Kushinagar is a small town in Uttar Pradesh and an important destination in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. Kushinagar is the place where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (death). He was cremated at the Ramabhar stupa. Many of the ruined stupas and viharas here date back to 3rd century BCE - 5th century CE when prosperity was at its peak. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka is also known to have contributed to significant construction at this site.

Every year thousands of tourists and Buddhist pilgrims visit Kushinagar to see the site where Buddha gave his last sermon. Prior to its rediscovery in the 19th century, there was a silence of more than half a millennium at Kushinagar. Due to violent invasions, Kushinagar lost its vitality and eventually was neglected. The credit for the rediscovery of Kushinagar goes to General Alexander Cunningham, an archaeological surveyor, who excavated many important Buddhist ruins such as the Matha Kuar and Ramabhar stupa.

 
Tourist Attractions:

Mahaparinirvana Temple: A 6.10 meter tall statue of the Buddha in reclining position carved from monolith red sandstone can be found in the Mahaparinirvana Temple. The statue was discovered by Carlleyl in 1876 and an inscription on the statue dates it to the 5th century AD. The stature represents the dying Buddha reclining on his right side.

Nirvava Stupa : The Nirvana Chaitya (Stupa) was discovered by Carlleyl in the year 1876. The stupa is situated behind the Mahaparinirvana Temple. During excavations a copper vessel was found here which had an inscription in the ancient Brahmi text. The inscription stated that Buddha’s remains were buried here.

Ramabhar Stupa: Ramabhar Stupa is the place where Buddha was cremated. The stupa rises to a height of about 50 meters and is situated about 1km away from the Mahaparinirvana Temple.

Kushinagar Museum: The Kushinagar Museum houses ancient Buddhist relics that were excavated at the site. The collection at the museum includes antiques like sculptures and coins, Buddhist Thangkas (scroll paintings), clay seals, bronze statues etc. An excellent example of sculptures by the Gandhara School of Art is the Stucco statue of Lord Buddha.

Matha Kuar Shrine: This is where the last sermon was given by Buddha. A colossal statue of Buddha in the bhoomi sparsha-mudra ('earth-touching posture'), carved out of a single block of stone is installed here. 

The other places of tourist interest in Kushinagar are the Wat Thai Temple, The Japanese Temple, Meditation Park, Japanese Temple, Korean Temple, Indo-Japan-Sri Lanka Temple, Lin Sun Chinese Temple and the Birla temple.