The city of Sarnath is known as **Rishi Patna**, a place where sages descended on Earth. It is the site of **Mrigadava**, the Deer Park. It is here that the Buddha gave his first sermon on Dhamma to the world. He taught two discourses here: the **Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta** and the profound **Anattalakhana Sutta**.
Deer Park: Sarnath
The Deer Park is 2 km from Sarnath Railway Station and 8 km from Varanasi Junction. It is also known as **Isipatana**, a spiritual place and a deer sanctuary. It also houses birds and ostriches, which are kept behind barbed wire and in cages, making it difficult for me to take good photographs of the animals in the zoo.
Spread across 33 acres of lush green land, Deer Park was established in 1956 to educate people about wildlife conservation, protection, and the rescue of wild animals. The zoo comprises a large deer enclosure, a reptile enclosure, and a pond aviary. There are 90 spotted deer and six blackbucks that roam fearlessly in the large, lush, natural environment. Additionally, one can also see emus, crocodiles, turtles, as well as birds like white-necked storks, black-necked storks, painted storks, and white stork pelicans. There is a large water body on the north side of the mini zoo where a boating facility is provided.
**Timings:** 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
**Entry Fee:** Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 50 for Foreigners
