Bhojpuri Heartland

Day-Wise Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Delhi — Welcome to India

Met on arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport by a Connecting to the Roots representative and transferred to your hotel. The evening is kept free for rest after long-haul travel. Overnight: Delhi.

Day 2 — Delhi Sightseeing — The Imperial Capitals

A full day covering Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat, India Gate and Kartavya Path, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar, with optional visits to Akshardham or Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Red Fort and Akshardham are closed on Mondays. Overnight: Delhi.

Day 3 — Delhi → Patna by air — Welcome to Bihar

Transfer to Delhi airport for the flight to Patna, where you will be met and taken to your hotel. The remainder of the day is kept relaxed, with an optional short visit to Mahavir Mandir. In the evening, meet your guide over a welcome dinner and receive an introduction to the journey ahead. Overnight: Patna.

Day 4 — Discover Patna — Gateway to Bihar's Heritage

Explore the many layers of Bihar's history — the Bihar Museum, the archaeological remains of ancient Pataliputra at Kumhrar, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, and Golghar. In the evening, experience the atmosphere of the Ganga at Gandhi Ghat. The day is deliberately unhurried. Overnight: Patna.

Day 5 — Patna → Gaya & Bodh Gaya — Faith, Ancestors & Enlightenment

Travel to Gaya, a foremost centre of ancestral remembrance. Visit the Vishnupad Temple and the sacred banks of the Falgu. Guests wishing to perform Pind Daan, the traditional rite for departed forebears, may request arrangements. Please tell us at the time of booking, as a pandit and materials must be arranged in advance. Continue to Bodh Gaya for the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree. Overnight: Bodh Gaya.

Day 6 — Bodh Gaya • Nalanda • Rajgir • Patna — Spiritual & Intellectual Heritage

Begin with the Great Buddha Statue and the international monasteries of Bodh Gaya. Continue to Nalanda and walk through the remains of its ancient centre of learning, then on to Rajgir, ringed by hills and closely tied to both Buddhist and Jain tradition, including the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Overnight: Patna.

Day 7 — Ara & Buxar — Into the Landscape of Girmitya Memory

Today the character of the journey changes. Travel to Ara and the Bhojpur region, the heart of Bhojpuri-speaking Bihar and one of the principal districts from which indentured labourers were recruited. Rather than moving between monuments, spend time in the countryside, the villages, the fields and the local bazaars. Continue to Buxar and the banks of the Ganga — the river down which generations were carried towards Calcutta — for quiet reflection. An authentic Bhojpuri meal follows, arranged locally: dal-roti, dal pithi, chokha, seasonal vegetables and traditional sweets. Overnight: Patna.

Day 8 — Chapra & Siwan — Language, Music, Food & Living Heritage

Cross the Ganga towards Chapra and the Saran region, continuing to Siwan as time permits. Spend time in the villages, hearing Bhojpuri spoken in its homeland. The highlight is a specially arranged cultural evening of traditional song with dholak and jhaal — sohar, birha and bideshia, the song of the man who went away. Guests may recognise words and melodies preserved within Girmitya communities overseas, and are warmly encouraged to share their own songs in return. A final Bhojpuri meal. Overnight: Patna.

Day 9 — Patna → Delhi by air — Taking the Memories Home

A relaxed breakfast and assisted check-out, with time for final shopping for Bihari sweets, handicrafts and khadi if flight timings permit. Private transfer to Patna Airport for the flight to Delhi, or to another Indian city of your choosing, with assistance at departure. Your journey ends in Bihar.

Package Includes

• 9 Days / 8 Nights private AC vehicle with driver
• 8 nights in 3-star air-conditioned hotels, with breakfast and dinner
• Monument and site entry tickets throughout
• Professional, experienced driver
• Delhi and Patna airport pickup and drop
• Licensed English-speaking guide
• Complete Delhi and Bihar transportation
• Traditional Bhojpuri meals at Ara and Chapra
• Village visits and folk cultural programmes
• Assistance with temple darshan and Pind Daan arrangements
• Toll taxes, state taxes, parking, driver allowance and fuel

Package Excludes

• International flights
• Domestic flights (Delhi–Patna, Patna–Delhi or onward) — arranged on request
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Lunch, other than the Bhojpuri meals in the village districts
• Ancestral village research service (quoted separately)
• Personal expenses and shopping
• Tips and gratuities
• Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary