Kushinagar, in Uttar Pradesh, is where Buddha, at around 80 years of age, passed into Mahaparinirvana — his final passing — making it one of the four most important pilgrimage sites in Buddhism, alongside Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), and Sarnath (first sermon).
History
According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha delivered his final teachings to his disciples at Kushinagar (ancient Kushinara) before passing away between a pair of sal trees. The site has drawn Buddhist pilgrims for over two millennia, and in recent years has gained a dedicated international airport to support the growing Buddhist-circuit tourism to the region.
What to See
The Mahaparinirvana Temple houses a 6.1-metre reclining Buddha statue carved from a single block of sandstone, dated to around the 5th century CE, depicting his final moments. The Ramabhar Stupa marks the site of Buddha's cremation. The Mathakuar Shrine and a number of modern monasteries built by Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, and Korea — each in its own distinct architectural style — are also worth visiting.
Entry Fees
Entry to the Mahaparinirvana Temple is generally free; nominal ASI fees may apply at specific protected structures.
Best Time to Visit
October to March; Buddha Purnima in May draws especially large crowds of pilgrims.
How to Reach
Kushinagar International Airport, opened in 2021 specifically to serve Buddhist pilgrimage traffic, connects to several Buddhist-majority countries. Gorakhpur, about 50 km away, is the nearest major railway junction, with good road connectivity onward to Kushinagar.
Get Directions to Kushinagar on Google Maps
Continue the Buddhist Circuit
This site is one stop on the wider Buddhist Circuit across India — explore more:
