Buddha Tourism: UP’s Kushinagar draws Global Spotlight with 20 Lakh visitors in 2025 so far

Kushinagar, the sacred place where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, has once again captured the world’s attention. New tourism figures from January to October 2025 show a remarkable rise in visitors, reaffirming Uttar Pradesh’s position as a global centre of Buddhist faith and heritage.

UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the steady rise in footfall reflects how the Buddha’s final resting place continues to inspire people across continents even after 2600 years.

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Kushinagar remains one of the four holiest sites for Buddhists worldwide. The reclining Buddha statue continues to draw thousands each day, while renewed interest following the return of the sacred Piprahwa relics to Uttar Pradesh after 127 years has added a deeper emotional connect for devotees.

A total of 19,90,931 visitors, including 2,14,684 foreign visitors, arrived in Kushinagar between January and October 2025. The growing influx shows that Kushinagar has become a leading destination not only for pilgrims within India but also for international travellers following the footsteps of the Buddha. The total visitor count is expected to cross 25 lakh by year’s end.

Kushinagar recorded 22,42,913 visitors in 2024, including 2,51,251 foreigners. In 2017, the district had 9,37,981 visitors, of whom 76,221 were foreigners. The rise highlights the impact of focused promotional campaigns and global outreach.

It was here that the Buddha delivered his final teaching, “Atta Deepo Bhava,” urging every person to be their own guiding light. This message continues to draw Buddhists and spiritual seekers from across Asia, Europe and North America.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism has showcased the Buddhist Circuit at major international forums, including Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), International & French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa and World Travel Market London. The Bodhi Yatra initiative has helped position Uttar Pradesh as an essential stop on the global pilgrimage trail.

UP Tourism continues to host familiarisation trips for tour operators, monks and media from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Japan, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia. These visits provide a first-hand experience of Buddhist sites and deepen global awareness of Uttar Pradesh’s cultural, historical and spiritual heritage, informed Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh.