Beware of scammers on the ghats. Touts and self-styled “guides” or “priests” roam the Ganga ghats and temple lanes, offering VIP darshan, pujas, boat rides or “donations for cremation wood”. Never pay anyone in advance, and never pay for a service before you have actually received it. Book temple services only through the official trust.
Why Sarnath matters
After his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha walked to the deer park at Sarnath and taught his first five disciples — the sermon known as “setting in motion the wheel of the Dharma”. Sarnath became one of the four holiest places in Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka built stupas and a great pillar here in the 3rd century BCE, and monasteries flourished for over a thousand years before the site was ruined in the 12th century and rediscovered by archaeologists in the 19th.
For Jains, Sarnath is also sacred as the birthplace of Shreyansanatha, the 11th Tirthankara.
What to see in Sarnath
~39 m high
Dhamek Stupa
The great cylindrical stupa marking where the Buddha is believed to have preached his first sermon. Monks from across Asia walk around it in meditation.
Closed Fridays
Sarnath Museum
Home of the original Ashokan Lion Capital — India’s national emblem — and the 5th-century sculpture of the Buddha preaching his first sermon.
Opened 1931
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
The Maha Bodhi Society’s temple, with frescoes of the Buddha’s life by the Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu and a sapling of the Bodhi tree outside.
1588
Chaukhandi Stupa
A brick stupa about 800 m away where the Buddha met his first disciples, topped by an octagonal tower built under Emperor Akbar.
1824
Jain temple
The Shreyansanatha Jain temple, about 70 m from the Dhamek Stupa.
International
Asian temples
Temples built by Thailand, Japan, Tibet, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, China and others — including a 24 m standing Buddha at the Thai temple.
Ramnagar Fort
An 18th-century sandstone fort on the eastern bank of the Ganga, still the residence of the former royal family of Banaras. Its museum displays vintage cars, palanquins, weapons, costumes and an unusual astronomical clock, and the riverside terraces give a beautiful view back across the water.
In autumn (September–October) the town hosts the month-long Ramnagar Ramlila, a 200-year-old tradition in which the story of Ram is performed in the open across different parts of the town, with the Maharaja traditionally in attendance.
Local tip. Ramnagar is best in the late afternoon; the view at sunset is lovely. Cross via the Samne Ghat bridge.
Suggested day
-
8:30 AM
Leave for Sarnath
30–45 minutes by car.
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9:15 AM
Dhamek Stupa and the excavated ruins
Walk the ruins of the ancient monasteries and the Ashokan pillar base.
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10:30 AM
Sarnath Museum
Allow an hour; remember it is closed on Fridays.
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11:30 AM
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and the Asian temples
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12:30 PM
Lunch and rest
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3:30 PM
Ramnagar Fort
Museum and the riverside view.
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6:00 PM
Back for the evening Ganga Aarti
Practical tips
- Monuments and the museum are run by the Archaeological Survey of India; entry tickets are sold on site (higher fees for foreign nationals).
- Dress modestly at the temples and walk clockwise around the stupas.
- Buddha Purnima (April–May) brings monks and pilgrims from across Asia — beautiful, and busy.
- Carry water and a hat; the ruins have little shade.
Request a booking
Book the Sarnath & Ramnagar tour
Private car with driver and optional English-speaking guide. Half-day or full-day.
- English-speaking coordinator
- International numbers welcome
- No payment to enquire
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