Sarnath

Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi, is one of Buddhism's four holiest sites — where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta) after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The Dhamek Stupa (500 CE), Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Ashoka Pillar (from which India's national emblem is derived), and the Sarnath Museum (housing the Ashoka Lion Capital) make it a top UNESCO World Heritage and Buddhist pilgrimage destination near Varanasi.