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Day trip to Nalanda and Rajgir from Bodhgaya

7 hoursFrom INR 22689
Day trip to Nalanda and Rajgir from Bodhgaya — Day trips things to do in Bodh Gaya

A full-day tour covering 45 miles to Nalanda’s ancient university ruins and Rajgir’s key Buddhist sites, including lunch.

This day trip from Bodhgaya takes you on a private vehicle to explore two significant historical sites in Bihar. Starting with Nalanda, about 45 miles away, you'll visit the renowned ruins of the ancient university that thrived from the 5th to the 12th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, the journey continues to Rajgir, located roughly 10 miles from Nalanda, where Lord Buddha spent a substantial part of his life.

The tour includes visits to key highlights like the remnants of Nalanda University, Ajatshatru Fort, and Vulture Peak. Lunch is provided during the tour. It's advisable to dress comfortably and prepare for a mix of walking and vehicle travel as you explore these historic locations.

FAQ

Good to know

What's included in this experience?+
• Two bottles of mineral water for each person • Lunch (drinks not included) • Guide who speaks English • Transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle • Pickup and drop-off at the hotel
What's NOT included?+
• Meals and beverages, unless otherwise noted • Tips (optional)
What should I know before booking?+
• Infants must remain on an adult's lap • Those with spinal injuries should avoid this activity • Not suitable for individuals who are pregnant • Not advised for travelers with compromised cardiovascular health • Participants should possess a moderate level of physical fitness • Adult fares apply to all participants • Children need to be with an adult
What's the cancellation policy?+
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.
How does pickup work?+
Pickup is available from hotels located in the city center or designated points within city limits. If pickup is requested from locations outside these central areas, an additional fee will apply based on the distance.
What's the itinerary?+
• Pickup will be arranged from your hotel in Gaya for a 2-hour drive to Nalanda. Nalanda is recognized as one of the oldest continuous cities globally and thrived as a prestigious university supported by Emperors Ashoka and Harshavardhana, who constructed various temples and monasteries. It is considered the first residential university, drawing scholars from the Buddhist community and at its zenith, hosted approximately 2,000 teachers and 10,000 monks. The monastery structures reflect Kushan architectural style, featuring a large courtyard bordered by monk cells. Nalanda faced destruction from Muslim invaders in the 12th century, resulting in the burning of its three libraries, which reportedly burned for six months due to the immense volume of books and manuscripts. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the ruins of this historic educational center. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant, not including beverages. • Afterwards, a visit to Rajgir, located 10 miles from Nalanda, will take place. Historically, Rajgir served as the capital of the ancient state of Magadh. Lord Buddha spent a significant period here delivering many of his notable sermons, and this site also holds importance for the Jain community due to Lord Mahavira's presence. Ancient Buddhist travelers Huen Tsang and Fa Hian documented Rajgir in their writings. Key attractions include Vulture Peak, which was favored by Lord Buddha, and Ajatshatru Fort. Concluding the tour, transportation will be provided back to Gaya, where drop-off at your hotel will occur.

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