Location: In the north
Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Tourist Attractions : Stupas, Museums
Nearest Tourist Destinations : Jaunpur, Chunar,
Varanasi, Kushinagar, Allahabad.
When to Visit : October to March
About Sarnath
Sarnath is located at a distance of 8 km from Varanasi in the northern
Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha
delivered his first sermon to his five disciples, preaching the middle path
for attaining 'Nirvana'. Realising the sanctity of the site, emperor Ashoka,
in the 3rd century B.C. built some of the finest monuments and legacies, a
rare site to appreciate.
The 34-metre-high 'Dhamek' stupa stands as a remarkable structure, which
contains the remains of Lord Buddha. The area is now graceful and pleasant,
breathing the spirit of the enlightened one, glowing with the devotion of
the many followers who inhabited it through the centuries that followed.
Tourist Attractions in Sarnath
The Stupas
The great Dhamekh stupa and Dharmarajika stupas stand testimony to the
great Buddhist works. The most notable structure at Sarnath, is the
cylindrical Dhamek stupa, 28 m in diameter at the base and rising to 43.6 m
in height. Dhamek stupa is built partly of stone and partly of brick. The
stone facing the lower part is beautified with delicate floral carvings of
Gupta period.
Choukhandi Stupa
Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1555 A.D., Choukhandi Stupa is believed to
be the place where Lord Buddha met his five disciples. The magnificent
Ashoka pillar states the visit of emperor Ashoka to Sarnath. It was
originally adorned by a capital of four lions, now housed in the Sarnath
museum. The capital became the state emblem of modern India.
Mulgandha Kuti Vihara
Built in 1930, the Tibetan Buddhist shrine, Mulgandha Kuti Vihara,
treasures sacred antiques from various places and a lifesize golden statue
of the Buddha. It is adorned with fantastic frescoes by Japanese artist,
Kosetsu Nosu. The place also has few Chinese and Jain temples. The 'Bodhi'
tree growing within the campus is believed to be the offspring of one under
which Buddha had attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.
Archaeological Museum
The museum exhibits a magnificent statue of the Buddha turning the wheel of
law, and many other excavations that exhibit the flowering of the Indian
Plastic arts.
Getting There
Air : Varanasi (Babatpur) Airport is the nearest airport. Commercial
flights connect Varanasi to Kathmandu, Delhi, Agra and Mumbai.
Rail : Varanasi railway station is well connected to important
cities.
Road : It is located on the National Highway No. 29 that also
connects Varanasi and Gorakhpur.
Accommodation
There are not many accommodation options available in Sarnath. It is better
and more convenient to stay in Varanasi, where a number of accommodation
options are available in all the three different categories. We have engaged
ourselves with the best of the hotels in all the categories ranging from
luxury to budget to provide you complete satisfaction. The hotels are set in
homely atmosphere, providing best of facilities and services.
