Gorakhpur is a city in northern Uttar Pradesh, about a hundred kilometres from the Nepalese border. A major railway junction and departure point for Lumbini (birthplace of the Buddha) and Kushinagar, it attracts primarily Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. Its identity is deeply marked by the Gorakhnath Math, one of the most influential Shaivite monasteries in northern India.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: Gorakhpur railway station, one of India's busiest; domestic airport (Gorakhpur Airport, code GOP) with flights to Delhi and Mumbai.
• Best time to visit: October to March (moderate temperatures, no rainfall).
• Recommended duration: one day is enough for the main sites; two days if you combine with Kushinagar.
• Dress code: covered clothing recommended for visiting Gorakhnath Math and temples.

What to see

The Gorakhnath Math dominates the spiritual life of the city: a vast complex of temples, ashrams and gardens dedicated to the saint yogi Gorakhnath. The Ramgarh Tal, a large artificial lake on the outskirts, offers a popular walking space for residents. The Gita Press, founded in 1923, is one of the world's largest publishing houses for Hindu texts and remains a symbolic place to visit.

History and context

The city takes its name from the medieval saint Gorakhnath, founder of the Nath order, an influential tantric movement between the 9th and 12th centuries. Under the British, Gorakhpur became a strategic railway hub. Gita Press, created in 1923, transformed the city into a centre of Hindu religious publishing, distributing millions of copies of the Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita each year.

Highlights of your visit

Gorakhnath Math

This active monastery welcomes thousands of devotees daily. The architecture blends medieval and contemporary styles. The morning ceremonies (aarti) are particularly lively. Entry is free for visitors who respect the rules of the place.

Gita Press

The bookshop and attached museum present the history of this unique institution. You can purchase sacred texts at symbolic prices. The exhibition hall traces a century of Hindu literature distribution.

Ramgarh Tal

This lake, several kilometres in circumference, is developed for walks and boating. Quiet during the week, it comes alive on weekends with Gorakhpur families.

Etiquette and visiting rules

• Remove your shoes before entering the temples of Gorakhnath Math.
• Dress in a covered manner (shoulders and knees covered).
• Photography may be restricted inside sanctuaries; ask for permission.
• Avoid visits during major ceremonies unless you are a pilgrim.

Photography tips

The golden morning light is ideal around Gorakhnath Math, before the influx of pilgrims. Ramgarh Tal offers beautiful reflections in the late afternoon. At Gita Press, the working presses make for interesting documentary subjects — check permission on site.

Location and access

Gorakhpur is located in eastern Uttar Pradesh, approximately 270 km from Varanasi and about a hundred kilometres from the Nepalese border. The central railway station is the main entry point. Buses and taxis connect the city to Kushinagar (approximately 50 km) and the Sonauli border to reach Lumbini in Nepal. The domestic airport offers connections to Delhi.

Nearby

• Kushinagar — site of the Buddha's Parinirvana, with the great stupa and the reclining Buddha temple, approximately 50 km away.
• Varanasi — sacred city on the Ganges, accessible by train from Gorakhpur.
• Lumbini (Nepal) — birthplace of the Buddha, accessible via the Sonauli border.