Sarnath, Varanasi — Guide, History & Visiting Tips
Sarnath, about 10 km from Varanasi, is where the Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa marks the site.
Sarnath at a glance
- The Dhamek Stupa is a large cylindrical stupa at the heart of the site.
- The Lion Capital of Ashoka, now the national emblem of India, was found at Sarnath.
- The Sarnath Museum houses the Lion Capital.
- The site also has monastery ruins and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
- A typical visit takes about 2 to 3 hours.
What a local guide shows you at Sarnath
Book a guide by the hour or for a day. See tour guides for Sarnath.
- The Dhamek Stupa
- The ruins of the ancient monasteries
- The story of the Lion Capital of Ashoka
- The Sarnath Museum
- The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and the modern temples
Photography at Sarnath
Rules on tripods, professional equipment, commercial shoots and drones differ between sites and can change. Check them before a professional shoot.
- The Dhamek Stupa in soft light
- Monastery ruins and lawns
- Monks and prayer flags at the temples
Visiting tips for Sarnath
- Combine it with Varanasi in the same day.
- Check the museum's schedule, as it may be closed on some days.
- Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
Nearby: places to combine with Sarnath
- Dashashwamedh Ghat (Varanasi) — Dashashwamedh Ghat is the best-known bathing ghat on the Ganga in Varanasi, famous for the evening Ganga Aarti.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi) — The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in Hinduism, on the western bank of the Ganga in Varanasi.
More about Sarnath
Become a tour guide or photographer at Sarnath
If you know Sarnath and Varanasi well, you can post your tour on Myna24; if you shoot, you can post your photography service. Set your own hourly and per-day price and get booked. Guests pay a 10% booking fee online and the remaining 90% directly to you.
These buttons open the Tours or Photography section of the Myna24 home page, where you can post your service. More: tour guide jobs in Uttar Pradesh · photography jobs in Uttar Pradesh · part-time jobs in Uttar Pradesh.
Related reading
Sarnath — frequently asked questions
Where is Sarnath?
Sarnath is in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
What type of place is Sarnath?
Sarnath is a buddhist site in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
How long does a visit to Sarnath take?
A typical visit takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much you want to see. Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
What are some quick facts about Sarnath?
The Dhamek Stupa is a large cylindrical stupa at the heart of the site. The Lion Capital of Ashoka, now the national emblem of India, was found at Sarnath. The Sarnath Museum houses the Lion Capital. The site also has monastery ruins and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
Can I combine Sarnath with other nearby places?
Yes. Dashashwamedh Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in Varanasi, are close enough to visit on the same day as Sarnath.
Why is Sarnath important?
Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa marks the site, and the Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's national emblem, was found here.
Can I book a local tour guide for Sarnath?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a local guide by the hour or for a full day. Guides set their own prices, you pick a free date, and you pay a 10% booking fee online when you book, and the remaining 90% directly to the provider.
Can I book a photographer for Sarnath?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a photographer by the hour or for a full day, see their portfolio first, and pay a 10% booking fee online.
Questions? Chat with Myna24 support on WhatsApp +91 81888 33003.