Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist tourism circuit is set to get a major new attraction with the completion of the ₹11.32-crore Buddha Theme Park in Kushinagar.
Developed near the Gautam Buddha Museum, the park combines immersive technology with Buddhist heritage to offer visitors an interactive journey through the life, teachings and philosophy of Gautam Buddha. The project is now complete and is expected to open to the public shortly.
Conceived as an experiential destination rather than a conventional theme park, the project has been designed to deepen the spiritual and cultural experience of pilgrims and tourists visiting one of Buddhism’s holiest sites. Officials believe it will further strengthen Kushinagar’s appeal for both domestic and international visitors travelling along Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist Circuit.
Among the park’s key attractions are an interactive Bodhi Tree installation, Tibetan-style stupas, prayer wheels, artistic sculptures and eight Tathagata Stupas representing the major milestones in Buddha’s life. Visitors will also experience Buddha’s journey through immersive 3D galleries, digital exhibits and a specially curated travelogue installation that traces the Buddhist pilgrimage trail.
A major highlight of the park is a 40-foot Buddha Wall, where an advanced light-and-sound show will recreate key moments from the Buddha’s life through projection mapping, music and storytelling. The park also features eight monumental Buddha mudras depicting the core teachings of Buddhism, artistic murals, themed interpretation galleries, a Buddhist-themed children’s activity zone and a souvenir centre showcasing Buddhist handicrafts and products by local artisans.
UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the completion of the Buddha Theme Park marks another important milestone in the state’s efforts to develop world-class Buddhist tourism infrastructure.
“Under the leadership of CM Yogi, Uttar Pradesh is developing destinations that combine spirituality, heritage and modern visitor experiences. The Buddha Theme Park will offer pilgrims and tourists an engaging way to understand the life and teachings of Lord Buddha while further strengthening Kushinagar’s identity as a global Buddhist destination,” he said.
The minister said Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist Circuit attracted nearly 82 lakh visitors in 2025, including more than 4.4 lakh international tourists. He said the new attraction is expected to enrich the visitor experience further and reinforce the state’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for Buddhist pilgrimage and spiritual tourism.
Chairman UPSTDC Amrit Abhijat said the project is part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader strategy to strengthen tourism infrastructure across the Buddhist Circuit, making destinations more immersive, visitor-friendly and globally competitive while preserving their spiritual and cultural significance.