(NITN): Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, one of the most revered Buddhist sites for domestic and international pilgrims and travellers alike, is now connected to the aviation network through its own airport.
So long, travellers had to reach Gorakhpur, the transport hub about 50km away, and continue to Kushinagar by road.
But now they can fly straight to Kushinagar.
Lying near the India-Nepal border, Kushinagar is about 170km from Lumbini (Nepal), the birthplace of Buddha.
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It was at Kushinagar that Buddha breathed his last and attained mahaparinirvana.
Apart from the Nirvana stupa, there are many Buddha related attractions in the town as well as monasteries belonging to Myanmar, Japan and other countries.
On October 20, the new airport was inaugurated at Kushinagar by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Sri Lankan flight and delegation that landed at Kushinagar as part of the inaugural ceremony.
