Buddhism is a philosophy and not a religion. All the practitioners of Buddhism must have heard this phrase. If you are a traveler who is curious about the philosophy of Buddhism and the life of Lord Buddha, then you must head to the religious place of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. A soul-stirring experience awaits you in the city where Lord Gautam Buddha once gave the first lesson about Dharma!
Make your excursion all about stopping by the renowned places to visit in Sarnath and capture the beauty of this city on your polaroids. Whether you are traveling with your family or friends, Sarnath is perfect for a weekend getaway. All in all a vacation which will be a mix of mirth and merriment is calling you in the gorgeous city of Sarnath!
Best Time To Visit Sarnath
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The best time to visit Uttar Pradesh is in the winter season as the weather is pleasant. During summers, the whole state experiences hot temperatures. Plan your visit to Sarnath between October and March to make the most of it. In these months you can easily explore all the tourist attractions and have a refreshing vacay. Sarnath and its attractions look heavenly in the winter season. If you want to attend the festivities then you must visit Buddha Poornima or Maha Shivaratri.
4 Best Places To Visit In Sarnath
Here is an intricate list of the most famous places to visit in Sarnath that you must visit on your vacation with your family or friends. Keep scrolling down and read along!
1. Chaukhandi Stupa
Image Credit: Christopher Walker for Wikimedia Commons
Chaunkhandi Stupa is a site of great national and religious importance. In 2019, it was declared a national monument and now is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is believed that while returning from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath, Lord Buddha met his first disciples at this spot. In the 4th century, the Chaukhandi Stupa was a terraced temple and later Raja Todar Mal ordered the construction of the present octagonal tower. Know all about the history of this eminent stupa by visiting it on your holiday.
Location: Rishpattan Rd, Near, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indian citizens, INR 100 for Foreign Nationals
Duration: 1-2 hours
Must Read: 39 Places To Visit In Varanasi For The Best Of Culture, History, And Spirituality!
2. Sarnath Museum
Image Credit: Nandan Upadhyay for Wikimedia Commons
Built-in 1910, the Sarnath museum is one of the most important places to visit in Sarnath. This archaeological museum is home to various ancient sculptures and paintings. The popular Lion Capital of Ashoka sculpture is displayed at this museum and attracts a lot of tourists. The Sarnath museum is considered as the most visited tourist places in Sarnath by history enthusiasts as it offers a peek into the past of this city. The museum has the Ashoka pillar where the Lion Capital of Ashoka was placed in 250 BCE by Emperor Ashoka. Take your children on a historical tour by visiting this museum in Sarnath on your trip.
Location: Rishpattan Rd, Near, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 5
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggested Read: 23 Places To Visit Near Varanasi
3. Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
Image Credit: ampersandyslexia for Wikimedia Commons
Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Sarnath is an excellent spot for all those who are seeking tranquil ambiance and the perfect spot for meditation. Established in 1955, this monastery is one of the best places to see in Sarnath for all solace seekers. As soon as you enter the monastery, you will see two lion sculptures and inside of the monastery, there are miniatures of Lord Buddha. You will find many monks sitting in silence or chanting mantras. To relax your mind, you must spend a few hours at this monastery and meditate.
Location: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggested Read: 12 Best Things To Do In Varanasi For An Enigmatic Vacation
4. Wat Thai Sarnath Temple
Image Credit: Hiroki Ogawa for Wikimedia Commons
Famed as the Hinayana Buddha temple, Wat Thai Sarnath Temple was constructed in 1933. The Thai dignitaries established this beautiful Thai temple. Surrounded by lush greens, this temple is a terrific spot for relaxing in the laps of nature. A huge statue of Lord Buddha is also present on the premises of this temple. You will witness devotees in orange robes roaming around the temple or meditating in the garden or inside the temple. Wear decent clothes to the temple and maintain silence while you are exploring this magnificent temple. Do add this impeccable Thai temple on your list of best places to visit in Sarnath.
How To Reach Sarnath
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Wondering what is the best way to reach Sarnath? We have got you covered. Here are all the ways to reach this serene spot in Uttar Pradesh. Take a look!
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi is the nearest airport and you can hire a taxi till Sarnath from the airport. You can reach in around 40 minutes by car from the airport.
- By Train: You can board a train from major cities like Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Agra, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Sarnath Railway station and reach comfortably.
Further Read: 23 Best Weekend Getaways In Varanasi Which Will Give You The Urge Of Taking A Road Trip
Sarnath is undoubtedly a ravishing place that has immense national and archaeological importance. A weekend spent at these places to visit in Sarnath is surely an unforgettable one. Head on an invigorating journey to this ancient place with your kids or friends and gain knowledge about the philosophy of Buddhism. Plan your vacation in Uttar Pradesh, carry this list of the best attractions, and leave right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Sarnath
Which are the best hotels in Sarnath?
Sarnath has a plethora of hotels and some of the best ones are listed below!
1. The Fern Residency
2. Hotel Pinnacle Gate
3. Hotel SGT Plaza
4. The India Benares
Which are the best places to visit near Sarnath?
If you are looking for places to visit near Sarnath, then here is a list of the best ones!
1. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
3. Manikarnika Ghat
4. Ramnagar Fort
5. Assi Ghat
Which are the most famous restaurants in Sarnath?
The most famous restaurants in Sarnath where you can relish a delicious meal are:
1. The Taste of Handi Chulha
2. Restaurant UP-65
3. Shakya Restaurant
4. Raju Restaurant
What is Sarnath famous for?
Sarnath is famous for the stupa where Lord Buddha gave the first lesson of Dharma and it is also famous for its museum.
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