Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Varanasi is regarded as the spiritual capital of India, thus attracting a lot of people every day. The city has many temples dedicated to different deities holding great importance in the Hindu religion. But since India is home to diversity where many religions are practiced, Varanasi is not different. Out of which Buddhism is one of the major religions practiced in India.
Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his message of the middle way to nirvana after he achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya, and gave his famous first sermon at the deer park here in Isipatana. Emperor Ashoka erected magnificent stupas and monasteries here, as well as an engraved pillar. When Chinese traveler Xuan Zang dropped by, Sarnath boasted a 100m-high stupa and 1500 monks living in large monasteries. However, soon after, Buddhism went into decline, and when Muslim invaders sacked the city, Sarnath disappeared altogether. It was only ‘rediscovered’ by British archaeologists.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Pick up from centrally located hotels, the guests are requested to wait in Hotel lobby and inform front desk about the pick up
Itinerary
-
1
Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometers north-east of Varanasi city near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Travel with us to the ruins of Sarnath, Mauryan period brickwork, and visit the surrounding temples of various countries associated with Buddhism.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
2Dhamek Stupa
Dhamek Stupa also spelled Dhamekh and Dhamekha, traced to Sanskrit version Dharmarajika Stupa, which can be translated as the Stupa of the reign of Dharma. Stupas originated as pre-Buddhist tumuli, in which ascetics were buried in a seated position, called chaitya. After the parinirvana of the Buddha, his remains were cremated and the ashes divided and buried under eight mounds with two further mounds encasing the urn and the embers. Little is known about these early stupas, particularly since it has not been
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3
The peaceful and traditional Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is a lovely, bright space located close to the main market area in Sarnath. It was constructed in 1955 and is maintained by the Lhadhan Chotrul Monlam Chenmo Trust and has glass display cases filled with miniature buddhas. The very sight of the Tibetan Monastery on the main road is exciting—two lions guard the very colourful and beautifully-designed entrance. Inside the large and open compound is a light pink stupa as a remembrance and gratitude by the Tibetans to the government of India for granting asylum to the fleeing Dalai Lama. It also denotes to pay tribute to all those who died in Tibet’s freedom struggle and those who continue to suffer oppression in Tibet.
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4
Stroll through Buddhist old buildings which take back you in time, if you are lucky you may meet some of the monks and click pictures and understand more about Buddhism.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Company
Get our app
