Kesariya, ancient name Kessaputta, is a famous Buddhist site, located at about 55 km from Vaishali. Kesariya had one of the tallest stupas in the world, which was destroyed in the devastating 1934 earthquake of Bihar. According to Alexander Cunningham, a renowned archeologist, originally the stupa was 1400 ft in circumference and 51 ft in height. The importance of Kesariya as a sacred pilgrimage destination lies in the fact that it was the place where the Buddha preached his famous Kalama Sutta. Kalama Sutta is one of the Buddha's most celebrated discourses in which he advised that his teachings be accepted only after careful scrutiny and thought.

According to Buddhist legends when Lord Buddha left Vaishali for Kusinagar, he was followed by a large group of disciples who were adamant to stay with him. When they finally reached Kesariya, the Buddha convinced them to return back to Vaishali, which they agreed but reluctantly. To console them he handed over his begging bowl to them. Later, a grand stupa was built on the site to commemorate the event. The great Chinese pilgrims Fa-hian and Hiuen Tsiang had also visited the stupa.

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