Kushinagar: In the Shadow of the Buddha

Think Buddhist circuit and you’ll come up with Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Sarnath and Sanchi. But often overlooked is Kushinagar, the Buddha’s final resting place. This humble town in eastern Uttar Pradesh was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Malla. It was a lost world for over 500 years before its chance rediscovery in the mid-19th century. Although several impressive new Buddhist temples have altered the town’s landscape, its main draws remain the historic stupas and viharas dating to the 3rd century BCE. Among these, the Mahaparinirvana Stupa and temple (the latter houses a stunning 1,500-year-old reclining Buddha) and the Muktabandhan Stupa (representing the Buddha’s cremation site) are the most spectacular. Gorakhpur, 52 km away, is a convenient railhead.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

There are a few good accommodation options in Kushinagar. Choose from The Imperial (Tel: 05564-273096/ 97; Tariff: ₹6,000-12,000), Lotus Nikko Hotel (Tel: 273026, Cell: 09935071868; Tariff: ₹4,500-10,500), The Royal Residency (Tel: 273011-14; Tariff: ₹6,500) or UP Tourism’s Rahi Pathik Niwas (Tel: 273045; Tariff: ₹800-2,000) located on Buddha Marg. All have restaurants.

Buddha’s cremation stupa, Kushinagar

Courtesy Wikipedia

When to go October-March Location Town and district in eastern UP Air Nearest airport: Gorakhpur Rail Nearest rail: Deoria Sadar