Sarnath General Information

Sarnath the tranquil deep park at Sarnath is where the Buddha preached hid first sermon. Sarnath became one of the great center of Buddhism and the Emperor Ashoka erected magnificent stupas and structure here. The Chinese scholar Huien Tsang who to write of the splendor of the city. Rediscovered and excavated in 1836, Sarnath is once again a place of pilgrimage where visitors come to pay homage to the great teacher. 
 

Sightseeing

Dhamek Stupa

The imposing stupa 39m high was probably erected  in 200 B.C in the Mauryan era. Rebuilt a number of times, the geometric and flora patterns on the stupa belong to the later Gupta period.

Erected by the Emperor Ashoka, the pillar had his edict engraved on it. At one time it stood over 17m high. Its capital  with the four lions back to back-the official symbol  of modern India, can be seen in the museum at Sarnath.

Grown from the sapling of the famous tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which is believed to be a progeny of the original tree at Budh Gaya, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Built in more recent times by the Mahabodhi Society, it has a life-size statue of the lord Buddha in the Dharmachakra Pravartan  form.

Excursions

The town is famous for gaossamer Chanderi Sarees. It has also some of the finest examples of Bundela, Rajput and Malwa Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal  fort dominates the skyline of this old interesting town.

The town situated on the road to Khajuraho, is named after Barua Sagar Tal, a large lake created about 260 years ago when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha built the embanked. The Barua Sagar Fort, pictuersque and located at a height, commands an excellent view of the lake and surroundings landscape.

Travel Information

Air : Varanasi (Babatpur) Airport is the nearest airport.

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.