Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath

Sarnath is a small village in Uttar Pradesh, India, about 13 km north-east of Varanasi. It's famous as the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and also where the original Sangha was formed. Consequently, it is one of the 4 main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.

Within the deer park complex is the large Dhamekha Stupa, constructed by the Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, and several other Buddhist structures that were added between the 3rd century BCE and the 11th century CE.

The town is relatively peaceful and green, and provides a welcome accommodation alternative to those wishing to visit Varanasi but not be immersed in it 24 hours a day.

Get in

By plane

Varanasi Airport (VNS ^IATA) is 24 km from Sarnath and is the nearest airport.

By train

The nearest major station is Varanasi Junction. (6 km), which is connected to most major cities in the country. Sarnath does have a small 1 train station with local trains from Varanasi serving every 2-3 hr, but most trains terminate in Varanasi City (instead of Varanasi Junction) station. A few express trains also stop here.

By bus

Long distance buses usually arrive at the station across from the Varanasi Cantt train station, where you can transfer to a local bus to Sarnath, or take a taxi or rickshaw.

By taxi/rickshaw

The town is easily reached by taxi or auto rickshaw from Varanasi. If you're non-Indian and arriving in Varanasi by train, a taxi driver will probably descend on you before you leave your train platform. Make no commitment there! You can negotiate a better rate with an autorickshaw driver, outside the station. If you have tons of luggage though, go with the taxi -- it won't fit in the rickshaw. The route, though once somewhat rural, is now noisy, busy, and almost completely built up till you're on the road just outside Sarnath. Rates from ghat area of Varanasi (Approx one hour journey) : Auto - ₹400 one way - ₹700 return, including an hour waiting time. Taxi - over ₹1,500 for a return journey, including one hour waiting time. (Updated April 2023.)

See

Historical sites

Sri Digamber Jain Temple

• 1 Ashoka Pillar. Only the base remains. 
• 2 Chaukhandi Stupa, Rishpattan Rd. Constructed in the 5th century CE, the stupa marks the spot where the Buddha met the five ascetics. The octagonal tower is of Islamic origin and a later addition.  
• 3 Dhamekh Stupa. Constructed by king Ashoka in 249 BCE to commemorate his pilgrimage to the Deer Park. It is believed that the stupa marks the exact spot where the Buddha taught the five ascetics the Four Noble Truths, his first teaching after attaining enlightenment.  
• 4 Mulagandhakuti Vihara. The ruins of the temple where the Buddha spent his first rainy season. 
• 5 Dharmarajika Stupa. (updated Apr 2023)

Active religious sites

• 6 Chinese Buddhist Temple. (updated Apr 2023)
• 7 Tibetan Buddhist Temple. (updated Apr 2023)
• 8 Japanese Buddhist Temple. (updated Apr 2023)
• 9 Thai Buddhist Temple. A standing Buddha statue, 24.3 metres (80 feet) in height, inspired by the Bamiyan Buddha is located inside the temple complex. (updated Apr 2023)
• 10 Vishwa Shanti Stupa. (updated Apr 2023)
• 11 Mulagandha Kuti Vihara. (updated Apr 2023)
• 12 Maha Bodhi Temple. (updated Apr 2023)
• 13 Shechen Stupa. (updated Apr 2023)
• 14 Padma Samye Chokhor Ling Monastery. (updated Apr 2023)
• 15 Sri Digamber Jain Temple, Dharmapala Rd. A Temple near Dhamekh Stupa. Accessible by main road that runs along Dhamekh Stupa. Learn about Digambara monasticism, a branch of Jain Dharma. 

Museums

• 16 Sarnath Archaeological Museum, Dharmapal Road. 9AM-5PM, closed on Fridays. A small, but impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the site. The sculptures are particularly of interest, including the Lion Capital of Ashoka- the national emblem of India. (updated Apr 2023)

Buy

• Stone carved Buddhas - a specialty of Sarnath. Available at stalls near the entrance to Deer Park.

Eat

• Holiday Inn, Main road (opposite Mahabodhi Temple entrance). 11AM-6PM. One of 2-3 restaurants in Sarnath. Good food and reasonable prices. Opening hours limited and closed for holidays, weddings, funerals etc. 

Sleep

Budget

• Jain Paying Guest House. Cheap and spartan, but with great family hospitality. ₹300 per night, possibility of eating breakfast and lunch with the family (and Buddhist guests passing by). 
• Mahabodi Dharmshala Temple, Thai Temple and the Burmese Temple. All of these temples offer very cheap but spartan accommodation.

• 1 UPSTDC Rahi Tourist Bungalow, Sarnath Station Rd, Ashok Rd crossroad, Baraipur (Near Maha Bodhi Inter College), ☏ +91 542 2595969, fax: +91 (0542) 259-5379. A government-run establishment: drab and uninspiring, but conveniently located. 
• 2 Chinese Temple, ☏ +91 5422595280. This temple is nearby the main areas of visit, around 5-10 mins walk to Dhamekh Stupa. Offers small room or big bunk room, depending on availability. Costs ₹200-300 per bed or room. Clean and simple stay. (updated Aug 2016)

Mid-range

• 3 The Golden Buddha Hotel (Golden Buddha Marriage Lawn), Sarangnath Colony, ☏ +91-993-503-9368, +91 98074 74018. Probably the best hotel in town. Offers such facilities as Ayurvedic massage, a restaurant serving fresh Indian dishes, a peaceful lawn, and outdoor hot tub. Special rates for backpacking groups. Its walking distance from the main temple. The hotel can arrange a taxi to pick you up from the train station or airport. ₹400-1200. 

Respect

In the vicinity of sacred sites:

• Wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site.
• Circumambulate the stupa and other sacred objects in a clock-wise direction.
• Preserve the peace and tranquility.
• Do not climb onto statues or other sacred objects.

Go next

• Varanasi - one hour to ghat area (One way - auto: around ₹350, taxi: ₹750).