Tour group during spiritual tours in India visiting Varanasi ghats
The spectacular Ganga Aarti fire ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi during a 3-day spiritual tour.
Aerial or boat view of the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of rivers in Prayagraj (Allahabad).
Engaged travelers listening to a Shamrock Journeys expert guide explaining history at Sarnath near Varanasi.
Shamrock Journeys guide leading a tour group to the Great Buddha Statue in Bodhgaya.

 

6-Day Spiritual Tour: Varanasi, Prayagraj & Bodhgaya

🛕✨ VARANASI – PRAYAGRAJ – BODHGAYA ✨🛕

TOUR DURATION – 06 DAYS  

03 NIGHTS VARANASI | 01 NIGHT BODHGAYA | 01 NIGHT PRAYAGRAJ

 

  🛕✨ 6-DAY VARANASI, PRAYAGRAJ & BODHGAYA TOUR ITINERARY ✨🛕

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & EVENING AARTI IN VARANASI

Welcome to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. Upon arrival at the airport or station, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

After settling in, meet your guide and begin your immersion. Explore the vibrant lanes of ancient Kashi (Banaras), feeling the pulse of a city that has drawn pilgrims to the sacred Ganges River for millennia.

Indian Travel Tips: The day culminates with the unmissable Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Witness this spectacular ritual of fire, chants, and devotion as priests offer lamps to the river at sunset—a powerful start to your spiritual journey.

DAY 2: VARANASI – SUNRISE ON THE GANGES & BUDDHIST SARNATH

Your Varanasi tour reaches its spiritual peak today with an unforgettable sunrise experience. Before dawn, we’ll take you to the ghats of Varanasi for a private sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.

Morning Experience: Sacred River Dawn
As the first light touches the water, glide along the river and witness the city awakening. Observe pilgrims performing morning rituals and bathing in the holy waters, with the ancient ghats and temples of Varanasi forming a magnificent backdrop—perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

After the boat ride, enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Afternoon Pilgrimage: Journey to Sarnath
Post-breakfast, we drive to Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s most important sites. Just 10 kilometers from Varanasi, this is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

Highlights of Your Sarnath Tour:

  • Dhamek Stupa: The massive, 5th-century structure marking the exact spot of Buddha’s teaching.

  • Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Home to the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka, India’s national emblem, and exquisite ancient sculptures.

  • Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: A modern temple with beautiful murals depicting Buddha’s life.

India Travel Tips: This day masterfully blends Hindu spirituality on the Ganges with the profound Buddhist heritage of Sarnath, offering a complete spiritual perspective.

DAY 3: VARANASI TO BODHGAYA – IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BUDDHA

After breakfast, we begin 5 to 6-hour drive (approx. 260 km) from Varanasi to Bodhgaya, transitioning from the Hindu spiritual capital to the most sacred site in Buddhism.

Journey to Enlightenment
Enjoy the changing landscapes of the Indian countryside as you travel to this world-renowned pilgrimage destination. Upon arrival in Bodhgaya, you will be assisted with check-in at your hotel.

Afternoon Exploration: The Heart of Buddhist Pilgrimage
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring this tranquil town. The focus of your visit is the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key Highlights You’ll Experience:

  • The Sacred Bodhi Tree: Sit in quiet reflection under the direct descendant of the original tree where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.

  • Mahabodhi Temple: Marvel at the ancient, majestic temple architecture that marks this sacred ground.

  • Vajrasana (The Diamond Throne): See the stone platform located beside the Bodhi Tree, marking the exact spot of Buddha’s enlightenment.

This day transforms your journey into a profound Buddhist pilgrimage. Feel the profound peace that has drawn seekers for centuries. 

DAY 4: BODHGAYA TO VARANASI – HINDU PILGRIMAGE & RETURN

After breakfast, we depart Bodhgaya for a significant Hindu pilgrimage detour en route back to Varanasi.

Morning Visit: Vishnupad Temple in Gaya
We drive to the holy town of Gaya (approx. 12 km/30 mins), a major site for ancestral rituals. Here, on the banks of the sacred Phalgu River, you will visit the revered Vishnupad Temple.

  • Significance: This ancient temple is believed to enshrine the footprint of Lord Vishnu embedded in rock, making it one of Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage destinations.

  • Experience: Witness the deep devotion as pilgrims perform rituals for their ancestors, showcasing a different facet of India’s spiritual tapestry.

Journey Back to Varanasi
After this visit, we continue the drive back to Varanasi (approx. 5-6 hours). The journey offers time to reflect on the powerful connect between the Buddhist serenity of Bodhgaya and the devotional energy of Gaya.

Upon arrival in Varanasi, transfer to to your hotel. The evening is at your leisure to relax or independently explore. 

DAY 5: VARANASI TO PRAYAGRAJ – THE SACRED CONFLUENCE

After an early breakfast, we depart for a highlight of your spiritual circuit: the journey from Varanasi to Prayagraj (approx. 120 km / 2-3 hours).

Morning at the Triveni Sangam
Upon arrival, we proceed directly to the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. This spot is considered one of Hinduism’s most auspicious pilgrimage sites.

  • Experience: Take a traditional boat ride to the exact point of confluence. Witness pilgrims performing rituals and taking the holy dip believed to cleanse the soul and liberate one from the cycle of rebirth. The serene yet powerful atmosphere is truly unique.

Afternoon Exploration: Prayagraj’s Heritage
After the Sangam visit, check into your hotel. Later, your guide will lead you on a tour of Prayagraj’s spiritual heritage.

Key Sites Include:

  • Kumbheshwar Temple: One of the city’s oldest Shiva temples.

  • Anand Bhavan: The historic ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family, offering insight into India’s modern political history (optional visit based on interest).

  • Allahabad Fort: Built by Emperor Akbar, this massive fort overlooks the Sangam (view from outside).

This day connects you deeply to the ritualistic heart of Hindu pilgrimage. 

DAY 6: PRAYAGRAJ DEPARTURE – OPTIONAL SANGAM & ONWARD JOURNEY

Your 6-day spiritual tour concludes in Prayagraj with flexible departure options.

Optional Morning Visit: For a final spiritual moment, you may choose an optional early morning boat ride to the Triveni Sangam at sunrise. Experiencing the sacred confluence in the serene morning light is a profoundly peaceful way to end your pilgrimage.

Journey Onward: After breakfast and hotel check-out, you have two departure choices, arranged seamlessly by Shamrock Journeys:

  1. Direct Departure from Prayagraj: We will transfer you directly to Prayagraj Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey.

  2. Return to Varanasi for Departure: If your flight/train is from Varanasi, we will drive you back (approx. 2-3 hours). Upon arrival in Varanasi, you will be transferred directly to Varanasi International Airport or the railway station for your departure, concluding your Varanasi Prayagraj Bodhgaya 6-Day Spiritual Tour.

Embark on a transformative 6-day sacred pilgrimage through India’s spiritual heartland with our curated Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Bodhgaya tour itinerary. This journey connects you to profound heritage: witness the divine Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, experience the purifying waters at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, and meditate under the sacred Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya. Designed for deep cultural immersion, our all-inclusive package ensures seamless travel with expert guides, allowing you to fully embrace ancient rituals, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable spiritual experience.