Kesaria Stupaकेसरिया स्तूप
The world's tallest surviving stupa, where the Buddha sent the Licchavis home with his alms bowl.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereEast Champaran, Bihar
Champaran & Saran
Champaran & Saran
Best time to visit15 October to 15 March and 20 April to 20 May
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February)
DifficultyEasy
Time needed2 hrs
Base and nearbyKesaria, Chakia / Motihari
EntryFree · ASI site
About Kesaria Stupa
A brick stupa about 104 feet high as exposed, on a base more than 400 feet across, which makes it by most measures the tallest surviving Buddhist stupa in the world; it was only properly excavated in 1998 and much is still buried. Tradition says the Buddha stopped here on his last journey and gave the Licchavis his alms bowl when he sent them home. The terraces hold rows of empty niches for Buddha images. The 1934 earthquake took the top off.
What to see and do
- The tallest exposed stupa in the world
- Terraces with empty Buddha niches
- The alms bowl farewell to the Licchavis
- Pala-period brickwork
- Kesaria bazaar for a meal
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in East Champaran
- Gandhi Sangrahalaya, MotihariEast Champaran, Bihar · MuseumsWhere the Champaran satyagraha started in April 1917: a museum, a pillar and the trial site.
- George Orwell's BirthplaceEast Champaran, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageThe opium-department bungalow where George Orwell was born in 1903.
- Lauriya Areraj Ashokan PillarEast Champaran, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageA capital-less Ashokan pillar with six clear edicts, alone in a Champaran field.
- Raxaul and the Birgunj BorderEast Champaran, Bihar · Villages & Hidden GemsWalk into Nepal for the day across the Raxaul bridge; ID only, no passport.
- Someshwarnath Temple, ArerajEast Champaran, Bihar · Temples & ShrinesChamparan's busiest Shiva temple, with a month-long Shravan fair. The Ashokan pillar is next door.
- Moti Jheel, MotihariEast Champaran, Bihar · Lakes & DamsMotihari's oxbow lake, the town's evening promenade.
All places in East Champaran · All places in Bihar
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.