Sarnath Deer Park
A serene park in Sarnath, India, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, offering a blend of nature, wildlife, and spiritual significance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Sarnath Deer Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene park in Sarnath, India, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, offering a blend of nature, wildlife, and spiritual significance.
"A peaceful and refreshing place, perfect for a family outing or a calm stroll in nature."
🎟️ Reasonable Entry Fees
Expect very affordable entry tickets: around Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children.
🚶♂️ Stroll Through Nature
Enjoy the green grass and tall trees for a peaceful walk. Perfect for unwinding.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Deer Enclosure
Central Park Area
Observe graceful deer roaming freely in a naturalistic setting, a symbol of peace and harmony.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
Adjacent to Deer Park
A significant Buddhist temple marking the spot of Buddha's first sermon, offering spiritual solace.
Archaeological Museum
Near the Deer Park
Discover ancient artifacts and sculptures unearthed from the Sarnath excavation site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Manage Expectations for the Zoo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Reasonable Entry Fees
Expect very affordable entry tickets: around Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children.
🚶♂️ Stroll Through Nature
Enjoy the green grass and tall trees for a peaceful walk. Perfect for unwinding.
🦌 Wildlife Sightings
Look out for deer, birds, and sometimes even porcupines or crocodiles.
📸 Capture the Symbolism
The iconic two deer and Dharma wheel symbol represents harmony and the Buddha's first sermon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Reasonable Entry Fees
Expect very affordable entry tickets: around Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children.
🚶♂️ Stroll Through Nature
Enjoy the green grass and tall trees for a peaceful walk. Perfect for unwinding.
🦌 Wildlife Sightings
Look out for deer, birds, and sometimes even porcupines or crocodiles.
📸 Capture the Symbolism
The iconic two deer and Dharma wheel symbol represents harmony and the Buddha's first sermon.
🙏 Respectful Conduct
Be mindful of the sacred nature of Sarnath; inappropriate behavior is discouraged.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sarnath Deer Park is a peaceful, green space offering a refreshing break with opportunities to see various animals. While praised for its natural beauty and affordable entry, some visitors note that animal enclosure maintenance and cleanliness could be improved. The park's historical and spiritual significance as the site of Buddha's first sermon adds to its appeal.
"Sarnath Deer Park is a peaceful and refreshing place, perfect for a family outing or a calm stroll in nature. Green grass and tall trees with give you peace and joy. Better to visit in winters.
We were delighted to see many birds, love birds, cockatoo,etc. We also sighter porcupines sleeping, a crocodile, and a peacock showing off its feathers and dancing beautifully.
The park has so much potential, but it needs better maintenance. The bird houses looked neglected, and the fish ponds were quite dirty. With a little care and regular upkeep, this place could truly shine.
Still, it’s a lovely spot to unwind and connect with nature, worth a visit."
mariyam akhtar
"Sarnath deer park is a nice place to visit with family in sarnath.
One can go through mulagandha kuti vihara to reach here.
Entry ticket for adults Rs 20 For children Rs 10. Which is reasonable.
In a park one can see deer, crocodile , alligator, birds and Emu.
Boat ride chatrge Rs 50 can also be done in the park.
But Don't keep lots of expectations from the park.
Overall, it's an ok small zoo"
Manish upadhyay
"ZOO FOR COUPLE
This place is absolutely appalling. The animals are caged in terrible conditions.The Emus were pacing and clearly distressed. The cages are disgusting, concrete and bare. No green areas. The water is rotten and green with thick algae. The fish were at one small overspill area fighting to breathe. The owners should be ashamed of themselves and foreigners should not visit. So many trees around that the bird could get a fresh branch everyday!!!!! This is the worst "Zoo" we have seen in Asia. Just disgusting really."
NILAY SAMRIT
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sarnath Deer Park is located about 10 km northeast of Varanasi. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or local bus from Varanasi city. Many travelers combine a visit to the Deer Park with other Sarnath attractions.
Yes, the park is generally accessible. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and transport options from Varanasi are readily available.
Auto-rickshaws are a common and convenient way to get between the different sites in Sarnath, including the Deer Park and Mulagandha Kuti Vihara.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are quite reasonable, typically around Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children.
While there might be a slight difference in pricing for foreigners, the overall cost remains very affordable, as noted by travelers discussing ticketing.
The park is generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally for the most current timings, especially around holidays.
Currently, there is no widespread information about online ticket booking. It's best to purchase tickets upon arrival at the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see deer, various birds (like lovebirds and cockatoos), emus, porcupines, crocodiles, and alligators. +1
While it offers a natural setting, some reviews mention that animal enclosures could be better maintained, and inappropriate behavior by some visitors has been observed, which might affect the family-friendliness.
The deer symbolize harmony and peace, directly referencing the Buddha's first sermon at the Deer Park, known as Dharmachakra Parivartan. 
A boat ride is available for a small charge (around Rs 50), offering a different perspective of the park.
Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, marking the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha. It's a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas with deer, the symbolic Dharma wheel, and the surrounding greenery offer great photo opportunities. The Mulagandha Kuti Vihara also provides a picturesque backdrop.
Generally, photography is allowed within the park. However, it's always good practice to be respectful of religious sites and other visitors.
You can capture serene nature shots, wildlife, architectural details of the nearby Vihara, and the symbolic representations of Buddhism.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
+1 The Deer Park itself is a symbol of this profound event. Visitors can experience a divine atmosphere, especially during prayer rituals. 📸 Photographers
+2 The adjacent Mulagandha Kuti Vihara provides architectural elements for stunning shots. The golden hour light during late afternoons can create a magical ambiance for your photos. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Sarnath
+2Historically, Sarnath was known as Rishipatna or Issipatna and Mrigadava or Mrigadaya. The name 'Sarnath' is derived from Saranganath, meaning 'Lord of Deers'. The site is considered equally sacred by Jains, as it was a place of penance and the death of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara. The archaeological excavations have revealed numerous monasteries, stupas, temples, and sculptures dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD, highlighting its long and rich history.
Today, Sarnath is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage destination, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists annually. The atmosphere during prayer rituals, with the chanting of mantras, is described as divine. The presence of the deer and the serene environment contribute to the overall spiritual experience, making it a place of profound peace and reflection for visitors.
Wildlife and Park Maintenance
Despite these criticisms, the park's natural setting with green grass and tall trees is often praised for providing peace and joy.
There have also been observations of inappropriate behavior by some couples within the park, which some feel detracts from its suitability for families.
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