Sarnath: The Cradle of Buddhism
Discover Sarnath, the revered Buddhist site near Varanasi, rich in history and tranquility, perfect for spiritual seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Sarnath, located just outside Varanasi, is a sacred Buddhist site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. A pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, Sarnath offers rich history, magnificent ruins, and tranquil surroundings that provide a perfect escape for tourists seeking spirituality and culture.
A brief summary to Sarnath
- Varanasi, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, IN
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and avoid crowds.
- Dress modestly while visiting temples to show respect for the sacred sites.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the monuments.
- Don't miss the evening prayer ceremonies, which offer a unique spiritual experience.
- Try to allocate time to visit the nearby deer park, which adds to the serene environment of Sarnath.
Getting There
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Rickshaw
From the city center of Varanasi, head towards the main road (Mall Road) and look for a cycle rickshaw stand. You can negotiate a fare with the rickshaw puller to take you to Sarnath. The ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Inform the driver that you want to go to Sarnath, which is about 10 kilometers from the center. Once you arrive, you'll see signs directing you to the archaeological site.
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Local Bus
Take a local bus from the Varanasi Bus Stand (near Godowlia). Look for buses heading towards Sarnath; they are usually marked and frequent. Once on the bus, it should take around 45 minutes to an hour to reach Sarnath. Get off at the last stop, and you will be close to the Sarnath archaeological site. Follow the crowd as they will likely be heading in the same direction.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby, you can walk to Sarnath. Start from the main road in Varanasi and head northeast towards Sarnath. The distance is approximately 10 kilometers, so it may take around 2 hours on foot. Follow the signs along the way, and remember to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.
Discover more about Sarnath
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sarnath
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Dharmpal Monument
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Prachin Baudha Sthal
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Varanasi Fun City
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प्राचीन कुआँ
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Archaeological Survey of India - Excavated Remains
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Satya Dham
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Kabir Chaura Math Varanasi
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Varanasi In
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Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Mahashamshan Ghat
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Manikarnika Ghat
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Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
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Meer Ghat
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Unmissable attractions to see
Chaukhandi Stupa
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The Cambodian Buddhist Monastery - Sarnath City, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Free Meditation Shri Ram Chandra Mission
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Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
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Samrat Ashok Buddha Vihar
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Tibetan Temple Varanasi
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Tibetan Temple
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Shri Shreyansnath (4 Kalyanaks) Jain Temple, Sarnath
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Japanese Temple
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Buddha Statue
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The Giant Buddha
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Ashokan Pillar Replica
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Wat Thai Sarnath Temple
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Sarnath Museum
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Chinese Buddhist Temple
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Essential places to dine
Rangoli Garden Restaurant
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Shaakya Restaurant | Best Restaurant in Varanasi | Veg & Non-Veg
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Restaurant UP-65
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Lazania Restaurant
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Cilantro Restaurant
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Vaishali Restaurant
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Green Hut Restaurant
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Veg Gali
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Bollywood Tadka Restaurant
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Kashi Gaon Restaurant - Unit of SARK Multimedia
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Cuisine Nation/Tasty Tadka
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Holy Chopsticks
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Tandoor Villa
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The King Family Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cultural Banarasi Saree
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N V SHOPPE
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Om General Store
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Rajkumar Shop
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Gopal Kirana Store
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Isipatana Silk Emporium
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Sarnath Shop
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Sarnath Pet's Shop
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Kashi Bazaar
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Sarnath Provision & General Store
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Sarnath Silk Handicraft
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Baba Bob & Srijan Boutique
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Sale Point
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The Usee Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tipsy Tales
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Flamingo Sky Bar
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Beer Bar
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Chahat Beer Bar And Restaurant
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Prinsep Bar
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Sol Haveli Bar
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Winfa Bar Restaurant
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Tarang Bar
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