Where Buddha Still Lives On!

A Small town, steeped in interesting history is Kushinagar. It was here that Lord Buddha breathe his last in 486 BC. Kushinagar is a simplicity personified. Even after being given a certain international status, it remains a simple town, both in look and spirit. One would be surprised to see the flocking together of Sinhalese, Japanese, Burmese, and Vietnamese under this traditionally Indian roof. Its Lord Buddha's power which binds them all and this can be easily felt in this dusty town.

This small Indian town lies 55 km off Gorakhpur, in northern Uttar Pradesh. To get there you can always catch a flight from New Delhi to Varanashi or Lucknow. These are the nearest major Airports. Nearest railheads are Deoria and Gorrakhpur at a distance of 35 km and 53 km from Kushinagar, respectively. Kushinagar is situated on the National Highway 28.

One would be surprised to know that this town offers plenty of lodging options. The Temples itself offers cheap travel and stay options. You can mange a lodging by paying just $ 6 to $ 10. High-end options like Royal Residency and Lotus Nikko offers higher comfort to the travelers. The state tourism department operates Pathik Nivas-a hotel cum restaurant.

The approach to Kushinagar has a tripple archway, which leads to one of the first temples lined up, and being run by the Lin Son Buddhists from Vietnam. A second, in the form of a Burmese Pagoda is the next. This is followed by the main temple complex, which in turn is followed by the Tibetan Monastery. Then a Japanese-Sinhalese joint venture in the form of a meditation park is again followed by the Wat Thai complex and finally you reach the huge Rambhar Stupa. The walk from the start to finish stretches about half an hour but spans through several centuries.

Kushinagar denounces materialistic monotony and would love one to sit and meditate on the ruins of the main temple complex. One can really experience a power, which translates ones mind into the serene environment rendering a divine peace within. So Kushinagar beckons one and all to experience an insight into Lord Buddha's preaching of Non-violence and Nirvana. It is here that Lord Buddha still lives on to spread the message of peace and harmony.