Kushinagar Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Kushinagar with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, food to try, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Kushinagar

Located in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, in Plains, India, Kushinagar is famous for being the site where the Buddha attained Parinirvana. As a result, the town is a significant destination for Buddhists from around the world. Kushinagar is also an important archaeological site with various temples and monuments that date back to the Mauryan Empire.

List of Places to Visit in Kushinagar

There are several must-visit places in Kushinagar, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mahaparinirvana Temple: This temple houses a 6.1-meter-long statue of the dying Buddha.
  • Japanese Temple: This temple is a symbol of India-Japan friendship and has an imposing 10-meter tall Buddha statue.
  • Gautam Buddha Museum: This museum pays homage to Buddha’s life and work, showcasing ancient artifacts and rare manuscripts.

Natural Attractions of Kushinagar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ramkola Lake: A calm and serene place offering a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere.
  • Kushinagar Bird Sanctuary: Home to over 200 species of birds, this sanctuary attracts birdwatchers from all over the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kushinagar

  • Meditation Park: Situated near the Mahaparinirvana Temple, this park is ideal for morning walks, jogging, and cycling.
  • Nirvana Stupa: This site boasts a unique architectural style with well-trained guides to take you through the monument’s history.

Best Things to Do in Kushinagar: Activities and Tours

  • Attend Puja at Mahaparinirvana Temple: Witness the traditional Hindu worship practice said to have originated in ancient times.
  • Sightseeing Tour: Get to explore all the must-see places in Kushinagar throughout the day.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kushinagar

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Japanese Temple
Day 2 Explore Buddhism with a visit to Kushinagar Bird Sanctuary
Day 3 Hiking and biking trails at Nirvana Stupa and Meditation Park
Day 4 Shopping and attending the Puja at Mahaparinirvana Temple
Day 5 Cultural tour that includes Gautam Buddha Museum and Tathagat Tirth
Day 6 Visit Ramkola Lake and enjoy boating and strolling
Day 7 Day excursion to nearby destinations Salinban Vihar and Sahet-Mahet

Food and Drink Scene of Kushinagar

Must-Try Dishes

  • Litti Chokha: A rustic dish mostly enjoyed during winters, made from sattu flour and stuffed with chana dal or masoor dal, and is roasted until it’s crispy and crusty.
  • Chaat: Kushinagar’s version of the famous savory snack, with an Indian twist.
  • Puri Sabzi: A breakfast staple consisting of puffed puris with spicy potato or mushroom curry.

Local Beverages

  • Lassi: A thick, creamy, and refreshing yogurt-based drink with various flavors to suit every taste.
  • Aam panna: A refreshing summer drink made from raw mangoes, sugar, salt, and spices, and is especially good for staying hydrated on hot days.

Where to Stay in Kushinagar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kushinagar offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the top-rated places to stay:

  • Lotus Nikko Hotel: A luxury hotel located near the Mahaparinirvana Temple.
  • The Imperial Clarks Inn: A budget hotel located conveniently near Ramabhar Stupa.
  • Hotel Anjali International: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a central location.

What to Buy in Kushinagar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Buddha Statues: Miniature Buddha statues in various materials like stone or metal are popular souvenirs.
  • Silk saris: Banarasi saris are a specialty of Uttar Pradesh, and are made from rich silk that has a distinctive gold or silver brocade work.
  • Handicrafts: Various handicrafts made of metal or clay, such as lamps, vases, and figurines, can be bought as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Kushinagar

Kushinagar has a unique blend of cultures, with Hindu and Buddhist traditions coexisting. It is important to respect the locals’ customs and dress appropriately when visiting temples and other religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Kushinagar

The best time to visit Kushinagar is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. Summers in Kushinagar can be sweltering and humid, while monsoons can make the roads inaccessible.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kushinagar

Do:

  • Cover your head before entering religious sites.
  • Remove your footwear before entering temples.
  • Dress modestly and respectfully when entering religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Carry alcohol or non-vegetarian food near religious sites.
  • Click pictures inside temples and other sacred places.
  • Touch any religious artifacts or shrines without seeking permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kushinagar

Kushinagar is considered safe for tourists. However, it is important to take the usual safety precautions, such as not walking alone late at night and not carrying large amounts of cash.

Health in Kushinagar

Tourists should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before traveling to Kushinagar. Prescription drugs and basic medical supplies should be carried along, along with travel medical insurance.

Getting to Kushinagar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kushinagar

The closest airports to Kushinagar are Gorakhpur Airport (50 km) and Varanasi Airport (260 km). Both airports have good connectivity to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

Bus Stations Near Kushinagar

Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operates daily bus services to and from Kushinagar. Private buses and taxis are also available for hire.

Other Options

There are regular train services to Gorakhpur from major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From Gorakhpur, Kushinagar is just an hour-long drive.

How to Get Around in Kushinagar

The best way to get around Kushinagar is by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw. Other options include hiring bicycles or renting motorbikes.

Where to Go Next from Kushinagar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations from Kushinagar include:

  • Gorakhpur: A vibrant city known for its natural beauty, parks, and temples.
  • Lumbini: A UNESCO World Heritage site located just across the border in Nepal and is the birthplace of Buddha.
  • Ayodhya: A historical city believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram and is also home to numerous temples.

Conclusion

Kushinagar is a crucial Buddhist pilgrimage site with plenty of historical and cultural significance. However, it is also an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience a little bit of everything, including nature, food, and history. Plan your visit to Kushinagar with our comprehensive travel guide and do not miss out on this amazing destination in India.