Located thirteen kilometres north-east of Varanasi, Sarnath is the auspicious place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon in the deer park after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Set amidst well maintained gardens, Sarnath’s ruins are a pleasant place for a stroll or for meditation. Some of the main attractions here are the Ashoka Pillar, the ruins of the Mulagandhakuti, and the huge Dhamek Stupa. Further to the east is the modern Mulagandhakuti Vihara, where one can find enchanting wall paintings and behind it is the Deer Park, originally known as Mrigadava. The Sarnath Museum houses some of the greatest treasures of Indian Buddhist art. Asoka’s lion capital and the beautiful Teaching Buddha are amongst the most beautiful sculptures ever created.

Today, the city contains a number of Buddhist monasteries and sculptures from all over the world. The most important and vibrant festival celebrated here is the Buddha Purnima festival held in the months of April and May.

Dhamek Stupa and Buddhist ruins

The 34 meter long Dhamek stupa marks the place where Buddha preached his first sermon. The ancient carvings date back to the 5th century AD and the brick work is considered ranging back to 200 BC The Stupa is located within a quaint park that carries a number of ancient remains including the famous Ashoka Pillar. The Sri Digamber Jain temple is located right outside the park.

Chaukhandi Stupa

This Stupa marks the spot where Lord Buddha met his disciples for the first time. There is an unusual looking Mughal tower at the top of the stupa, which was built in order to venerate the visit of Emperor Humayun.

Deer Park and Mulgandha Kuti Vihar

The Mulgandha Kuti Vihar temple was built by the Mahabodhi society. The premises contain an ornate bookshop decked by Japanese frescos. A Bodhi tree is present within the park; it is believed to be the offspring of the original tree in Bodhgaya. Buddha’s first sermon is read out here almost everyday, the timings for which differ from season to season.

Sarnath Museum

The Sarnath museum is a modern museum that houses ancient treasures including the lion capital from the famous Ashoka Pillar.

• Departing from Varanasi, there is a tour that first visits Sarnath first and, if time permits, heads toward Ramnagar Fort, which is located across the river to the south of Varanasi and is home to Kashi Naresh (Former Maharaja of Varanasi) and also has a museum containing various exhibits of palanquins, costumes, swords, etc.

Sri Ram Hotel, Ram Charit Manas, Janaki Mahal, Pandit Banshidhar Dharamshala, Jain Dharamshala, Gujrat Bhawan Dharamshala, Birla Dharamshala, Ram Anugsah Viram Sadan, Ram Dham Guest House

• State Bank of India, Ashapur
• Canara bank
• Central Bank, Ashapur

• The Headquarters and A.S.I

• Government Hospital
• Dr. Baijnath Hospital

• UP Government Tourist Bureau

• Sarnath is directly connected by Varanasi with the trains such as Gorakhpur Express, Varanasi - Bhatni - Varanasi Express and Budha Purema Express (upto Bodhgaya). Also, well connected to most of the cities through Varanasi

• Vaishali Restaurant
• Tibetan Restaurant, Tel: 91-542-238 5380
• Rangoli Garden Restaurant
• Green Hut Restaurant
• Anand Restaurant
• Open Restaurant
• Hiwain Restaurant

Ashoka, who was a devotee of Buddha, had created a number of stupas and monasteries in the 3rd Century BC; however, with the invasion of the Mughal emperors, Sarnath was completely destroyed and left in ruins. It was not until 1835 that the city was rediscovered and excavated by the British archeologists. It was here that Gautam Buddha and his five disciples established the first Sangha, along with Yasa of Varanasi and his 54 acquaintances. The birth of the much celebrated and most popular mantra of Buddhism, “Buddham Sharanam Gachhami,” took place right here in Sarnath.