Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the city of Gorakhpur is also very close to the Nepal border. It holds importance for many religions. The city consists of many shrines, monasteries and buildings of many religions. Hordes of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Muslims and Sikhs come to visit this place. The city is full of relics and ancient collection. There are many galleries in the city that have a collection of various paintings and other items. The city is famous for its music, food and liveliness. Various types of food from various religions make this place an excellent tourist spot. Sufi music is very pronounced here. In a nutshell, Gorakhpur has everything from the past to the present, from ancient to modern.

Places to see:

Buddha Museum: It was constructed on the bank of Ramgarh River in the year 1987. The site was renewed in the year 1997. The building is designed in Buddhist style. It has an abundant collection of ancient thanka paintings, relics and other ancient things displayed nicely into four separate galleries. The museum excels in the preservation, collection and exhibition of ancient Buddhist culture.

Ramgarh Taal: It is a water body situated in the centre of the city. It cannot be called a pond as its waters are refreshed plus it has more area. Cool breeze flows throughout because of this water body.

Chauri Chaura Shahid Smarak: This was constructed in memory of the freedom fighters during the British rule in India. A mob set fire to British textile good on February 4, 1922. The British police forced opened fire. Angry people revolted. The policemen ran and hid in the police station. The people set the station on fire and 19 policemen burnt alive. The accused were sent to prisons.

Tarkulha Devi: Tarkulha Devi was the Ishta Devi of the freedom fighter Senani Babu Bandhu Singh. A fair is held every year on the occasion of Chatra Ramnavmi.

Maghar: Legend has it that Saint Kabir religion has issues. After his death, there was a riot among Hindus and Muslims regarding whether his body is to be burnt or buried. Miraculously, his body disappeared leaving a heap of flowers. The flowers were divided among Hindus and Muslims. The Hindus burnt the flowers and built a temple called the Samadhi Mandir. Muslims buried the flowers and built a Makbara at the same place. This place is called Maghar and depicts Hindu Muslim harmony. Besides, there is present the cave where Saint Kabir used to perform his meditation.

Lehra Devi Temple: History has it that once Maa Lehra came to the town in order to cross the river. But in the middle of the river the boatman lost track falling for her beauty. Realizing his intentions, Maa disappeared with the boat. She was seen by some of her followers who built a temple dedicated to her. It is said that the one who visits her temple for five consecutive Tuesdays gets their wishes fulfilled.

Imambara: This Imambara was built by Syed Roshan Ali Shah on the piece of land that he inherited from his maternal grandfather in Daud Chak. This was place was later renamed as Imamganj. Later on, the boundary was built and other additional edifices were constructed.

Budhia Mai Temple: It is located in the Kushmi Jungle. People come here to pray during navratri.

Kali Mandir: It is situated in the Golghar area of the city. Thousands of people come to visit this place everyday owing to the belief that one’s wishes are always fulfilled.

How to reach:

By air: Gorakhpur has a military airbase that serves as an airport for the domestic flights.

By rail: Gorakhpur has a major railway station that is connected to the whole country. It was once the headquarters of the North-eastern railways.

By road: It lies on the national highways 28 and 29 which is well connected with the cities within Uttar Pradesh.