Located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh is one the must visit destinations for a Buddhist traveller. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Chaukhandi Stupa is the first monument one encounters as you enter Sarnath. It is a lofty mound of brickwork, the square edifice is surrounded by an octagonal tower, and was originally built by Emperor Ashoka. Another important location which is visited by tourists and pilgrims is the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.