Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist destinations have recorded a dramatic rise in foreign tourist arrivals over the past three years, with numbers, reportedly, increasing nearly nine-fold, according to the state tourism department. Over 4. 4 lakh international travellers visited these sites, the highest inbound footfall recorded to date, UNI reported.
Officials attribute the surge to improved connectivity, stronger global branding and enhanced visitor infrastructure, alongside growing interest in structured pilgrimage routes such as the Buddhist Circuit tourist train.
Kushinagar emerges as the top draw
The biggest share of foreign pilgrims has gone to Kushinagar, where the Buddha is believed to have attained Mahaparinirvana. In 2025 alone, Kushinagar accounted for nearly 3 lakh of the total 4. 4 lakh international visitors.
A major catalyst has been the operationalisation of Kushinagar International Airport, which enabled direct international arrivals, especially from Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Officials say reduced travel time and smoother logistics significantly lowered barriers for pilgrims.
Following Kushinagar, Sarnath attracted about one lakh foreign visitors.
Other destinations including Kapilvastu, Sravasti, Kaushambi and Sankisa accounted for the remaining footfall.
Tourism officials tracking trends said Thailand contributes roughly 30–35% of international arrivals, followed by Sri Lanka (20–25%) and Japan (10–15%). Visitors from Myanmar, Taiwan and South Korea form much of the remaining segment.
Winter pilgrimages and sacred observances
Foreign devotees usually had a preference for visiting during the winter season, which often coincided with Kathina (Kartik Purnima), a holy observation commemorating the return of the Buddha from heaven. It is during this time that the holy relics of the Buddha are put on display at the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar in Sarnath.
State authorities say efforts to ensure ease of pilgrimage, including improved last-mile connectivity, multilingual signage, upgraded sanitation facilities, better crowd management systems and expanded hospitality capacity, have significantly enhanced the overall visitor experience.
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How to visit the sites via train
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation operates a dedicated Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train that connects major Buddhist heritage sites across Uttar Pradesh and extends to neighbouring Nepal.
The tour usually includes visits to Sarnath, where the Buddha made his first sermon, and Sravasti, where the Buddha lived for 24 rainy seasons and is said to have performed many miracles. In Kushinagar, the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses a 6.1-meter-long reclining Buddha statue marking his final departure from the world, is visited.The tour may also include experiences such as the Ganga Aarti ceremony, which is conducted in the evening at Varanasi, and culminates with a visit to the Taj Mahal at Agra before returning to Delhi.
By providing onboard accommodation, food, guided tours, and transfer services, the train makes it easier for foreign groups, especially monastic groups and senior pilgrims who like to travel in an organized manner.
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Branding and diplomatic outreach
Another aspect cited by officials is the organized international outreach program, which includes participation in international travel marts and diplomatic outreach with Buddhist-majority countries. Regular monastic exchanges and demand-driven connectivity with Bodh Gaya and Sarnath have further enhanced Uttar Pradesh’s role in the larger Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.
With expanded air connectivity, a dedicated rail circuit and targeted international promotion, Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist destinations have rapidly transformed into a major hub for inbound religious tourism.
