Sarnath is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site which is located in the northeast of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It was this very town where Buddha gave his first sermon at Bodh Gaya after attaining enlightenment. This is the town where the first Buddhist monastic community, or sangha, was formed. It is a global pilgrimage site and also home to India’s national emblem. With so many amazing things to see and experience here, Sarnath surely has to be on your travel list! The best part? You can easily cover Sarnath in one day. Wondering how? Let us help you with the best route for first-time visitors.
Sarnath Itinerary: How To Cover Sarnath In One Day?
Begin your itinerary by visiting Chaukhandi Stupa, and end the day at the nearby international Buddhist temples. You can begin at around 8:00 AM and visit the first spot.
Early Morning: Chaukhandi Stupa
Chaukhandi Stupa is located right at the entrance to Sarnath; it is best seen in the morning light, making it the right spot to begin your itinerary. This stupa has a towering octagonal structure and is the very spot where the Buddha met his disciples for the first time.
Dhamek Stupa And Ruins
The Dhamek Stupa is a massive 43.6 meter-tall cylindrical structure built at the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. The surrounding archaeological ruins feature the base of an Ashokan pillar, ancient monastery foundations, and the remains of the Dharmarajika Stupa. Arriving here early in the morning can help you explore it better without being irritated by the heat.
Ashoka Pillar Site
Ashoka Pillar Site is an ancient Mauryan monument which was built around 250 BCE. It was carved from a single block of polished Chunar sandstone with a glass-like shine. It featured four back-to-back lions which symbolized courage, power, and pride. Today, the lower broken shaft can be seen in the open-air archaeological park in Sarnath. The upper body is preserved safely at the Sarnath Museum.
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Afternoon: Sarnath Archaeological Museum
The Sarnath Museum is said to be the oldest museum of the Archaeological Survey of India. It houses over 6,800 ancient sculptures and artifacts from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE. The original Mauryan Lion Capital of Ashoka is preserved here safely. It features galleries like Triratna Gallery, Tathagata Gallery, Trimurti & Ashutosh Gallery, and Central Hall. Note: It is closed on Fridays.
If you begin your day exploring Sarnath at 8:00 AM, especially by following this flow, it will be lunchtime by the time you complete exploring Sarnath Archaeological Museum. So make sure you have a fulfilling lunch at any of the nearby eateries. Do not miss out on the simple vegetarian thalis or jalebis and hot kachoris.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a beautiful Buddhist temple and monastery in Sarnath. It was built by Anagarika Dharmala, who was the founder of the Maha Bodhi Society in 1931. The Vihar stands near the ruins of the original ancient vihara. It is known that Lord Buddha spent his very first rainy season here. It features sacred Buddha relics, Japanese frescoes, the Golden Buddha and giant bell, and the sacred Bodhi Tree.
Chinese Buddhist Temple
The Chinese Buddhist temple is located right next to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and hence it can easily be your next stop. It is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Sarnath and a prominent tourist spot. If you look inside, you will find statues of different sizes as well as the Chinese lanterns hanging on the walls. It is one of the most peaceful and tranquil spots in Sarnath.
If you still have time left, you can explore other temples as well, like the Wat Thai Sarnath, Vajra Vidya Institute, and the Japanese temple.
Also Read: Sarnath Travel Guide: India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site
What Tips You Must Follow For Exploring Sarnath In One Day?
- Try to avoid planning to explore Sarnath on a Friday. This is because the central attraction of the town, the Sarnath Museum, is completely closed on Fridays.
- Inside the Sarnath Museum, you are not allowed to carry luggage, mobile phones, or large bags. So check them into the secure lockers at the entrance.
- Skip the local buses and hire a cab or a direct rickshaw if you are tight on time.
- Sarnath is a sacred pilgrimage site. Make sure that you dress modestly.
- Wear comfortable footwear as you will have to walk a lot and also remove them outside temples or monasteries.
Summing Up
Sarnath is one of the eight most important pilgrimage sites in Buddhism in Varanasi. It has also been nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also holds an invaluable place in history as one of the four sacred sites in Buddhism. This town is the spot where the precious teachings of Buddhism took place and revolutionized the world. You can easily a Sarnath day trip from Varanasi and cover it in a single day. You can save this Sarnath sightseeing itinerary or even share with your friends.
If you wish to know more about exploring other places in Uttar Pradesh, you can explore our website for guides on Mathura, Lucknow & Agra.
