Sarnath Tour from Varanasi – Birthplace of Buddhism

Recommended by 96% of travelers

Varanasi, India

3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

3.3

(3)

Private Tour: Full-Day Varanasi Tour including Sarnath and Evening Ganga Arti

from $100

Price varies by group size

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi and Sarnath Cultural Trail with Sunrise Boat Ride

from $58

Price varies by group size

Varanasi Boat Ride and Ancient Temples Day Tour with Breakfast

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

4.0

(3)

Varanasi Boat Ride and Ancient Temples Day Tour with Breakfast

from $111

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

This half-day tour transports travelers to the site where Buddha gave his very first sermon back in 528 BC. Venture outside the city and spend some time at Sarnath, one of the religion's most important landmarks.

Half-Day Sarnath Tour from Varanasi
See the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon
Learn about religion, history and culture from your guide
Ideal for families and travelers who love culture and history

What's Included

Private AC Car for Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off
Professional Private Guide Licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Sarnath Entrance Tickets

Food and drinks
Gratuities
Tips

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Any Hotel centrally located in Varanasi city limit

Arranged start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

04/01/2017 - 05/11/2027
Monday - Sunday : 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Itinerary

Sarnath

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Ashoka Pillar

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Chaukhandi Stupa (Pass By)

Dhamek Stupa

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Dhammarajika Stupa

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
A maximum of 10 people per booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 27 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Highly recommend

Clare_H, Apr 2025

We had a lovely tour of Sarnath with Vinod: he was very knowledgeable, kind and entertaining. We would definitely recommend him as a guide.

Sarnath tour a journey into history

Anand_S, Jan 2025

The guide Mr Indrajeet Kumar picked us up from our hotel and gave us very good information on Gautama Buddha and his life and teachings with particular emphasis on his time in Sarnath and showed us important places in Sarnath

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the tour and found the information on Gautama Buddha’s life and teachings insightful. It was a pleasure to guide you through the important sites in Sarnath. If you ever visit again or want to explore more, feel free to reach out! – Indrajeet Kumar 📞/WhatsApp: +91 9415206372

Great tour

Barb_B, Feb 2024

Vinik was very knowledgeable about Buddhism, which was quite helpful. Beautiful park like setting with interesting museum.

Steep price..But worth every penny

Visheshmaverick, Sep 2023

The guide Sunny had very good knowledge about the history of Buddhism and Varanasi. he also helped to get wheel chair for my mother and to ensure we covered all the monuments. The price is steep. but worth every penny.

Birthplace of Buddhism!

Jon_C, Mar 2022

I was looking forward to the trip to Sarnath and I wasn’t disappointed - it was more than I had anticipated. A wonderful half-day trip from Varanasi! The communication and transport were easy - we left from the hotel in Varanasi and made a short drive to Sarnath. The guide, Indrajeet Kumar, was amazing. Very knowledgeable, kind, calm… perfect for this kind of tour. The grounds at the ancient site are beautiful and peaceful. I spent time meditating and taking it all in. The museum was surprisingly good - I was mesmerized by the famous statue of Buddha - so beautiful! I highly recommend this tour! Great addition to any trip to Varanasi!

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Dear Mr. Jon, Greetings from the holy city Varanasi…! Thank you for taking your valuable time in sharing your kind feedback. It is always a pleasure to hear the words of appreciation from guests like you, who spare time out and write about Varanasi & our team. Hope to meet you again during your next visit. Thanks & Regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372

Great Tour

LaurenJ356, Sep 2019

I recently went on this tour and as a Buddhist, it was quite inspiring for me to visit the site where The Buddha set the wheel of the Dhamma in motion. Imdrajeet was a knowledgeable guide and I sufficiently enjoyed my time with him that I will seek him out for similar tours in the future.

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Dear Guest, Greetings from the holy city Varanasi…! Thank you for taking your valuable time in sharing your kind feedback. It is always a pleasure to hear the words of appreciation from guests like you, who spare time out and write about Varanasi & our team. Hope to meet you again during your next visit. Thanks & Regards, Indrajeet Kumar Mobile: +91 9415206372

Fantastic tour with a very...

paulchappel269, Jul 2017

Fantastic tour with a very knowledgeable guide who explained everything with great ease. We were constantly told to take our time in looking at things and taking photos. Sarnath was amazing to look around and I would recommend this to anyone.

From

-20%