Day Trip To Sarnath from Varanasi

7–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Day Trip To Sarnath from Varanasi, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Sarnath is one of the major Buddhist attractions venerated by the Buddhists from all across the globe. It was at Sarnath, where Lord Gautam Buddha after attaining enlightenment had preached His first sermon to His five disciples. A home to numerous Buddhist stupas, monasteries and temples along with the museum, Sarnath is a revered place worth visiting.

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At a glance

Duration: 7–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: TOP TRAVEL AND TOURS PVT LTD.

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Adults (4–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Pick up & drop: Varanasi City Hotel only.
Included: Accompanying English Speaking Guide.
Included: Private Ac vehicle throughout the tour.
Included: All Applicable Taxes.
Included: 01 Mineral Water Bottle per person.

Not included

Not included: Tips and gratuities are optional, based on guest discretion and service satisfaction.
Not included: Entrance fee for the monuments is charged directly at the site

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min Admission not included

Morning pick up from Varanasi hotel and drive to Sarnath for day tour.

The religious importance of the stupa is attributed to its history and the relic of Buddha reuniting with his five companions in Sarnath. 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.
Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath

30 min

Dhamek Stupa represents the place where the Buddha preached his first discourse to his first five disciples, Sarnath. 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.
Stop 3

30 min Admission not included

Dharmarajika Stupa

Visit the Dharmarajika Stupa to discover the ruins of an archaeological wonder and the place where Lord Buddha’s remains were enshrined. Mingle with Buddhist followers who come to worship the life and teachings of Buddha. Only the foundations of this imposing stupa are visible today. It still bears historical significance. Imagine the tall structure that stood proud in picturesque gardens and held the relics of Lord Buddha. 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)
Stop 4

20 min

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.

We will have lunch (optional) at a good restaurant in Sarnath. After lunch we will go Ashoka pillar.
Ashoka Pillar

20 min Admission not included

The national emblem of India and a mark of Emperor Ashoka's visit to Sarnath, the Ashoka Pillar, crafted out of stone, is an impressive structure with four lions at the top. 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. A number of monks are spotted meditating around the compound. 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.
Stop 6

30 min Admission not included

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.)
Stop 7

30 min Admission not included

Wat Thai Sarnath Temple

Popularly known as the Thai Temple, Wat Thai Sarnath Temple was built by Thai dignitaries in the year 1933. Adorned with manicured gardens, the Thai Temple is built in the Thai architectural style and is managed by Thai Buddhist monks. Just before the entrance of the main temple, there are images of a laughing Buddha along with an enactment of Lord Buddha delivering a sermon to his disciples. Another statue of Lord Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra can be seen in the temple.

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. There are running fountains with blooming lotus flowers before approaching the statue.

After visiting Wat Thai Temple later, drop off at the Varanasi Hotel.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

We pickup from Varanasi City Hotels only.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour can be customized as per customer's requirement.
If pickup from outside city hotels / airport / railway station then it will be an additional charge, payable directly.
Car Type: for one to two people, four Seater Sedan.
Car Type: for three to four people, five Seater Innova.
Car Type: for five to eight people, nine Seater Traveller.
The entrance fees mentioned are approximate, as per government norms, and are subject to change in the future.