Sarnath Travel Guide: Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar and an 80-Foot Buddha — the Perfect Day Trip from Varanasi
Barely ten kilometres from the bustle of Varanasi's ghats lies Sarnath, the tranquil deer park where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon more than 2,500 years ago. Counted among Buddhism's four great pilgrimage sites, it makes for one of the most rewarding day trips from Kashi — and a new ten-minute travel guide by the popular channel Yatra Mitra (4.8 lakh subscribers) shows just how easily the visit can be planned, from route and budget to a one-day itinerary. The centrepiece is the majestic Dhamek Stupa, the massive cylindrical monument marking the spot where the Buddha set the wheel of dharma in motion. Close by stand the remains of the Ashoka Pillar, whose four-lion capital — preserved in the Sarnath Museum — became independent India's national emblem. The museum itself houses some of the finest ancient Buddhist sculpture in the country. Sarnath also offers a little world tour of Buddhist cultures. The Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, famed for its frescoes, the serene Wat Thai complex with its gardens, the Chinese Buddha temple and a striking 80-foot standing Buddha statue all sit within easy walking distance of one another. Getting there is simple: autos, e-rickshaws and cabs run regularly from Varanasi Cantt and Godowlia, taking thirty to forty minutes. Mornings are the most peaceful time to walk the excavated ruins; note that the museum stays closed on Fridays, and October to March brings the pleasantest weather. The small market near the gates is known for souvenirs and Banarasi silk. Wrap up the day back in the city with the evening Ganga aarti — Buddhist serenity and Kashi's spiritual energy folded into one unforgettable day.
Compiled by HelloBanaras from public sources: