A 4-day Varanasi and Bodhgaya tour from Kolkata is best done by taking a short flight or overnight train to Varanasi (roughly 680 km by road from Kolkata, which is too far to drive comfortably each way), then using a local cab for the Sarnath, Ganga ghats and Bodhgaya legs. This varanasi tour package from kolkata covers the holy ghats of Kashi, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh, Buddhist Sarnath, and the spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya, with indicative 2026 prices and a clear day-by-day plan below.
Because Varanasi is about 14-16 hours by road from Kolkata, almost every traveller from Howrah or Sealdah reaches it by an overnight train (Kashi/Vibhuti/Poorva Express) or a 1.5-hour flight from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Once you land, the entire sightseeing circuit, including the 250 km Varanasi to Bodhgaya drive, is handled by road. Our cab handles all local transfers and sightseeing once you arrive, while you book your own flight or train.
Why Combine Varanasi and Bodhgaya in One Trip
Varanasi and Bodhgaya sit on the same spiritual corridor across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, about 250 km apart (a 5 to 5.5-hour drive via NH-19/Sasaram or the Aurangabad route). Doing both in four days lets pilgrims and curious travellers experience two of India’s most sacred sites in one go: the Hindu spiritual capital on the banks of the Ganga, and the Mahabodhi Temple where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. For Bengali families, this is one of the most popular short pilgrimages of the year, especially around Kartik Purnima and the winter months.
4-Day Itinerary at a Glance
The plan below assumes you reach Varanasi by morning train or an early flight on Day 1. The cab is at your disposal for the sightseeing and the inter-city drive.
| Day | Route / Activity | Approx. Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Varanasi, check-in, evening ghats | Airport to city ~25 km | Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Dashashwamedh Ghat, evening Ganga Aarti |
| Day 2 | Sunrise boat ride + Sarnath | Sarnath ~12 km from city | Subah-e-Banaras boat ride, Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Tulsi Manas & BHU temples |
| Day 3 | Varanasi to Bodhgaya by cab | ~250 km (5-5.5 hrs) | Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, evening at the complex |
| Day 4 | Bodhgaya sightseeing + return | Local + drop to Gaya station/airport ~17 km | Great Buddha Statue, Thai & Tibetan monasteries, Sujata Stupa, departure |
Day 1 — Arrival and the Evening Ganga Aarti
On arrival you are met at Varanasi airport or Cantt railway station and driven to your hotel near the ghats or in the Sigra/Cantt area. After a rest, head to the spectacular Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor (carry a valid ID; mobiles are not allowed inside the sanctum). In the evening, witness the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat from about 6:30 pm, when priests perform synchronised fire rituals with conch shells and lamps. Arriving 45 minutes early secures a good spot, or book a small boat to watch from the water.
Day 2 — Sunrise Boats and Buddhist Sarnath
Start before dawn for a sunrise boat ride past Manikarnika and Assi ghats, the most atmospheric experience in Kashi. After breakfast, drive 12 km to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon. See the Dhamek Stupa, the Ashokan pillar remains, and the excellent Sarnath Archaeological Museum (home to the original Lion Capital). Afternoon visits include Tulsi Manas Mandir, the Durga Temple and the sprawling Banaras Hindu University campus with the New Vishwanath Temple.
Day 3 — Drive to Bodhgaya
After breakfast, the cab takes you on the scenic 250 km drive through Bihar to Bodhgaya, with a tea or lunch stop en route (Sasaram is a common halt). Reach by mid-afternoon, check in, and spend the golden evening hour at the UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple complex, sitting quietly beside the Bodhi Tree where Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha. The chanting and lamp-lit calm here is a complete contrast to the energy of the Varanasi ghats.
Day 4 — Bodhgaya Monasteries and Departure
Begin with the 80-foot Great Buddha Statue, then explore the international monastery zone, where Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, Tibet and Myanmar have each built temples in their national styles. If time permits, cross the Niranjana river to the Sujata Stupa. You are then dropped at Gaya Junction or Gaya Airport (about 17 km) for your onward train or flight back towards Kolkata.
Want this itinerary customised with extra nights or a Patna add-on? Send us your travel dates to get a tailored quote and we’ll lock your cab and driver.
Inclusions and Exclusions
What’s Included
- Air-conditioned cab (sedan/SUV) for all local sightseeing and the Varanasi-Bodhgaya drive as per itinerary
- Experienced driver, fuel, tolls, parking and inter-state permits
- Airport/railway station pickup and drop in both cities
- Driver allowance and night charges
- All applicable taxes on the cab service
What’s Not Included
- Flights or train tickets between Kolkata and Varanasi/Gaya
- Hotel accommodation and meals (we can arrange on request)
- Boat ride charges, temple entry, guide fees and camera tickets
- Any expense of a personal nature or anything not listed under inclusions
Indicative 2026 Price Range
The figures below cover the cab portion of the tour (transfers and sightseeing across the 4 days). Flights, trains and hotels are separate. As an option, we can package a full deal with mid-range hotels and breakfast.
| Package Component | Car Type | Indicative Range (Cab Only) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-day cab (transfers + sightseeing + Bodhgaya drive) | Sedan (Dzire/Etios) | Rs 16,000 – 21,000 total |
| 4-day cab (transfers + sightseeing + Bodhgaya drive) | SUV (Ertiga/Innova) | Rs 22,000 – 30,000 total |
| Per-person estimate (cab share, 4 travellers, sedan) | Sedan | Rs 4,000 – 5,500 per head |
| Full package add-on (3-star hotel + breakfast, per person) | On request | Rs 11,000 – 16,000 per head |
Note: fares are indicative for 2026 and vary by season, fuel rates, traffic, exact pickup point and car availability. Festival periods like Dev Deepawali and Buddha Purnima carry a premium.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March (best): Pleasant 10-25 degrees C, ideal for ghats, boat rides and long drives. Dev Deepawali in November lights up the Varanasi ghats with lakhs of diyas.
- April to June: Very hot (often 40+ degrees C); early-morning sightseeing only.
- July to September: Monsoon raises the Ganga level and may suspend boat rides, though Buddha-related sites stay peaceful and green.
Local Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Dress modestly at temples; remove footwear and avoid leather inside the Mahabodhi complex.
- Book your Kolkata-Varanasi train at least 30-45 days ahead, especially in winter and around festivals.
- Carry small cash for boat rides, offerings and the narrow-lane shops where cards rarely work.
- Keep a buffer on Day 4: Gaya station can be busy, so plan a late-afternoon or evening departure.
- For airport pickups in Kolkata before you fly out, our Kolkata airport taxi service covers the home-to-airport leg, and you can check current rates on our Kolkata airport fare guide.
Prefer to keep exploring closer to home first? Browse our Kolkata tour packages or longer outstation cab routes from the city before heading to Kashi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Varanasi from Kolkata and should I drive?
Varanasi is about 680 km from Kolkata, roughly 14-16 hours by road. Most travellers take an overnight train or a 1.5-hour flight instead and use a local cab only for sightseeing and the Varanasi-Bodhgaya drive.
What is the indicative price of this 4-day tour?
The cab-only portion is roughly Rs 16,000-21,000 for a sedan and Rs 22,000-30,000 for an SUV across the four days. With a 3-star hotel and breakfast added, expect about Rs 11,000-16,000 per person. Flights or trains are extra.
How far is Bodhgaya from Varanasi by cab?
Bodhgaya is about 250 km from Varanasi, a 5 to 5.5-hour drive via the Sasaram/NH route, usually done on Day 3 of this itinerary with a tea or lunch stop on the way.
What is the best season for the Varanasi and Bodhgaya tour?
October to March is ideal, with cool, comfortable weather for the ghats and long drives. Dev Deepawali in November is a spectacular but busy time to see the Varanasi ghats.
Can I customise the itinerary or add more cities?
Yes. You can extend nights in either city or add Patna, Allahabad/Prayagraj or Rajgir-Nalanda. Share your dates and we will tailor the cab plan and quote accordingly.
Ready to set the dates? Book your Varanasi and Bodhgaya tour from Kolkata now and our team will confirm your cab, driver and the full itinerary.
