A much revered pilgrimage and tourist destination in India, Sarnath marks the site where Lord Buddha first preached his message after attaining ‘nirvana’ or Enlightenment. One of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India, Sarnath is located at a distance of 8 km from Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. Besides being one of the holiest sites of Buddhist pilgrimage in India, Sarnath also offers many options to explore nearby destinations on Excursions from Sarnath Uttar Pradesh.
Tourist attractions in Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh comprise several stupas, excavated ruins of age old monasteries, the deer park and various other interesting sites. Several Buddhist structures were constructed at Sarnath between the 3rd century B.C. and 11th century A.D., and today the town showcases the most extensive ruins amongst holy sites on the Buddhist trail. Apart from being a place dotted with magnificent ruins, stupas, monasteries and temples, Sarnath is also a perfect base to embark on Excursions from Sarnath Uttar Pradesh and visit some of the popular tourist places around.
Owing to the close proximity of Varanasi from Sarnath, Varanasi is the most important place to visit while on Excursions from Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh India. Heralded as the Cultural Capital of India, Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Famous for its temples, ghats, lanes, and above all for its religious and cultural significance for Hindus, Varanasi is easily accessible from Sarnath and hence a must visit destination on Excursions from Sarnath Uttar Pradesh.
Located on the north banks of the River Ganga, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is also a renowned center of music, art, crafts and education since ages. Pilgrims from different parts of India and from worldwide come to Varanasi to perform various religious rituals at the famous Ghats of Varanasi. These Ghats are believed to possess magical powers to cleanse people of their sins and grant eternal peace to the souls of their forefathers.
Sarnath is also a part of the Buddhist tourist circuit of India – one of the major tourist circuits in the country. Sarnath is well linked to famous Buddhist pilgrim destinations like Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. Hence, these places can also be explored on Excursions from Sarnath Uttar Pradesh.
Ramnagar, lying at a distance of about 14 km from Varanasi can also be visited while on Excursions from Sarnath Uttar Pradesh. Ramnagar is famous for its royal museum, which exhibits royal collections like vintage cars, royal palanquins, swords, guns, ivory work and antique clocks.
The historical Chunar Fort located about 40 km from Varanasi can also form part of your excursions from Sarnath Uttar Pradesh. Bulit by Sher Shah Suri – one of the greatest warriors of yesteryears, this fort offers superb views of the river Ganga from within its precincts. The main attractions within Chunar Fort include sonwa mandap, sun clock and a huge well.