12 Best Tourist Attractions in Sarnath Everyone Should Visit

In this blog post, you will get acquainted with the 12 best tourist attractions in Sarnath that will undoubtedly blow your mind.

Only eight kilometers from Varanasi, Sarnath is situated. It is a very important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon in Sarnath. This is the reason why it is considered a holy place for the followers of Buddha.

When people visit this city, they all feel a beautiful spiritual connection. The holy Ganga and Gomati rivers meet at Sarnath. It is called Mrigadava, Migadya, Rishipattana, and Isipatana. Each of these names has a spiritual meaning.

With so much to see, there is always something to do in Sarnath. By taking part in some of the best things to do here, you can learn about the city’s history as well as its culture.

Interesting Facts about Sarnath

1. Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Uttar Pradesh, India.
2. It is the place where Lord Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
3. Sarnath is home to several significant Buddhist monuments, including the Dhamek Stupa, which is a massive cylindrical tower that marks the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon.
4. The famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is now the national emblem of India, was originally erected at Sarnath.
5. Sarnath is a renowned center for Buddhist studies and attracts numerous scholars, monks, and tourists from around the world who come to explore its rich history and religious significance.

Why Should Visit Sarnath?

Sarnath is a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism and its profound historical significance.

A visit to Sarnath provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the spiritual aura, learn about Buddhism’s origins, and witness remarkable architectural marvels.

It is a place where one can experience tranquility, reflect upon life’s profound teachings, and gain insights into one of the world’s major religions.

Best Tourist Attractions in Sarnath

Here are 12 amazing places to visit in Sarnath. Let’s get started.

1. Dhamek Stupa

Dhamek Stupa is situated just behind Mulgandha Kuti Vihar. Dhamek Stupa is a group of buildings that includes, stupas, monasteries, ruins, temples, museums, and gardens.

This place, which is in Deer Park, gives visitors an unforgettable look into Buddhism’s history and culture.

The beautiful Dhamek Stupa is a popular place for Buddhist devotees and pilgrims, but also for tourists, picnickers, and nature lovers, thanks to its well-kept gardens and benches that are partly shaded by tall trees.

With the help of this tour which includes Dhamek Stupa in its itinerary, you can explore this site without having any problem.

• Location – Dharmapala Rd, Singhpur, Sarnath
• Time – Entire Day
• Fee – Free

2. The Mahabodhi Society Temple

Sarnath is home to one of the oldest temples in all of India. During the Gupta period, when the Mauryans ruled India, it was built entirely out of bricks.

People call it the Mahabodhi Society Temple. The place where Lord Buddha got wise was called “The Proselyte.”

Near the archaeological site, a temple was finally built that was an exact copy of one that had been found during the excavation.

Japanese artists were hired to make beautiful wall paintings and frescoes in this place of worship. It is very beautiful to look at and great to visit here.

• Location Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 
• Timing – Entire Day
• Entry Fee – Free

3. Chaukhandi Stupa

Many people believe that the Chaukhandi Stupa is one of the holiest and most important Buddhist sites in the world.

This stupa was built right where the Lord Buddha met his first five disciples. The Chaukhandi Stupa is a shrine to the great Lord Buddha that grew out of a group of burial mounds.

Sarnath is one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Buddhists are encouraged to go there. This city is a sign of Buddhist culture as a whole because it has so many old Buddhist monuments.

It looks great and is a great place to visit.

• Location – Rishpattan Rd, Near, Sarnath
• Timings – 7 am to 9 pm
• Entry Fee – Free

4. Ashoka Chakra

The Ashoka Chakra is a large stone building that is topped by the heads of four lions. It is India’s national symbol, and it is proof that Emperor Ashoka went to Sarnath.

Ashoka gave this fifty-meter-long pillar and the Dhamek Stupa to Buddhism as gifts.

The whole place has a calm and peaceful feel to it. Around the compound, you can see monks meditating in different places.

The entire complex is made up of green lawns, and the Stupa and lawns make it look like a colony. The Ashoka Pillar is without a doubt the most well-known building in the complex.

• Location – Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 
• Timings – 24 hours
• Entry Fee – Free

5. Tibetan Buddhist Monastery

The Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Sarnath is a great place to find peace and quiet and the perfect place to meditate.

This monastery was built in 1955, and it is now thought to be one of the most important places of worship in all of Sarnath. 

When you enter the monastery, you’ll see two lion statues right away. There are small statues of Lord Buddha all over the inside of the building.

A lot of monks will be sitting there in silence or chanting a mantra. Go to this monastery and meditate there for a while if you want to clear your mind form negativity.

• Location – Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 
• Timings – 24 hours
• Entry Fee – Free

6. Sarnath Museum

Most people agree that the museum in the city is one of the top things to do in Sarnath. This museum of Archaeology has sculptures and paintings from a long time ago.

A lot of people go to this museum to see the “Lion Capital of Ashoka” sculpture, which is a famous piece of art. 

History fans think the Sarnath museum is the most interesting place to go in the city of Sarnath because it shows how the city looked when it was first built.

The Ashoka pillar can be found in the museum. It marks the spot where Emperor Ashoka built the Lion Capital of Ashoka in 250 BCE.

• Location – Rishpattan Rd, Near, Sarnath
• Timings – 9 AM – 5 PM
• Entry Fee – NA

7. Wat Thai Sarnath Temple

You should put this beautiful Thai temple at the top of your list of places to see in Sarnath. This temple is a great place to relax in the company of nature because it is surrounded on all sides by green plants.

A big statue of Lord Buddha is also in the temple. 

People in orange robes will be meditating in the garden or in the temple as they walk around the complex or sit in the temple.

Make sure you’re dressed properly and don’t make too much noise while you look around this beautiful temple. This is undoubtedly one of the best temples in Sarnath.

• Location – Rishpattan Rd, Near Sarnath Museum, Sarnath
• Timings – 24 hours
• Entry Fee – Free.

8. Deer Park

A lot of tourists, especially those who are interested in nature, like to go to Deer Park. It is a park where deer can run around freely in an area that is more like their natural habitat.

The park is a great place to relax and spend time with animals and nature, especially if you like being around them. 

The name Sarnath comes from the word Sarnath in Sanskrit, which means “Lord of the Deer” in English. It is in a good place because it is close to the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.

The Parks and Recreation Department is in charge of keeping the park’s beautiful plants, trees, and picnic areas in good shape.

• Location – Sarnath, Varanasi
• Timings – 24 hours
• Entry Fee – Free

9. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

The name of this temple in Sarnath is Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. Because of changes to its architecture in recent years, its layout is very different from that of other temples in the area.

The beautiful murals and frescoes on this building were done by the Japanese painter Kosetsu Nosu. 

At the entrance to the temple, there is a big bronze bell, and on the inside, there is a very large golden statue of Buddha.

The temple is a must-see for anyone who goes to Sarnath because of how well it was built. It is very impressive and inspires you to learn more.

• Location – Singhpuri, Sarnath, Varanasi
• Timings – 24 hours
• Entry Fee – Free

10. Digambar Jain Temple

Pilgrims who follow Jainism think of Sarnath as an important stop on their way. The eleventh Jain Tirthankara Shreyanshnath was born in a small village near Sarnath.

The Digambar Jain Temple, which was built in 1824, is also called the Shreyanshnath Jain Temple. 

Inside the temple, there is a big picture of Shreyanshnath and beautiful frescoes that show the life of Bhagwan Mahavir, who is thought to be the founder of the Jain religion.

There are gardens and other types of plants on both sides of the path that leads to this Jain temple. It is one of the important temples for Jain.

• Location – South-west of the Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath
• Timings – 24 hours
• Entry Fee – Free.

11. Garden Of Spiritual Wisdom

This could be the best place in Sarnath for people who love being outside. It just reopened recently after a lot of work was done to fix it up.

The work that was done was excellent. Inside the Garden of Spiritual Wisdom, the beautiful landscaping, well-kept gardens, bonsai, and calming and soothing atmosphere take the visitor to a completely different world. It’s one of the best gardens in Sarnath.

As soon as you walk into the garden, you’ll see a beautiful, clear view of the Chaukhandi Stupa. This garden shows the most important parts of Buddhism through a variety of exhibits and sculptures.

• Location – Rishpattan Road, Behind Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath
• Timings – 24 hours
• Entry Fee – Free

12. Sivali Vietnamese Buddha Temple

A beautiful statue of Buddha sitting down can be found not far from the center of the city of Sarnath. Doan Lam Tan built the temple over the course of five years. He paid for it by selling all of his belongings and his car, and he still lives here. 

During your tour of this beautiful temple, make sure you are dressed for the occasion and don’t make too much noise.

Make sure you’re dressed right and don’t make too much noise as you look around this beautiful temple. This temple is undoubtedly one of the best places to see in Sarnath.

• Location – Khajuhi, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 
• Timings – 24 hours
• Entry Fee – Free.

Best Time to Visit Sarnath

The best time to visit Sarnath is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions. Avoid visiting during the summer months (April to June) as the temperatures can be quite high.

How to Get to Sarnath

1. By Air

The nearest airport to Sarnath is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. You can book a flight to Varanasi from major cities in India or from international destinations.

From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-paid taxi service to Sarnath, which is approximately 30 minutes away.

2. By Train

Varanasi Junction (also known as Varanasi Cantt) is the major railway station near Sarnath. Varanasi Junction is well-connected to major cities in India, and you can find both regular and luxury trains serving the station.

Once you reach Varanasi Junction, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or a local bus to Sarnath, which is around 10 kilometers away.

3. By Road

Sarnath is well-connected by road networks, and you can reach there by hiring a taxi or taking a bus. If you are in Varanasi, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Sarnath. The journey usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Where to Eat in Sarnath

1. Tashi Restaurant

Located near the Dhamek Stupa, Tashi Restaurant offers a variety of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese dishes. It is known for its peaceful ambiance and friendly service.

2. Madinah Restaurant

Madinah Restaurant is a popular choice for both locals and tourists. It serves delicious Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Their biryanis and kebabs are highly recommended.

3. Open Hand Cafe

Open Hand Cafe is a cozy cafe located close to the main attractions in Sarnath. It offers a range of vegetarian dishes, including Indian, Italian, and Continental cuisines. The cafe is known for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty food.

Travel Tips & Suggestions

1. Clothing and Etiquette: Sarnath is a religious and cultural site, so it is advisable to dress modestly and respectfully. When visiting temples or religious sites, it is customary to cover your shoulders and legs. Remove your shoes before entering temples and follow any specific rules or customs observed at each place.
2. Hiring a Local Guide: To enhance your visit to Sarnath and gain a deeper understanding of its historical and religious significance, consider hiring a local guide. A guide can provide valuable insights, share interesting stories, and help you navigate the site effectively.
3. Exploring the Main Attractions: Sarnath is home to several significant attractions. Make sure to visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Archaeological Museum. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich history and spirituality of Sarnath.
4. Meditation and Serenity: Sarnath is a renowned destination for meditation and spiritual retreats. Consider spending some quiet time in the peaceful surroundings, meditating, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere. Many monasteries and meditation centers offer facilities for visitors.
5. Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to try local delicacies in Sarnath. Indulge in the flavors of traditional Indian cuisine and try popular street food like chaats and snacks. There are also restaurants offering a range of cuisines to cater to different preferences.
6. Shopping for Souvenirs: Sarnath offers various options for souvenir shopping. Look for handicrafts, Buddhist artifacts, prayer flags, and traditional clothing. The Tibetan Refugee Market and local shops near the main attractions are good places to find unique mementos.
7. Nearby Attractions: Sarnath is close to the city of Varanasi, so you can plan a combined trip to explore both destinations. Varanasi is known for its ghats (steps leading to the river) along the Ganges River, ancient temples, and vibrant culture.
8. Transportation: Sarnath is easily accessible from Varanasi by road, train, or air. Consider using local transportation like auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws for shorter distances within Sarnath.
9. Respect the Sacredness: Sarnath holds great religious and historical significance for Buddhists. Respect the sanctity of the place by observing silence, refraining from littering, and following any rules or guidelines provided at the sites.

Conclusion – Best Things to Do in Sarnath

These are the most famous tourist attractions in Sarnath that everyone should visit. Each site has a different vibe. You will experience ancient monuments, parks, pilgrimage sites, museums, and more than that.

Sarnath is undoubtedly a worth visiting place in Uttar Pradesh, India. I would like to recommend you to visit there.

I love this Sarnath Tour.

FAQs – Best Things to Do in Sarnath