Sarnath

Sarnath is a Buddhist site in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, India, about 10 km from central Varanasi and roughly 30 minutes away. It is where the Buddha is traditionally held to have given his first sermon after enlightenment, in the Deer Park. Auto-rickshaws from Cantt or Godowlia cost about ₹250-400, app cabs cost ₹250-450, and local trains from Varanasi Junction to Sarnath station cost ₹10-30. Most visitors go by auto or cab and arrange a return ride on the spot. The main attraction is the Dhamek Stupa, a large cylindrical structure of brick and stone with carved bands, standing near the ruins of ancient monasteries. Nearby are the remains of the Ashoka pillar, whose lion capital became India's national emblem and is displayed in the Archaeological Museum. The museum holds Mauryan and Gupta period sculpture, including Buddha images, and charges a modest entry fee. The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern temple with wall paintings, and the Chaukhandi Stupa are also within easy reach. A comfortable one-day arc is to see the Ganga ghats at dawn in Varanasi, return for breakfast, travel to Sarnath by late morning, walk the ruins and the museum, and rest at a garden cafe or a small restaurant near the entrance before returning in the afternoon. Many Buddhist pilgrims from Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka and Tibet visit, and several national temples stand around the site. The museum closes on Fridays, so visitors should plan around that. October to March suits walking the open grounds; summer midday heat is intense.