Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres in India.

It is here that Buddha came after reaching enlightenment at Bodh Gaya (present-day Bihar), and where he first began his teachings of Dharma and the four noble truths to his five disciples.

It is also an important place for the followers of Jainism.

While many of the ancient buildings and structures at Sarnath were damaged or destroyed by the Turks, relics remain in the form of ruins that can be visited, or artefacts held in the Sarnath Archeological Museum, which also houses some of the greatest treasures of Indian Buddhist art, including almost 300 images.

The Deer Park, which is the site of Buddha’s first teachings, is maintained as an animal park and still home to resident deer.