Sarnath: The Turning of the Dharma Wheel

Where Wisdom Was First Spoken

After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha walked over 200 kilometers to Rishipattana (modern Sarnath). Here, in the quiet Deer Park (*Mrigadava*), he met his five former ascetic companions and set in motion the Wheel of Law (*Dharmachakra Pravartana*).

Highlights to Experience in Sarnath

• Dhamek Stupa: A colossal 43.6-meter cylindrical monument constructed in 500 CE over an earlier Mauryan foundation, marking the exact spot where the Buddha expounded the Middle Path.
• Chaukhandi Stupa: An octagonal tower built atop a 5th-century Gupta mound to commemorate Mughal Emperor Humayun's visit.
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum: India's oldest site museum, preserving the original 3rd-century BCE Ashokan Lion Capital (the National Emblem of India) and the 5th-century Masterpiece Preaching Buddha sculpture.
• Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: Modern Buddhist temple featuring vivid interior murals by Japanese master Kosetsu Nosu.

Visiting Logistics

Sarnath is a quick 30-minute drive from central Varanasi. All our Varanasi tour packages include an afternoon half-day private excursion to Sarnath with a licensed archaeological guide.