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HeritageUNESCO World Heritage Site

Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath

Varanasi · Closed now

AddressSarnath, Varanasi
Managed byArchaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Today's hoursOpen today 8 AM – 6 PM
Tickets fromFrom ₹40

Location

About

The deer park where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, setting the "Wheel of Dharma" in motion. Sarnath's ruins include the towering Dhamek Stupa, the remains of Ashokan pillars, and monastery foundations spanning over a millennium of Buddhist patronage, from the Mauryan to the Gupta period.

Did you know? The four-lion capital atop Ashoka's pillar at Sarnath — now in the Sarnath Museum — was adopted as independent India's national emblem in 1950, and the wheel beneath the lions inspired the Ashoka Chakra on the national flag.

Opening hours

Mon–Sun8 AM – 6 PM

Tickets

Adult Indian
₹40
Kids/Students Indian
Free
Foreigners Adult/Kid
₹600

Facilities

RestroomAudio Guide (Available at the site museum)GuideShopParking