Sarnath is a heritage site on the outskirts of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the place where Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment, and for that reason it is counted among the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is also known as the Deer Park.
What you will see
The site holds ancient stupas and the ruins of monasteries, set among open grounds that give a sense of how the place was laid out. Among its best-known features is the Ashoka Pillar, which visitors come to see closely as the emblem of this historic area.
- Ancient stupas, the domed monuments built around sacred Buddhist sites
- The remains of monasteries, showing where monks once lived and studied
- The Ashoka Pillar, one of the site's most famous landmarks
Planning a visit
Sarnath suits visitors interested in Buddhist history, religious pilgrimage, or quiet walks through old grounds. It is a calm place to spend a few hours, and many people pair it with a visit to the city of Varanasi, which lies nearby and offers its own historic and cultural attractions.
For details about visiting, you can call the site on +91-542-2595095. The address is Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India.
