How to Plan Your Tour to Sarnath, the Place of First Ceremony of Buddha in Varanasi

If you’re planning a trip to Varanasi and looking to explore the rich history of Buddhism, then Sarnath is a must-see destination. Sarnath holds significant importance in Buddhist religion as it is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. In this two-hour private tour, you can explore the fascinating ruins, museum, and other historic sites related to Buddhism with the help of a professional guide.

Overview of the Tour

This private tour of Sarnath offers convenient pickup service from your preferred location in Varanasi, after which you’ll be driven to Sarnath. During the tour, you’ll be transported in a private vehicle and accompanied by a knowledgeable guide to help you explore the significant religious and archaeological sites. With this tour, you can expect to visit ruins, see the beautiful museum with traditional artwork, hear the tales of Lord Buddha’s first sermon and discover the rich history of Buddhism.

What’s Included in the Tour

This tour is operated by Unique Experiences, and all fees and taxes are included. The pickup and drop-off service is included in the tour package. Your private vehicle includes AC, is fully insured, and comfortably accommodates you and your group. The Sarnath entrance ticket cost amounting to 305 INR per person for ruins and museum is included in the tour price. Furthermore, you will be provided with snacks and a professional guide to accompany you around.

Meeting and Pickup Points

You will be picked up from the hotel or the designated pickup location in Varanasi, selected by you during the booking process. The pickup time is at 9:30 AM.

What to Expect in Sarnath

After a comfortable ride to Sarnath, you’ll first visit the museum, which exhibits traditional Buddhist artwork, including sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts containing teachings of the Buddha. You’ll get a closer look at relics and artifacts that hold tremendous historical and religious importance. After this, your guide will take you to see the ruins of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Monastery, a significant Buddhist temple with beautiful architecture. You’ll then witness the famous Dhamek Stupa that is mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts. The Dhamek Stupa is seen as a symbol of the Buddha’s teachings and an important historical site in Sarnath. You will also visit the Deer Park where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his five disciples. Your private guide will take you through the gardens that provide an oasis of peace among the ruins, and you’ll explore the site where Buddhism originated.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your reservation, you can receive a full refund only if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start of the tour. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the start time will not be accepted. The cancellation cut-off times are based on the tour’s start time. Learn more about cancellations on the booking page.

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re interested in experiencing the rich history of Buddhism at Sarnath, then book your tour with Unique Experiences by clicking here. Remember, Sarnath is a place of significant importance in Buddhist history, and you don’t want to miss visiting it while you’re in Varanasi.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is a city situated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India and attracts a multitude of tourists every year. With its rich culture, history, and spirituality, there are many questions that people tend to have about Varanasi. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this beautiful city.

1. What is the best time to visit Varanasi?

Varanasi has a tropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the temperature stays between 5°C to 15°C. During this period, you can enjoy the beautiful Ganga Aarti, take a boat ride along the Ghats, and explore the city’s sights and sounds.

2. What are the top tourist attractions in Varanasi?

Varanasi has a rich history and culture, and there are many tourist attractions in the city that are worth exploring. Some of the top tourist attractions in Varanasi are:

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

This is one of the most revered and ancient temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Dashashwamedh Ghat:

This is the main ghat in Varanasi and is known for the famous Ganga Aarti that takes place every evening.

• Sarnath:

Located just outside Varanasi, Sarnath is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and is known for the Dhamek Stupa.

• Assi Ghat:

This is another famous ghat in Varanasi and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.

• Ramnagar Fort:

Located on the banks of the Ganges, Ramnagar Fort is a beautiful fort that was built in the 18th century.

3. What is the significance of the Ganga Aarti?

The Ganga Aarti is a daily ceremony that takes place at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. It is a beautiful ritual that is performed to worship the River Ganges. During the ceremony, priests light lamps and incense, and the crowd sings hymns and devotional songs. The Ganga Aarti is an important part of Varanasi’s culture and tradition and attracts a large number of tourists every evening.

4. What are the best places to shop in Varanasi?

Varanasi is known for its traditional Banarasi silk saris and handcrafted items. Some of the best places to shop in Varanasi are:

• Vishwanath Lane:

This lane is known for its shops that sell beautiful Banarasi silk saris and other traditional clothing.

• Godowlia Market:

This market is known for its handcrafted items, including jewelry, marble items, and wooden toys.

• Thatheri Bazaar:

This is the place to go if you’re looking for brass and copper items such as utensils, lamps, and decorative pieces.

5. What are the best places to eat in Varanasi?

Varanasi is known for its delicious street food and traditional cuisine. Some of the best places to eat in Varanasi are:

• Deena Chaat Bhandar:

This is the place to go if you’re looking for delicious chaat such as dahi bhalla, papdi chaat, and aloo tikki.

• Kachori Gali:

Located in the heart of Varanasi, Kachori Gali is known for its delicious kachoris and samosas.

• Blue Lassi:

This shop is known for its delicious lassi, which comes in a variety of flavors including mango, banana, and strawberry.

Conclusion:

Varanasi is a beautiful city that is full of culture, history, and spirituality. From the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony to the delicious street food, there is something for everyone in this city. We hope that this blog post has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Varanasi and has helped you plan your trip to this amazing city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest and most spiritual cities in India. Located on the banks of the river Ganges, it attracts millions of visitors every year. If you are a first-time tourist to Varanasi, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your time in this enchanting city.

1. Take a Boat Ride Along the Ganges

One of the must-do things in Varanasi is taking a boat ride along the Ganges during sunrise or sunset. You can hire a boat from the ghats (stone steps leading to the river) at a reasonable price. You’ll get to see the daily rituals performed by the locals and also witness the puja ceremony (worship with offerings) at Dashashwamedh Ghat from the river.

2. Visit the Ghats

Varanasi is famous for its ghats. There are over 80 ghats in the city, each with its own history and significance. Some of the famous ones are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Darbhanga Ghat. You can take a walk along the ghats and witness the life of the locals, the sadhus (holy men) performing their rituals, and the rituals performed for the dead.

3. Explore the Temples

Varanasi is home to many ancient temples. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most famous one. Other temples worth visiting are the Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and the Monkey Temple (officially known as the Durga Kund Temple). Make sure that you dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the temples.

4. Attend the Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti is a beautiful ceremony that takes place every evening on the Dasashwamedh Ghat. It’s a spectacular sight where priests perform puja and offer prayers to the river Ganges. The ceremony includes the lighting of lamps, waving of incense, and the chanting of mantras. It’s an experience not to be missed.

5. Taste the Local Cuisine

Varanasi is famous for its food, especially its street food. Some of the must-try dishes are chaat (spicy snacks), lassi (yogurt drink), malaiyo (milk foam dish), and the famous Banarasi paan (a preparation made with betel leaves, flavored fillings, and sometimes tobacco). You can find these dishes at the street vendors or at the local restaurants.

6. Attend a Classical Music and Dance Performance

Varanasi has a rich cultural heritage, and attending a classical music and dance performance is a great way to experience it. There are many venues in the city where you can attend these performances. Some of the famous ones are Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, Swaraag, and Rangashree.

7. Shop for Local Handicrafts

Varanasi is famous for its silk sarees and textiles. You can visit the local markets to shop for these items. The popular markets are Godowlia, Vishwanath lane, and Thatheri Bazar. You can also shop for brassware, wooden items, and jewelry.

Conclusion

Varanasi is a city of contrasts – ancient and modern, spiritual and chaotic. It’s a city that will leave you spellbound. Follow this guide to make the most of your time in the city. Remember to dress modestly, respect the local customs and traditions, and keep an open mind. Happy traveling!