About Kushinagar

Country: India | State: Uttar Pradesh

Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 Days

Nearest City to Kushinagar: Gorakhpur (54 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Kushinagar: October to March

Peak Season: October to November & February to March

At a distance of 34 km from Deoria, 54 km from Gorakhpur, 158 km from Ghazipur, 185 km from Muzaffarpur, 189 km from Ayodhya, 202 km from Faizabad, 214 km from Patna, 224 km from Varanasi, 240 km from Vaishali, 246 km from Darbhanga, 296 km from Nalanda, 297 km from Allahabad, 309 km from Bodh Gaya, 329 km from Lucknow, 413 km from Kanpur, Kushinagar is a historical town in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Also known as Kasia, it is one of the popular places of Buddhist Pilgrimage in India, and among the must include places in Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages.

Kushinagar is one of the four holy sites of Buddhism, the other three being Lumbini, Sarnath, and Bodh Gaya. Kushinagar is the place where Gautam Buddha delivered his last sermon, attained Mahaparinirvana (salvation) in 483 BC, and was cremated at Rambhar Stupa. It is an international Buddhist pilgrimage center, and the followers of Buddhism, especially from Asian countries, wish to visit this place at least once in their lifetime.

The present Kushinagar is identified with Kusavati in the pre-Buddha period, and Kushinara in the post-Buddha period. It is believed that the ancient town of Kushavati gets its name from Kusha, the son of the Legendary God-king Rama who founded and ruled the city. Kushinara was the capital of Mallas which was one of the sixteen mahajanpads of the 6th century BCE. Since then, it remained an integral part of the erstwhile empires of Maurya, Shunga, Kushana, Gupta, Harsha, and Pala dynasties. In the medieval period, Kushinagar had passed under the suzerainty of Kultury Kings. Kushinara continued to be a living city until the 12th century CE and was lost its importance and suffered much neglect. It also finds mention in the writings of the Chinese traveler and pilgrim Hieun Tsang.

However, modern Kushinagar came into prominence in the 19th century with archaeological excavations carried out by Alexander Cunningham, the first Archeological Surveyor of India, who exposed the main stupa and also discovered a 6 meters high statue of reclining Buddha in 1876. After independence, Kushinagar remained part of the district of Deoria, and it came into being as a new district of Uttar Pradesh in the year 1994. Today, people from all over the world visit Kushinagar. Many national and international societies and groups have established their centers here.

Kushinagar is a city of beautiful stupas and temples. It is believed that after Lord Buddha's parinirvana, emperor Ashoka built a stupa here to mark the parinirvana site. The Mahaparinirvana Temple, with the world-famous reclining nirvana statue of Buddha that depicts the 'dying Buddha', is an important site to visit in Kushinagar. Though the main site is surrounded by runs of as many as eight monasteries, Mahaparinirvana Vihara and Makutabandhara Vihara are the popular ones. Besides, the Japanese Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, Buddha Museum, Wat Thai Temple, Matha Kuar Shrine, Kushinagar Museum, etc. are some of the top places to visit in Kushinagar.

Every year, Buddha Poornima is celebrated here with great enthusiasm during April/May. The festival lasts for several days where pilgrims come to celebrate the three most important stages of Buddha's life- birth, enlightenment & death on this day. The festival starts with a procession starting from Burmese Buddhist Vihar in the early morning on this day and is followed by many other different rituals that are performed throughout the day that draws thousands of devotees every year. Diwali, Dussehra, Holi, Janmashtami, Maha Shivratri, etc., are the other festivals celebrated here with much fervor.

About 47 km from Kushinagar, Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport, Gorakhpur is the nearest airport that has well-connected flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station is the nearest railhead that has well-connected trains from Amritsar, Delhi, Saharsa, Chhapra, Mumbai, Gwalior, Lucknow, Kamakhya, Muzaffarpur, Jalandhar, Udaipur, Barauni. One can hire a cab or bus from Gorakhpur to reach Kushinagar. Kasia Bus Station, Kushinagar is the nearest bus stand that has well-connected buses from all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi.

Kushinagar has several accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury which helps tourists to stay and explore the nearby places.

People visit all year round, but the best time to visit Kushinagar is during the winter months (October - March) when the environment is cold and perfect to go around sightseeing. It is advisable to not visit during summer as the scorching heat and humidity in the region during these months make it very difficult to go sightseeing or do anything outside. Kushinagar receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season and is not ideal for sightseeing.

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Other Info
Internet Availability: Average
STD Code: 05564
Languages Spoken: Bhojpuri, Hindi, Urdu, Awadhi & English
Major Festivals: Buddha Poornima
Notes/Tips:
None

How to Reach Kushinagar

By Air

Nearest Airport: Gorakhpur - Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport (47 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Gorakhpur Junction (54 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Kushinagar Bus Stand (0 Kms)

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

Heritage | Pilgrimage

#1 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 3 km from Kushinagar Bus Station, Parinirvana Stupa & Temple is a Buddhist shrine located in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Situated amidst ruins of various monasteries, it is one of the popular Buddhist Temples in India, and among the must include places in Kushinagar Tour Packages.

The Mahaparinirvana Temple is said to be one of the most sacred shrines for Buddhists across the world. Built-in the traditional Buddhist architectural style, this temple houses a 6 m long reclining nirvana statue of Lord Buddha, that was excavated in the year 1876. The present temple was built by the Indian Government in 1956 as part of the commemoration of the 2,500th year of the Mahaparinivana.

The statue of Buddha in the lying position was made with red sandstone of Chunar. It is said that this idol is a depiction of the position of Lord Buddha when he left his mortal body at the age of 80 and attained salvation. The structure of the sleeping Buddha is placed on a brick platform. .....

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Heritage | Pilgrimage

#2 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 1 km from Wat Thai Temple, 2 km from Parinirvaa Stupa & Temple, and 4 km from Kushinagar Bus Station, Ramabhar Stupa is a Buddhist monument in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Situated near Buddha Ghat, it is one of the most important pilgrim places for the Buddhists in India, and among the popular places to visit in Kushinagar.

Ramabhar Stupa holds a great religious significance to Buddhists all over the world as it is said that this is the exact spot where Lord Buddha was cremated and got Mahaparinirvana after his death in 483 BC. The stupa was constructed by the Malla Kings who ruled over Kushinagar when Buddha was alive. In ancient Buddhist texts, this Stupa has been referred to as Mukut-Bandhan Chaitya or Mukta-Bandhan Vihara.

According to the legends, the word Ramabhar might be derived from the pond or the mound located close to it. The Stupa is made out of bricks and is 14.9 m high. The stupa is built on a mound standing opposite the Kushinagar-Deoria road. .....

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Pilgrimage

#3 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 1 km from Ramabhar Stupa, 1.5 km from Parinirvana Stupa, and 4 km from Kushinagar Bus Station, Wat Thai Temple is a Buddhist temple & monastery situated in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Situated near Parinirvana Stupa, it is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Uttar Pradesh, and among the most-visited Kushinagar Tourist Places.

Also known as Wat Thai Kushinara Chalermaraj Temple, Wat Thai Temple was built by the disciples of the Buddha from Thailand to celebrate the golden jubilee of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne of his country. The construction of the temple was inaugurated by Somdej Phra Yansangvara, the Supreme Patriarch of the Kingdom of Thailand in the year 1999, and was completed in 2001. The money for its construction was raised primarily on the donations of the Thai Buddhists.

Sprawling over an area of 10 acres, the Wat Thai temple is a huge temple complex that has been constructed in the traditional Thai-Buddhist architectural .....

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Pilgrimage

#4 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 3 km from Kushinagar Bus Station, the Japanese Temple is a Buddhist temple nestled amidst the age-old temples and stupas in Kushinagar. Situated near Parinirvana Stupa, it is one of the well-known tourist attractions in Kushinagar.

Popularly known as Burmese Temple or Golden Temple by the locals, the Japanese Temple is one of the unique structures and among the most-visited tourist destinations in Kushinagar. The temple is a marvel of Buddhist architectural grandeur of modern times. The Atago Isshin World Buddhist Cultural Association has built this temple which was generously funded by the Japanese monarchy.

The temple has a singular circular chamber that houses a magnificent Buddha statue made of eight metals or ashta dhatu. The statue was originally brought from Japan in a dismantled form and was finally given shape over here. The image is softly lit through a small stained glass window that makes it a beautiful sight. Tourists from all over the world come .....

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Museum

#5 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 1 km from Parinirvana Stupa, and 4 km from Kushinagar Bus Station, Buddhist Museum is a government museum situated in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Also called as Kushinagar Museum, it is one of the important museums in Uttar Pradesh, and among the best places to visit in Kushinagar.

Placed opposite to Indo Japan Sri Lankan Buddhist Center, the Kushinagar Museum was established in 1992-1993. The museum houses an invaluable wealth of archaeological exhibits related to the rich history and culture of Kushinagar and the surrounding region. From remnants of the period of Lord Buddha to the collectibles of the Malla rulers, the museum is a perfect place to attain knowledge and learn about the history and life of Buddha.

Divided into four galleries, the museum primarily consists of 248 exhibits that include terracotta items, especially the icons of Buddha, sculptures, bronze statues, banner paintings or Thangkas, clay seals, coins, bricks, and a wide variety of different .....

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Pilgrimage

#6 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 3 km from Kushinagar Bus Station, the Vietnamese Temple is a sacred Buddhist shrine situated to the north of the Burmese Temple or Japanese Temple in Kushinagar. Also known as Linh-Son Vietnam Chinese Buddhist Temple, it is one of the important Buddhist Temples in Kushinagar, and among the best places to visit in Kushinagar.

Linh-Son Chinese Temple is one of the modern temples built in Kushinagar. It is the first Buddhist monument that catches the attention of the tourists as they enter the gate of the city. The main shrine is a two-storied structure built-in Chinese and Vietnamese architectural designs. The colorful edifice of the temple looks unique and remarkably different from other Buddhist temples located across the city of Kushinagar.

The statue of Buddha housed in the temple is a great center of attraction for tourists and pilgrims. Besides, the temple complex also features replicas of important Buddhist shrines at the four important Buddhist pilgrimage .....

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Heritage | Pilgrimage

#7 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 3.5 km from Kushinagar Bus Station, Matha Kuar Shrine is an ancient Buddhist shrine situated just outside the Parinirvana Stupa complex in Kushinagar. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kushinagar, and among the must-visit religious places as part of Kushinagar tour Packages.

Mathakaur Shrine is one of the visited monuments in Kushinagar. According to locals, Matha Kuar shrine was the place where Lord Buddha gave his last sermon before he died, and is considered very pious by the Buddhists. The temple houses a colossal statue of Buddha. The statue was found by Carlleyle in the course of excavations in 1876. It was broken into two pieces and was restored to its original form and installed in this temple in 1927.

The colossal idol of Buddha is 3 m tall and built out of a single block of bluestone brought from the Gaya region in Bihar. It is installed on a large brick platform. The statue of Buddha retains the Bhumi Sparsh Mudra which is a depiction of the last .....

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Pilgrimage

#8 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 3 km from Kushinagar Bus Station, Birla Temple is a Hindu temple in Kushinagar. Situated opposite to Vietnamese Temple, it is one of the famous religious places in Kushinagar, and among the must-include places in Kushinagar Packages.

Birla Temple in Kushinagar is built by the Birlas and is one of the newest additions that add to the beauty of the ancient city of Kushinagar. One of the most beautiful and revered temples in Kushinagar, the temple is situated close to Parinirvana Stupa amidst the 5th-century old Stupas and sculptures, monuments, and relics. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a statue of him sitting in an erect posture on a tiger skin. The 'dhyana' position of Lord Shiva shows that he is meditating and this posture leads to the communion of Jivatma or your soul to the Lord's soul or Parmatma.

Many of the Shaivites from all over visit this Birla Temple to get the blessings of the sacred Lord. Besides, the temple also offers excellent .....

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Heritage

#9 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 17 km from Kushinagar, Sun Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Turkpatti near Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the sacred shrines in Kushinagar, and among the best places as part of the Kushinagar Trip.

Dedicated to the Sun God, the Sun Temple was built during the Gupta Period and is mentioned in the Puranas. The temple is famous for its idol of the Sun God which was carved out of a special black stone (Neelmani Stone). The statue was believed to have been found during excavations conducted between the 4th and the 5th centuries.

Surya is worshiped widely on every Sunday. The Sun Festival, held in November every year, is a center of attraction for the people.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

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Park

#10 of 10 Places to Visit in Kushinagar

At a distance of 3 km from Kushinagar Bus Station, Meditation Park is a serene park located in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Situated near Parinirvana Temple, it is one of the calm and peaceful places to visit in Kushinagar.

Meditation Park, also called the Japanese Meditation Park was built as a part of the Indo-Japanese project in 1992-1993 at the cost of sixty-eight lakh rupees. The park is located on the same premises of Parinirvana Stupa and is close to the Golden Temple or Japanese Temple. It is comprising of artificial water bodies with elevated verdant green stages for meditation. Amidst the serene and natural surroundings, the park is the best place to heal your body, mind, and soul.

As the name suggests, the park was set up for people to relax and unwind themselves through meditation. The tall Sal trees and green acres make this place ideal for relaxation and spending a few fleeting moments. It also has the remains of the archeological work which took place during .....

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