Morning pick-up from Varanasi hotel or pick-up point and drive to Sarnath for the day tour
Chaukhandi Stupa
The Chaukhandi Stupa is regarded as one of the most divine and important monuments of Buddhist culture. This stupa has been built on the exact spot where the great Lord Buddha first met his five ascetics, to whom he later went on to preach his first teachings. The Chaukhandi Stupa is an evolution of burial mounds and serves as a shrine to the great Lord Buddha.
Dhamek Stupa,
Sarnath Dhamek Stupa represents the place where the Buddha preached his first discourse to his first five disciples. This park is said to be of great importance as Buddha gave his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment to his disciples, which revealed his “Eightfold Path.
Dharmarajika Stupa
The Dharmarajika Stupa was to discover the ruins of an archaeological wonder and the place where Lord Buddha’s remains were enshrined. It still bears historical significance. Check out the stone pillars and walls surrounding the stupa. Watch as monks and pilgrims sit quietly on the surrounding lawns while meditating and gazing in awe at the ruins. (Note: Closed on Sunday.)
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
The ruins of the ancient Mulagandhakuti Vihara mark the place where the Buddha spent his first rainy season. This was the main temple, marked by the presence of the Ashokan pillar at the front. After, we will have lunch (optional) at a good restaurant in Sarnath. After lunch, we will go to Ashoka Pillar.
Ashoka Pillar
The national emblem of India and a mark of Emperor Ashoka's visit to Sarnath, This 50-metre-long pillar, along with the Dhamek Stupa, is Ashoka's gift to Buddhism, and the entire complex has a calm aura to it. The entire complex is filled with lush green lawns, and along with the Stupa, they resemble a colony, with the Ashoka Pillar being the main attraction. India's oldest archaeological museum has been built at the periphery of the complex.
Sarnath Museum
The Sarnath Archaeological Museum is most prominent for the four-headed lion that was once on the Chile of the Ashoka Pillar, from the 3rd century BC. This is where Gautama Buddha delivered the first major sermon to his first five disciples after gaining enlightenment. (Note: Closed on Friday.)
Wat Thai Sarnath
Temple Wat Thai Sarnath Temple Popularly known as the Thai Temple, Wat Adorned with manicured gardens, the Thai Temple is built in the Thai architectural style and is managed by Thai Buddhist monks. An important highlight of the Thai Temple in Sarnath is the 80-foot-tall image of Buddha in a standing position. The construction of the statue is said to have taken more than a decade.