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Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh
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Explore India by Road......
Delhi - Sarnath Road drive
Highway - NH 2
Time - 11-12 hrs
Distance - 817 kms
Sarnath saw the germination of the seeds of Buddhism. In this sylvan town, around 10 Kms from Varanasi, Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
His first disciples were also initiated into Buddhist monkhood here making Sarnath the focal point of the Buddhist world. The name of the city has been derived from Saranganatha or the Lord of the Deer. Most of the Buddhist sites here now lie in ruins owing to the pilferage by Muslim invaders.
How To Reach
By Air - Varanasi Airport at Babatpur is the nearest airport from Sarnath 30 kms away
By Rail - Sarnath is having a small railway station that is connected to Gorakhpur and Varanasi.
By Road - Well connected by roads
Places to see
Ashok Pillar
The Ashok Pillar stands as a testimony to the visit of Emperor Ashok in the 3rd century BC.
Dhamekh Stupa
One of the surviving monuments in Sarnath, the Dhamekh Stupa marks the spot where the Buddha is believed to announced his faith. It dates back to the 5th century AD.
Choukhandi Stupa
Now in a dilapidated state, the Choukhandi Stupa is believed to be the spot where the Buddha was reunited with his disciples.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar was built in 1931 by the Mahabodhi Society. The Japanese have gifted a huge bell and frescoes to mark their tribute to the Buddha.
Road trip summary, time, kms and tolls and other information required to plan your road trip.
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Planning a visit to Uttar Pradesh read through travelogues to plan your trip
The climate of Uttar Pradesh is extremely hot in summers and very cold during the winters.
Ideal time to Visit - October - March.
Capital - Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh - Land of Taj
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