Sarnath
Set in a peaceful park containing monastery ruins is this impressive 34m stupa, marking the spot where the Buddha preached his first sermon. The floral and geometric carvings are 5th century AD, but some of the brickwork dates back as far as 200 BC.
Nearby is the 3rd-century-BC Ashoka Pillar, engraved with an edict. It once stood 15m tall and had the famous four-lion capital, now in the museum, perched atop; all that remains are five fragments of its base.
4.83 MILES
Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Dead bodies are handled by outcasts known as doms, and…
6.4 MILES
The furthest south of the main ghats and one of the biggest, Assi Ghat is particularly important as the River Assi meets the Ganges near here and pilgrims…
5.21 MILES
Varanasi’s liveliest and most colourful ghat. The name indicates that Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (aswa) here. In spite of the persistent…
5.78 MILES
Harishchandra Ghat is a cremation ghat – smaller and secondary in importance to Manikarnika, but one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.
4.89 MILES
There are temples at almost every turn in Varanasi, but this is the most famous of the lot. It is dedicated to Vishveswara – Shiva as lord of the universe…
8.08 MILES
Long regarded as a centre of learning, Varanasi’s tradition of top-quality education continues today at Banares Hindu University, established in 1916. The…
0.11 MILES
This fully modernised, 100-year-old sandstone museum houses wonderfully displayed ancient treasures, such as the very well-preserved, 3rd-century-BC lion…
7.74 MILES
On the Banares Hindu University campus, this museum hosts a wonderful collection of miniature paintings, as well as 12th-century palm-leaf manuscripts,…
0.11 MILES
This fully modernised, 100-year-old sandstone museum houses wonderfully displayed ancient treasures, such as the very well-preserved, 3rd-century-BC lion…
0.12 MILES
This turreted temple was completed in 1931 by the Mahabodhi Society, and is noted for its interesting wall frescoes, which depict events from Buddha's…
0.21 MILES
With its unique, red-walled design, the temple is worth a look, but the real reasons to visit are the peaceful gardens and large standing Buddha that…
0.24 MILES
The Burmese Temple features a triple-pagoda roof and several statues of the Buddha, set in lush gardens.
0.27 MILES
One of the simpler temples in Sarnath. The entrance is between two red pillars.
6. Japanese Temple & Monastery
0.36 MILES
Somewhat simple on the outside, this temple features a reclining Buddha carved from sandalwood inside the main shrine.
0.46 MILES
This large, ruined stupa dates back to the 5th century AD, and marks the spot where Buddha met his first disciples. The incongruous tower on top of the…
4.19 MILES
At Trilochan, two turrets emerge from the river, and the water between them is especially holy.