From first sermon to final Nirvana: UP plans tourism circuit around Buddha’s life

The six sites

The proposed route brings together sites associated with different chapters of Buddha’s life and teachings.

Sarnath, where Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, is expected to be the circuit’s main entry point. Its proximity to Varanasi — with an international airport, rail connectivity and an established hospitality sector — is seen as an advantage.

The site already has an international Buddhist presence, with Thai and Japanese temples and institutions linked to Sri Lankan, Myanmar and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Sarnath is where the Wheel of Dharma was first set in motion… Our aim is to use this (UNESCO) recognition to strengthen the entire Buddhist circuit, improve visitor experience and encourage longer journeys across the state.”

To safeguard Sarnath’s cultural landscape following its UNESCO recognition, the Varanasi Development Authority will undertake a comprehensive survey of buildings within the site’s buffer zone.

Officials said Sarnath is also among 15 archaeological sites identified in the 2026-27 Union Budget to be developed as “vibrant experiential cultural centres”. Proposed work includes curated walkways through excavated areas, technology-based interpretation, interpretation facilities and conservation laboratories, besides support for guides.

At Kushinagar, where Buddha is believed to have attained Mahaparinirvana, the government is planning a vipassana centre and a “Buddha Gaman Marg”.

The proposed route will have six identified halt points connecting places associated with Buddha’s journey beyond the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa. Interpretation and meditation facilities are also planned.

The Kushinagar International Airport provides the destination with an international air link, particularly for pilgrims travelling from Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, officials said.

At Kaushambi, a “Buddha Theme Park” has been proposed, with a “Jataka Mural Gallery”, “Dhyana Vanam” and a “Stupa Gallery”. A Kaushambi Museum is also proposed, which will comprise interactive displays and immersive interpretation.

For Shravasti, the government is planning to promote the site as a “Monsoon Retreat”, building on its association with the period when Buddha and his disciples stayed at the site during the rainy season.

Better road connectivity is also being planned. Officials said the upcoming four-laning of the Barabanki-Bahraich section of the National Highway-927 is likely to reduce travel time to Shravasti. Improvements to Buddhist viharas and visitor facilities are also part of the plans.

At Kapilvastu and Piprahwa, the longer-term proposal is for a “Buddhist Heritage Park” focused on Siddhartha’s early life and the archaeological significance of the region.

The proposed facilities include a sculpture trail, interpretation centre, Buddhist stupa and meditation areas, parking, a cafeteria and visitor facilities. The state also plans to strengthen the destination’s tourism link with Lumbini in Nepal, located across the India-Nepal border.

Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, said the government wanted the six destinations to be presented as a connected circuit. “Uttar Pradesh is the only state where visitors can experience so many defining chapters of Lord Buddha’s life. The first six months of 2026 recorded over 30 lakh visitors at these destinations even before Sarnath received the UNESCO recognition. Our focus is now on interpretation, signage, last-mile access, visitor facilities and stronger linkages between the sites so that the circuit becomes easier to understand and travel,” Abhijat said.

Sarnath to get tighter development rules

The UNESCO recognition is also prompting the state to look more closely at development around Sarnath. The Varanasi Development Authority will conduct a comprehensive survey of buildings within the site’s buffer zone, using drone mapping, physical measurements and individual verification.

It will assess building heights, design, setbacks, unauthorised construction and the visual impact of development around the protected area.

Based on its findings, revised construction and conservation norms will be prepared in coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India and the Tourism Department. The guidelines will also cover greenery, environmental protection and solid waste management in line with UNESCO standards, officials said.

Taking the circuit abroad

Officials said the state has been promoting the Buddhist circuit in international markets through travel trade events, “familiarisation visits” and participation in tourism fairs, including WTM London, ITB Berlin, FITUR Madrid and Tourism Expo Japan.

In June 2025, the Bodhi Yatra familiarisation programme brought monks, tour operators and travel influencers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam to UP, they said.

A delegation of nearly 200 members from Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture is scheduled to visit the state from August 20 to 23, with Varanasi and Sarnath among the proposed destinations.

The visit follows discussions between the state government and Yamanashi authorities on experiential tourism, hospitality, familiarisation exchanges and professional cooperation.