I alone with my few friends had recently travelled to Varanasi in the month of January 2025. During this time in Varanasi commuting and communication was very difficult for us as we weren’t from north India. And the whole city was immensely crowded due to the Kumbh Mela and everyone was taking advantage of this and over charging the tourists. It was disastrous to find proper commutation around the city. But to our surprise we found Mr Raju. Mr Raju was the most helpful and honest person we met in Varanasi. From offering to take us around the streets of Varanasi to making sure we reached our destinations safe through out the trip he was a delight. We loved the whole experience in Varanasi but what made us perfect was Mr Raju’s company. He made sure our stuff was safe when we visited temples and also made sure we reached our destinations safe. I highly recommend Mr Raju and his tuk tuk for commuting around the city as he doesn’t over charge and is also a good company to be around in a strange city.

Situated about 10 kilometres from Varanasi but due to traffic conditions the travel time maybe upto one hour depending on the time of the day. Since the entire area is open to the sky it will be better to visit in morning hours during summer. The first stop is Chaukhandi Stupa which is one kilometre before the main Dhamek Stupa. The entry ticket is Rs 20 per person which has to be bought on line as the ticket window was closed when we visited. You walk along the garden path around the Stupa and can not go upto the Stupa. The site was deserted with only a few visitors mainly young couples sitting in the garden under shady trees. Car can be parked on either side of the entry gate. The next stop half kilometre ahead is a garden where the entry is free. When you reach, you will be surrounded by a number of men who say that they are local weavers and will act as guides on a payment of Rs 50. The garden has a stone statue of standing Buddha, a bodhi tree, and a small budhha temple. There is a parking in front of the garden. Once the garden visit is over, the guide (weaver) will take you through the parking to a building where the products made by local weavers are sold. There are sarees of various varieties which they say are being sold at 40-50% discount from the market but one should check before buying. From the parking you can walk to the main garden a short distance away. Here also online ticket costs Rs 20 per person. There is a museum nearby which is closed on Friday. The garden has the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka pillar, and a Jain temple. The entire visit will take around two hours.

Pappu is the best guide and driver in Varanasi! 5 stars! He is super reliable, helpful, friendly, and unobtrusive! He drives very safely in this chaos. He accommodates your requests, shows and explains things, provides helpful tips to avoid scams, and gives you enough time to explore. Really great guy! If you contact him beforehand, you can book him for the entire time, including pickup service from and to the airport. ‪+91 98390 67293‬

A place that is a few kilometers from Varanasi (I think we could consider it a suburb of Varanasi) but, unlike the latter which is the holiest city of Hinduism, Sarnath is one of the most expensive places for Buddhists. Here Buddha met the first disciples and gave the first sermon (527 BC), starting his preaching and revealing to the world the four noble truths. As a Buddhist religious center, Sarnarh developed mainly with the reign of Ashoka (about 250 years later), during which Monasteries, Stupas, temples, schools were born, which prospered for almost 1500 years, until the arrival of Muslims who razed Sarnath to the ground. Today the ancient ruins can be seen immersed in the greenery of an archaeological park where, among other things, you can observe the Dhamek stupa, from the fourth-sixth century (built on the site where Buddha gave the first sermon), the remains of the Dharmarajika stupa (before the third century BC), the remains of the column of Ashoka, and then extensive ruins of temples and other buildings. Of course, apart from the Dhamek stupa and little else, there is practically nothing left standing, but some remains are still interesting for decoration. Next to the archaeological site is the Sarnath Museum, which houses ancient Buddhist art, including the famous Lion Capital, which was once positioned above the column of Ashoka. Outside of this site you can visit Chaukhandi Stupa from the 4th-6th century (but the octagonal tower above the heap dates back to the 16th century) and several other temples, including Sarnath Buddhist Temple, Golden Temple, Thai temple, with the giant Buddha statue next to it.

Papu was an amazing guide during our time in Varanasi! His extensive knowledge of the city’s history and culture made our experience truly special. He led us through the narrow streets, sharing fascinating stories about the temples and the rituals along the Ganges, and provided us with valuable insights into local traditions. What sets Papu apart is his enthusiasm and passion for Varanasi. He made us feel welcome and ensured we could truly experience the essence of the city. His personal touch and the way he kept us engaged made the tour unforgettable. I also appreciated that he was always open to questions and allowed us to explore at our own pace. Thanks to his guidance, we not only saw the major attractions but also discovered hidden gems that we would have missed otherwise. Overall, if you’re looking for a guide in Varanasi, I highly recommend Papu. He truly makes your visit to this beautiful city special!

Pappu703@yahoo.com. Our Tuk Tuk Driver was Pappu, who curated the entire Varanasi and Ayodhya trip for our family of 10. He was essential to our having a fantastic trip, and he was with us from morning till night without a fuss. He is a knowledgeable fellow, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to tour Varanasi and Ayodhya.

Sarnath is must visit. Keep 1 day reserved , reach early such as 8am as few monuments close by 4pm. There are guides near the entry of the monuments. We paid 600/- for guide tour of Dhamek Stupa area. Visiting card of guide is attached.

Pappu Khan picked us up from the train station, despite arriving late and took us to the hotel. A few hours later, he picked us up again at the hotel to lead us to the gang arts ritual at dawn. He then kept us luggage in the car all day, so that we could visit Varanasi in comfort. Smiling and helpful, very recommended! Pappu Khan picked us up at the train station, even though we arrived late and took us to the hotel. A few hours later, he picked us up again at the hotel to lead us at dawn to the ritual of ganga arti. He then kept our luggage in the car all day, so that we could visit Varanasi in comfort. Smiling and helpful, highly recommended!

A Spiritual Journey to Sarnath Temple Introduction: Located in the sacred city of Varanasi, Sarnath Temple is a serene and historically significant site that offers a glimpse into India's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Sarnath holds a special place in the hearts of Buddhists as it is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. This review captures the essence of our visit to this peaceful and enlightening destination. Historical Significance: Sarnath is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, the other three being Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar. The temple complex houses several stupas, excavated ruins of ancient monasteries, and the Ashoka Pillar, which is a testimony to India's glorious past. The pillar is crowned with the famous Lion Capital, which is now the national emblem of India. Architectural Marvel: The temple's architecture is a beautiful blend of ancient and modern styles. The serene ambiance is enhanced by meticulously maintained gardens and pathways. The main stupa, Dhamek Stupa, is an imposing structure that stands as a symbol of the rich Buddhist heritage. Its intricately carved stonework and massive size leave visitors in awe. Peaceful Ambiance: One of the most striking aspects of Sarnath Temple is its tranquility. Despite being a popular tourist destination, the temple grounds are peaceful, offering a perfect environment for meditation and reflection. The lush greenery and the sound of Buddhist chants in the background create a calming effect, making it an ideal place for spiritual seekers. Cultural and Educational Experience: The Sarnath Museum, located nearby, adds to the cultural and educational experience of the visit. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including the original Lion Capital of Ashoka, ancient sculptures, and relics from the Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta periods. The museum provides valuable insights into the history and development of Buddhism in India. Personal Experience: Our visit to Sarnath Temple was a deeply enriching experience. The pictures captured during the trip (as seen in the images) reflect the beauty and serenity of the place. The Ashoka Pillar and the majestic statue of Lord Buddha stand out as symbols of peace and wisdom. The presence of friendly local guides and the availability of informative brochures made our visit even more meaningful. To be avoid during summers...

Sarnath is an important Buddhist center located near a totally Hindu city, Varanasi. Interesting area, nice and quite quiet. At the archaeological site the only structure left almost intact is the large Dhamek stupa while the rest are mostly ruins. The museum is immediately adjacent.