Sarnath is about 10 km away from Varanasi where Buddha preached his first sermon after he had attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya. A lot has changed since then but the ancient aura is still retained in the ruins and gardens sen here. More important, at the museum in Sarnath is the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions that has been used as independent India's national emblem. Sarnath must be visited for the tranquillity that is its hallmark. Also situated here is the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. and leathe shoes.

CITY SIGHTS:

Chaukhandi Stupa:It is the first momument one encounters as one enters Sarnath. Its is a lofty mound of brick-work whose square edifice is surrounded by a octagonal tower. Originally said to built by Emperor Ashoka.

Dhamek Stupa:The most remarkable structure at Sarnath, 28 mts in diameter at the base and 43.6 mts in height, but partly of stone and partly of brick The stone facing the lower part is adornnd with delicate floral carvings of Gupta origin.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar :This modern temple has been errected by the Mahabodhi Society. It has excellent frescoes by Kosetsu Nosu Japan's formost painter and is rich repository of Buddhist literature. The ancient Mulagandha Kuti temple is among the brick ruins of Sarnath.

Sarnath Museum:Sarnath yielded a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures comprising numerous Budha and Bodhisattva images. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, and closed on Fridays.

FESTIVALS:
Buddha Poornima(Full Moon, April-May), Anniversary of First Sermon(Full Moon, July-Aug).

TEMPERATURE:

	Max.	Min
Summer	28	22
Winter	27	16

Clothings:
Summer: Light cottons.
Winter: Woollens

Language: Hindi & English

Access:
By Air: Airport is 30 km from Sarnath.
By Rail: Sarnath is connected with directly main cities.
By Road: By road Sarnath is: 10 km from Varanasi.