Private journeys across India · Replies within 24 hours
Reviewed by Mirza Shadab Beg, Founder, Travelage India, Agra · Last updated 24 October 2026
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Short answer: yes, you can combine Varanasi with Sarnath and Bodh Gaya in five days. Spend two nights in Varanasi for the Ganga aarti, a dawn boat ride and Sarnath, then drive about 250 km (155 miles) to Bodh Gaya for the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi tree and the monasteries.
Buddhist pilgrims travel between three places: Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching, Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment, and the road between them. Varanasi sits beside Sarnath, which makes it a natural start. This journey joins Varanasi’s Ganges with the two great Buddhist sites.
The drive from Varanasi to Bodh Gaya is about 250 km (155 miles), four and a half to five hours. We time it for arrival at the Mahabodhi Temple in the late afternoon, when pilgrims gather and the light is soft, and keep a full morning for the temple, the Bodhi tree and the monasteries.
If you travel as a pilgrim, tell us. We slow the pace and leave time for meditation. If you travel as a curious visitor, your guide explains the symbols and the story.
Met at the airport or station and taken to your hotel. In the evening, watch the Ganga aarti from a good vantage point with your guide.
Take a boat on the Ganges at sunrise, then walk the old lanes. In the afternoon, drive about 10 km (6 miles) to Sarnath and visit the Dhamek Stupa, the ruins and the museum.
Drive about 250 km (155 miles) to Bodh Gaya (four and a half to five hours), arriving in the late afternoon. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple in the evening, when pilgrims gather.
Return to the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree at dawn, then visit the Great Buddha Statue and the monasteries built by Thai, Japanese, Tibetan and other communities.
Transfer to Gaya airport (about 15 km (9 miles)) or station for your onward journey.
Pilgrimage sites have their own customs. Here is what we arrange.
The aarti and dawn boat ride in Varanasi and the evening at the Mahabodhi Temple are planned for the best light and the least crowding.
Your guide explains the customs at each site, from taking off shoes to walking around a stupa, so you can be present and respectful.
A government-approved guide joins you in each city, matched to the language and pace you prefer.
Your guide is chosen for the language you prefer and the things you love. Ask for Japanese or Russian and we will arrange it where we can.
Here is every leg with its distance and likely drive time. Times vary with traffic and stops.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi to Sarnath | about 10 km (6 miles) | 30 to 45 minutes | Dhamek Stupa and museum |
| Varanasi to Bodh Gaya | about 250 km (155 miles) | 4.5 to 5 hours | Arrive in the late afternoon |
| Bodh Gaya to Gaya airport | about 15 km (9 miles) | 30 minutes | Onward journey |
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“We actually did 14 days which included a trip to Varanasi, then the Golden Triangle & out to Jaisalmer. Every step of the way we were accompanied by Bobby. Our Driver & coach was super, but focus on detail and ensuring that the safety & wellbeing of individual travellers was met, really put the trip at an all time high!”
“Shadab is a tireless worker. He has arranged our trip according to our wishes. He has also managed to promptly overcome any inconvenience or mistake during the trip.”
“…He was very responsive and was always available when we had any questions. He also recommended hotels and places to stay. He was very flexible with providing guides only for the requested days.”
“Very awesome experience.. extremely professional and courteous, the chauffeur and the guides were very knowledgeable and knew the way to maneuver the system. They were highly flexible in adapting to any changes in my schedule.”
“I went to India alone and had an amazing experience with my tour guide, shiraz. He showed me all the beautiful places that india has to offer and even brought to places that was not initially planned after requesting it to make sure that I was completely satisfied with my tour.”
“I had an amazing time with Kishan (driver) and Bobby (guide). They both are very polite, nice and easy going. Bobby taught me so many facts and interesting things about Taj Mahal and India Culture in general.”
The right route depends on your time and what you hope to see. The highlighted row is the journey on this page.
| Journey | Time needed | How you travel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Days Varanasi Spiritual Tour | 3 days / 2 nights | Private luxury car and guide | Varanasi and Sarnath, unhurried |
| Varanasi, Prayagraj & Ayodhya | 5 days / 4 nights | Private luxury car and guides | Three holy cities in one journey |
| Golden Triangle with Varanasi | 8 days / 7 nights | Car, plus one flight | Monuments first, then the Ganges |
| Agra Mathura Vrindavan | 2 days / 1 night | Private luxury car | Krishna temples and the Taj Mahal |
| Varanasi & Bodh Gaya Buddhist Tour | 5 days / 4 nights | Private luxury car and guide | Ganges and the Buddha’s path |
| North India Spiritual Journey | 9 days / 8 nights | Car, plus one flight | Rishikesh to Prayagraj |
| Khajuraho & Varanasi Heritage Tour | 7 days / 6 nights | Car, plus one flight | Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi |
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About 250 km (155 miles), roughly four and a half to five hours by road.
Yes. This journey joins both with Varanasi. Sarnath is about 10 km (6 miles) from Varanasi, and Bodh Gaya is about 250 km (155 miles) away.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodh Gaya, built on the site where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. It is the holiest site of Buddhism.
October to March is the most comfortable. Large gatherings occur from November to February, and the site is very crowded at Buddha Purnima.
Modest clothing, with shoulders and knees covered, and shoes that slip off easily. Add layers for winter evenings.
Yes. Rajgir and Nalanda are about two hours from Bodh Gaya and can be added with an extra night. Tell us your dates.
Yes. You have your own luxury car, driver and licensed guides. Nothing is shared with other travellers.
Send your dates through the form on this page. A Travelage specialist will reply with a tailored proposal within 24 hours.
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A Travelage representative meets you at the airport or station in Varanasi with a name board. Share your arrival details and we confirm everything the day before.
5 days / 4 nights. Starts in Varanasi and ends in Gaya, with a private luxury car and licensed guides.
Dress modestly, remove shoes at temples, and ask before photographing people. Photography is not allowed at the cremation ghats. Your guide explains this on the day, and rules and timings can change. At the Mahabodhi Temple, remove shoes, walk clockwise round the shrine and keep your voice low. Rules and timings change, and your guide advises on the day.
October to March is the most comfortable. Bodh Gaya is busiest from November to February, when large Buddhist gatherings take place, and nights are cold. April to June is very hot, and July to September is monsoon.
Buddha Purnima (around April or May) and the winter teachings draw very large crowds to Bodh Gaya, and hotels fill early. Dates follow the lunar calendar. Tell us your plans and we will advise.
