Kesariya is a famous Buddhist site situated in the far southwest corner of
East Champaran District in
Bihar. It lies near Gandak River and is 110 km north-west of
Patna.
The place is closely associated with Buddha and hence is of paramount importance to the Buddhists. It is believed that, while on his final departure to Kushi Nagar - his final resting-place, Buddha, inorder to stop the Lichhavis from following him had created an illusion of a river here, forcing the Lichhavis to retreat. The place was later identified as Kesariya. In the famous book, Ain-e-Akbari, Kesariya has been described as the ‘crown jewel of the Champaran district’. This little town also have played an important role in India’s independence struggle against the British.
Kesariya also has a prominent place in the economic domain of the East Champaran District. Places of tourist interest in and around the town include Dhehkanha Math, Deoria, Gandhi Library and the stupa built by King Ashoka.
Nearest airport is at Patna. Chakia Railway Station is the nearby railhead. National Highway 28 passes east of the town.
