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8-Day Sacred Journey from Thailand to India: Exploring Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Saraswati, and Varanasi

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Day 1: Travel to Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya, India

9:00 AM

Arrival in Bodhgaya

Arrive at Bodhgaya Airport, where you’ll begin your spiritual journey.
Taxi to Hotel
INR 500, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Check-in to Hotel

Settle in at your accommodation and refresh after your flight.
Hotel in Bodhgaya
INR 3000, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Breakfast at The Great Buddha Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local flavors including parathas and chai.
Walking distance from hotel
INR 400, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Mahabodhi Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, where Buddha attained enlightenment.
Walking distance from restaurant
Free, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at the Tibetan Refugee Market

Savor Tibetan momos and thukpa while soaking in vibrant market vibes.
Walking distance from temple
INR 300, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Explore the Bodhi Tree

Spend time meditating under the same tree where Buddha found enlightenment.
Near Mahabodhi Temple
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Marian Restaurant

Relish authentic Indian curry dishes and fresh naan.
Walking distance from hotel
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 2: Bodhgaya Exploration

Bodhgaya, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a continental breakfast with a view of the peaceful garden.
Hotel
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Animesh Lochana Stupa

Discover this peaceful stupa known for its stunning architecture.
Taxi from hotel
INR 200, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Various International Monasteries

Walk through beautiful monasteries representing different countries.
Walking tour
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Bihar Bhawan

Taste traditional Bihari dishes in this local favorite spot.
Walking distance from monasteries
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the Archaeological Museum

Learn about the rich history of Bodhgaya and the historical artifacts.
Taxi from lunch spot
INR 150, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Attend Evening Prayers at Mahabodhi Temple

Experience the serene atmosphere during the evening prayers.
Walking distance from museum
Free, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Relax and dine at your hotel, choosing from a menu of Indian and international dishes.
Hotel
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 3: Bodhgaya to Nalanda

Nalanda, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast in preparation for your journey.
Hotel
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Nalanda

Depart for Nalanda, a significant Buddhist learning center.
Private car or shared taxi
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit the Nalanda Archaeological Site

Explore the ruins of one of the oldest universities in the world.
Walking distance from taxi drop-off
INR 500, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Nalanda Restaurant

Enjoy authentic north Indian cuisine in a cozy setting.
Walking distance from the site
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Nalanda Museum

Discover artifacts and relics that showcase Nalanda's glorious past.
Taxi from restaurant
INR 150, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Relax at a Local Park

Take a leisurely walk and reflect in a tranquil park nearby.
Walking distance from museum
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

End your day with delightful dishes prepared by the local chefs.
Hotel in Nalanda
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 4: Nalanda to Kushinagar

Kushinagar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
Hotel
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kushinagar

Head to the historic site where Buddha attained Parinirvana.
Private car or bus
INR 1800, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple

Discover the temple housing an impressive reclining Buddha statue.
Walking distance from bus drop-off
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Nirvana Restaurant

Savor some local delicacies while enjoying a peaceful view.
Walking distance from temple
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore the Kushinagar Archaeological Site

Wander through the remnants of ancient Buddhist stupas and monasteries.
Short drive to the site
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Hotel

Take some time to rest and refresh at your accommodation.
Hotel in Kushinagar
INR 3200, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely dinner featuring local and continental cuisines.
Hotel
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 5: Kushinagar to Lumbini

Lumbini, Nepal

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a wholesome breakfast tailored for travelers.
Hotel
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Lumbini

Journey to the birthplace of Buddha, a significant pilgrimage site.
Private car or bus
INR 2000, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Visit the Maya Devi Temple

Marvel at the temple marking the exact birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.
Walking distance from bus drop-off
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Lumbini Garden Restaurant

Feast on vegetarian meals with fresh local ingredients.
Near the temple
INR 500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Lumbini World Heritage Site

Discover various monasteries and archaeological remains in the area.
Walking distance from restaurant
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Hotel

Check in and unwind at your hotel after a fulfilling day.
Hotel in Lumbini
INR 3000, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy an array of traditional Nepali dishes at your accommodation.
Hotel
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 6: Lumbini to Saraswati

Saraswati, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with fresh fruits and warm bread before your journey.
Hotel
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Saraswati

Embark on your way to this sacred river pilgrimage site.
Private vehicle
INR 2500, 3.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch by the Saraswati River

Relax with a packed lunch beside the serene river bank.
Near the river
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Saraswati River

Participate in the spiritual activities and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Walk along the river
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Explore nearby temples

Visit local temples dedicated to various deities along the river.
Short drive or auto-rickshaw
INR 200, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Check in to Local Guesthouse

Settle in your guesthouse and prepare for dinner.
Local guesthouse
INR 1500, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at Guesthouse

Indulge in local cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients.
Guesthouse
INR 500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Saraswati

Day 7: Saraswati to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy a simple breakfast of poha and tea to start your day.
Guesthouse
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Varanasi

Set off to experience the spiritual heart of India, Varanasi.
Private vehicle
INR 2000, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore the Ghats of Varanasi

Wander along the famous ghats and witness the rituals performed by pilgrims.
Walking tour
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at the Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy delicious, organic bread along with healthy salads.
Short walk from ghats
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Discover one of the holiest temples in Hinduism.
Short rickshaw ride
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Take a Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience the sunset over the Ganges, an unforgettable moment.
Riverside from temple
INR 500, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Vegetarian Restaurant

Savor a variety of vegetarian dishes that highlight local flavors.
Walking distance from hotel
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 8: Return to Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast featuring traditional Indian dishes.
Hotel
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel Back to Bodhgaya

Return to Bodhgaya to complete your spiritual pilgrimage.
Private vehicle
INR 2000, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Visit Any Last Locations in Bodhgaya

Explore any spots you may have missed or revisited favorites.
Local transport
Free, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel

Indulge in a farewell meal at your hotel before departure.
Hotel
INR 600, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Check-out and Prepare for Departure

Wrap up your experience and check out for your onward journey.
Hotel
Free, 1 hour
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