Sarnath formally known as Isipathana, situated 10 km away from Varanasi is is an important Buddhist pilgrimage center. It is the place where Buddha preached his first sermon making it one of the four holiest places (others being Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar) to the Buddhist world. Sarnath derived its name from one of Buddha's title, Saranganath, Lord of the Deer.

Sarnath is occupied with several Buddhist monuments and edifices. In the 3rd century BC the great Buddhist Emperor Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and near it erected a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adored lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. There are a number of twentieth century Buddhist temples in Sarnath, built and maintained by monks from Tibet, China and Japan, but the main attraction is the Deer Park with its ruins of several monuments. Inside the deer park there is the Dharmekha Stupa, covered by 110ft tall swastika, which is believed to be the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon.

The Archaeological Museum located nearby has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images. The museum is opened on all days from 10am to 5pm except on Fridays. 

To commemorate the birth day of Buddha, every year on the full moon day of May/ June, Buddha Purnima is celebrated with colourful fairs and processions.