Treading the Buddhas Trail tour with MV Bengal Ganga

Catch an early morning train departing from Kolkata and reach Farakka around midday. Proceed from the train station to the jetty for boarding. Enjoy lunch while the vessel navigates along the primary Ganges River towards Samtaghat. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

Today, we embark on a full-day journey towards Bateshwarsthan, indulging in breakfast and lunch on board. The passing landscape and the vibrant river life are sure to captivate you throughout the day. By evening, we will reach Bateshwarsthan. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

Following breakfast, we will travel by car to explore the 8-9th century excavation site of the Vikramshila University. Take a stroll amidst the ruins of this significant Buddhist center of learning, which thrived under the Pala Dynasty. Subjects such as theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were part of its curriculum. Upon returning to the ship, we'll continue our journey towards Sultanganj, savoring lunch on board along the way. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

Following breakfast, we'll embark on an excursion to Sultanganj, known for its two prominent granite rock islands connected to the mainland by a causeway. One island houses a mosque, while the larger one is home to the Ajgaibinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which we will visit. After exploring, we'll return to the ship and continue our journey towards Munger, relishing lunch on board along the way. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

After breakfast, we'll head to the Chandika Sthan Temple, honoring Goddess Shakti. It's among the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, linked to the legend of Lord Vishnu who, to pacify Lord Shiva's fury, dismembered the body of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. Following our visit, we'll return to the ship for lunch. Later, we'll explore the Munger Fort and browse the local market renowned for its fruits, vegetables, textiles, and ready-made garments. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

Savoring our breakfast and lunch on board, we press on with our journey upstream, passing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. By late afternoon, we'll reach Simaria. In the evening, take a stroll through the riverside village of Simaria to observe the daily routines of the local inhabitants. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

Today, we embark on a full-day journey through stunning countryside as we sail towards Patna, relishing breakfast and lunch along the way. Patna, the capital of the State of Bihar, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously inhabited places globally, having been founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

Early in the morning, we disembark with packed breakfasts and drive to the World Heritage Site of Nalanda, renowned as a Mahavihara (Buddhist monastic university) in ancient Magadha, operating from 427 until 1197 CE. We then proceed to Rajgir, one of Buddha's pivotal preaching locations, where we'll have lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we continue our journey to Bodhgaya, one of the four pilgrimage sites associated with the life of Gautama Buddha. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred site where Gautama Buddha achieved Enlightenment beneath the revered "Bodhi Tree." We'll return to the hotel for lunch. Afterward, the day is dedicated to exploring the numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries erected by devotees from various nations including Bhutan, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam. These structures showcase distinct architectural styles and interior decorations reflective of their respective countries. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, we will journey to Varanasi, renowned as the holiest town for Hindus and a significant center in the development of Buddhism. Upon arrival, we will check-in at the hotel and enjoy lunch. In the evening, we'll explore the ghats to witness the vibrant activities and bustling atmosphere of the narrow lanes. Later, we'll proceed to the riverside to partake in the evening "Ganga Aarti" ritual. Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas

At the break of dawn, embark on a sunrise boat tour to behold the remarkable sights along the sacred Ganges River. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Following this, we will visit the archaeological site of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. The Dhamek Stupa, one of the eight stupas where Buddha's ashes were distributed and interred after his cremation, stands as a significant landmark here. Subsequently, we will transfer to the airport for our onward journey.
Important Note:

• The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity.
• As per government restrictions, from Farakka to Patna, no liquor will be served on board. The restaurants and hotels in Rajgir and Bodhgaya will not serve liquor as it is prohibited in the region.
• Satellite phones & drone cameras are not allowed in Varanasi, please ensure the same, while traveling to Varanasi.