Dhamek Stupa represents the place where the Buddha preached his first discourse to his first five disciples, Sarnath. This park is said to be of great importance as Buddha gave his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment to his disciples, which revealed his “Eightfold Path.

Dharmarajika Stupa Visit the Dharmarajika Stupa to discover the ruins of an archaeological wonder and the place where Lord Buddha’s remains were enshrined. Mingle with Buddhist followers who come to worship the life and teachings of Buddha. Only the foundations of this imposing stupa are visible today. It still bears historical significance. Imagine the tall structure that stood proud in picturesque gardens and held the relics of Lord Buddha. Check out the stone pillars and walls surrounding the stupa. Watch as monks and pilgrims sit quietly on the surrounding lawns while meditating and gazing in awe at the ruins. (Note: Closed on Sunday)

The ruins of the ancient Mulagandhakuti Vihara mark the place where the Buddha spent his first rainy season. This was the main temple, marked by the presence of the Ashokan pillar at the front. We will have lunch (optional) at a good restaurant in Sarnath. After lunch we will go Ashoka pillar.

The national emblem of India and a mark of Emperor Ashoka's visit to Sarnath, the Ashoka Pillar, crafted out of stone, is an impressive structure with four lions at the top. This 50-metre-long pillar, along with the Dhamek Stupa, is Ashoka's gift to Buddhism, and the entire complex has a calm aura to it. A number of monks are spotted meditating around the compound. The entire complex is filled with lush green lawns, and along with the Stupa, they resemble a colony, with the Ashoka Pillar being the main attraction. India's oldest archaeological museum has been built at the periphery of the complex.

Sarnath Museum The Sarnath Archaeological Museum is most prominent for the four-headed lion that was once on the Chile of the Ashoka Pillar, from the 3rd century BC. This is where Gautama Buddha delivered the first major sermon to his first five disciples after gaining enlightenment. (Note: Closed on Friday.)

Wat Thai Sarnath Temple Popularly known as the Thai Temple, Wat Thai Sarnath Temple was built by Thai dignitaries in the year 1933. Adorned with manicured gardens, the Thai Temple is built in the Thai architectural style and is managed by Thai Buddhist monks. Just before the entrance of the main temple, there are images of a laughing Buddha along with an enactment of Lord Buddha delivering a sermon to his disciples. Another statue of Lord Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra can be seen in the temple. An important highlight of the Thai Temple in Sarnath is the 80-foot-tall image of Buddha in a standing position. The construction of the statue is said to have taken more than a decade. There are running fountains with blooming lotus flowers before approaching the statue. After visiting Wat Thai Temple later, drop off at the Varanasi Hotel.