe has excellent pricing for its dishes.
  • When shopping for pure Banarasi sarees at Shri Khatu Ji Wholesale Bazar, be prepared to spend nearly three hours exploring their wide range of mid-range to high-end options.
  • When buying souvenirs near the 80 Feet Buddha Lawn, bargain a lot to get items at half the quoted prices.
  • At ACHI Phở & Café, ask for the plain dosa even though it's not on the menu; it costs 99Rs.
Everyday costs to consider
  • Varanasi: Visitors can find budget-friendly meals at cafes and sweets shops, while Banarasi sarees range from mid-range to high-end with wholesale pricing.
  • Bodh Gaya: Expect to pay around 99Rs for a dosa and 20Rs for garden entry; for souvenirs, bargain to half the quoted price.
When is the best time to visit Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Allahabad?

October, November, December, January, February, March

How many days is Sacred Heartlands of India: Varanasi, Bodh Gaya & Allahabad?

4 days and 3 nights, across 3 destinations.

Which places does Sacred Heartlands of India: Varanasi, Bodh Gaya & Allahabad cover?

Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Allahabad. The day-by-day plan on this page shows exactly how the nights are split and how you travel between them.

What are the lesser-known things to do in Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Allahabad?

Pastry Palace — Locals send you here for the really delicious and always fresh cakes and pastries, with a very sweet and friendly shop owner.; Popular Sweets & Bakers — This very old shop is known for its awesome Malai roll and other delicious, high-quality sweets, with genuine interaction from the staff.; The Brunch House cafe & Library — Come for the perfectly steamed momos with soft outer layers and super refreshing mojitos, offering a decent meal in budget with warm hospitality.; Tibetan Handicrafts & Jewellery — Locals send visitors here for the excellent selection of authentic Tibetan treasures like singing bowls and mala beads, all offered at reasonable prices.; Carrot Cake & Coffee — Come in the evening for their soft, creamy carrot cake or Chai Lattes, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere in this cafe accessible via stairs above ground floor..

What are the must-see highlights of Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Allahabad?

Dashashwamedh Ghat; Amar Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park Prayagraj; Mahabodhi Temple; Allahabad Fort; Alop Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth Mandir; Khusro Bagh, Prayagraj.

Who is Sacred Heartlands of India: Varanasi, Bodh Gaya & Allahabad best suited to?

Couples seeking profound spiritual immersion, cultural depth, and serene reflection in India's ancient heartlands.

Can this trip be customised to my dates and travellers?

Yes. Choose Customise this holiday, add your dates and travellers, and open your Shasa draft. Ask Shasa to add or remove stops, compare flights and hotels, and adjust activities before booking. Our travel experts can also help on WhatsApp.

How much does Sacred Heartlands of India: Varanasi, Bodh Gaya & Allahabad cost?

From ₹18,600 per person, twin-share. Includes return flights and all stays. Ground transfers quoted with your itinerary.. This is a starting price. Choose Customise this holiday to enter your dates and travellers, compare available options in your draft and review the updated total before checkout.

What's included in this 3-night itinerary?

3 nights accommodation as specified (Varanasi: 2 nights, Bodh Gaya: 1 night); Return economy class flights from Bengaluru to Varanasi; All intercity transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle; Daily breakfast at hotels; Entrance fees for all specified activities (Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat boat ride, Sarnath, Mahabodhi Temple, Anand Bhavan, Khusro Bagh); Local assistance and support from NxVoy. These describe the sample holiday. Review the inclusions of your chosen flights, stays and activities in the draft before booking.

What is not included in Sacred Heartlands of India: Varanasi, Bodh Gaya & Allahabad?

Lunch and Dinner; Visa fees; Travel Insurance; Personal expenses; Gratuities.

How do I book Sacred Heartlands of India: Varanasi, Bodh Gaya & Allahabad?

Choose Customise this holiday and tell Shasa your departure city, dates and travellers. Review the draft, choose your available flight and hotel options, and adjust the itinerary. Check the final price and each service's booking terms before continuing to checkout. Creating a draft does not make a booking.

Do I need a visa for Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Allahabad?

Visa requirements depend on your passport, residence and destinations. Ask a NxVoy travel expert about the documents, timing and any visa-service charges for your trip before booking.

Starting price
₹18,600
per person, twin-share. Includes return flights and all stays. Ground transfers quoted with your itinerary.
Talk to a travel expert
Choose your dates and travellers. Compare live options in your draft, then review the total before checkout.
S
Curated by Sakthi Sri
NxVoy Travel Editor · here when you need help
  • Your route, your pace — add or remove stops
  • Compare flights, stays & activities
  • Review before checkout, you choose what to book
  • Cancellation terms shown for each live option
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From, per person₹18,600

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