🏛️ Culture

Sarnath

Varanasi, India

About Sarnath

About 10km north-east of Varanasi, the deer park where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. See the huge Dhamek Stupa, temple ruins and monasteries built by Buddhist countries; the archaeological museum holds the Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's national emblem, and is closed on Fridays. A peaceful half-day trip from the ghats.

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📍Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India

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✓ Comfortable to visit on your own.
✓ Budget-friendly ($).

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Dashashwamedh Ghat

Varanasi's main and busiest ghat, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Every evening at sunset, priests perform the Ganga Aarti with large brass lamps, bells and chanting, watched by crowds on the steps and from boats on the river. Arrive at least 30 minutes early for a spot on the steps, or watch from a boat for a less crowded view.

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Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the holiest Hindu temples, dedicated to Shiva as one of the twelve jyotirlingas, with gold-plated spires. Since 2021 the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor has linked it directly to the ghats. Security is strict: phones, bags and cameras usually have to go in lockers, and queues can be long. Dress modestly; foreign visitors can enter.

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Assi Ghat

The southernmost of the main ghats, where the small Assi river meets the Ganges, with a more relaxed, residential feel than the central ghats. It's home to the Subah-e-Banaras sunrise programme and a smaller evening aarti, surrounded by cafés, guesthouses and bookshops. From here you can walk north along the ghats to Dashashwamedh in under an hour.

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