About 10 km north-east of Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the four most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It was here, in the Deer Park, that the Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment — setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion.
Top things to see
Dhamek Stupa
A massive, solid stupa marking the spot of the first sermon. Walk around it clockwise with the monks and pilgrims from across Asia.
The ruins
The excavated monastery complex around the stupa, including the remains of the Ashoka Pillar.
Sarnath Archaeological Museum
Home to the original Lion Capital of Ashoka — the national emblem of India — along with exquisite Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. (Closed on Fridays.)
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
A modern temple with beautiful Japanese murals of the Buddha's life and a sacred Bodhi tree grown from a sapling of the tree in Sri Lanka.
International temples
Thai, Tibetan, Japanese and Chinese temples — each with its own architecture. The giant standing Buddha at the Thai temple is a favourite.
How to plan your trip
- Time needed: 3–4 hours.
- Getting there: about 30–40 minutes by car or auto from the old city.
- Best time: morning, before the afternoon heat.
- Tickets: monument and museum have separate entry tickets.
Our Sarnath Half-Day Tour includes AC transport, hotel pickup and a guide who brings the Buddha's story alive.
