Sarnath - Varanasi

In the Deer Park of Sarnath, Gautama Buddha delivered the first sermon after he gained enlightenment. Sarnath derives its name from Saranganatha (Lord of the Deer). Sarnath is famed for the Ashoka Pillar made of sandstone. It has the lion-capital (with the heads of four lions) that is the State Emblem of the Republic of India. The chakra or the wheel of law adorns the Indian tri-color flag. The inscribed decree read: "No one shall cause division in the order of monks." The pillar enshrines a lion, an elephant, a horse and a bull.

A museum houses exquisite species of Buddhist art, including the Ashoka's lion-capital, Bodhisattva (red stone), Buddha's life panels. Mahabodhi Library possesses several rare manuscripts and excellent Buddhist literature.

Buddha Purnima is a big fair on the day of the new moon (September-October), a day of offering to the manes, both in Sarnath and nearby Varanasi.

Visiting The Attractions Of Sarnath

Half-Day City Tour
Includes visits to the numerous temples, which dot the banks of the river. You will be able to walk through the narrow lanes and stop by at the bazaars to have a look at the world famous Banaras silks.

Early morning boat cruise on the river Ganges
The best time to visit the Ghats is dawn when pilgrims take their morning dip. The most famous Ghat is the Dasadwamedh Ghat from where we begin this tour. Enjoy the boat ride while looking out for the people on the ghats – the women bathing discreetly in their saris, the young men displaying prowess in yogic postures & the Brahmin priests offering prayers for one and all.  

Half-day excursion to Sarnath
Visit the buried city of Sarnath, north east of Varanasi – it is as holy to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. Having achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his message of the way to Nirvana. Later, Ashoka, the great Buddhist emperor erected magnificent Stupas and monasteries at Sarnath. What is visible today are the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and a fine museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures.

Excursion - Varanasi

Allahabad - Varanasi | Sarnath - Varanasi | Kushinagar - Varanasi | Jaunpur - Varanasi

Kaushambi - Varanasi | Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary - Varanasi

Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary - Varanasi | Vindhyachal - Varanasi

Chunar Fort - Varanasi