Location : Uttar Pradesh
Attraction :The Stupas, Buddhist Pilgrimage and
Archaeological museum
Local Tongue :Hindi & English
STD Code : (91) - 542
Best time to Visit : October to March
About Sarnath
Of
the four divine Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the India, Sarnath ranks the
third position. The godly land of Lord Buddha is situated 13 Km from
Varanasi in the northern Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. The epic behind its
name and holy aura speaks about the living of Lord Buddha, his attaining
enlightenment and his spreading religious message of Buddhism. The tranquil
land is marked with magnificent stupas and historic monuments built under
the regime of Emperor Ashoka. Since the 3rd century B.C. Sarnath has been
sprinkled with religious thoughts and culture and today its pious fragrance
has captivated the heart and mind of several people from all over the globe.
Climate & Best time to Visit
Sarnath has its location near the Tropic of Cancer and as such, the town
enjoys a moderate wintry weather with a very hot days during summer. The
cool winter temperature ranges between 20 degree Celsius to 10 degree
Celsius, whereas the summer is at peak with 45 degree Celsius. The gushing
rain wash the city from late June to September. The ideal time to make a
religious Sarnath trip lies between the months from October to March.
Pilgrimage/Other Attractions in Sarnath
The small town of Sarnath has many attractions for you to see. During your
pilgrimage to Sarnath, you can also plan to visit those attractions that
lies close to or around the town.
The Stupas
Sarnath is remarkable for a number of stupas, built during the 3rd century
B.C. History indicates that the stupas have been erected in relation to the
deep thought of King Ashoka towards Buddhism. The most largest is the
cylindrical Dhamekh Stupa sprawled with Buddhist inscription and green
lawns. Its fine floral carving consist of stone cuts and bricks measuring
128 feet in height and 93 feet in diameter. The other one is the outstanding
Choukhandi Stupa, which acted as Buddha's meeting corner with his disciples.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
This sacred Tibetan-Buddhist monastery was set up in the year 1930 by the
Sri lankan Mahabodhi society. The shrine is situated behind the Deer Park
within the Sarnath region. The main entrance to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is
flourished with a huge Japenese bell and its interior decoration is
beautified with golden-colored life-like statue of Lord Buddha. Painted with
excellence and intricated with colorful murals, the monastery as a whole
makes a worthy visit.
Archaeological Museum
The archaeological museum in Sarnath houses the historic collection of rare
objects which date back the existence of Lord Buddha. The building is in
retrogressive but still preserves the moving wheel of dharma and the
ultimate Lion capital of Ashokan Pillar. The The Mahabodhi library inside
the complex is staged with a rich collection of Buddhist manuscripts and
writings.
Tourist
Preferred Hotels in/around Sarnath
There are a number of comfy rest houses in Sarnath. One can stay overnight
at Forest Rest House, Mahabodhi Dharamshala,Golden Buddha Guest house,
Tourist Bungalow and Deer Park Guest house. Visitors can also enjoy the
grand treatment in some of the elite hotel in Varanasi like the Kanishka (3
star, situated on The Mall Cantt just 21 km from airport, 3 km from railway
station & 4 km from bus stand), Heritage Pallavi International Hotel (3
star, situated in Chetgunj just 22 km from airport, 1.5 km from railway
station & 1 km from bus stand), Hotel Preadeep (3 star, situated in
Jagatganj just 24 km from airport, 1.5 km from railway station & 0.5 km
from bus stand), Hotel Palace on Ganges (3 star equivalent, situated near
Assighat just 25 km from airport, 4 km from railway station & 1.5 km
from bus stand), Hotel Taj Ganges (5 star deluxe, situated in Nadesar just
22 km from airport, 1.5 km from railway station & 4 km from bus stand)
and Hotel Varanasi Ashok (4 star, situated on The Mall Cantt just 22 km from
airport, 1.5 km from railway station & 4 km from bus stand).
Sarnath Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
By Air :The nearest airport, Babatpur is at a distance of
30 Km from the town. Another nearby Varanasi airport operate regular flights
from major Indian cities to the destination.
By Rail :Varanasi railway station is connected to all the
other major Indian cities through a number of direct trains. The Northern
Railway network and several other trains plying across Varanasi has a halt
in Sarnath.
By Road :Sarnath is provided with good communication
circuit through any other cities in and around Uttar Pradesh. In addition to
State transport buses, several local vehicles connect Sarnath with Varanasi
and other neighboring areas.
Distance of Sarnath from Major Indian Cities
- Allahabad : 125 Km
- Gaya : 250 Km
- Lucknow : 300 Km
- Patna : 235 Km
