Pillars of Ashoka Tours and Activities
26 Reviews
The Pillars of Ashoka refer to a number of columns inscribed with edicts by the Mauryan king, Ashoka, during his reign in the mid-3rd century BC. The pillar at Sarnath near Varanasi bears the inscriptions: "No one shall cause division in the order of monks."
The original column at Sarnath was 50 meters tall and was carved out of a single block of polished sandstone. It features four images of lions known as the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which stand back to back and were originally mounted atop a cylindrical abacus. The abacus was built over a bell-shaped lotus, with the figures of four running animals – an elephant, a bull, a horse, and a lion – separated by 24-spoked Dharma wheels. These four mammals are believed to symbolize the four different phases of Gautama Buddha's life.
However, the pillar at this site was broken in the midst of a past invasion, with the remains in three pieces now kept in a glass cage nearby. The lion figurehead can be found in the Sarnath Museum nearby.
Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221007
Tours and Activities to Experience Pillars of Ashoka
Select Dates
When are you traveling?
Popular
Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds.
Search experiences with increased health and safety practices.
Search tours and activities you can do from home.
You are viewing Virtual Experiences in Varanasi. See more Virtual Experiences around the globe. 🌎
Art & Culture Classes
Art Classes
English Lessons
Hindi Lessons
Music Classes
Arts & Design
Architecture Tours
Art Tours
Culture
Archaeology Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Music Tours
Photography Tours
Religious Tours
Underground Tours
Pop Culture
Ghost & Vampire Tours
Movie Tours
Street Art Tour
Shows & Performances
Classical Concerts
Classical Music
Nightlife
Active & Outdoor Classes
Sports Lessons
Yoga Classes
Art & Culture Classes
Art Classes
English Lessons
Hindi Lessons
Music Classes
Language Classes
English Lessons
Hindi Lessons
Wellness Classes
Yoga Classes
Coffee & Tea
Coffee & Tea Tours
High Tea
Dining Experiences
Breakfast
Restaurants
Food Tours
Culinary & Gourmet Tour
Markets
Street Food Tours
Active & Outdoor Classes
Sports Lessons
Yoga Classes
Extreme
4WD Tours
In the Air
Air Tours
Motor Sports
4WD Tours
Nature and Wildlife
Nature Walks
On the Ground
Bike Rentals
Camping
Hiking
Motorcycle Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
Running Tours
On the Water
Sightseeing Cruises
Holidays
Independence Day
National Holidays
Valentine's Day
Attractions & Museums
Monuments and Memorials
Shows & Performances
Classical Concerts
Classical Music
Nightlife
Sporting Events
Motor Sports
Cruises & Sailing
Day Cruises
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Sightseeing Cruises
How to Get Around
Air Tours
Bike Rentals
Bike Tours
Bus Tours
Cable Car Tours
Car Tours
Classic Car Tours
Luxury Car Tours
Motorcycle Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
Rentals
Self-guided Tours & Rentals
Trolley Tours
Tuk Tuk Tours
Vespa Rentals
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Private and Luxury
Sightseeing Tours
Adventure Tours
City Tours
Night Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Cruises
Tours by Duration
Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Half-day Tours
Multi-day Tours
Overnight Tours
Services
Audio Guides
Photo Shoots
Shopping Tours
Transfers
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Port Transfers
Transportation
Bus Services
Private Drivers
Transportation Rentals
Transportation Services
Volunteer Tours
Price
Duration
Time of Day
RatingClear
Specials
7 results
Sort by: Featured
Insight Varanasi Day Tour
19
This unique tour of Varanasi offers visitors an insider's look at local customs and traditions in one of the world's oldest living cities. Tour the Hindu and Buddhist sites with an expert guide, including the Ganga Ghats, where pilgrims come to absolve their sins and the Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his very first sermon.
…More
From
$117.34
From
$117.34
Sarnath Tour from Varanasi
6
This half-day tour transports travelers to the site where Buddha gave his very first sermon back in 528 BC. Venture outside the city and spend some time at Sarnath, one of the religion's most important landmarks.
…More
From
$48.00
From
$48.00
Full Day Varanasi and Sarnath Tour
Varanasi is one of the most important places for Hindu culture. Varanasi offers visitors an insider's look at local customs and traditions in one of the world's oldest living cities. Tour the Hindu and Buddhist sites with an expert guide, including the Ganges Ghats, where pilgrims come to absolve their sins and the Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his very first sermon.
The tour is tailor made for all kinds of travelers.
• Money-back Guarantee.
• 100% Guest Satisfaction Assured.
• Includes All Entrance Tickets.
• Rush free and Comfortable Tour Itinerary.
• All tour carried out by Government Approved Guide with In-depth knowledge of History.
• Traditional Indian Souvenir at Departure.
…More
From
$36.00
From
$36.00
Private Custom Tour: Varanasi Sightseeing & Excursion to Sarnath with Guide
1
Spend a day exploring Varanasi with time left over to visit the holy Buddhist site of Sarnath with this full-day tour. You’ll begin at Sarnath where you'll see the Ashokan Pillar, dating back to the 3rd century, along with various stupas and a Bodhi tree that is believed to be a descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Then it's back to Varanasi to visit a handful of the city's most beautiful temples before returning to your hotel.
…More
From
$81.07
Price varies by group size
From
$81.07
Price varies by group size
Full Day Varanasi and Sarnath Tour for Solo Female Traveler
This full-day tour is tailor made for solo female travelers and group female travelers.
Varanasi is one of the most important places for Hindu culture. Varanasi offers visitors an insider's look at local customs and traditions in one of the world's oldest living cities. Tour the Hindu and Buddhist sites with an expert guide, including the Ganges Ghats, where pilgrims come to absolve their sins and the Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his very first sermon.
…More
From
$36.00
From
$36.00
One Day Varanasi Private Tour - Heritage City with Sarnath
Embark on a culturally-rich tour of Varanasi with your private guide. See important locations such as Vishwanath temple, Bharat Mata temple, and Sankat Mochan temple, also known as monkey temple. Have lunch (own expense) before driving to Sarnath where you will learn about Buddha himself, then observe local Ghats with your Private Guide.
…More
From
$75.55
Price varies by group size
From
$75.55
Price varies by group size
Varanasi Full Day Private Tours- Best Tour Operator In Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the most important places for Hindu culture. Varanasi offers visitors an insider's look at local customs and traditions in one of the world's oldest living cities. Tour the Hindu and Buddhist sites with an expert guide, including the Ganges Ghats, where pilgrims come to absolve their sins and the Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his very first sermon.
The tour is tailor made for all kinds of travelers.
• Money-back Guarantee.
• 100% Guest Satisfaction Assured.
• Includes All Entrance Tickets.
• Rush free and Comfortable Tour Itinerary.
• All tour carried out by Government Approved Guide with In-depth knowledge of History.
• Traditional Indian Souvenir at Departure.
…More
From
$36.00
From
$36.00
- Things to do in Uttar Pradesh
- Things to do in Pokhara
- Things to do in Kathmandu
- Things to do in Agra
- Things to do in Kolkata
- Things to do in Bhubaneswar
- Things to do in New Delhi
- Things to do in Paro
- Things to do in Rishikesh
- Things to do in Thimphu
- Things to do in Jaipur
- Things to do in Udaipur
- Things to do in Lhasa
- Things to do in West Bengal
- Things to do in Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand