Sarnath Tour Packages
Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi, is where the Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment, setting the Wheel of the Dharma in motion.
Sarnath at a glance
- LocationUttar Pradesh, India
- Time zoneIndian Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
- Driving sideLeft
- Calling code+91
- CurrencyIndian rupee (INR)
- LanguagesHindi, Urdu
- Ideal stay1 day
- Getting thereLal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi (VNS)…
Best time to visit: October to March
Essential tips for travelling to Sarnath
UPI and cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; keep some cash for small shops, rural areas, hill towns and tips.
Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.
112 (all emergencies)
Languages spoken: Hindi, Urdu.
Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow and Ayodhya have airports. The Yamuna Expressway links Delhi and Agra in about three and a half hours.
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; sunrise visits are the least crowded.
In Varanasi, a boat on the Ganga at dawn is the single most memorable experience; book it for your first morning.
Visit in the morning, when the museum opens and before the midday heat; it is closed on Fridays.
General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.
Where is Sarnath?
Who should visit Sarnath?
Plan your Sarnath trip
Everything you need to know about Sarnath
Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi, is where the Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment, setting the Wheel of the Dharma in motion. The great Dhamek Stupa, the ruins of ancient monasteries and the museum holding the Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's national emblem, make it a peaceful half-day from the ghats of Kashi.
Highlights include Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Museum, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara and Chaukhandi Stupa. Local food worth trying: Simple vegetarian thali and Banarasi kachori and jalebi in nearby Varanasi. Plan 1 day here; it suits pilgrims of every faith, history lovers. Our Sarnath itineraries run from 4 to 4 days and every one can be changed to suit you.
When to go
October to March. Cool, clear days; summers are very hot.
How to reach Sarnath
- By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi (VNS), about 30 km
- By rail: Sarnath and Varanasi Junction railway stations
- By road: About 30 minutes by road from the Varanasi ghats
View all Sarnath packages
Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.
1 itinerary
More places in Uttar Pradesh
Top things to see in Sarnath
SarnathTemple with murals of the Buddha's life
SarnathBrick stupa where the Buddha met his first disciples
Uttar PradeshGardens of the ancient Isipatana
Uttar PradeshBirthplace of the 11th Jain Tirthankara, Shreyansanath
Wildlife in Sarnath
SarnathHome of the Lion Capital of Ashoka
Sightings depend on season and luck and are never guaranteed. Keep your distance, stay with licensed guides and never feed wild animals.
Cultural experiences in Sarnath
Heritage and landmarks
SarnathGreat stupa marking the site of the first sermon
SarnathHome of the Lion Capital of Ashoka
SarnathTemple with murals of the Buddha's life
SarnathBrick stupa where the Buddha met his first disciples
Uttar PradeshBirthplace of the 11th Jain Tirthankara, Shreyansanath
Experiences
- Museum visit with a guide
On the menuFood to try
- Simple vegetarian thali
- Banarasi kachori and jalebi in nearby Varanasi
Sarnath travel tips
Visa and entry
Indian citizens do not need a visa; carry a government photo ID such as Aadhaar or a passport for hotels and flights.
Health and safety
Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for adventure activities. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Best time to visit
October to March. Cool, clear days; summers are very hot.
Getting around
Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow and Ayodhya have airports. The Yamuna Expressway links Delhi and Agra in about three and a half hours.
Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.
What to pack
Pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites and comfortable walking shoes.
Phone and internet
Mobile data is good in towns and cities.
Budget
We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.
Sarnath FAQs
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Destinations near Sarnath
BiharGaya
Gaya, on the Phalgu river in Bihar, is one of Hinduism's most important places for pind daan, the offering made for the peace of departed ancestors.
BiharBodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha.
BiharPatna
Patna, the ancient Pataliputra, is the capital of Bihar and home to Takht Sri Patna Sahib, birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh and one of the five takhts of Sikhism.
Madhya PradeshChitrakoot
Chitrakoot, on the Mandakini river along the Madhya Pradesh–Uttar Pradesh border, is where Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are believed to have spent much of their exile.
BiharNalanda & Rajgir
Nalanda was one of the world's first residential universities, flourishing from the 5th to 12th centuries; its excavated ruins are a UNESCO site.
Madhya PradeshBandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh has one of the highest densities of tigers in India, in a landscape of rocky hills, sal forest and an ancient hilltop fort.
Sarnath guides and articles
Travel guidePlan your Sarnath holiday
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