A major Buddhist centre, Sarnath lies northeast of Varanasi. It was here that Buddha delivered his first sermon on attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Around 234 BC, Emperor Ashoka, a great follower of Buddhism, erected a stupa here. Between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, several Buddhist structures were built in Sarnath. Most of the Sarnath's monuments are set in large gardens making it quite pleasant for a visitor to spend some time here. The Buddha Purnima festival in is held here in May to celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha.
Ramnagar (14 km)
This 17th-century fort is the home of the former Maharaja of Benaras. The fort, south of the Asi Ghat houses a museum inside with a collection of horse-drawn carriages, old motor cars, gilded and ornate silver howdahs (elephant seats), a collection of miniature ivory carvings, hunting trophies, vintage silver and brocade palanquins, a replica of the royal bed and an armoury of swords and guns.
