HeritageAbout 10 km north-east of the city
Sarnath
Where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Keep half a day for the Dhamek Stupa and the museum.
About
After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha came to the Deer Park at Sarnath and gave his first sermon to five disciples. This moment, known as 'turning the wheel of Dharma', makes Sarnath one of the four holiest Buddhist sites in the world.
The massive Dhamek Stupa, rebuilt around 500 CE, marks the spot. Around it are the ruins of monasteries and the broken Ashoka Pillar. The famous Lion Capital that crowned this pillar is now India's national emblem and is displayed in the Sarnath Museum.
Monasteries built by Thailand, Japan, Tibet, Sri Lanka and other countries make the town feel international, and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar has beautiful murals of the Buddha's life.
Don't miss
- Dhamek Stupa
- Ashoka Pillar ruins
- Lion Capital in Sarnath Museum
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
- Deer Park
Travel tips
- Don't go on a Friday if you want to see the museum.
- Go in the morning or late afternoon; there's little shade at midday.
- Hire a cab for half a day to cover Sarnath comfortably.
Location
About 10 km north-east of the city
Nearby places
TempleKaal Bhairav Temple
The 'Kotwal' (guardian) of Kashi. It's believed a Banaras trip is incomplete without his darshan.
- Timings: Roughly 5 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Entry: Free
TempleKashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The new corridor now gives a straight, wide path from the temple down to the Ganga.
- Timings: Roughly 3 AM to 11 PM (starts with Mangla Aarti)
- Entry: General darshan free; Sugam darshan and aartis are ticketed
HeritageRamnagar Fort
The Kashi Naresh's fort across the Ganga, with a museum of vintage cars and old weapons.
- Timings: Roughly 10 AM to 5 PM
- Entry: Small ticket for the museum