Sarnath Pilgrimage Packages

Sarnath has a rich history and legacy. Located near Varanasi, this is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. The other ones are Lumbini (the birthplace of Gautama Buddha), Bodh Gaya (where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment), as well as Kushinagar (the location of Buddha's parinirvana). Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, thereby setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma and marking the foundation of Buddhism. In addition to Dhamek Stupa and ancient monasteries, you will also find a Jain Mandir in Sarnath. It is an important site for both Buddhist and Jain pilgrims.

The tranquil parks, ruins, temples and stupas at Sarnath facilitate reflection and exploration. This town is visited by people from around the globe, who want to connect with the teachings of Buddha, gain a better insight into his teachings, and learn more about the early days of Buddhism.

Experience the Best of Sarnath

The itinerary of your Sarnath trip should include the following. 

The Dhamek Stupa: Surrounded by green lawns, this Buddha Stupa in Sarnath marks the spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. The Dhamek Stupa is about 43.6 meters tall and is widely considered to be a symbol of enlightenment and the spread of Buddhist teachings. The lower part of this stone and brick stupa features intricate carvings of flowers, birds, and human figures.

Shreyanshnath Jain Temple: This Jain Temple in Sarnath temple houses a large image of the 11th Jain Tirthankara Shreyanshnath. There are attractive frescoes as well depicting the life of Bhagwan Mahavir, founder of the Jain religion, at the Shreyanshnath Jain Temple. The path to this temple is lined with greenery on both the sides.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: Built in the 20th century by the Mahabodhi Society of India, this Buddha temple in Sarnath is renowned for its exquisite frescoes that showcase scenes from the life of Buddha, painted by the Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu. At the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar you shall also find relics of Gautama Buddha, which are displayed during special ceremonies. The serene ambience of the temple makes it an ideal spot for meditation.

Chaukhandi Stupa: This is another prominent Buddha Stupa in Sarnath. It marks the site where Buddha first met his five disciples after attaining enlightenment and is known for its intricate craftsmanship. This stupa has a distinctive square base and a dome-shaped top. The Chaukhandi Stupa is believed to have been built during the Gupta period, around the 4th to 6th century AD. The Archaeological Survey of India designated the site as a National Monument in 2019.

Sarnath Museum: Pilgrims and tourists visiting Sarnath usually explore its museums. The Sarnath Museum houses an expansive collection of Buddhist artefacts, sculptures, and inscriptions. Its most popular exhibit is the Lion Capital of Ashoka. The other notable artefacts displayed at the museum include standing Buddha statues, intricately carved pillars, as well as ancient manuscripts. Anyone desiring to gain a better understanding of the art, culture, and history of Buddhism must visit this museum.

Best Time to Visit Sarnath                                                

The ideal time to visit Sarnath is in the winter months, from October to March. The weather is cool and pleasant here during this time, and hence perfect for both pilgrimage and sightseeing.  You should avoid planning a Sarnath tour during summer, as this region is prone to experiencing scorching heat during the summertime. 

How to Reach Sarnath

By Flight: The nearest airport to reach Sarnath is in Varanasi. The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is about 25 km from the city of Sarnath, and is well-connected to many major Indian cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Kolkata. You may take a taxi from this airport to reach Sarnath.

By Train: Even though Sarnath does have a railway station of its own, it is not well-connected. Therefore, it is better to take a train to Varanasi, and then to Sarnath. There are regular trains plying from Varanasi to Sarnath and vice versa. Trains from many major Indian towns and cities stop at Varanasi Junction Railway Station.

By Road: Most people come to Sarnath through Varanasi. There are multiple highways and expressways that are linked to Sarnath via Varanasi. Buses run by UPSRTC that ply from Varanasi and a few other neighbouring cities can also take you to Sarnath.

Book the Best Sarnath Pilgrimage Packages at Veena World

Want to visit Sarnath Buddhist temples, stupas and monasteries? Then you must get in touch with Veena World at once. Our team would design a specially curated tour itinerary for pilgrimage that provides the best value for your money, without compromising on your comfort or experience. You can reach out to our Guest Relations Team 24/7 with any queries that you may have.