Varanasi to Gaya Road Trip: Journey of Historical Significance
Travelling by Varanasi to Gaya Road Trip covers an important spiritual circuit, beautiful landscape, and diverse culture. While Patna is in the neighbouring state of Bihar the two cities are highly religious for both Hindus and Buddhists. Gaya is famous for Bodh Gaya, the place where Budha received enlightenment, and Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, both places are in great demand with thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. For those who require comfortable and hassle-free transportation like a road trip from Varanasi to Gaya by Car Chiku Cab comes as a boon offering a luxury taxi service.
In this particular blog, insight shall be provided on the distance span between the two cities, the time taken to span the distance as well as the routes that are advisable for use, and the period considered most appropriate for the intended road trip. Let’s begin the journey with our rental service and Explore Gaya like a Local!
History of Gaya
Gaya is an old city of India situated in Bihar. The city dates back to the early ages of recorded histories. It has a religious and euphonic importance in Hindu and Buddhist culture. Gaya was mentioned in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata; the name of this city is Gayapuri. According to Hindu legends and traditions, Lord Vishnu did puja here to redeem the souls of his predecessors. Hence the practice of giving the Pindas, which are offerings for the ancestors, is seen to set their souls free at Gaya.
For Buddhists, Gaya holds great significance being the town where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya a town of Gaya. This process is termed the Bodhi Tree Enlightenment and that happened during the sixth century BC. The later construction of the Mahabodhi Temple also belongs to the Gupta period and is located in the place where the Buddha got enlightenment making this place one of the most important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists of the world. For centuries Gaya was growing as a place of religious studies and pilgrimage.
It is said that it attracted scholars, monks as well as devotees from different part of India and outside and thus brought cultural as well as religious color to the place. Originally, Gaya was governed by the Mauryas during the medieval age followed by Gupta, Pal and the Mughal dynasty. It was also an important economic site due it strategic position on trade routes. Today Gaya still does the same it is still a holy site for pilgrims and tourists due to its religious feel and history. The City’s ancient temples, a remarkable market and the calm surroundings of Bodh Gaya preserve the tradition of the religious and cultural identity of India.
Varanasi Gaya distance
The road distance between Varanasi and Gaya is about 255 km. This distance makes the road trip perfect for a short and great holiday because the distance between the two cities can be covered in a few hours while giving one ample chance to glance at the natural beauty in northern India. Varanasi to Gaya Road Trip has beautiful roads and good tarmac all along the highway thus offering a comfortable ride when in a good, efficient and safe taxi service such as the Chiku Cab. This journey covers the Ganges plain, the productive area with halts at various towns, some quiet villages and some with religious importance.
Travelling from Varanasi to Gaya by car
Varanasi to Gaya Road Trip by car varies depending on the road taken and the traffic that dominates the road. It normally takes about 5 to 6 hours to cover the distance if one is driving. Passengers can take short breaks to eat or visit other places of interest as many of the travellers do take time to stretch their legs at some attractive cultural, and or religious landmarks along the way. There is a variety of car types offered by Chiku Cab to take you to your destination in style, the types of cars include, the sedan, SUVs, and the tempo traveller depending on the number of people in your party.
Professional drivers are the best to give a client the best and safest experience on the road trip and Chiku Cab makes sure of that. Road trip from Varanasi to Gaya by Car is the best option for you.
Best Time To Visit from Varanasi to Gaya Road Trip
The Best Time To Visit from Varanasi to Gaya is in the Winter. The weather remains pleasant and you can enjoy sightseeing without getting tired of the heat.
Attractions for Sightseeing in Gaya
1. Bodh Gaya
According to popular belief, no tour to Gaya would be considered to be as good as it should be without a trip to Bodh Gaya the place where Lord Buddha was enlightened beneath the Bodhi Tree. it is a very famous tourist attraction and a focal identity for the Buddhist faithful, the Mahabodhi Temple is on the list of the World Heritage Sites.
2. Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
The Vishnupad Temple at Gaya is also an important Pancha Bootha Stalam constructed for Lord Vishnu. The temple is recognized as that of the birthplace of Lord Vishnu hence the temple is a religious shrine for Hindu worshippers. That is why its architecture is, in fact, a combination of historical and religious features.
3. Sasaram
Anybody on an NH 31 tour, it will be in the best interest of Sasaram to make a pit stop. Sher Shah Suri, the second to rise against Humayun and the founder of the Sur dynasty has a magnificent tomb to the north of this garden.
4. Dehri-on-Sone
The other town now on the SH 87 is Dehri-on-Sone, situated on the left bank of the river Sone. it is a beautiful and very peaceful place for some rest and self-reflection.
Popular Routes from Varanasi to Gaya
- Route 1: Varanasi to Gaya via NH 19 and NH 22: Gaya is reached after around 3 hours and a distance of about 115 miles on this route. It would be necessary for you to travel NH 19 to Mohania from Varanasi and NH 22 to Gaya.
- Route 2: Varanasi to Gaya via NH 20 and NH 139: Gaya is reached by this route after around 4 hours and a distance of about 170 kilometres. You can travel via NH 20 to Aurangabad from Varanasi and NH 139 to Gaya.
Places to eat along the route:
- Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe: This is an efficiently crowded restaurant that is located on NH 19 and provides a wide range of Italian and continental dishes.
- Ruchi Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant located along NH 20 that delivers Chinese and Indian recipes.
- Haveli Restaurant: Being a South Asian and Indian restaurant, Haveli Restaurant is surprisingly very famous among foreign tourists in Bodh Gaya.
Things to Do in Gaya by booking a Chiku Cab
1. Bodh Gaya at Mahabodhi Temple
Buddha himself gave blessings to this temple. The Mahabodhi Temple, which is listed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites is known as the place of enlightenment of Lord Buddha, Gautama. By use of a Chiku Cab one can easily access Bodh Gaya which is approximately 15 kilometers away from the main city. Take a walk in peace, and enjoy the tranquillity of the place, or even get under the Bodhi Tree for a closer look, and not forgetting the towering architecture of the temple.
2. Do Pind Daan in Vishnupad Temple
Vishnupad Temple in Gaya is one of the famous temples for Hindus it is performed by pind daan which is done to pay homage to our dead ancestors. Situated adjacent to the Phalgu River, this temple has a huge religious importance. It means that it’s convenient to hire a Chiku Cab to reach the temple and observe the non-commercial activities.
3. Expedition of Dungeshwari Cave Temples
The Dungeshwari Cave Temples that is also called the Mahakala Caves is located some 12 kilometres away from Bodh Gaya and is set in the belief that this is the place where the virtue of Buddha began his meditation period until he received his enlightenment. It is more of a tranquil site with stunning Buddha portrayed inside the caves, it is an excellent place of worship. A Chiku Cab will be available to transport you to these out-of-the-way caves without any stress.
4. Tour the Great Buddha Statue
The Great Buddha Statue is one of the hugest in India; it lies 80 meters tall and symbolizes Bodh Gaya a lot. It is an architecturally marvellous edifice built with red granite and sandstone which are set in lawns. One of the possibilities which are offered with the help of Chiku Cab is to go to the statue along with others like monasteries.
5. Visit Sujata Stupa
Sujata Stupa, another introduction to such potential sites is located 10 km from Bodh Gaya and is comparatively lesser known. It represents Sujata, a milkmaid who served Buddha food during his lean stage when he had taken the most rigorous mortification. Visit the stupa and its surroundings, it takes just a cab tour to explore it.
Shopping in Gaya
Shopping is one exciting activity that is quite interesting since visitors will find both religious items and handicrafts as well as other special products in the Gaya region. There are opportunities to explore local and modern products starting from traditional items to souvenirs.
Here’s a guide to the best shopping experiences in Gaya:
1. Tibetan Market
The Tibetan Market is another lined marketplace situated at Bodh Gaya It is a colourful market with shops that sell products of Tibetan origin including handicrafts, paintings, and religious materials. This site contains prayer flags, there are statues of Buddhas, and thangkas – Tibetan painting tradition. It also is a good shopping mart selling items such as jewellery, incense, and woollen base clothing.
2. Handicraft Shops
Visitors head towards Bodh Gaya to indulge in shopping for the finest handicrafts popular in Gaya. The best options are handicrafts such as Madhubani paintings, traditional Bihar pottery, bamboo work, and stone carving. All of them are excellent souvenirs or gifts and also the level of art exhibits the region’s artistic traditions.
3. Khadi Bhandar
Khadi Bhandar is located in Gaya, and if you are interested in eco-friendly shopping, this place is for you since here you will find clothes, textiles, and other products all made out of authentic Khadi. Being handwoven fabric they are quite environmentally friendly and are recommended to be bought for tourists. You can also buy natural skincare products and herbal products.
4. Bodh Gaya Souvenir Shops
Around the Mahabodhi Temple and other places of worship in Bodh Gaya, there are numerous tiny shops with souvenirs. They have items of faith such as small Buddhas, Bodhi tree leaves preserved in glass, mala beads and puja books.
5. Vishnupad Temple Market
Teams of shopkeepers outside the Vishnupad Temple offer different items required for worship such as pind daan materials and sacred threads mostly used for puja. You can also purchase Tamil Handmade Arts and Crafts, incense sticks and objects for performing rituals.
6. Local Markets
There are many traditional regional markets within Gaya where you may find products for common use, fresh foods, and garments. These markets are more in the form of livelihood hence the various busy markets fasten the true touch with the lifestyle. Local street food is very vibrant; you can find different traditional sweets, masalas (spices) or any other edible souvenir.
7. Gaya Silk and Textiles
Gaya is famous for its silk particularly saree made out of fine silk fabric which bears an artistic touch and good quality. Local shops selling textile goods have available a number of silk materials, sarees and shawls. Due to the bright work and specific prints on them, these items are certainly a must-buy for every shopper who wants to try on Indian clothing.
8. Local Sweet Shops
Lastly don’t forget Gaya’s famous local sweet known as Tilkut. Prepared from sesame seeds and jaggery, Tilkut is a winter item and so famed Gaya has the finest quality of Tilkuts to offer to its people. There are several shops which prepare Tilkut fresh on the shop counter and also other traditional sweets such as Anarsa and Khaja.
Smart tips for shopping
- In local markets, don’t forget to bargain as much as you can. The shopkeepers often quote much higher prices so negotiate accordingly.
- While buying silk items always remember to check for authenticity. Always shops from reputed shops.
Places to stay in Gaya
Gaya offers a wide range of stays from budget to luxury. Here’s a list of popular places to stay in Gaya:
1. The Royal Residency
2. Hotel Taj Darbar
3. Hotel Sujata
4. The Bodhgaya Hotel School
5. Oaks Bodhgaya
6. Hotel Lumbini International
7. Sambodhi Retreat
8. Hotel Delta International
9. Maha Bodhi Hotel Resort Convention Centre
10. Kundan Bazar Guest House
Tips for Choosing Accommodation:
Proximity to Bodh Gaya: If you are coming for pilgrimage, it is advised to stay within the premise of interest places such as Mahabodhi Temple and monasteries.
Budget: In Gaya, from stars hotels to guesthouses everything is available so choose that suits you more regarding comfort level and pocket.
Spiritual Experience: There are many monasteries and guesthouses that are purely for pilgrims and which offer more religious surroundings.
How to reach Gaya from major cities
Gaya is a prominent religious and spiritual tourism-centric place, but the major point of attraction is Bodh Gaya, which is considered Budha’s place of enlightenment. This city is favourably situated in terms of rail, air, and road connectivity to many other cities in India. Here’s how you can reach Gaya by different modes of transport:
1. By Air
Gaya International Airport (GAY): Gaya has its own airport and is well connected with the major cities of India as well as with selected tourist destinations of the world particularly Buddhist Countries including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan Myanmar etc.
2. By Train
Gaya Junction (GAYA): Gaya Junction is one of the chief railway stations located in Bihar, which connects different cities in India.
Major Trains: Travelling by the Gaya Junction train users can board express and superfast trains to and from major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Patna and Mumbai. Some well known trains are : Mahabodhi Express: From Delhi to Gaya Howrah Rajdhani Express: From Kolkata to Gaya, Patna-Gaya Passenger.
3. By Road
National and State Highways: For road access, Gaya has good connectivity with the National Highway (NH 22) and many state highways also pass through the city. Gaya is quite accessible by road transport through buses, cars or taxis. Call 8448445504 to book a cab today!
