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Sarnath Heritage Tour: Explore the birthplace of Buddhism
By Varanasi Heritage Walks
Reviews
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get a lower price by selecting multiple travellers
Features
- Free cancellation available
- 2h
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Multiple languages
Overview
- Visit Dhamek Stupa: Where Buddha gave his first sermon
- Admire Mulagandha Kuti Vihara and Bodhi Tree: Sri Lankan-style Buddhist temple
- Explore Sarnath Archaeological Ruins: Ruins of ancient monasteries and temples
- View Archaeological Museum: Buddhist and Hindu sculptures and Lion Capital
- See National Emblem of India: Lion Capital is kept in museum
Activity location
- Varanasi
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Sarnath Museum, Dharmapala Rd, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India | Meeting point is Ticket window in front of Sarnath Archaeological Museum. Sarnath is located 13 km from Varanasi city centre and 8 km from Varanasi main railway station. Easily accessed by car, auto rickshaw and battery rickshaw. Guide will have government approved ID card and names of the travelers.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Check availability
Sarnath Heritage Tour: Explore the birthplace of Buddhism
- 2h
Activity duration is 2 hours 2h - English
Starting time: 15:00
Price details
Rp382.634 x 1 AdultRp382.634
Total
includes taxes & fees
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
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What's included, what's not
Inclusions Guided tour with licensed guide approved by governmentInclusions Entry ticket: Tour includes entry tickets of museum and archaeological ruinsInclusions Water bottle: One litre water bottle for each touristInclusions Sightseeing and stops: Sightseeing of all important monuments and stops at monuments are part of the tourInclusions Time for photography: At every monument and temple, free time for photography will be givenInclusions Time for meditation and prayerExclusions Pick and drop from hotelExclusions Food
What you can expect
On a Sarnath tour, tourists experience one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Here’s what visitors can see and do:
Major Attractions:- Dhamek Stupa – The massive cylindrical stupa marking the exact spot where Buddha preached his first sermon.
- Chaukhandi Stupa – Built to commemorate Buddha’s meeting with his first disciples.
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihara – A modern temple with murals depicting Buddha’s life, built by the Mahabodhi Society.
- Ashoka Pillar – Remains of Emperor Ashoka’s pillar with inscriptions (the Lion Capital from here is India’s National Emblem, now kept in the Sarnath Museum).
- Sarnath Archaeological Museum – Houses important Buddhist artefacts, sculptures, and the original Lion Capital of Ashoka.
- Ruins of ancient monasteries and stupas – Excavated remains where monks once lived and studied.
Spiritual and Cultural Experiences: - Meditation and Prayer at the stupas and gardens.
- Listening to Buddhist chants at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara.
- International Monasteries and Temples built by different countries (Thai and Sri Lanka) showing unique architectural styles.
- Prayer/meditation sessions led by monks.
Things to Do: - Take a walking tour around the archaeological ruins and gardens.
- Visit Bodhi tree at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara (a sapling from the original Bodh Gaya tree).
- Photography of stupas, ruins, and cultural architecture.
- Shopping for Buddhist souvenirs (statues, prayer wheels, handicrafts) in local markets.
- Taste local Banarasi food and sweets nearby.
✨ In short: A Sarnath tour is a blend of history, spirituality, archaeology, and culture, making it peaceful yet deeply meaningful.
Sarnath Tour starts at Thai Buddhist temple and ends at Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple.
Location
Activity location
LOB_ACTIVITIES LOB_ACTIVITIES - Varanasi
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Meeting/Redemption Point
PEOPLE PEOPLE - Sarnath Museum, Dharmapala Rd, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India | Meeting point is Ticket window in front of Sarnath Archaeological Museum. Sarnath is located 13 km from Varanasi city centre and 8 km from Varanasi main railway station. Easily accessed by car, auto rickshaw and battery rickshaw. Guide will have government approved ID card and names of the travelers.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India