Bodhgaya possible in one day?

Our plan is to leave Varanasi by private car by 8am for Bodhgaya.

We need to be at the MGS train station by 8.30pm for the night train to Darjeeling.

Will we be able to see much in that time? Mainly want to see the Bodhi tree and Monasteries.

Also how far is the MGS train station from Bodhgaya?

I guess if its too much of a time constraint then we will leave it out, but i hope we can squeeze it in.

Sarah

In my opinion, by road it's not advisable, as travelling time is around 5 hours each way.

Your best bet is to take the morning train 2988 Ajmer Sealdah express at 5 AM and take back 2801 Purushottam Express at 2 PM it will leave you at MGS at 5 PM.

Thanks for the info Delhiwala! I didnt realise MGS was so far from Bodhgaya

I think we will be spending that day in Varanasi now

Sarah

You may go to Vindhyavasini Temple near Mirzapur. It is a highly revered temple and you can do it in a day. Very Very Offbeat place for Westerners.

It used to be a big centre of Tantra practice in olden days (some say it still is).

thank you Delhiwala, it looks fascinating! Its on the to do list now. I love offbeat places.

I didn't find that many last time, except Mathura. That was out there

There are many offbeat places....

Indiamikers know quite a few of them.

Do you advise going to Mirzapur by car or train?

Also is it on the way to Sarnath? I have seen Sarnath before but if its on the way, it will be good for hubby to see it.

Thanks

Car is better. But you can go by shared Jeeps or Govt. Buses also.

If you go by car you may visit Chunar fort also. It has the samadhi stahl (tomb) of Sage Bhartihari.

The area is dotted with ancient cave painting sites, but they are not advised without a good and reliable guide.

Sarnath is not on the way, but while returning, if you have time, you may visit it.