Sarnath

Sarnath is a small village in Uttar Pradesh, India, about 13 km north-east of Varanasi. It's famous as the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and also where the original Sangha was formed. Consequently, it is one of the 4 main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Within the deer park complex is the large Dhamekha Stupa, constructed by the Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, and several other Buddhist structures that were added between the 3rd century BCE and the 11th century CE. The town is relatively peaceful and green, and provides a welcome accommodation alternative to those wishing to visit Varanasi but not be immersed in it 24 hours a day.

Understand
Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar are places directly involved with the life of Buddha and are part of the Buddhist Circuit. Lumbini was the place of his birth, while Kushinagar was the place of his death. Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and preached his first sermon at Sarnath. Sarnath is located just 10 km from Varanasi and is best explored in a day trip.

Get in
Sarnath is best accessible from Varanasi which is located just 10 km away. Airports, major railway stations and bus terminus are all located in Varanasi. Autos and taxis are readily available from the Varanasi Junction station and bus terminus.

By plane
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is 24 km from Sarnath and is the nearest airport.

By train
The nearest major station is Varanasi Junction (6 km), which is connected to most major cities in the country. Sarnath does have a small with local trains from Varanasi serving every 2-3 hours, but most trains terminate in Varanasi City (instead of Varanasi Junction) station. A few express trains also stop here.

By bus
Local bus No107E departs from near Varanasi Cantt train station (coordinates: 25°19.74981'N, 82°59.36062'E), and costs ₹25 (2023) to Sarnath

By taxi/rickshaw
The town is easily reached by taxi or auto rickshaw from Varanasi. If you're non-Indian and arriving in Varanasi by train, a taxi driver will probably descend on you before you leave your train platform. Make no commitment there! You can negotiate a better rate with an autorickshaw driver, outside the station. If you have tons of luggage though, go with the taxi -- it won't fit in the rickshaw. The route, though once somewhat rural, is now noisy, busy, and almost completely built up till you're on the road just outside Sarnath. Rates from ghat area of Varanasi (Approx one hour journey) : Auto - ₹400 one way - ₹700 return, including an hour waiting time. Taxi - over ₹1,500 for a return journey, including one hour waiting time. (Updated April 2023.)

Get around
The tourist attractions of Sarnath a spread over a small area and can be very well covered on foot. However, for people who don't want to walk much there are autos. The autos have no fixed fare and routes. So, before you hop in confirm the route and the price. Also, prices are subjected to heavy bargaining.

Historical sites
There is a ₹300 fee for non-Indians to enter the site that houses the Damekh Stupa, stupa relics, and Ashoka Pillar. The ticket office is on the left, next to the main gate.
 * Main archaeological site

Active religious sites
Apart from the historical sites related to Buddhism, Sarnath houses several active Buddhist temples managed by several Buddhist trusts in India and abroad. Sarnath has temples from majority of the Buddhist countries, which includes - China, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar and even Tibet.

Buy

 * Stone carved Buddhas - a specialty of Sarnath. Available at stalls near the entrance to Deer Park.

Budget

 * Mahabodi Dharmshala Temple, Thai Temple and the Burmese Temple. All of these temples offer very cheap but spartan accommodation.
 * Mahabodi Dharmshala Temple, Thai Temple and the Burmese Temple. All of these temples offer very cheap but spartan accommodation.

Respect
In the vicinity of sacred sites:
 * Wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site.
 * Circumambulate the stupa and other sacred objects in a clock-wise direction.
 * Preserve the peace and tranquility.
 * Do not climb onto statues or other sacred objects.

Go next

 * Varanasi - one hour to ghat area (One way - auto: around ₹350, taxi: ₹750).