Located a short drive from the bustling city of Varanasi, Sarnath is a serene reminder of India’s spiritual and historical legacy. Of the four primary pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide, this ancient town is where Siddhartha Gautama delivered his first sermon after reaching enlightenment. Apart from devotees it also attracts history buffs and nature lovers with its peace gardens, impressive stupas and one of the largest amongst them, the Dhamek Stupa. Thus, from spiritual solace seekers to those who want to bask in the potent tales of the past, Sarnath is a unique encounter that leaves one stimulated and entranced.
So, ready for an adventure to one of India’s holiest places? So without further ado, let’s explore all the modes of transport that you can avail in order to get to this beautiful hidden gem of Uttar Pradesh!
How to Reach Sarnath
By Air
For those arriving from distant cities, flying is the fastest route to Sarnath. The closest airport is Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), approximately 30 kilometers from Sarnath. Some of the major airlines flying regularly to this hill station are from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum, Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. Once you reach Varanasi, you can sit in a taxi or book an Ola/Uber to explore the scenic drive to Sarnath. The ride will take around half an hour to 40 minutes and will give you a glimpse of the local culture and scenery on route.
If you wish to book a flight, websites such as MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, and EaseMyTrip offer experiences allowing users to compare prices from multiple carriers to book at the lowest fares.
By Train
For the train buffs out there, Varanasi Junction has good connectivity with major cities across India. Those leaving from Delhi may board the Kashi Vishwanath Express or the Varanasi-Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Express, and those from Kolkata can take the Howrah-Varanasi Express. But what you’ll love even more during this train ride are all the scenic views of the Indian countryside, colorful villages, and green farms passing through your window.
From there, Sarnath is a quick taxi ride. If you prefer some extra adventure, you can also take a local bus to Sarnath. Trains take about 12 to 14 hours from Delhi to Varanasi so pack up some snacks and enjoy the ride.
By Road
Sarnath is also well-connected through highways for travelers who enjoy the excitement of a road trip. If driving from Delhi, take the NH 19, which goes to Varanasi, and follow the signs to Sarnath. It is a 1416 hour long journey depending on how the traffic is but the experience gives you breathtaking views and beautiful dhabas on road.
However, you can also avail a taxi or a bus from Lucknow or from Allahabad where both the cities are at a distance of about 200 kilometers from Sarnath. This option enables you to soak in changing views and maybe even make a few pit stops at points of interest along the way.
Local Transport
If you have reached Sarnath, it is pretty easy to move around. You can rent bicycles and explore the sprawling grounds of the archaeological site or hire a local guide for a more informative experience. If you need to chill, auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous to whisk you between main sites, from the Sarnath Museum to ancient ruins.
Making Your Sarnath Trip Memorable
If you really want to soak in Sarnath, visit during early morning or late afternoon, as the golden light gives a magical glow to the stupas and gardens. Make sure to stop and meditate at the tranquil Deer Park, where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon.
Make sure to bring along your walking shoes, an excellent camera, and maybe even a journal for noting your thoughts as you visit all the history. Consult details articles on attractions in Sarnath on sites like TripAdvisor or Thrillophilia for more tips as well as recommendations.
So, as you get ready for your trip to Sarnath, keep in mind that this is not merely a trip to a place; this is opening yourself up to an experience, a culture, a history. So put on Goa shoes and get ready with your fellow tour-mate to explore the calm beauty of Sarnath—where history stammer whisper on winds waiting to be at the ears of who ever can listen. Safe travels!
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