Kushinagar

Understand

Kushinagar along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Sarnath are places directly involved with the life of Buddha. Lumbini was the place of his birth, Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya is the place of enlightenment, Sarnath is the place of first sermon and Kushinagar is the place of death. These four places are known as char dham and are part of the Buddhist Circuit.

Getting there

By plane 1 Kushinagar International Airport (KBK IATA). Only limited flights. Gorakhpur (55 km) also has an airport (GOK IATA) (updated May 2026)

By road Kushinagar is connected to Lucknow by the NH-28. Buses between Gorakhpur and Kushinagar are frequent and take around 2 hours.

By train Deoria Sadar is the nearest railhead (33 km). Gorakhpur (55 km)is the nearest major city. Gorokhpur has a better connectivity.

Getting around

The archaeological sites, museum and new temples are located in a short distance and can be covered on foot. Autos are also available but there are no fixed rates, so do bargain before you start the tour.

See

Historical Sites The historical sites consist of three archaeological sites consisting of Matha Kuar (last sermon), Mahaparinirvana (death) and Ramabhar Stupa (creamation). The fourth historical site is the relic distribution site. There are no historical structures at this site.

1 Matha Kuar Shrine (The place of last sermon) (South West of the Mahaparinirvan site). Sunrise - Sunset. Matha Kuar Shrine is the place of Buddha's last sermon. After having a meal of pork (some say mushroom) in a nearby place (present-day Fazilnagar) Buddha fell severely ill. The meal was provided by a blacksmith named Chunda and is considered as Buddha's last meal. Despite his illness, he travelled to Kushinagar to deliver his last sermon. After the sermon, he told his disciples to prepare his deathbed in the nearby sal forest. Over the years and centuries, several kings and nobles have paid tribute to Buddha by creating several structures. Today it is a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It follows a typical plan of a Buddhist Vihar complete with a central courtyard surrounded by cells or small rooms. On the western end of the vihar is a small white temple like structure complete with a porch supported by pillars. It houses a 3-metre-tall statue of Buddha in bhumisparsha (earth touching). The monolithic statue was made of Gaya blue stone and was excavated during the archaeological dig of 1876. The statue was restored and placed in its original location and was enshrined in the small temple like structure in 1927. (Photography is allowed but for the Buddha statue only mobile photography is allowed). Free. 2 Mahaparinirvana Temple. Sunrise - sunset. This site marks the exact location of Buddha's death. A 1965 built temple stands above the ancient ruins, The temple consists of a shrine and stupa was built to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the death of Buddha. The shrine houses a 6.1-metre-long Buddha statue in reclining posture, with the head towards

Do

Soak up the peaceful atmosphere, conducive to meditation and reflection.

Eat

Yama Cafe. The owner, Mr. Roy, is an old-timer at Kushinagar and can advise on many things there. Restaurant at Pathik Niwas Dhabas near Mahaparinirvana Temple

Sleep

Budget 1 Tibetan Monastery. both donation and by payment available (updated Oct 2019) 2 Japanese-Sri Lankan Temple. Probably one of the first modern temples, established in 1984. Guest house stay by donation. The temple gate opens between 7am to 5pm, so you can visit and ask if there are any empty rooms available. The main hall is designed and built by Japanese and transferred to Sri Lankan management. (updated Oct 2019)

Mid-range 3 Pathik Niwas. Uttar Pradesh tourism. 4 Lotus Nikko Hotel. This is a well-managed hotel with comfortable rooms. Room is around ₹4,000/night.