Half-Day Sarnath Tour from Varanasi

You will be picked up at your hotel in Varanasi by 9:00AM and leave for the tour. Right before the archaeological and excavation area, along the main road you will see Chaukhandi Stupa. Based on archaeological excavation it is believed that this stupa appears to be constructed prior to the times of Gupta Dynasty (approx. 5th century A.D.). Archeological and excavation area (Sarnath Deer Park) is the main site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon in year 528 B.C. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century B.C and the 11th century A.D.

Main structure of the site is Dhamek Stupa (Dhamekha Stupa) that was built by King Ashoka “The Great” in 3rd century B.C. This spot is believed to be exactly the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar represents the main shrine where Buddha used to sit in meditation for three month during the rainy season.

Ashokan Pillar (Ashokan Lion) is a monolithic 15.25-meter-high pillar. It bears the typical Mauryan polish and was surmounted by the famous Lion Capital with a crowning Dharmachakra fitted above the heads of four lion, carved out of single block of black-spotted buff-colored sandstone. This pillar bears inscription from the 3rd century B.C. You will find this oldest and the finest piece of sculpture at Sarnath in the archeological museum.

After the archeological museum you will visit Mahabodhi Temple. It is one of the modern temples in Sarnath founded by Mahabodhi society of India in 1931. This temple has series of frescoes drawn by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu. There are other modern Buddhist temples established in Sarnath by different Buddhist communities. The exposition of sacred relics of Lord Buddha takes place during the annual procession around Sarnath falls on Kartik Pirnima (full moon day in November). At the end of the tour you will be transferred back to your hotel in Varanasi city.