We do not currently have this pilgrimage scheduled. Costs and schedule to be determined. Below is a sample pilgrimage.
One of the most sacred pilgrimage places in India is the Bodhi tree, where Lord Buddha became enlightened. It was then that he declared, “I am awake!” Join us for this opportunity to awaken our own “Bodhichitta” and consciousness within, as we meditate in this place.
For 25 centuries Bodhgaya has been the epicenter of the Buddha’s teachings that have now spread around the world. The extensive temple-park complex, created by Emperor Ashoka, is a place for quiet reflection, meditation and contemplation. Seven sacred shrines commemorate the seven weeks the Buddha spent here after his enlightenment. There is a “meditation park” strictly reserved for serious meditation. Our hotel is a short walk from this holy spot, and we can return several times during our stay.
While the powerful Mahabodhi Temple complex is the focus of our visit, the town around the temple is also a haven for those inspired by the Buddha, and a joy to explore. Traffic is restricted, devotees and pilgrims walk everywhere, and we’re a short walk to many beautiful temples and monasteries, built by devotees of different Buddhist lineages from different countries, each in their unique style. Some of these will also be our meditation destinations. Here an infinite variety of Buddhist traditions come together harmoniously.
We’ll also drive 12 kilometers into the countryside to meditate at the Dungeshwari or Mahakala caves where the Buddha did his sadhana for several years leading up to his enlightenment.
This pilgrimage will be led by Keshava and Daya Taylor, spiritual directors of Ananda Sangha Delhi.
Our Schedule
Thursday, 11 February
4:25 pm flight arrives in Gaya from Delhi (Indigo-6E 5253)
Bus meets the flight and takes us to the hotel; check-in
6:00 pm: opening gathering at the hotel
Walk to Mahabodhi temple for meditation
Dinner at hotel
Friday, 12 February
Morning meditation at Indosan Nipponji Japanese temple
Breakfast
Guided tour of Mahabodhi Temple and more.
Dinner at hotel
Saturday, 13 February
6:00 am Depart for Dungeshwari Caves for meditation
Breakfast
Walking tour of local temples and monasteries
Afternoon free time, optional meditation at Mahabodhi Temple
Dinner at hotel
Sunday, 14 February
Early morning meditation at Mahabodhi Temple
Check out, have breakfast
Transfer to airport
12:00 noon flight departs Gaya to Delhi (Indigo-6E 6157)
Dungeshwari Caves
Accomodation, Meals and Transportation
Our hotel in Bodhgaya for 3 nights is the 3-star Maya Heritage. Breakfasts and dinners are included. Within Bodhgaya town, our destinations are within a 10-minute walk of our hotel. The ground is level; the temples have some steps. Airport transfers and the outing to Dungeshwari Caves will be by a/c bus. Reaching the Dungeshwari Caves involves a 10-minute moderately steep walk up a cement path. If this is difficult, motorcyclists also offer rides.
Photos above: The holy Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi temple where Buddha attained enlightenment (top); Thai Buddhist Temple (bottom left) and entrance to Dungeshwari Hills Cave Temple – these caves are believed to be where Lord Buddha meditated for years (bottom right)
Photo above: Tergar Monastery. Different countries have built many Buddhist temples and monasteries in their cultural architectural and spiritual styles in Bodhgaya. We will visit various such places!
How to Reach Bodh Gaya
You will arrange your own flight.
The pilgrimage leaders are taking the following flights:
Delhi to Gaya: Indigo-6E 5253 (15:20 – 16:25)
Gaya to Delhi: Indigo-6E 6157 (12:00 – 13:15)
If you are flying from another city with a layover in Delhi, try to book the same Indigo flight for your connection. Alternatively, you can aim to land around the same time as the main group so you can take advantage of the group bus transfer from the airport to the hotel.
If you arrive at a different time, you will need to arrange your own cab to the hotel. Please note that hotel check-in begins at 1:00 PM, so please plan your travel schedule accordingly.
Nipponji Japanese temple
Programme Fees
Double occupancy: Rs. 18,000 per person, plus airfare.
Single occupancy: Rs. 22,500 plus airfare.
If you wish double occupancy accommodation and you don’t know another pilgrim, you’ll be assigned a roommate if possible.
Included in the programme fee: All group transportation within Bodhgaya, lodging, two meals per day, airport transfers for coordinated flights, and hotel gratuities.
Excluded from the programme fee: Airfare to and from Gaya, daily lunches, beverages, independent taxi or auto-rickshaw transportation, and personal hotel incidentals (such as laundry or room service).
For those travelling by rail, trains arrive at Gaya Junction station, which is located approximately 30 minutes from the hotel; guests utilising this option will need to make their own way to the hotel.
The pilgrimage will officially commence at Gaya Airport at 5:00 PM on Thursday, 11 February 2027, and will conclude at the airport following breakfast on Sunday, 14 February 2027.
Application and Payments
A completed application form and payment are both needed to confirm your space. We encourage you to apply for the pilgrimage as early as possible. We also ask for full payment as soon as we approve your application.
Your place on the pilgrimage will be confirmed once your application is accepted and payment is received. Spaces are reserved in the order of payments received. Should the retreat become fully booked, we will maintain a waiting list and joyfully welcome you if a space becomes available.
How to Apply
- Click the “Register Now” button below. Fill out and ‘send’ the application.
- We approve your application, and then invite you by email to make the payment. Carefully monitor your inbox. You have up to 15 days to pay, after which your application becomes ‘inactive’ and your space is vacated for another pilgrim. Payment can be made online, by cheque, or in Delhi by cash.
- We can confirm your space only after we approve your application and receive payment.
- Spaces are limited.
- In case of cancellation, ₹ 3000 of the fee is non-refundable. Cancellation close to the date of departure may incur additional costs.
Liability
I understand that the pilgrimage leaders from Ananda Sangha Trust are acting as the tour coordinators only. They are not responsible for any inconvenience or errors caused by our service providers, such as airlines, Indian railways, the resort, and other tour guides, traffic delays, etc. They are not responsible for any loss of personal property, injury, or accidents during the pilgrimage.
I have read and understand the terms and conditions stated.