my travel experience to lumbini essay

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Suggestions, an unplanned visit to lumbini – the birth place of buddha.

That was the time why I don’t know just wanted to visit to Lumbini. So I went to Sundhara and booked a bus ticket to visit Lumbini. And I booked a ticket for the next day. The travel time was a bit early in the morning at 7 am. The ticket was booked without any plan; so I bought little things which I need to bring with me such as prayers flags, incense, and some personal items. That was the first time I traveled to Lumbini with lots of feelings in my mind. Because I was born in a Buddhist family and my family follows Buddhism and Buddhist rituals.

The next day early in the morning me and my wife I went to Sundhara to catch the bus. We were there on time but the bus need to wait for 30 minutes more than their schedule; because a group of people was late and they called in booking counter to wait for them. The wait was over when they arrived therewith in a hustle then the bus left for Lumbini. Along the way also bus stopped a couple of times before crossing the Thankot checklist.

The bus stopped a few times for breakfast, lunch, and pipi break. And after around 10 hours we reached Lumbini. As an unplanned trip to Lumbini, we didn’t book a hotel so first; we look around for a hotel and we found a cheap and good hotel. We got there in the evening so that unable to visit inside the Lumbini. Therefore we walked around the roadside and eat dinner. But the most delicious food we ate was Pani Puri, usually, I don’t like it but that time I ate some.

The next day we woke up early in the morning and took a hot shower and then went into the Temple area. First, we went to Maya Devi Temple and visit the shrines nearby the Temple. Hung the prayers flag and burnt the incense and pray for good health and wealth for everyone in this universe. Indies the Lumbini development zone there are a lot of monasteries, stupas, and Bihar built by different nations and communities.   We visited all of them and that took a full day.

While we were visiting the Lumbini, I met a man and he told me about the Kapilvastu. Kapilvastu is the place where Shidharatha Gautam spent his childhood and adult life. And I felt we need to go there too so I booked a taxi and drove there. When we reached there we met a local guide and he guided us and show a lots of historical monuments. As well as giving us detailed information about that place. Which was really awesome and informative Thank you dear guide but I forgot his name.

That was my first unplanned visit to Lumbini and since then I visited Lumbini a couple of times. My next visit to Lumbini was during my tourist guide training and then again with my household; every time I go there I always felt very special because here was born the Lord Buddha. During my those visit to Lumbini, the most fascinating places are Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini Museum; and Kapilvastu.

There are other many monuments and places to see while a visit to Lumbini. Monuments like Ashoka Piller, World peace Pagoda, Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, and Buddhist Monasteries. And there is a fun part as well where visitors can enjoy the boat ride in the cannon. The recent structure of the Lumbini Development Zone was designed by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange in 1978.

Lumbini is not only the pilgrimage side of Nepal it’s historically also very important. All the evidence found during the excavation shows that Buddha was born in Lumbini and Lumbini is in Nepal. In history, at different times different people visit Lumbini and they show the enormous Buddhist site there. And the Nepali rulers also visited Lumbini in their time.

Visit the birthplace of the lord Budhha for the Buddhist followers is very special. And that is the same for me as well. Everyone who follows Buddhist culture and tradition once in their life must visit Lumbini and Kapilvastu. Except for Nepal, there are other three must-visite places in India. They are Bouddha Gaya, where Siddhartha got enlightened. Saranath where Buddha gave his first teaching and Kushinagar where Buddha was dead. And I have the wish to visit those three places too in the future.

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• 05 May, 2023

A Complete Tour Guide to Lumbini – The Birthplace of Gautama Buddha

Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, has always been a place of pilgrimage for people from all across the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is rich with elements ranging from elaborately curated monasteries bejeweled with ornaments from all across the world to historical inscriptions and ruins of the castle where Buddha grew up; Lumbini is a treasure trove for spiritual healing and a glance into the genesis of Buddhism across Asia.

Given that this historical gem is located in the southern region of Nepal, dominated by flatlands and luscious greenery, what better way to go around Lumbini than in the back of a rickshaw ? But more about this later…

Before we begin, here’s a little back story on Gautama Buddha.

Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism. He was born in the 5th century BCE in what is now Nepal, as the son of the King Śuddhodana. At a young age, he became disillusioned with the materialistic world and left his comfortable life to seek enlightenment.

For six years, Gautama traveled and studied with various spiritual teachers, but none of them could give him the answers he sought. Eventually, he sat down under a Bodhi tree and meditated until he achieved enlightenment. He became the Buddha, meaning “the awakened one.”

For the rest of his life, the Buddha traveled and taught his philosophy, which centered on the Four Noble Truths: the truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering. He emphasized the importance of living a moral life, cultivating mindfulness and compassion, and letting go of attachment and desire.

The Buddha’s teachings spread throughout India and eventually reached other parts of Asia, becoming one of the world’s major religions. The Buddha passed away around the age of 80, having left a legacy of wisdom and compassion that continues to inspire millions of people around the world to this day.

Lumbini – An Introduction 

A common perception of Nepal is one of the hills and snow-capped mountains. However, Lumbini and its surroundings paint a different picture, one that is characterized by flat grasslands and green spaces. 

Lumbini, which was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, is among the holiest places for Buddhism, one of the World’s great religions. Siddhartha Gautama was born in the sacred gardens in Lumbini in 623 B.C.  

There are a number of structures within the archaeological conservation area, including the Maya Devi Temple remain, consisting of brick structures arranged in cross-walls dating back to the 3rd century BC to the present century, as well as a sandstone Ashoka pillar with Pali inscriptions in Brahmi.

Best time to visit Lumbini

Lumbini lies in the southern part of Nepal , with temperatures that rise to almost 40 degrees Celsius in the summer heat. The perfect time to visit this space and comfortably explore the monasteries would be April to May, October to November, or December to February, with temperatures from 12-28 degrees Celsius. 

Here is a brief run-down of all the things you can do to make the most out of your next trip to the sacred land of the Buddha – Lumbini .

Tour of the monasteries 

Lumbini has over 14 monasteries from countries that have a presence of Buddhism. They brought in raw materials from their own countries, building beautiful structures that each signify their cultures. Some of these stupas date back 2000 years!

The Monastic Site is divided into two sections – the Eastward section and the Western section, by a water canal that is often used by travelers to explore on boats. The eastward section is called the East Monastic Zone, where Theravada Buddhism is prevalent, and the westward zone is called the West Monastic Zone, where Vajrayana and Mahayana are predominant.

Monasteries in the Eastward section:

The royal thai monastery .

Perhaps one of the most popular monasteries here in Lumbini, the Royal Thai Monastery is an architectural gem. This gleaming center of attraction in the Eastern zone is built entirely with white marble, with subtle red accents across the monastery. The peaceful ambiance fits well with the perfectly white and clean exterior, making it one of the most picturesque spaces in Lumbini. 

Myanmar Monastery

Said to be the oldest structure among all the monasteries in Lumbini, the Myanmar monastery is built in stunning Burmese-style architecture. The impressive corn cob-shaped shikhara , styled after the temples of Bagan gives a regal look to the whole structure.

Cambodian Monastery 

The intricate details of the Cambodian monastery make it a sight to see in Lumbini. Made in the traditional style of Angkor Wat (a famous temple structure in Cambodia), the details in the carvings are like no other. 

Along with the exterior, the prayer hall inside has high ceilings filled with carvings of the life of Buddha. 

Monasteries in the Westward section : 

Singaporean monastery .

The monastery is a stunning example of traditional Singaporean architecture and is renowned for its beautiful gardens, intricate carvings, and a stunning array of lights that illuminates the temple at night, giving it its nickname ‘Temple of Thousand Lights’. The temple is designed to represent the harmony and unity of different cultures, with its intricate carvings showcasing influences from not just Singapore, but also Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

French Monastery 

The French monastery, which lies right opposite the German monastery, is a very different experience from the others in the area. Built-in a simple style with monochromatic colors, it both blends in and stands out in the Western Zone. 

The inside of the French monastery is covered with red marble and granite, which gives a very serene and calming experience. 

German Monastery  

The German monastery, built by the Tara foundation, is a remarkable piece of architecture in the Western zone. Partly covered by glass, the exterior is covered with intricate designs. The garden surrounding the monastery has sculptures depicting various parts of Buddha’s life.

The prayer hall indoors is a massive setting filled with scriptures and souvenirs from across the world. The high ceilings are adorned with carvings depicting various Buddhist scriptures and illustrations. 

While there are many more monasteries on the premises, (some still under construction), they might be subject to closure or maintenance since the covid-19 lockdowns.

Maya Devi temple with Buddha’s footprints 

The Maya Devi temple is the heart of Lumbini, housing ruins of the castle where Gautamn Buddha grew up. Not only do they have a Nativity sculpture depicting how the birth of Siddhartha Gautam took place, but they have also pinpointed the exact birth spot where the Buddha took his first steps. The reason why this spot has so much significance is because it is told that Siddhartha Gautama took his first steps right after he was born.

People from across the world are known to visit Maya Devi temple to witness this marvel, and pray around the now preserved perfect foot step.

During his visit to Lumbini in 249 B.C., Emperor Asoka  built a platform using burnt bricks to safeguard the Marker Stone and the Nativity Tree under which Mayadevi had given birth to Prince Siddhartha. The present-day Maya Devi Temple was rebuilt in 2003 by Lumbini Development Trust. 

Ashoka Pillar

The Ashoka pillar was erected in the 3rd century and holds some of the oldest inscriptions in Nepal. Ashoka ruled over most of present-day India as head of the Mauryan Empire and erected a pillar on the premises of the Maya Devi temple, indicating the exact spot of the birth of Buddha.

Written in Brahmi script, the pillar’s inscription is said to be the oldest in Nepal and reads: “King Piyadasi (Ashoka), the beloved of Devas, in the 29th year of the coronation, made a visit to Lumbini and paid his homage. Realizing the Buddha was born here, a stone railing was built and a stone pillar erected. Because the Lord was born here, the Emperor had the people of Lumbini village freed from some tax and entitled them to the eighth part only.”

As present-day India was founded and expanded through violent and bloody conquest by Ashoka and his predecessors, it is said that Emperor Ashoka decided to convert to Buddhism and dedicate his life to non-violence. 

This 6-meter tall pink sandstone structure was rediscovered and restored by Nepalese archaeologists in 1896.

Eternal Flame  

The Eternal Flame is located on the southern end of the canal. This is a very popular attraction in Lumbini as it was created in 1986 to celebrate the international year of Peace. The flame was bought from the United States of America (USA) to promote peace and harmony among the nations as well as the global community.

Rickshaw tour across Lumbini

Rickshaws are one of the most commonly used modes of transport in Lumbini and its surrounding areas. Not only are these vehicles cheap and convenient, but also have a very eco-friendly approach to transportation.

Most of the monasteries and heritage sites in Lumbini can seem quite far from each other to travel solely on foot. For the best experience of Lumbini and its heritage sites, I’d recommend booking a rickshaw for the entire day. Their local knowledge and experience with travelers will help with finding the best routes for travel between sites. This also helps you connect and actually talk to locals, learning more about the culture and history of the place.

And what’s even better is that a rickshaw is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than hiring a car.

Additional activities 

Meditating with the monks.

Meditate in the spot where Buddha was born with other monks as you soak in the peace and calm of Lumbini. To learn more about various sacred spaces in Lumbini, check out our blog post on Mediation spaces in Lumbini .

Explore the local areas of Lumbini

Lumbini is much more than the monasteries and temples, as there are vast lands with local residents too. To get a different perspective of what life is like in the Southern part of Nepal, away from the Mountains Lumbini is the perfect place to be.

Boating on the central canal

You can enjoy a peaceful day boating in the central canal that leads you directly to the Maya Devi temple – a great way to travel across the sacred lands of Lumbini.

Tags: boating eternal flame Lumbini Lumbini - Birthplace of Buddha maya devi temple meditation monasteries rikshaw tarai region travel nepal

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Travel · April 23, 2019

Lumbini: The good and the bad about visiting the Birthplace of Buddha

We decided to go to Lumbini on our way to India, as it is close to the border and we wanted to cross overland but frustratingly, our visa restrictions wouldn’t allow it. Despite this, we still got a bus from Pokhara to Lumbini, and in the spirit of honesty, I’ll tell you the good, bad and the ugly about visiting the birthplace of Buddha.

Most of the accommodation in Lumbini is geared towards pilgrims, and not so much is for foreign tourists, but Lumbini Garden Lodge has decent budget accommodation on the main street.

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If you’re thinking about visiting Pokhara or rhinos in  Chitwan National Park  then check out my guides to those places as well as 31 things you need to know about trekking Everest Base Camp and my  Everest Base Camp packing list for female travellers.

The birth of Buddha

I didn’t come with too many expectations of Lumbini, but it is a UNESCO heritage site  (although it is 666 which is interesting!?). It has apparently been proven that Siddhartha Gautama, aka Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. under a Bodhi tree here so it’s understandably a very important place, revered by the pilgrims that visit. The other three famous Buddhist sites that played a part in his life are Kushinagar, Bodhgaya and Sarnath that are all in India.

Legend has it, that a seer told Maya Devi, the mother of Buddha, that this kid was destined for greatness so he was protected by King Suddhodana as a result. He left the king’s custody, saw great poverty in the outside world and achieved enlightenment in Bodhgaya.

There were monasteries and stupas built near Lumbini and Indian emperor Ashoka erected a commemorative pillar there. You won’t see any 1000 plus monasteries of the old cities of Kapilavastu and Lumbini as they were partially destroyed by a mysterious cataclysm and then Mughal invaders came and finished the job. When you get here, you may find it very hard to believe there was ever such opulence in the area.

Getting to Lumbini

The journey to Lumbini is long. It’s 169km (105 miles) from Pokhara and it took 12 hours to get here. The lack of road infrastructure in Nepal means that we went at the excruciating pace of less than 10 miles per hour. It is an extremely dusty journey and the trees you’ll see along the way are covered in dust as people work on the roads but progress is glacial like the journey itself.

There aren’t too many restaurants in Lumbini that cater to tourists and we went to Three Vision Restaurant on the main street for all our meals as we struggled to find anything else. As we got to Lumbini quite late, we decided to go the next day as buses were booked up which meant we had to get the night bus to Kathmandu.

One of the worst parts of Lumbini was that it was so dusty and even the main road was unfinished with rock slabs scattered around, so you had to be careful where you walk. When we were there, tankers poured water onto the streets which did little to stop the dust and seemed like a waste of time. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in Asia but I assumed that with it being such an internationally important place the income generated from visitors would be put into vital infrastructure. Lumbini was lucky to not be affected by the 2015 earthquake as it far from the epicentre.

Lumbini Peace Park

The Lumbini Peace Park is 3 miles long and hosts all the Buddhist attractions, the main one being the Maya Devi temple and the secondary attraction being the World Peace Pagoda. It also has plush monasteries representing 25 countries including Myanmar, Thailand, China, Germany and Singapore.

The Maya Devi temple is built on the place that Buddha was supposedly born and costs 600 Nepalese rupees for a foreigner. You have to leave your shoes outside, you cannot take any photos inside and you need to be scanned before you go in. An alarming amount of people had to leave their knives in a dish by the door (presumably for eating and not stabbing!).

The pilgrims all queue up to pay their respects in the temple, but I wandered around the grounds to see the turtles in the pond and the trainee monks having their daily worship. I was on my own as my boyfriend refused to pay to get in, so this is where the selfies and attention began for us. Selfie culture isn’t too much of a thing in Nepal, but you’ll certainly encounter it from Indian tourists.

A lot of Indian tourists come to Lumbini as its relatively close to the border, so I was accosted by men at the temple and I found my boyfriend on a bench outside having had children thrust onto his knee and surrounded by families of tourists. The selfiemania that started here didn’t end until we left India months later.

Problems in the peace park

The park is still being built so it’s a bit of mess in places, and it’s very hot, barren, dusty and not too pleasant to be in. They have started to build covered walkways to make it more bearable to walk around and there are boats but they only take you a short way along the central canal.

There are beggars in the complex and workers will also ask you for money when you walk past them which I hadn’t encountered before. One thing that I really don’t recommend is getting one of the shaved ice lollipops. I was excited about mine, but honestly, it tasted and smelt like sulphur and was one of my worst food experiences in the whole of South Asia. I’m not sure if it was the ice or the syrup but it was very unpleasant and we didn’t eat it in case it made us sick.

World Peace Pagoda

After you’ve walked up the boulevard through the park, you get to the World Peace Pagoda which is one of the many that you can find around the world. It’s similar to the one in Pokhara and be sure to remove your shoes before you go in but be careful of the hot ground.

While Lumbini has its problems, it is such an important part of Buddhist history and that is an incredible thing. The main boulevard is dotted with the modern international temples and monasteries so you can visit them on your way to the World Peace Pagoda to learn more about Buddhism around the world.

Sarus Cranes

Another good thing is that the part of the Lumbini peace park behind the World Peace Pagoda is a sanctuary is dedicated to the endangered Sarus cranes . I was excited about this so I took my binoculars and I saw nothing but I’m glad these beautiful birds are being supported as that is a wonderful thing.

I’m glad I saw Lumbini for myself, but I was surprised at the situation both in and around the peace garden. The international temples in the park must have cost millions to build and yet there is no road that would enable so many more visitors to come and bring money to local businesses. It was a disappointing experience for me, but I do think that if they built roads and improved the experience of the park then people would certainly add it to their Nepalese itinerary and come over from India too.

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Have you been to Lumbini or any of the other Buddha sights? How did you experience them? Let me know in the comments below!

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Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

In many ways, the story of Buddhism all begins in Lumbini, under a full moon more than 2600 years ago. It was on that night that Queen Mayadevi is said to have stopped here during her travels to give birth to a son, Prince Siddhartha, who would find enlightenment and become Buddha 35 years later.

Legend says Queen Mayadevi bathed in a pond and lay down under a sal tree in Lumbini Garden before the birth. Immediately after he was born, Prince Siddhartha walked seven steps to the north, looked around, and announced that there would be no more rebirth for him, signalling his destiny. He was then given a purification bath in the same pond his mother had bathed in.

The year was 623 BC and it was just the start of a long journey for Prince Siddhartha to become Buddha, and an even longer journey for the religion that would take his name. So, it’s no surprise that Lumbini has become one of the most revered places for Buddhists around the world.

For visitors, Lumbini is an incredibly spiritual place and the tranquillity of the site is felt the strongest in the Sacred Garden that surrounds the central Mayadevi Temple. A large water feature, said to be the same pond where Prince Siddhartha was given his purification bath, reflects the trees of the garden. Prayer flags hang from the branches and gently sway in the breeze as worshippers sit below in deep meditation. For pilgrims who have made the long journey to get here, this is the moment they have been travelling towards.

However, there is much more to Lumbini than just the central temple and garden. The site spreads out over a large area, where you’ll find more than 30 monasteries open to the public, meditation centres, peaceful natural areas, and landscaped parks.

Even further afield, in the area around the Lumbini, there are thousands of years of history to explore. You can walk in the footsteps of Buddha as you visit his childhood estate, see his mother’s city, and stand in the exact spot where he left home through a palace gate to begin his journey to enlightenment.

A Spiritual Pilgrimage

For pilgrims, Lumbini is one of the holiest places to visit. In fact, it is one of the four sacred sites that Buddha reportedly advised his disciples and followers to see for themselves. Rich and poor, healthy and sick, people come all year long from all across the world to realise this dream.

It is impossible to see the physical here without also thinking about the spiritual, for everything here is intrinsically linked to the story of Buddha and his teachings. His messages to his followers were strongly influenced by what he saw in this region while growing up, and the encounters he had with followers here after his enlightenment also helped shaped his legacy.

Regardless of faith, many visitors find it is the atmosphere of Lumbini that creates a special spiritual energy and serenity. It is not just a place from where the teachings of Buddha were influenced, but one where millions of people have come over the course of history to consider what they mean. Under trees, next to ponds, or in dedicated centres, pilgrims and monks will sit and meditate as part of their own inner journeys.

The Lumbini Master Plan

In 1978, a new design was unveiled that would create a better visitor experience at the site. Called ‘The Lumbini Master Plan’, it was the work of Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and was based on Buddhist symbolism of geometric shapes and the path to enlightenment. It’s what you’ll still see here today.

The layout is 4.8 kilometres (three miles) long and 1.6 kilometres (one mile) wide, aligned north to south. At the northern end is the first zone called the New Lumbini Village, where you’ll find the Peace Pagoda, Lumbini Museum, and shopping areas.

As you symbolically move from this area of ‘worldly activities’, you’ll go into the central area that represents knowledge and spiritual purification, called the Cultural and Monastic Zone. A central canal runs down the centre and on either side are large natural areas where the monasteries are based. Each monastery has been built by a particular country or organisation and, through their diverse architecture and art, they showcase different cultural and religious traditions.

The final area of the Lumbini Master Plan is the Sacred Garden, which represents enlightenment. It is here that visitors find the Mayadevi Temple, Sacred Pond, and Asoka Pillar.

The journey from one end to the other is more than just the passing of distance. It takes you through the evolution of Buddhist thought, showcases how the religion has been interpreted in different parts of the world, and sets you on a spiritual path of your own.

Greater Lumbini’s Historical Significance

Beyond the religious significance, Lumbini is also considered to be of huge historical importance. At the time of Buddha’s birth, this land was covered by small kingdoms, each connected to the other – and each ultimately connected to the life of Buddha.

It is worth taking the time to visit the archaeological sites in Lumbini and the surrounding area to get a deeper understanding of the early years of Buddha’s life and the world that he lived in. His story is interrelated to events that occurred in these places and now, thanks to restoration work, you can see them for yourself.

One of the largest archaeological projects has uncovered the Ancient City of Kapilavastu, about 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) from Lumbini. It was a grand capital city where Prince Siddhartha grew up and lived until he was 29 years old. Here, you can get a sense of how he lived in luxury until he cast aside material possessions in search for something more meaningful.

At the archaeological site of Kudan, there are several stupas that were built to commemorate important events that took place here with Buddha. The most significant was when, seven years after he found enlightenment, he returned and met with his father King Suddhodhana. It is also the place that his son, Rahula, was ordained when he was eight years old.

And a lot of archaeological work has also taken place at the ancient city of Devadaha, about 57 kilometres (35 miles) from Lumbini. This was the hometown of Buddha’s mother, Queen Mayadevi, and the place she was travelling to when she stopped to give birth. Numerous monuments have been constructed in her honour throughout history and many of them have since been uncovered here.

Sights and Attractions recommended by the locals

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Exploring Lumbini – The Birth Place Of Buddha In Nepal

Published: September 23, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Marcelle Suber

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Introduction

Welcome to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and one of the most sacred sites in Nepal. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, Lumbini is a small town located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. It holds immense religious and historical significance as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Every year, thousands of devotees and tourists from all corners of the globe visit Lumbini to pay their respects and explore its rich cultural heritage.

The history of Lumbini dates back to over 2,500 years ago. It was here, in the year 623 BC, that Queen Mayadevi, the mother of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, gave birth to him while on a journey. This event marked the beginning of Buddha’s life and the start of a spiritual journey that would eventually lead to enlightenment.

Lumbini is not only a religious pilgrimage site but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding universal value. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact Buddhism has had on the world and its enduring principles of peace, compassion, and enlightenment.

One of the defining features of Lumbini is its serene and peaceful ambiance. As you wander through its sacred grounds, you will be immersed in a tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for reflection and introspection. The area is beautifully landscaped, with lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and towering trees providing shade.

Aside from its religious significance, Lumbini also boasts remarkable architectural sights and cultural landmarks that showcase the rich history and influence of Buddhism. From the iconic Mayadevi Temple, where Buddha was born, to the Ashokan Pillar, erected by the great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, there are numerous attractions that captivate visitors with their beauty and historical significance.

Whether you are a religious pilgrim seeking spiritual enlightenment, a history enthusiast exploring the ancient roots of Buddhism, or simply a traveler looking for a unique and culturally rich experience, Lumbini offers something for everyone. From wandering through the Sacred Garden to exploring the monasteries built by various countries, Lumbini invites you to embrace its serene and captivating charm.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the fascinating history, architectural wonders, cultural festivals, and surrounding attractions of Lumbini, allowing you to embark on a virtual journey to this enchanting place.

History of Lumbini

Lumbini holds a rich history that spans over 2,500 years. Its significance lies in its connection to the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become known as Gautama Buddha. According to ancient texts and Buddhist scriptures, Lumbini was the birthplace of the spiritual leader.

The story begins in the 6th century BC when Queen Mayadevi of the Shakya dynasty, while en route to her parents’ home, gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in the gardens of Lumbini. The exact date of his birth is still a subject of debate among scholars, but it is widely believed to be around 623 BC.

During his early years, Siddhartha lived a life of luxury within the palace walls, shielded from the hardships and sufferings of the outside world. However, at the age of 29, intrigued by the experiences outside the palace, he ventured out of the palace walls and encountered the realities of old age, sickness, and death. This pivotal experience prompted him to embark on a spiritual quest to seek answers to the fundamental questions of life, suffering, and the attainment of true happiness.

After years of intense meditation and seeking wisdom from various religious teachers, Siddhartha finally achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India. He became Gautama Buddha, meaning “the awakened one,” and dedicated the rest of his life to teaching his profound insights and helping others find liberation from suffering.

As Buddhism began to spread across the Indian subcontinent, the significance of Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha grew. Emperor Ashoka, an ardent follower of Buddhism, visited Lumbini in the 3rd century BC and subsequently erected a commemorative pillar and stone inscription near the Mayadevi Temple.

Over time, Lumbini became an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, attracting devotees from different parts of the world. However, as Buddhism declined in India, Lumbini gradually fell into obscurity, with its exact location lost to history.

It was only in 1896 that Lumbini was rediscovered by archaeologist General Khadga Shumsher Rana. Excavations conducted in the area confirmed its historical significance, and efforts were made to restore and preserve the sacred site.

Today, Lumbini stands as a testament to the journey of Siddhartha Gautama and the profound impact of Buddhism on human history. It is a place of pilgrimage, peace, and reflection, attracting spiritual seekers, scholars, and curious travelers alike.

Significance of Lumbini

Lumbini holds immense significance not only for Buddhists but also for people of various religious and spiritual backgrounds. Its importance lies in its connection to the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Here are some key reasons why Lumbini is considered such a sacred and revered place:

1. Birthplace of Buddha: Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical figure who attained enlightenment and became known as Gautama Buddha. It is where the journey towards his profound teachings began. This fact alone makes Lumbini one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Buddhist devotees around the world.

2. Spiritual Enlightenment: Lumbini is associated with the foundational principles of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The site serves as a reminder of the path to spiritual awakening and liberation from suffering. It holds deep spiritual significance for those seeking enlightenment and a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings.

3. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lumbini is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its remarkable universal value. It is not only considered a cultural and religious site but also a testament to the profound impact of Buddhism on human history and its enduring message of peace, compassion, and enlightenment.

4. Global Pilgrimage Destination: Lumbini attracts pilgrims from all over the world who come to pay homage to the birthplace of Buddha. Buddhists, in particular, believe that visiting Lumbini and offering prayers and supplications at its sacred sites can bring about spiritual blessings and contribute to their personal spiritual journey.

5. Symbol of Peace and Harmony: Lumbini serves as a symbol of peace, mutual respect, and interfaith harmony. It promotes understanding, tolerance, and unity among people of different faiths and cultures. It is a place where people from all walks of life can come together to meditate, reflect, and seek inner peace.

6. Historical and Archaeological Importance: Lumbini is not only a religious site but also an archaeological treasure trove. The site has revealed ancient structures, monasteries, and artifacts dating back centuries. The Ashokan Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka, and the Mayadevi Temple are examples of the historical and architectural wonders that can be explored in Lumbini.

Lumbini’s significance goes beyond its religious and historical aspects. It is a place of tranquility, spirituality, and reflection, inviting visitors to connect with their inner selves and embrace the teachings of compassion and peace. Whether one is a Buddhist or simply seeking a place of serenity, Lumbini offers a profound and transformative experience for all who visit.

Architectural Sights in Lumbini

Lumbini is home to numerous architectural wonders that showcase the rich history and influence of Buddhism. From ancient monuments to modern temples, these architectural sights attract visitors with their aesthetic beauty and historical significance. Here are some of the notable architectural sights you can explore in Lumbini:

The Sacred Garden: The Sacred Garden is the heart of Lumbini and encompasses the area where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. It is beautifully landscaped with lush gardens, peaceful ponds, and shaded pathways. The design of the Sacred Garden follows ancient Buddhist architectural principles, creating a serene setting for meditation and reflection.

Mayadevi Temple: Located in the Sacred Garden, the Mayadevi Temple is where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. The temple showcases exquisite architectural features and houses a stone relief depicting the birth of Buddha. Inside, you will find a sacred marker indicating the exact birthplace of Buddha.

Ashokan Pillar: Erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, the Ashokan Pillar is an iconic symbol of Lumbini. Made of polished sandstone, the pillar stands tall and bears inscriptions detailing Emperor Ashoka’s visit to Lumbini and his reverence for Buddhism. It is a historical and architectural marvel that has withstood the test of time.

Eternal Peace Flame: The Eternal Peace Flame is an important symbol in Lumbini, representing peace and harmony. It was established at the initiative of the international Buddhist community and serves as a constant reminder of the need for global peace and the eradication of suffering.

Lumbini Museum: The Lumbini Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, statues, and historical relics related to Buddhism. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and teachings of Buddha, as well as the archaeological discoveries made in the area. The museum’s architecture is modern and creatively designed, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

Monasteries in Lumbini: Lumbini is home to numerous monasteries, each representing a different country and Buddhist tradition. These monasteries showcase unique architectural styles and serve as cultural centers for devotees and visitors. From the stunning Thai monastery with its golden spires to the graceful Chinese monastery, each offers a glimpse into the architectural diversity and spiritual richness of Buddhism.

Visiting these architectural sights allows you to not only appreciate their beauty but also gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of Lumbini. They stand as testaments to the enduring legacy of Buddhism and its influence on art and architecture throughout the centuries.

The Sacred Garden

The Sacred Garden is the heart and soul of Lumbini, encompassing the area where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha. It is a place of tranquility and serenity, carefully designed to cultivate a peaceful atmosphere that is conducive to meditation and reflection.

The Sacred Garden is meticulously landscaped with beautiful gardens, verdant trees, and flowing water features. The design of the garden follows ancient Buddhist architectural principles, creating a harmonious and balanced environment. As you walk through the garden, you will be surrounded by the gentle sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, creating a sense of calm and connection with nature.

One of the key features of the Sacred Garden is the Ashokan Pillar, an iconic symbol of Lumbini’s historical and cultural significance. The pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, stands tall and proud, bearing inscriptions that embody his devotion to Buddhism and his reverence for Lumbini. It serves as a reminder of the ancient roots of Buddhism and the enduring legacy of compassion and peace.

Within the Sacred Garden, you will also find the Mayadevi Temple, which marks the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Buddha. The temple is a beautiful architectural marvel, adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements. Inside, you will find a sacred marker highlighting the exact birthplace of Buddha, allowing visitors to pay their respects and offer prayers.

Walking along the pathways of the Sacred Garden, you will encounter various Buddhist statues and shrines representing different aspects of Buddha’s life and teachings. These statues serve as focal points for meditation and reflection, allowing visitors to deepen their connection to the profound teachings of Buddhism.

The Sacred Garden also offers ample space for visitors to engage in meditation and mindfulness practices. Many visitors find solace and peace in practicing meditation while surrounded by the serene beauty of the garden. Whether you are a seasoned meditator or simply seeking a moment of calm amidst your busy life, the Sacred Garden provides an ideal setting for inner reflection and self-discovery.

Additionally, the Sacred Garden hosts various events and ceremonies throughout the year, including Buddhist festivals and gatherings. These events serve as opportunities for devotees and visitors to come together and celebrate the teachings of Buddha, fostering a sense of community and unity.

A visit to Lumbini would not be complete without spending time in the Sacred Garden. It is a place where the ancient teachings of Buddhism come alive, inviting individuals to embark on their own spiritual journey of self-discovery, compassion, and inner peace. As you explore the Sacred Garden, take the time to absorb its serene ambiance and allow its peaceful energy to resonate within you.

Mayadevi Temple

The Mayadevi Temple is a sacred and significant architectural marvel in Lumbini, as it marks the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become the enlightened Gautama Buddha. This temple is a place of deep reverence for Buddhists and attracts visitors from all over the world who seek to pay their respects and connect with the birthplace of Buddha.

Architecturally, the Mayadevi Temple is a beautiful and intricately designed structure. It features exquisite carvings, intricate artwork, and decorative elements that reflect the rich cultural heritage and devotion to Buddhism. The temple stands as a testament to the historical and spiritual importance of Lumbini, encapsulating the profound beginnings of Buddha’s transformative journey.

Upon entering the temple, visitors are greeted by a peaceful and serene atmosphere that encourages contemplation and introspection. The interior of the Mayadevi Temple is adorned with Buddhist statues, scriptures, and religious artifacts, creating an ambience of spirituality and devotion.

At the heart of the temple lies the sacred marker that identifies the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. This marker holds immense significance as it denotes the birthplace of one of the most revered spiritual leaders in history. Devotees and visitors often gather around the marker, offering prayers, lighting incense, and expressing their reverence for Buddha’s enlightening teachings.

Adjacent to the sacred marker, there is a small pond known as the “Puskarni.” According to Buddhist tradition, Queen Mayadevi took a ritual bath in this pond before giving birth to Buddha. The pond holds symbolic value and provides a tranquil space for visitors to reflect and connect with the spiritual journey of Buddha.

Throughout the year, the Mayadevi Temple serves as a focal point for various Buddhist ceremonies and festivals. These events attract devotees and pilgrims who come to Lumbini to celebrate the teachings and life of Buddha. The temple becomes alive with vibrant colors, incense smoke, and the sounds of Buddhist chants and prayers, creating an atmosphere of devotion and divine connection.

Visiting the Mayadevi Temple allows individuals to immerse themselves in the rich history and spiritual essence of Lumbini. It is a place where one can gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable life and teachings of Buddha, as well as experience a sense of peace and inner reflection. Whether you are a devout Buddhist or simply appreciate the beauty of sacred places, the Mayadevi Temple is a must-see attraction that encapsulates the profound beginnings of Buddhism.

Ashokan Pillar

The Ashokan Pillar stands proudly as an iconic symbol of Lumbini’s historical and cultural significance. Erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, the pillar holds tremendous historical importance and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism.

Architecturally, the Ashokan Pillar is a remarkable work of art. It is made of polished sandstone and stands at an impressive height. The pillar is intricately carved with decorative motifs and inscriptions, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the time. The design embodies the Mauryan architectural style, reflecting the grandeur and power of the ancient Mauryan Empire.

The inscriptions on the Ashokan Pillar provide valuable historical information and offer insights into Emperor Ashoka’s dedication to Buddhism. The inscriptions convey Ashoka’s reverence for Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha and his commitment to spreading the teachings of Buddha throughout his empire.

The Ashokan Pillar is notable not only for its beauty but also for its location. It stands near the Mayadevi Temple, marking the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. This proximity adds to the spiritual and historical significance of the pillar, as it serves as a reminder of the beginning of Buddha’s transformative journey.

Over the centuries, the Ashokan Pillar has endured various challenges, including natural disasters and human conflicts. However, it has been meticulously restored and preserved to ensure its longevity and historical value. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience and the enduring message of peace and enlightenment.

Visiting the Ashokan Pillar offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient roots of Buddhism and witness a tangible link to the past. It allows individuals to reflect on the profound impact of Buddhism on human history and appreciate the architectural and artistic achievements of the ancient world.

Furthermore, the Ashokan Pillar serves as a meeting point for people of different cultures and religions. It attracts visitors from all over the world, creating a sense of unity and shared admiration for the teachings of Buddha. It serves as a reminder that despite our diverse backgrounds, we can find common ground in our pursuit of peace, compassion, and spiritual understanding.

The Ashokan Pillar stands as an enduring symbol of Lumbini’s historical significance and the global impact of Buddhism. Its presence invites visitors to witness the grandeur of the past and embrace the teachings of Buddha, inspiring a sense of awe and reverence for the timeless wisdom that continues to resonate in the present day.

Eternal Peace Flame

The Eternal Peace Flame is a powerful symbol of peace and unity located within the sacred grounds of Lumbini. The flame, which continuously burns, serves as a reminder of the universal desire for harmony and the eradication of suffering.

The Eternal Peace Flame at Lumbini was established at the initiative of the international Buddhist community. It represents the collective aspiration for a world free from conflict and turmoil, where compassion and understanding prevail. It serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to strive for peace in their own lives and in the world around them.

The flame itself holds deep spiritual significance, representing the eternal nature of the human spirit and the unquenchable longing for harmony. Just as the physical flame cannot be extinguished, the aspiration for peace burns eternally in the hearts of people from all walks of life.

Visitors to the Eternal Peace Flame are often struck by the mesmerizing dance of the flames and the tranquil ambiance surrounding it. The flame’s presence invites contemplation and introspection, allowing individuals to reflect on their own roles in fostering peace and unity.

The Eternal Peace Flame serves as a gathering point for individuals of different cultures, religions, and beliefs. It brings people together in a shared commitment to promoting understanding, tolerance, and reconciliation. It is a place where diverse voices can be heard, and where the common threads of humanity are celebrated.

Throughout the year, special events and ceremonies are held at the site of the Eternal Peace Flame, attracting people from around the world. These gatherings serve as platforms for dialogue, cultural exchange, and the promotion of peacebuilding initiatives. They offer a space for individuals and communities to come together, reaffirming their commitment to creating a more peaceful and compassionate world.

Visiting the Eternal Peace Flame is not just a physical journey; it is a spiritual and emotional experience that connects individuals to a larger collective aspiration for global harmony. It encourages personal reflection and calls upon individuals to examine their own actions, attitudes, and contributions to peace.

The Eternal Peace Flame at Lumbini serves as a powerful reminder that peace is not an abstract concept, but a living flame that dwells within each of us. It calls upon individuals to nurture that flame, to make choices that promote peace, and to work towards a world where compassion, understanding, and justice prevail.

As visitors stand before the Eternal Peace Flame and witness its radiant glow, they are reminded of their own capacity to ignite positive change and contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world. It is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the shared vision for a brighter future for humanity.

Lumbini Museum

The Lumbini Museum is a captivating treasure trove of artifacts, statues, and historical relics that provide a deeper understanding of the rich history and significance of Lumbini. Located within the sacred complex of Lumbini, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the ancient roots of Buddhism and delve into the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha.

Architecturally, the Lumbini Museum is designed in a modern and creative way, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. The museum building itself is a work of art, combining unique architectural elements with thoughtful exhibition spaces. Its sleek design creates a harmonious environment that complements the spiritual atmosphere of Lumbini.

Inside the museum, a vast collection of artifacts showcases the journey and teachings of Buddha. Visitors can marvel at intricately crafted statues, ancient manuscripts, and archaeological findings. These artifacts provide insights into the historical development of Buddhism and how it has influenced different cultures throughout the centuries.

The exhibits in the Lumbini Museum are organized in a chronological and thematic manner, allowing visitors to follow the life story of Buddha from his birth in Lumbini to his attainment of enlightenment and subsequent teachings. The displays are accompanied by informative signage and multimedia presentations, creating an immersive learning experience.

One of the highlights of the museum is the extensive collection of Buddha statues representing various artistic styles and periods. These statues reflect the diversity and creativity of Buddhist art, showcasing the profound impact Buddhism has had on the artistic expressions of different cultures.

Besides the historical artifacts, the museum also offers educational programs and interactive displays. Visitors can participate in workshops, lectures, and guided tours to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and its cultural significance.

Through its exhibits and educational initiatives, the Lumbini Museum acts as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting visitors to the teachings of Buddha and inspiring a sense of reverence and admiration for the profound wisdom encapsulated in Buddhism.

A visit to the Lumbini Museum is a journey of discovery that encourages contemplation, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the historical and spiritual importance of Lumbini. It is a place where visitors can broaden their knowledge of Buddhism, appreciate its impact on human history, and gain insight into the universal teachings of compassion and peace.

Ultimately, the Lumbini Museum invites visitors to embark on a profound and transformative exploration of the ancient origins and enduring legacy of Buddhism, fostering a greater appreciation for the values of peace, enlightenment, and spiritual growth.

Monasteries in Lumbini

Lumbini is renowned for its diverse collection of monasteries, each representing a different country and Buddhist tradition. These monasteries serve as cultural and spiritual hubs, offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural heritage of various nations. Each monastery is unique in its design, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the country it represents.

As you explore the monasteries in Lumbini, you will be amazed by the intricate architectural details and the harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The monasteries are not only places of worship but also cultural and educational centers, where visitors can learn about the different Buddhist traditions and engage in spiritual practices.

One of the most striking monasteries is the Thai Monastery, with its golden spires and vibrant colors that evoke a sense of grandeur. The Thai Monastery is a visual feast, with intricately carved wooden structures and exquisite craftsmanship. Inside, visitors can find beautifully adorned halls for meditation and worship, adorned with ornate decorations.

The Chinese Monastery is another architectural gem, designed in the style of traditional Chinese architecture. With its ornate roof, intricate woodwork, and serene courtyards, the Chinese Monastery exudes a sense of tranquility and elegance. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of China and provides visitors with an immersive experience of Chinese Buddhist traditions.

The Tibetan Monastery is a reflection of Tibetan architecture and culture. Its vibrant prayer flags flutter in the wind, creating a serene and peaceful ambiance. Inside the monastery, visitors can find intricately painted murals, prayer wheels, and statues of Tibetan Buddhist deities. The Tibetan Monastery serves as a space for prayer, meditation, and the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist teachings.

Other monasteries in Lumbini include the Japanese Monastery, the Korean Monastery, the Sri Lankan Monastery, and many more. Each monastery offers a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse traditions and practices of Buddhism.

Exploring these monasteries provides an opportunity to witness the devotion and spirituality of Buddhism from around the world. You can interact with the resident monks and nuns, participate in chanting or meditation sessions, and gain insight into their way of life.

Visiting the monasteries in Lumbini is not only a cultural and architectural experience but also a spiritual one. It offers a chance to deepen one’s understanding of Buddhism and appreciate the diversity and unity of Buddhist practice across different cultures and countries.

Whether you are a Buddhist devotee, a cultural enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene and contemplative environment, the monasteries of Lumbini invite you to explore their captivating beauty, engage in spiritual practices, and embrace the rich heritage of Buddhism.

Cultural and Religious Festivals in Lumbini

Lumbini is not only a place of spiritual significance but also a hub of cultural and religious festivities. Throughout the year, various festivals and events are celebrated in Lumbini, bringing together people from different cultures and faiths. These festivals offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of traditions and celebrations. Here are some of the cultural and religious festivals that take place in Lumbini:

Vesak: Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is one of the most important Buddhist festivals celebrated in Lumbini. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha. Devotees gather at Lumbini to participate in prayer ceremonies, meditation sessions, and processions. The celebration is marked by colorful decorations, chanting of Buddhist scriptures, and the lighting of lamps and candles.

Losar: Losar is the Tibetan New Year celebrated by the Tibetan community in Lumbini. It is a vibrant and joyous festival filled with music, dance, and traditional rituals. The celebration involves the offering of prayers, the lighting of butter lamps, and the exchange of well wishes and gifts. Losar provides a glimpse into the unique Tibetan culture and its deep-rooted spiritual traditions.

Maghe Sankranti: Maghe Sankranti is a festival celebrated by the Nepali community in Lumbini to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with people taking ritual baths in sacred rivers, offering prayers to deities, and feasting on traditional Nepali delicacies. Maghe Sankranti is a time of joy, togetherness, and renewal.

Christmas: While Lumbini is primarily associated with Buddhism, Christmas is also celebrated by the Christian community in Lumbini. The festivities include midnight Mass, carol singing, and the display of nativity scenes. It is a time when locals and visitors come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to spread messages of love, compassion, and peace.

International Buddhist Conferences and Events: Lumbini also hosts international Buddhist conferences and events that attract scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts from around the world. These events feature talks, panel discussions, workshops, and interactions to deepen the understanding of Buddhist teachings and foster dialogue among different Buddhist traditions and cultures.

The cultural and religious festivals in Lumbini not only celebrate the rich heritage and diversity of Buddhism but also provide a platform for interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and the promotion of peace and harmony. They offer a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of traditions, colors, and celebrations that make Lumbini a truly enchanting and culturally rich destination.

Visiting Lumbini during these festivals allows you to witness the spiritual devotion, cultural expressions, and the sense of unity that permeates the air. It provides an opportunity to join in the celebrations, learn about different traditions, and embrace the universal messages of love, compassion, and peace that these festivals promote.

Exploring Lumbini’s Surroundings

Lumbini is not just a sacred site, but also a gateway to exploring the natural and cultural beauty of its surrounding areas. While Lumbini itself offers a wealth of historical and spiritual attractions, venturing further afield allows you to discover the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage that make Nepal a captivating destination. Here are some of the enchanting places you can explore near Lumbini:

Kapilvastu: Located about 27 km from Lumbini, Kapilvastu is an ancient city with deep historical significance. According to Buddhist scriptures, Kapilvastu was the capital city of the Shakya kingdom, where Siddhartha Gautama spent his early years. The site features ruins of ancient palaces, monasteries, and stupas, allowing visitors to step back in time and connect with the roots of Buddhism.

Tilaurakot: Situated near Kapilvastu, Tilaurakot is believed to be the exact location where Siddhartha Gautama grew up within the confines of his father’s palace. The area contains archaeological remains and ruins that offer insights into the ancient Shakya civilization. Exploring the site provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the historical context of Buddha’s early life.

Nawalparasi: Just a short distance from Lumbini, Nawalparasi is a district known for its natural beauty. The district is home to the picturesque Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and wildlife. Embark on a safari, and you may spot majestic Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, elephants, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

Devdaha: Devdaha, located about 35 km from Lumbini, is believed to be the maternal hometown of Queen Mayadevi and the place where Siddhartha Gautama’s wife, Princess Yasodhara, lived. Explore the ancient ruins, visit the Devdaha Museum, and immerse yourself in the history and legends associated with Buddha’s family and his early life.

Pokhara: While slightly further away from Lumbini, the scenic city of Pokhara is worth a visit. It is nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, tranquil lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Admire the serene beauty of Phewa Lake, hike to the World Peace Pagoda, or go paragliding for an adrenaline rush in this adventurer’s paradise.

Tansen: Tansen, located in Palpa district, is a charming hill town known for its ancient architecture and panoramic views. Explore the narrow cobbled streets, visit the historic Tansen Durbar, and immerse yourself in the rich Newari culture. The town also offers an excellent vantage point to witness mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views over the surrounding hills.

Exploring the surroundings of Lumbini provides a well-rounded experience that combines spirituality, history, and natural beauty. These neighboring destinations offer diverse attractions, allowing you to venture beyond the sacred grounds of Lumbini and embrace the cultural and geographical wonders that Nepal has to offer.

As you embark on these excursions, you will gain an even deeper appreciation for the historical roots, natural splendor, and cultural tapestry that surround Lumbini, making your visit to this sacred site even more enriching and memorable.

Lumbini holds a unique and profound significance as the birthplace of Buddha, a timeless spiritual figure who has inspired millions around the world. The journey to Lumbini offers an opportunity to delve into the historical roots of Buddhism, explore magnificent architectural wonders, and immerse oneself in the tranquility of its sacred grounds.

From the moment you set foot in Lumbini, you will be captivated by its serene ambiance, where lush gardens, peaceful ponds, and ancient monuments create an atmosphere of peace and introspection. The Mayadevi Temple and the Ashokan Pillar stand as testaments to the historical events that unfolded here, allowing visitors to connect with Buddha’s transformative journey from birth to enlightenment.

Moreover, Lumbini is not just a site for religious pilgrimage; it is a place that fosters interfaith harmony and cultural understanding. The monasteries representing different countries and Buddhist traditions showcase the vibrant diversity of Buddhism and invite visitors to explore the cultural heritage associated with each nation.

As you wander through the Sacred Garden and visit the Lumbini Museum, you will gain a deeper understanding of the teachings of Buddha and the impact of Buddhism on human history. The Eternal Peace Flame serves as a reminder of the universal desire for peace and the shared responsibility to cultivate compassion in our lives.

Beyond Lumbini, the surrounding areas offer a wealth of exploration opportunities. Kapilvastu and Tilaurakot allow you to connect with the historical context of Buddha’s early life, while Pokhara and Chitwan National Park showcase the natural beauty of Nepal. Each excursion from Lumbini offers a chance to uncover more layers of Nepal’s cultural richness and natural splendor.

In conclusion, a visit to Lumbini is a journey of contemplation, spirituality, and cultural discovery. It is a place where the ancient and the modern converge, where devotees and visitors from diverse backgrounds come together to pay homage, seek enlightenment, and embrace the teachings of peace and compassion. Whether you are a devout Buddhist, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, Lumbini offers a transformative experience that will leave an indelible mark on your spiritual and cultural explorations.

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Home » Tour in Nepal » Lumbini Travel Guide

Lumbini Travel Guide

Nepal is one of the most diverse places to travel. It has many natural, historical, cultural as well as social wonders. One place of religious fascination that floods many travelers in this country is the sacred site of Buddhists- Lumbini. Every year thousands of travelers, many of whom are devotees of various faiths, travel to Lumbini to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, is situated in Rupandehi district. It is located in the southern part of Nepal close to the Indian border. The holy site of Lumbini is home to various monuments, monasteries, the Lumbini International Research Institute, as well as a museum.

Presently, Lumbini has a length of 3 miles and a breadth of 1 mile. The holy site of Lumbini is prohibited to be used for commercial purposes. In other words, building shops, restaurants, or hotels inside the premises of this place is not allowed. The status of a World Heritage Site was granted to Lumbini in 2007.

This article will be your comprehensive travel guide to Lumbini. We will let you know all the major places in Lumbini that you are not supposed to miss out on, how to get there, the accommodation, food, and other things in this region. Exciting Nepal provides a wonderful Lumbini Tour Package. For more details contact us .

List of Monasteries in Lumbini

Chinese monastery, dharma swami maharaja buddha vihar, world peace pagoda, myanmar golden temple.

• Great Lotus Stupa, German Monastery
• Dae Sung Shakya

Other Major Attractions of Lumbini

Maya devi temple.

Maya Devi Temple is the main temple in Lumbini. The temple is adjacent to a holy pool called Pushkarini. It is believed that this is the pond where Buddha’s mother took a dip prior to his birth. It is also believed that Buddha took his first bath in this pond.

Maya Devi Temple is considered to be the temple where Buddha was born. In 2013, a group of archaeologists uncovered the evidence of the oldest Buddhist shrine discovered till date in the Lumbini Pilgrimage Center.

A Bodhi tree is situated next to Maya Devi Temple. It is widely believed that Maya Devi rested under the shade of this tree while traveling and went into labour. Therefore devotees who visit this region wrap it up with prayer flags.

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Ashokan Pillar

King Ashoka was a ruthless ruler of Mauryan Empire who ascended the throne in 269 BC. After witnessing the tragedy of the loss of human lives in a war, he resorted to the principles of nonviolence of Buddhism. He built many pillars based on the principles of Buddhism. One of those pillars, also known as Ashokan Pillars, is located in Lumbini.

The Ashokan Pillar at Lumbini is supposed to have been created on 249 BC during his pilgrimage to Lumbini. A small fence surrounds the pillar on all sides. It is decorated with colorful flags by devotees. It also houses various bowls where devotees can light up the incense sticks as a symbol of devotion to gods.

Myanmar Golden temple is one of the historically important places in the Lumbini compound. It has 3 prayer halls. Inside the temple, you can find Lokmani Pula Pagoda, a Burmese style pagoda that seems to be inspired by the Shwedagon pagoda of Yangon.

Lumbini Museum

Lumbini Museum is located in the northern part of Lumbini. It is home to artworks, photographs, as well as historical artifacts from Buddhist sites all over the world. It is an important place for people who are interested in learning the Buddhist culture.

Inside the museum, you can find various kinds of coins that date back to the first and second century. Various statues of animals and plants are found in this museum. Sculptures of Buddhist origins and photographs of various Buddhist sites from around the world are also on display in the Lumbini Museum.

Chinese Monastery is one of the most elegant structures in Lumbini which is built in pagoda style. It looks like a replica of the Forbidden City and has dogs of Fo on either side that are ready to welcome you. The Chinese Monastery in Lumbini has meditation cells and prayer rooms.

Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar is a monastery that was built by His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche and the Raja of Mustang. 60 monks who reside in this gompa conduct Tara Puja every day. In September and December, 10 day long pujas are held in this monastery. 2000 monks gather for these 10 day long holy rituals.

There are a series of Peace Pagodas, a Buddhist stupa, around the world. These stupas are designed so that they could inspire people to live in peace and harmony. Most of the Peace Pagodas were built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk from Japan. One of these Peace Pagodas is located in Lumbini.

Building the pagoda cost more than 1 million US $. The pagoda is shining white in color which has a golden statue. It is one of the most beautiful religious places in the Lumbini area.

How to Get to Lumbini from Kathmandu

There are various ways that you can use to get to Lumbini. To get to Lumbini from Kathmandu, you can use either of the following ways:

Flights are the most convenient ways to get to Lumbini from Kathmandu. The distance from Kathmandu to Lumbini is 272 kilometers. You can catch a 30 minutes flight from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Bhairahawa Airport, Lumbini. From the Bhairahawa airport, you can take a cab to Lumbini.

The distance between Bhairahawa and Lumbini is 20 kilometers. It might take you approximately 24 minutes to get to Lumbini from Bhairahawa. There are also various buses that run in the Bhairahawa-Lumbini route.

If you are looking to save some bucks to get to Lumbini, getting there on a bus might be a suitable choice. You can catch a bus to Lumbini in the Kalanki Bus Station in Kathmandu. The buses will take about 9-10 hours to reach Lumbini. Buses to Lumbini generally depart either early morning at 6-7 am or during the evening at 7 pm.

The cost of the bus depends upon whether you are taking a Deluxe bus or an A/C Deluxe box. The prices of the buses range from 800-1600 Nepali rupees.

The buses to Lumbini will drop you at Buddha Chowk, not the Lumbini Bazaar itself. You can get off the bus, cross the road and walk down the Buddha road. A few paces down the road, you will a local bus to Lumbini Bazaar. In case you are lost, you might want to reach out to the locals who will guide you to the bus station.

Hire a Private Car

If you don’t want to put up with the haggle of traveling by a local bus, you can also hire a private car. A private car might cost you US$ 80-120 per day. But if you have a group of friends, you can share the costs.

Accommodation in Lumbini

The accommodation you are likely to encounter in Lumbini might not be as luxurious as some hotels in Kathmandu. But there are plenty of hotels, resorts, and villas that you can choose to stay in. Plenty of hotels in Lumbini are scattered around the Sacred Garden.

You can also choose to stay in the monasteries if you want to. Korean Monastery is an option for you where you can stay at the price of a budget hotel. In the festive season, the monasteries tend to fill up rapidly.

Most of the hotels in Lumbini are located along Lumbini Bazaar. Besides, you can also find accommodation in Bhairahawa. You can bargain with them for discounts in off seasons.

Best Time to Visit Lumbini

Lord Buddha’s birthday is celebrated in a grand manner in Lumbini. As this auspicious occasion falls in the month of March-April, you are likely to encounter a religious experience you should not miss out on. This makes Marc-April, which are the months of the autumn season, a very good time to visit Lumbini.

In addition, spring (October-November) is also another time of the year in which travelers enjoy visiting Lumbini due to moderate amount of sunshine and mild cold. The precipitation during this time is considerably lower than the summers making traveling and sightseeing pleasant.

Traveling to Lumbini during the winters (December-early February) might be chilling as you are likely to encounter a lot of frost during the season. On the other hand, the summers (June-August) will most probably be hot and wet.

Entry Fees to Lumbini

The entry fees to Lumbini depends upon whether you are a local or a foreign national. Further, whether you choose to carry a camera, and whether the camera is a professional or an amateur one also determines the cost.

Entry Fees for Locals

If you are a Nepalese citizen and don’t have a camera, the entrance to Lumbini is free. 200 Nepali Rupees will be charged for a taking a video camera inside while you will be charged 5000 Nepali rupees if you are taking a camera for professional filming. If you choose to take only a still camera, the price will be N.Rs 15.

Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals

If you are an Indian, the entry fees is N. Rs 16. For other SAARC nationals, the entry fees is N. Rs 100. Video camera and professional filming fees are the same for Nepalese as well as Indians.

Any foreign national will have to pay 750 rupees as the entry fees. Professional filming will cost Rs. 37000 for nationals outside SAARC while a still camera will cost Rs. 200.

Lumbini to Pokhara

If you want to go to Pokhara after your visit to Lumbini, you can do that as well. Pokhara lies merely 169 kilometers from Lumbini.

You can take a bus from Lumbini to Pokhara. First you must go to Bhairahawa from Lumbini in a jeep, or a taxi, or a local bus. From Siddhartha Airport in Bhairahawa, you can catch ordinary buses leave that will take you to Pokhara. The buses leave every hour until 12 in the noon. After that, the buses depart only of there are enough passengers inside the bus.

In addition, you can also take a night bus to Pokhara. The night buses to Pokhara from Lumbini leave every hour after 5 pm until 9 pm. You can also hire a private vehicle four wheeler to get to Pokhara from Lumbini.

Final Words

Lumbini is a wonderful religious site and a pride of all Nepalese. Getting there is convenient and there is a lot of historical, religious, as well as cultural learning to do. Make sure that you don’t miss out on this beautiful place while you are in Nepal.

Exciting Nepal offers the following trip where you get the chance to visit Lumbini.

• Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
• Hill Station and Pilgrimage tour

Managing Director

Mr. Subash K.C ventured into the tourism industry after completing his studies in Management Stream in 2001 at Tribhuvan University. Mr. K.C, born and brought up in the Lalitpur district, is keenly interested in exploring the different trekking routes. Getting the opportunity to work in the tourism industry helped him gather insights about trekking across Nepal. In addition, he also learned about customer care and group management. By leading solo and group trekkers himself, he started collecting data about many trekking destinations in Nepal. He creates an enriching experience for national and international travelers through exceptional hospitality.

Apart from managing trekking and tours, Mr K.C also handles client inquiries, accommodation reservations, arrangements of transportation and flights, and other logistics. Recognizing the importance of personalized service, he proactively takes care of clients' needs and requirements. He is fluent in English and excels in organizing treks, tours, and adventure sports in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.

He is highly committed to promoting responsible tourism and prioritizes client satisfaction by providing top-notch service through his well-organized company. He believes that through responsible traveling, we can protect the natural environment and promote sustainability. He has expanded his knowledge by traveling to various countries worldwide, such as India, Bhutan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Thailand, China, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, USA, Japan, UK, Canada etc and is passionate about exploring more destinations.

Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

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Unesco social media, lumbini, the birthplace of the lord buddha.

• Description

Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Lumbini, lieu de naissance du Bouddha

Siddharta Gautama, le Bouddha, est né en 623 av. J.-C. dans les célèbres jardins de Lumbini et son lieu de naissance est devenu un lieu de pèlerinage. Parmi les pèlerins se trouvait l'empereur indien Asoka qui a fait édifier à cet endroit l'un de ses piliers commémoratifs. Le site est maintenant un foyer de pèlerinage centré sur les vestiges associés au début du bouddhisme et à la naissance du Bouddha.

لومبيني، مكان ولادة بوذا

ولد سيدهرتا غوتاما أي بوذا في العام 623 ق.م. في حدائق لومبيني الشهيرة التي أصبحت مكانًا للحج. وكان من بين الحجاج الامبراطور الهندي اسوكا الذي شيد في هذا المكان إحدى دعائمه التذكارية. ويُعتبر هذا الموقع اليوم مركزًا للحج يتضمَّن بشكلٍ أساسي الآثار المرتبطة ببداية البوذية و بولادة بوذا.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

释迦牟尼佛祖于公元前623年诞生于兰毗尼一座著名的花园，后来该处就成为朝圣之地。印度的阿育王也是朝拜者之一，并在此建立了一个他的纪念碑。这里现在已逐渐成为佛教徒的朝圣中心，以考古遗迹和佛祖诞生地为主要特色。

Lumbini, lugar de nacimiento de Buda

Sidharta Gautama, Buda, nació el año 623 a.C. en los famosos jardines de Lumbini, que pronto se convertirían en un lugar de peregrinación. Un ilustre peregrino, el emperador indio Asoka, ordenó erigir en ellos uno de sus pilares conmemorativos. Hoy en día, este sitio sigue siendo un centro de peregrinación, en el que los vestigios arqueológicos vinculados al nacimiento de Buda y los comienzos del budismo constituyen uno de sus principales centros de interés.

source: NFUAJ

Lumbini, geboorteplaats van de Boeddha

Siddhartha Gautama, de Boeddha, werd geboren in 623 voor Christus in de beroemde tuinen van Lumbini, gelegen in de zuidwestelijke Terai van Nepal. Lumbini werd al snel een bedevaartsoord. In 249 voor Christus maakte de vrome boeddhistische keizer Ashoka een pelgrimstocht naar deze stad en richtte er een van zijn herdenkingszuilen op. De plaats ontwikkelt zich nu tot een boeddhistisch bedevaartcentrum, waar de archeologische overblijfselen verbonden met de geboorte van de Boeddha een prominente plaats innemen. Lumbini behoort tot de meest heilige en kenmerkende plaatsen voor een van ’s werelds grootste religies.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

The Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC in the sacred area of Lumbini located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal, testified by the inscription on the pillar erected by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. Lumbini is one of the holiest places of one of the world's great religions, and its remains contain important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from as early as the 3rd century BC.

The complex of structures within the archaeological conservation area includes the Shakya Tank; the remains within the Maya Devi Temple consisting of brick structures in a cross-wall system dating from the 3rd century BC to the present century and the sandstone Ashoka pillar with its Pali inscription in Brahmi script. Additionally there are the excavated remains of Buddhist viharas (monasteries) of the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD and the remains of Buddhist stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.

Criterion (iii): As the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, testified by the inscription on the Asoka pillar, the sacred area in Lumbini is one of the most holy and significant places for one of the world’s great religions.

Criterion (vi): The archaeological remains of the Buddhist viharas (monasteries) and stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD, provide important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from a very early period.

The integrity of Lumbini has been achieved by means of preserving the archaeological remains within the property boundary that give the property its Outstanding Universal Value. The significant attributes and elements of the property have been preserved. The buffer zone gives the property a further layer of protection. Further excavations of potential archaeological sites and appropriate protection of the archaeological remains are a high priority for the integrity of the property. The property boundary however does not include the entire archaeological site and various parts are found in the buffer zone. The entire property including the buffer zone is owned by the Government of Nepal and is being managed by the Lumbini Development Trust and therefore there is little threat of development or neglect. However the effects of industrial development in the region have been identified as a threat to the integrity of the property.

The authenticity of the archaeological remains within the boundaries has been confirmed through a series of excavations since the discovery of the Asoka pillar in 1896. The remains of viharas, stupas and numerous layers of brick structures from the 3rd century BC to the present century at the site of the Maya Devi Temple are proof of Lumbini having been a centre of pilgrimage from early times. The archaeological remains require active conservation and monitoring to ensure that the impact of natural degradation, influence of humidity and the impact of the visitors are kept under control. The property continues to express its Outstanding Universal Value through its archaeological remains. The delicate balance must be maintained between conserving the archaeological vestiges of the property while providing for the pilgrims.

The property site is protected by the Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1956. The site management is carried out by the Lumbini Development Trust, an autonomous and non-profit making organization. The entire property is owned by the Government of Nepal. The property falls within the centre of the Master Plan area, the planning of which was initiated together with the United Nations and carried out by Prof. Kenzo Tange between 1972 and 1978.

The long-term challenges for the protection and management of the property are to control the impact of visitors, and natural impacts including humidity and the industrial development in the region. A Management Plan is in the process of being developed to ensure the long-term safeguarding of the archaeological vestiges of the property while allowing for the property to continue being visited by pilgrims and tourists from around the world.

• World Heritage Journeys web site
• Nepal Tourism Board

State of Conservation (SOC)

Lumbini Travel Tips – Honest Tips for Visiting the Birthplace of Buddha!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 17, 2023

Categories LUMBINI , NEPAL

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Lumbini is famous in Nepal for being the birthplace of Buddha. Thousands of pilgrims visit here every year to worship, meditate and learn at the site.

Throughout the years, the temple complex has grown from just one temple to commemorate the birthplace, to a whole monastic complex with beautiful Buddhist temples which have been donated from around the world!

Personally, I found Lumbini to be quite perplexing.

There were all these great temples on the one side and then a terrible underfunded city on the other. So, it was great to visit the temples but not a fantastic place for tourists and travellers who want to visit there.

I wouldn’t say I regretted my time there as I found the temples to be stunning, but I definitely wouldn’t spend more than one night in the future.

As a result, I wanted to put down all my experiences and so I have created some honest Lumbini travel tips which will help other travellers when visiting Lumbini!

Make sure you save these Lumbini travel tips for later!

1. you can only get here by local bus.

Unfortunately, local buses are the only way to get to Lumbini.

Even though they are called ‘tourist’ buses, none of them have A/C and they’re a pretty hot and dreary ride.

From Chitwan , we had to catch one 4 hours bumpy bus to Bhairahawa and then a local bus to Lumbini.

The local bus was pretty chaotic and most of the people were standing or sitting on the floor. But, it was dirt cheap and only 30 minutes so it’s tolerable.

You’ll get dropped off at the Lumbini ‘Bus Stand’ which is just a stop on the road when you arrive.

2. Be careful when getting a rickshaw to your hotel

Once you get off the bus there will be a crowd of rickshaw drivers waiting for you. It’s worth checking the distance to your hotel before you board one.

I stupidly agreed to a 100 rupee fare to go 500m down the road! A walkable distance.

In the end, I negotiated it into a rickshaw tour for the next day but still, don’t expect them to be honest about the distances!

To be fair, if you can’t stand the heat, a rickshaw is a good idea if you have a lot of luggage. But it’s good to try and save some pennies, or at least negotiate him down!

I was just so hot and delirious after my journey I lost the will haha.

3. Hotels are terrible! Stay in a monastery if you can

If you want a bit of entertainment before you get to Lumbini it’s worth checking out some of the hotel reviews in the area on Booking.com . They are all pretty terrible.

Although the reviews were also bad, I got lucky with Hotel Peace Palace . It was spartan but clean and had good air con!

The rate was super expensive though and they charge way more than it’s worth.

If you’re running out of options, check the dates rates here.

A lot of backpackers we met were staying in the monasteries around the area.

For only $5USD a night, they had a bed in a dorm, a shared bathroom, and 3 meals of Dhal bat a day!

SO much better than eating outside (which I’ll cover below). This is what I would do next time. My hotel was nice enough but the value for money wasn’t.

4. Rickshaws are a good way to get around… but haggle

As mentioned above, it’s good to note that Tuk Tuk drivers are pretty cutthroat around here.

They will charge you double for almost everything. For a half-day rickshaw guide, we negotiated 800 rupees.

But, by the end, after I had heard all his stories about his son needing medical treatment and a lady from France who took pity on him and have him a lakh (100,000 Indian rupees but not sure if it’s true). I felt bad and bumped it up to 1000 rupees.

Sure, it may not be much extra, but, he did rip me off, to begin with, and I wasn’t sure what to trust.

Prices should be 800 Nepalese rupees for a half-day tour of 4 hours. For a full day, it’s around 1500 NPR.

5. The only things to see here are temples

Keep in mind that it’s only temples to see here. So, for some, this may be your worst nightmare!

Personally, I love exploring temples, seeing the pilgrims visiting, and observing all the life and architecture inside so I thought it was time well spent.

The birthplace of Buddha is an absolute must but after that, you can pick and choose what temples you want to visit.

The Buddhist temples here are donated from all over Asia and it’s spectacular to see all the different styles of design.

You can see Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, and South Korea all in one day – no flights or Visas required ;)

There are also temples donated from France and Germany which have a Buddhist influence.

6. Start your tour early to beat the heat!

When I visited in October, it was absolutely boiling. I couldn’t believe the humidity compared to the rest of Nepal!

This is partly because we were now out of the mountains and heading into the border of India.

To beat the heat I would recommend leaving your hotel at 7 am.

That way you can beat the harsh temperatures and avoid burning your feet.

Most temples require you to take off your shoes and so the floor is like lava by midday!

7. You have to take off your shoes… A LOT.

Every temple in Lumbini requires you to take your shoes off when entering. So, I’d wear flip-flops, sandals, or something you can easily slide on and off.

It can get little tiresome untying shoes and taking socks off all the time.

Some places have mats that have been wetted down to cool the floor for visitors, but some, like the peace pagoda, do not have this luxury.

You’ll be walking on bricks and stones which have been baked in the sun!

I’d bring socks with you if you have sensitive feet, but check if it’s permitted before entering.

8. The temples are not open all day

I was surprised to learn that the temples shut at lunchtime. I guess I just presumed it was a 24 hours a day for worship kind of place.

Saying this, I think it is open for worship but just not for tourists.

The birthplace of Buddha opens from 5 am – 7 pm and is open all day.

The other temples are open from 7 am – 1 pm and then reopen after lunch at 2/3 pm until 5 pm.

Keep this in mind if you’re just visiting for half a day as you may be waiting around.

9. The only temple that costs money is the birthplace of Buddha

The birthplace of Buddha is a UNESCO world heritage site and is the only temple that charges for entry here and it’s worth the price.

Tickets are 200 rupees for foreigners and 50 for SAARC countries. All the rest of the temples are completely free!

10. All the restaurants are pretty bad (that’s not an exaggeration)

If you google Tripadvisor restaurants in Lumbini , there are 5 in total. All have reviews of inedible food and bad hygiene.

I was suspicious and did wonder if it was all true but when I sampled the food myself, it was really bad!

My hotel served up a Thukpa with ants swimming in it. So, we headed out to the main bazaar to have a look at alternative restaurants.

We asked some locals whether they knew of any nice places to eat and they said there weren’t any, Haha!

So, we headed to the one with the least bad reviews which was Third Vision restaurant .

This is the only place I would recommend eating. The Nepalese food was just okay and we were joined by flies for dinner.

But, on the positive side, it was food and it didn’t make us sick! We only ate hereafter that but there are some other options you can gamble with.

11. There are SO many bugs at night and will join you for dinner !

Whether it’s the heat or the fact it’s in a remote location after sunset all the bugs come out to play.

They will literally nose dive into your face, crawl in your hair and join you for dinner!

Third Vision did have an indoor section to stop some flying in with the fan on which helped.

My hotel room had air conditioning and a mosquito lamp which helped with the room itself but the bathroom had a vent with holes which let in flies and spiders!

By the end of my stay my bathroom sink and the floor were full of them.. wear decent bug spray and watch out for them on your toothbrush. Ewww!

12. Dress conservatively

Lumbini is a religious pilgrimage site and so you should dress appropriately for visiting the temples and around the people that visit them.

This means shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women! If you don’t do this, you could be refused entry to the temples.

13. Not all the temples are finished yet

Lumbini is a huge complex and some of the temples are still under construction.

For example, the Cambodian temple is partly finished and won’t be completed until mid-2018.

But, it’s still beautiful and worth a look outside at the progress!

Our guide told us that there are going to be far more temples built here in the future.

Only half of the Cambodian temple was painted, half was under construction! Still beautiful though :)

14. Consider cycling around

A rickshaw was great as the heat was pretty hard to handle. Plus, it covered more ground in a short amount of time.

But, cycling also is a great alternative. This way, you can take your time to explore, plan your own itinerary and not feel rushed by your rickshaw driver.

Keep in mind that the temples shut halfway through the day so you may want to split your ride between the morning and afternoon.

15. Go to the peace pagoda for sunset

Although this peace pagoda in Lumbini isn’t placed on a vantage point like others in Nepal, this one is still a beauty.

At sunset, the floor has cooled down and the sun creates a gorgeous orange glow against the white temple.

Here, you may see Buddhist pilgrims circling and chanting and people meditating.

It’s definitely worth a look at any time of day but my favourite was when the sun goes down.

16. Don’t spend longer than one night here

After you’ve seen the temples which only takes a morning, there is literally nothing else to do here.

So, I would recommend not spending more than one night unless you really want to.

The hotels and restaurants are too terrible to bear longer than that!!

The only reason why I stayed longer than one night was because I wanted to get through the Indian border early in the morning and get a bus to Varanasi. It couldn’t come sooner.

17. Ask if the price is in Nepalese rupees or Indian rupees

As you are so close to the Indian border, Nepalese and Indian rupee are accepted in Lumbini and both have very different exchange rates (well to the British Pound anyway)!

Make sure you clarify how much everything is before you pay and in what rupee.

It may be worth downloading a conversion app to check what price it is for your currency.

ATMs will only distribute Nepalese rupees, but there are currency converters in the main bazaar if you need Indian money.

Read more about Nepal

Here are some related articles to Lumbini and your next destinations in Nepal!;

A Quick Travel Guide to Lumbini: The Birthplace of Buddha

The Ultimate guide to Chitwan National Park

Your travel guide to Pokhara in Nepal

The Ultimate Kathmandu bucket list!

Garden of Dreams Kathmandu

A complete guide for Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal bus travel guide

Taking an Everest Flight from Kathmandu

Save these Lumbini travel tips for later!

Forevere Trek Nepal

Monday 22nd of July 2019

Thank you so much for such a good article. It was very helpful and informative too.

Sandeep Malla

Tuesday 13th of November 2018

Hi Sophie,I absolutely love your blogging which you had shared your real experience.I reckon that you had visited Lumbini in off-season.The best season to visit there is from end of November to end of February because at that time there starts winter season which make tolerable weather.Unlike Kathmandu and Pokhara, Lumbini is located in Teria region closed to Indian border so there is hot weather mostly.Regarding the bus,I guess you had travel in mini bus.If you want travel in Delux bus which has AC,charger,water facility,Wifi and so on then you have to travel at night because they usually run at night time.However traveling fair is quite high.As you mentioned that there is nothing except visiting temples thats true as it is Holy place. However you can go night club but for this you have to visit Butwal city for which it takes 45 min from Bhairahawa city(Lumbini area). Please do not expect expect big night club like in those Kathmandu as these city are small and less density population area.Similarly for accommodation, there are different range of hotel from 5 star to local cheapest hotel.As there is saying you get what you pay for so service depend on your pay.I admit that there is bumpy and dusty road as there is under construction of road to extend there length.However to eliminate this you can travel by domestic airway.Moreover if you want save your time and money asked for lift to local people(for nepali only) whenever you see single rider as they love to give you ride and want interact with foreigner.

Sophie Pearce

Tuesday 20th of November 2018

Hi Sandeep, thanks for the comments. I did indeed go in the off season but I would say that Lumbini would always be the same experience whether you went in the on/off season. It's a religious site and not necessarily set up for tourism (just yet). I feel a lot needs to be done in terms of funding the infrastructure of the city itself to make it a more accessible place for tourists. Good tip about the club but 45 mins is quite a long excursion and the transport options are limited. Sophie x

Nepal Car Rent

Wednesday 10th of October 2018

Lumbini is always a great place to travel . Travel to Lumibini to with VEhicles Rental NEPAL

Saturday 29th of September 2018

Thanks for these tips Sophie. My wife is Buddhist and this would be a good visit for a day from our Kathmandu visit.

Ah it’s definitely the place to go if you’re Buddhist ! The temples there are incredible! Thanks for reading and enjoy the trip. Sophie x

Sunday 3rd of June 2018

The birthplace of Buddha.. Always wanting to be there

It was an incredible visit! Thanks for reading. Sophie x

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Exploring Lumbini and Beyond: A Journey into Nepal’s Nature, Spiritual and Cultural Heart

Lumbini , the birthplace of Lord Buddha, offers a transformative experience, guiding visitors through his teachings and journey. Beyond Lumbini’s boundaries lie nearby attractions that provide a deep immersion into the region’s vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.

Lumbini serves as a central hub for exploration in multiple directions. If you head west, you can visit prominent attractions such as Maya Devi Temple, Kudan, Gothihawa, Nilgihawa, Jagidshpur Reservoir, and Sagarhawa. On the other hand, if you move eastward, you’ll discover fascinating destinations like Devdaha, Ramagrama, Balmiki Ashram, and Chitwan.

North of Lumbini, you can discover Butwal, a vibrant city serving as a gateway to the hilly regions of western Nepal. It offers a mix of urban amenities and cultural experiences. In contrast, Tansen, a hill station in the Palpa district, showcases medieval architecture and stunning Himalayan views, providing a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage. Moreover, in the east-west direction, make sure to visit the Chhapia fish farm, adding another interesting stop to your itinerary.

To fully experience Lumbini and its surroundings, it is recommended to allocate approximately 4-5 days. There are many interesting places to see and will have plenty of chances to explore and enjoy your time there.

Embark on a captivating journey beyond Lumbini, Nepal’s spiritual heart, and discover a wealth of ancient historical sites, vibrant cultural experiences, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes:

Table of Contents

Maya Devi Temple: Spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhārtha Gautama

Maya Devi Temple, dating between the 3rd and 5th centuries, marks the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. Renowned for its Marker Stone placed by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, the temple symbolizes deep spiritual reverence for Buddhists worldwide. Within the complex, visitors can witness this sacred stone which shows the exact birthplace of the Buddha. Nearby is the Puskarini, a holy pool where Queen Maya Devi bathed before giving birth. This tank is older than the Buddha himself. Around the sacred area, there are rows of stupas, with thirty-one discovered so far, mainly votive stupas. (Source: Chetan Pant’s article) Pilgrims and tourists can embark on a profound spiritual journey, connecting with Buddhism’s origins, and reflecting on the teachings that emerged from this significant site.

Tilaurakot: Tracing Buddha’s Early Life

Tilaurakot, located 24 km from Lumbini, is the site of Kapilavastu, where Lord Gautama Buddha is said to have lived for 29 years. The excavation of Tilaurakot offers valuable insights into the historical life of Buddha.

In addition to its Buddhist importance, Tilaurakot also holds significance in Hinduism. Within the ancient walls, there is a contemporary Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Samai Mai, attracting regular worshipers.

Kudan: A Sacred Relic and Symbol of Buddhist History

Kudan, formerly Nyigrodharama, is a historically significant site related to Buddha, located around 6 kilometers (3.5 miles) from his childhood home in Tilaurakot. It marks the place where Buddha had his initial meeting with his father, King Suddhodhana, after achieving enlightenment. This site played a crucial role in spreading Buddha’s teachings, as his family, including his son Rahula, who became ordained at the age of 8, embraced his mission.

When you visit Kudan today, you can follow Buddha’s footsteps and admire a collection of remarkable stupas. The first Stupa, called the Rahula Stupa, is where Rahula received teachings from Sariputra, one of Buddha’s disciples.

Transitioning to the second Stupa, you will find the exact spot where Buddha met his father for the first time after enlightenment, conveying the Panchashila (Five Precepts) to him.

Continuing onward, the third Stupa symbolizes Buddha’s mother presenting him with saffron robes, while his wife Yashodhara invited him for a meal.

Moreover, the ancient wells and the Nyigrodharama pond are additional alluring attractions that await you at this site.

Gothihawa: Birthplace of Lord Krakuchanda

Gothihawa, the birthplace of Lord Krakuchanda, holds deep spiritual and historical significance. Visitors can immerse themselves in a serene ambiance and connect with the rich legacy of this revered figure in Buddhist history.

Niglihawa: Uncovering the Ancient Secrets of a Buddhist Site

Niglihawa is the birthplace of Kanakmuni Buddha. In 249 BC, King Ashoka visited the site and installed the Ashoka pillar, which is now broken into two parts. Unfortunately, the Stupa that was once present at the site is currently absent. The pillar itself contains two distinct inscriptions, one in Pali language and the other in Sanskrit.

Jagdispur Reservoir: A Serene Oasis and Birdwatching

While exploring Lumbini and its surroundings, make sure to visit the peaceful Jagdishpur Reservoir, a manmade reservoir established in 1979 for irrigation purposes. This reservoir, listed in Ramsar on August 13, 2003, offers a serene escape and serves as a sanctuary for observing birds. Be on the lookout for various bird species, including waterfowl, raptors, herons, egrets, and kingfishers, among others. During winter, the reservoir becomes even more captivating as migratory birds grace its surroundings. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera to capture the mesmerizing beauty of these feathered creatures in their natural habitat.

Lumbini Crane Sanctuary: Continuing the Legacy of Lord Buddha

Lumbini Garden and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, has become a large crane sanctuary that covers 6 square kilometers, including the ruins of Tilaurakot Palace where Siddhartha Gautam once lived. This unique attraction in Nepal is highly recommended for visitors interested in Buddhism and wildlife conservation. The sanctuary works actively to protect endangered Sarus Cranes in the wetlands around Lumbini by creating a community dedicated to conservation, restoring their natural habitat, and promoting education. The sanctuary continues the mission started by Gautam Buddha 2,500 years ago and allows visitors to see the blue bull, a species similar to an antelope.

Tharu Homestays: Experiencing the Vibrant Culture

Near the reservoir, homestays offer a comfortable and immersive experience for visitors. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to experience the vibrant Tharu lifestyle firsthand. They can witness the customs, dances, and folk music performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Tharu people.

You may have the chance to observe Tharu dances, music, and cultural shows showcasing their mythology, folklore, and agricultural practices, depending on when you visit. These lively performances provide insight into the artistic expressions and communal spirit of the Tharu community.

Savoring the Flavors: Exploring Traditional Tharu Cuisine

While in Lumbini, immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and indulge in the rich culinary traditions of the region. A must-try is Tharu cuisine, which showcases locally sourced ingredients and reflects the community’s agricultural heritage. It’s a delicious way to fully experience the local flavors and gain deeper insights into the culture.

Sagarahawa: The Massacre Site of the Sakyas

Sagarhawa, located about 12 kilometers north of Taulihawa, is a forest area containing a significant rectangular tank known as Lumbusagar or the long tank. These ancient tank ruins were discovered by Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer in 1859 and hold historical importance as the “Place of the Massacre of the Shakyas.”

According to archaeologists, King Virudhaka, the son of Prasenajita Raja of Kosala, is believed to have orchestrated the revengeful act that resulted in the tragic demise of approximately 77,000 Shakyas. In honor of the fallen Shakya tribe members, several stupas have been built at the site. Visitors can explore these ruins located on the southwestern banks of Sagar.

Devdaha: The Maternal Home of Buddha

Continue your journey to Devdaha, the maternal home of Buddha. Queen Mayadevi, Buddha’s mother, is believed to have grown up in this place. Take the opportunity to wander through the ancient ruins, monasteries, and pagodas that grace the surrounding scenery. Engage yourself in the captivating legends and tales that revolve around Devdaha, as they hold a prominent position in Buddhist folklore.

Ramagrama: The Mysterious Relic Stupa

Ramagrama, situated near Lumbini, holds great significance in Buddhist history. It is home to the revered Ramagrama Stupa, which is believed to contain one of Buddha’s relics, specifically his ashes from the cremation.

According to Buddhist texts, Emperor Asoka desired to open the relic and construct 84,000 smaller Stupas throughout his empire. However, he honored the wishes of a serpent and the local residents of Ramagrama, who asked that the relic remain undisturbed. This sacred site holds profound reverence as a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Experience a tranquil atmosphere at the Ramagrama Stupa, where you can engage in meditation sessions filled with spiritual energy.

The Holiest and Most Revered: The Rohini River in Buddhist Scriptures

The Rohini River, originating from the Siwalik hills and flowing through forests and plains, holds great importance in Buddhist scriptures. Once, during a severe drought, a dispute arose between the Sakyas and the Koliyas over water from a nearby dam, risking conflict. Informed of the situation, Lord Sakyamuni Buddha traveled from Vaisali and successfully convinced the warring groups to avoid battle, emphasizing the importance of family unity. As a result, the two sides peacefully shared the water, restoring harmony. This event inspired around 500 Sakyas and Koliyas to embrace Buddhism after hearing Lord Sakyamuni Buddha’s teachings.

Balmiki Ashram: A Spiritual Haven in the Heart of Nature

Located within the scenic and protected jungle area of Chitwan National Park, the Balmiki Ashram holds great historical and spiritual importance. It showcases ancient ruins associated with Balmiki Rishi, the esteemed author of Ramayana, and the presence of Sita and her sons, Lava and Kush.

Nature Retreats: Serenity in the Wilderness

After visiting Lumbini, you have the opportunity to explore nearby national parks such as Chitwan, located approximately 120 km away. In Chitwan, you can completely engage with the natural surroundings and uncover tranquil and secluded areas that are perfect for profound reflection and contemplation.

Chhapiya Fish Farming: Nurturing Aquatic Life for Sustainable Harvest

Chhapiya Fish Farming, located in Rupandehi, is a prominent operation that involves the active participation of every household in the village. This collective engagement showcases the community’s strong dedication to fish farming. Additionally, the village places great importance on preserving the culture and traditions of the Tharu community. Visitors to the village can enjoy boating on the fish ponds, adding to their overall experience. The presence of multiple restaurants further enhances the culinary offerings, providing a wide variety of delicious fish dishes to both locals and tourists.

Chhapia’s fish farming industry holds a significant position in the agricultural landscape of the Lumbini region, contributing to its overall development.

Lumbini Cable Car and Butwal Cable Car

Tourists often begin their journey in Basantpur, a popular destination in Butwal, when visiting Palpa, Pokhara, Muktinath, and Dhorpatan. The construction of the Lumbini cable car, connecting Basantpur and Palpa, is nearly finished and is currently undergoing technical testing. It consists of 25 gondolas, each accommodating eight passengers.

Workers are currently renovating the Durga Temple in Basantpur to resemble India’s Kamaksha Temple. Moreover, they are constructing a children’s park, restaurant, and viewpoint. The pleasant climate and natural beauty of Basantpur draw tourists who delight in the short 10-minute cable car ride from Butwal.

Preparations are underway for the Siddharth Cable Car Limited, which will connect Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, to Nuwakot in Palpa. The cable car’s base station will have six steps, representing Buddha’s seven steps at birth, with the final step in Nuwakot. Covering a distance of 1.94 km, the cable car journey takes approximately seven minutes to reach the top station. Nuwakot is renowned for its historical sites, including Raja Manimukund Sen’s summer palace, the Topahan area, Kharakhjanaghar, and Ranikuwa. The cable car project originates from the historically significant Mani-Mukundasen Udyan Phulbari in Butwal.

Apart from the cable car project, several other initiatives are taking place in Nuwakot, including the construction of the Kalabhairava Temple, Big Buddha Statue, Manimukunda Sen Park, Cultural Museum, and Sage Kaldeval Temple. Additionally, a viewing tower has been erected, and the foundation stone for the Balaji Temple has been laid, with blessings and inauguration conducted by a revered Guru from India.

Batauli Market: Butwal’s Timeless 600-Year-Old Marketplace

Butwal, previously known as Batauli, is a city in the Rupandehi district of the Lumbini province. Despite modernization, the old Batauli market, which has a history spanning nearly 600 years, still remains. There have been efforts to revive and transform this historical market into a tourist-oriented destination.

They renamed the market Butwal-Khasyoli Municipality in 2016, changing its previous name from Butwal-Khasyuli Nagar Panchayat during the Panchayat system. Batauli, originally located opposite the current main market, gradually expanded to include Wari Khasyauli.

Jitgadi Fort: Fortress during Anglo Nepal War

The Nuwakotgarhi Fort at the entrance of Batauli Bazaar is historically significant as it is connected to the victorious Jitgadhi Fort in a battle against the British during the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1816 AD. The Gorkha army, led by Ujir Singh Thapa, emerged triumphant in this battle known as Jeetgadhi. The fort serves as a historic reminder of the conflicts that shaped the city’s history.

Adjacent to the fort is a revered Bhairava temple with historical value. Near Nuwakot Gadhi, the meditation center of Guru Rishi Kaldeval (Ashutosh), the spiritual guide of King Suddhodana, is believed to be associated with Buddhist civilization.

Siddhibaba Temple: Center of religious faith

The Siddha Baba Temple, a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts a large number of devotees and is situated near Butwal in the Palpa district of Nepal. Believers place their faith in the temple’s ability to fulfill their desires, and as a ritual, the temple releases a pigeon when a wish is granted, leading to a noticeable population of pigeons in the temple vicinity.

Siddha Baba: A wandering place of the primitive Rampithecus

The discovery of dental remains from the Ramapithecus species in the Siddha Baba area is very important for anthropology. Scientists believe that Ramapithecus is related to Asian Great Apes. They found fossils of Ramapithecus in 1932 near the Tinau River, also called Paari Butwal. One of the discoveries was a tooth estimated to be 10.1 million years old. To protect the site, they created Ramapithecus Park next to the temple.

Tansen: A Glimpse into Newari Architecture and Culture

Experience the picturesque town of Tansen , located near Lumbini, which combines history and tradition. With its charming Newari architecture and rich cultural heritage, Tansen offers a unique ambiance. Take leisurely walks along cobbled streets, explore Tansen Durbar Square, and embrace the vibrant local culture. Moreover, make sure not to miss the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from the Srinagar Hilltop.

Rani Mahal: Exploring the Royal Palace

The 19th-century Rani Mahal in Palpa, was once the queen’s residence, combining Nepali and European influences with intricate wood carvings, courtyards, and spacious rooms. With its regal history, this palace has become a popular tourist spot, showcasing Palpa’s grandeur.

Bhairavsthan: Sacred Shrine of Palpa

The locals hold great religious and cultural significance for Bhairavsthan, a temple located in Palpa, dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a powerful incarnation of Lord Shiva. Drawing visitors and devotees, this central place of worship hosts various ceremonies, fostering devotion and unity within the Palpa community.

Palpa Ridi Bazaar and Cremation Site: Harmonious integration of daily life and sacred customs

Palpa Ridi Bazaar in Nepal is a bustling marketplace where locals and tourists trade various goods, including traditional crafts, clothing, fresh produce, and household items, creating a vibrant hub of activity.

Next to the market, the cremation site in Ridi has great cultural and religious importance. Located near the calm Kali Gandaki River, it offers a serene setting for performing Hindu funeral rituals. Families gather in this tranquil environment to bid their final farewells to their loved ones who have passed away.

Satyawati Taal/ Lake: If you shout your wish out it will come true

Satyawati Lake in Nepal’s Palpa district is a religiously significant Hindu pilgrimage site located in the village of Satyawati. Named after the Goddess Sand, this sacred lake offers stunning views of the Himalayan range. Along the trail to Satyawati village, you’ll encounter Budhi Satyawati Lake, known for attracting migratory birds, although it usually dries up from mid-April to mid-June.

The area is also home to a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Satyawati. Pilgrims actively participate in a fair during the month of Kartik (Oct/Nov), believing that they can have their wishes granted by the ancient goddess by circling the lake three times and shouting. Due to the goddess’s poor hearing, people deem shouting as necessary. Additionally, people shout to seek a suitable groom. Visitors can also partake in a sacred bath and witness religious rituals involving animal and bird sacrifices.

To reach the lake, several foot trails are available, with the main trail commencing near Siddhartha Rajmarg. By undertaking a two-hour uphill trek from the main road, you can reach this starting point, located approximately 35 km south of Tansen, the Palpa district headquarters, and 19 km north of Butwal.

Here are additional gems to discover beyond the well-known attractions in the vicinity of Lumbini:

Lumbini Treasures: Discovering Authentic Local Souvenirs

Lumbini offers a diverse selection of Buddhist-themed souvenirs, capturing the essence of this sacred site. Whether you’re interested in statues, handicrafts, clothing, or incense, Lumbini provides a variety of options to choose from.

Explore weekly Hat Bazaar (Rural market): A Vibrant Marketplace of Local Delights

Explore Lumbini’s diverse Hat Bazaars for a rich cultural experience. Discover a wide range of handicrafts, textiles, fresh produce, spices, and more. By visiting these markets, you can find unique souvenirs and connect with the local community. Your support also boosts the local economy. These vibrant gatherings bring people from diverse backgrounds together, leaving a lasting and energetic impression. It’s an opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate Lumbini’s cultural heritage.

In conclusion, exploring Lumbini and beyond immerses travelers in the essence of Nepal’s nature, spirituality, and culture. It provides a holistic experience, fusing spiritual enlightenment, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

This transformative journey deepens our understanding of Buddhism while uncovering the intrinsic beauty and serenity of Nepal. Eventually, it leaves an enduring impact on the hearts and souls of those who undertake this captivating exploration.

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Lumbini Nepal: from Where the Buddhism Bloomed

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Lumbini Travel Guide

Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Kapilvastu district and is the holiest place for Buddhists. It is a place where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam, the founder of Buddhism. Lumbini is one of the most visited heritage sites in Nepal which has great historical importance. This pilgrimage site not only attracts Buddhists but also people from all other religions. Mostly, people from outside the country prefer visiting this heritage site as it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Lumbini is a peaceful city that attracts many visitors from around the world every year. The historic city where Siddhartha Gautam was born dates back to 523 B.C who later found enlightenment and became Lord Buddha. The place later became popular within the internationals as well when Indian ruler Ashoka visited the place and erected one of the commemorative pillars.

Today Lumbini houses over twenty-five international Buddhist monasteries and Buddhism meditation centers. Mayadevi Temple is one of the most important sites in Lumbini which is the birth spot of Buddha. Maya Devi temple was a place where the newly born Buddha took up his first seven steps and gave a peaceful message to humanity. Furthermore, different countries have built different carved monasteries in Lumbini. Japan, China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Germany are some of them. Here in Lumbini, one can know the cultural importance of the place by visiting Panditarama Vipassana Center. Besides, one can engage in meditation and yoga therapy, one can also interact with monks who worship in the vicinity of monasteries.

Monasteries in Lumbini

Lumbini has always been an important spiritual destination. Starting with the famous visit by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC and to the visit of several Buddhist countries in Asia, it is one of the pilgrimage sites in  Nepal . Several countries have established local monasteries as a way to offer practical and spiritual assistance to their citizens. In addition, with its design, reflecting the architectural and religious styles of the different nations, these monasteries are now the shrines of Lumbini.

• Ka-Nying Shedrup Monastery (Seto Gumba), Nepal (under construction)
• Zarong Thupten Mendol Dogna Chholing, Nepal (under construction)
• Urgen Dorjee Choling Buddhist Center, Singapore
• Nepal Vajrayana Maha Vihara, Nepal (under construction)
• French Buddhist Association, France
• The Great Lotus Stupa (Tara Foundation), Germany
• Drikung Kagyud Meditation Center, Ladakh
• The World Linh Son Buddhist Congregation, France
• Japanese Monastery, Japan (under construction)
• United Tungaram Buddhist Foundation, Nepal
• Thrangu Vajra Vidya Buddhist Association, Canada
• Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu, Vietnam
• Geden International Monastery, Austria
• Chinese Monastery, China
• Dae Sung Shakya Temple, South Korea
• Drubgyud Choeling Monastery (Nepal Mahayana Temple)
• Dharmodaya Sabha Nepal (Swayambhu Mahavihara)
• Karma Samtenling Monastery, Nepal
• Manang Samaj Stupa, Nepal
• Panditarama Lumbini International Meditation Center, Myanmar

Major Attractions of Lumbini

The spiritual place Lumbini has a major to offer to tourists. Here, the visitors will have to visit the pilgrimages sites, learn about the ancient history, and get to explore several monasteries designed by several countries. Apart from monasteries and Gompas, there are several other sites of attraction in Lumbini and they are.

Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi temple  is one of the major attraction sites of Lumbini. It is the main temple at Lumbini and a site traditionally considered the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Maya Devi temple is the most noted and the important temple in the premise enshrines the traditional location of Buddha’s birth. The temple is located right next to the sacred pool called Pushkarini and a sacred garden. The archaeological remains of this place date back to the time of Ashoka, around the 3rd century BC. Likewise, Maya Devi rested in the shade of Bodhi tree while she was traveling. It was there that she went into labor and took a ritual dip in the nearby pond. It is also a place where Lord Buddha took his first bath here too. The temple is a white building that protects the exact spot of Buddha’s birth with marker stone.

Ashoka Pillar

Another remarkable site in Lumbini is the Ashoka pillar. It is the 3rd Century stone pillar built under the reign of Emperor Ashoka. The pillar was a mark of respect by Ashoka after visiting Lord Buddha’s birthplace and accepting Buddhism. He built four stupas and a pillar with a horse idol at the top and an inscription that is. Symbol of his visit to Lumbini. This makes the pillar a significantly important attraction in the country. The pillar is located inside the tranquil Maya Devi temple. The 6m tall sandstone structure was rediscovered by Nepalese archaeologists in 1896. Besides, the pillar is surrounded by a small fence and decorated with colorful prayer flags.

Therefore, this pillar holds historical significance and it is considered to be one of the major attractions of Lumbini.

Myanmar Golden Temple

Myanmar Golden Temple is the oldest structure of the city which is built in the Burmese style of architecture. The impressive corn cob-shaped shikhara, styled after the temples of Bagan gives an impressive look to the whole structure. There are three prayer halls. Within the temple ground, is a Lokamani Pula Pagoda inside the building.

Lumbini Museum

Another major attraction of Lumbini is the museum. It is located at the entrance of the Sacred Garden Area of Lumbini. The Lumbini museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Property and also the Birthplace of the Historical Buddha. It will be a true gem when it launches in early 2022. The Museum holds ancient art history of what happened here some 2600 years ago. This temple is at the northern end of the compound and is devoted to the life of the Buddha. Similarly, one can find a nice collection of vestige and photos from Buddhist sites around the world.

Chinese Monastery

Chinese Monastery, also known as Zhong Hua, is an elegant Buddhist monastery in Lumbini. The monastery is built in a pagoda-style of architecture and resembles the look of the famous forbidden city of China. The Pagoda-style monastery looks like a small Forbidden city through a gateway flanked by dogs of Fo, the elegant. Its perfectly manicured internal courtyard is an oasis of peace. Furthermore, The perfectly manicured internal courtyard fills the heart with peace and joy.

Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar

Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar is a Buddhist Gompa highly influenced by the Tibetan style. It was established by His Eminence Chogya Trichen Rinpoche and Raja of Mustang. The immense peace of the site makes it a perfect place for meditation and quiet self-searching. Likewise, Tara Pooja is performed every day by the 600 monks residing in the monastery.

World peace Pagoda

The World Peace Pagoda is at the northern end of Lumbini which is designed to be a symbol to unite humanity in a desire for peace. The large white stupa was built by Japanese Buddhists. The enormous World Peace Pagoda dazzles with its brightness and is designed to unite humanity and inspire the quest for peace. Like its name, the area around is quiet and peaceful. Similarly, the locals meditate and relax under the shade of the trees. Similarly, from the top of the world peace stupa, you can see across to the adjacent Crane Sanctuary which offers a natural habitat to the Sarus Cranes that are endemic to the region.

How to Get to Lumbini from Kathmandu

There are several ways to get to Lumbini from the capital city, Kathmandu. You can choose to take a long bus ride or fly to a nearby place and then transfer to Lumbini. The ride offers the natural landscapes of Nepal as well as lets you explore several villages on the way. However, Considering the time and comfort, and convenience, taking a flight is also recommended.

Kathmandu to Lumbini

From Kathmandu, one can book a flight to Gautam Buddha Airport located in Siddharthanagar. It is the closest airport to Lumbini. There are frequent daily flights from Tribhuvan International Airports in Kathmandu to Gautam Buddha Airport. The time taken by the flight is about 35 minutes. So, you can fly to Lumbini within less than an hour from Kathmandu. After landing at Airport one can take a cab or airport bus from the airport to Lumbini within 1 hour after landing.

If you are into nature and want to enjoy the ride then you can choose for the drive from Kathmandu to Lumbini. The drive maybe a little longer and may take a full day of 1 hour. Despite being a long trip, it offers you the sight of the rural life of Nepal and the experienced local transportation. By local transportation, you will even get to experience Nepalese food on the way. You will have a chance to encounter other people of course if you are extroverted and love interacting with people. However, be prepared for the bumpy, tough, and long journey in a no air-conditioning bus. An optional choice is to cut the whole ride into two parts with transfer in Bhairawa.

Hire a Private Car

Another possible mode of transportation is hiring a private car. If you love the privacy and want to travel within yourself but still choose to enjoy the natural drive then hire a private car. Several agencies offer you the best service of facilities for renting a car. Renting a private car will benefit you in different ways. One among them is to let you experience the view of a fast-flowing River, dense green forest, local residence, etc in the surroundings as well as provide you a peaceful, relaxing, and comfortable ride. The driver will stop for meals, short breaks and to enjoy the adjacent environment. You can also ask the driver to stop and enjoy the natural beauty of the place as you please.

Lumbini to Pokhara

Lumbini is southwest of Pokhara with the shortest driving distance of about 200 KM. You can either take the shortest flight or take the ride to Lumbini. There will be two non-stop flights operating from Pokhara Airport to Bhairahawa Airport each day, with a quite short duration of only 20 minutes.

Driving from Pokhara directly to Lumbini is another popular and budget choice. The distance covered by the drive is around 200km which takes about 6-7hours of the drive.

Accommodation in Lumbini

Lumbini, is one of the tourist destinations in Nepal, finding accommodation is easy here. The accommodation conditions in Lumbini are relatively simple and basic with fewer choices than that of Kathmandu. However, you can still find hotels, resorts, and villas. Most hotels are centered in or around the Sacred Garden. You don’t have to travel long for the hotels, they are just around the corner of the main sites. Hot water and electricity are usually in shortage in budget hotels. Also, if you like, you can stay in the Chinese Temple and eat vegetarian meals for up to 2 days, or stay in a better hotel in Bhairahawa.

There are several options for accommodation in Lumbini.

Hotels in Lumbini are affordable and will provide you with the best of their services. However, you can choose the hotels considering the services they provide. There are several Japanese hotels, Chinese hotels close to the monasteries near the Sacred Garden. You can opt for them as they provide you with international services at a moderate price.

If you want a better service and want to enjoy more nature around your surroundings then go for the resort. There are several resorts in Lumbini that can meet your needs. If you choose to stay in resorts you can opt for Bhairahawa, which is an hour’s drive from Lumbini. Almost all resorts have a good location, excellent facilities, bright and clean rooms, and great staff.

Best Time to Visit Lumbini

Lumbini is visited by thousands of visitors yearly. So, there you are planning for the trip and wondering when to visit this pilgrimage site. You can visit Lumbini throughout the year. However, spring and autumn are the best months to visit Lumbini. Likewise, here are the details about the best time to visit Lumbini.

Spring season

Spring is one of the popular seasons for travel in Nepal. The time in March to May is the spring season in Nepal which is the season of colors. Lumbini lies in the Terai region in Nepal. The terai or lowland is extremely hot in Nepal. However, the temperature is bearable in spring. Despite the warm temperature, one can get a clear and wonderful view in the month of spring. The surrounding Gompas and monasteries after rainfall are amazing. Therefore, with the most beautiful weather and suitable temperature, spring brings you the feeling of joy.

The monsoon in Nepal starts from June and lasts till August. Monsoon starts with light rainfall in almost every part of the country. Monsoon is somehow not favorable for those who don’t prefer traveling in rainy seasons. But for those who enjoy the rain and the environment after rainfall, then you can visit here. The monsoon in Nepal is very attractive with all the greenery, surrounding, and landscapes. etc. Besides, you can explore the lifestyle of people from the lowlands of Nepal.

December and January are the coldest months in Nepal. This is the winter season in Nepal. These months are not very favorable to visit as the temperature falls and the foggy and gloomy environment makes it more difficult to explore its beauty. The days in winter are short and gloomy. So, you won’t get much time to explore places nicely.

Another is one of the best seasons for traveling in Nepal. Generally, autumn starts from September to October. It is a season that attracts a lot of travelers to Nepal. During Autumn the wonderful ambiance of Lumbini attracts people around here. It is also a festive season in Nepal. If you choose to visit in this season, you will catch a glimpse of Nepalese major festivals such as Dashain and Tihar. You will feel nature and get in touch with the culture and tradition of Nepalese people.

Entry Fees to Lumbini

The entry fee to Lumbini differs according to the country and people. The locals have to pay relatively less compared to any other nation. Similarly, there is a discount for the SAARC nation while the fees for the internationals are different.

Entry Fees for Locals

The locals or Nepalese citizens have to pay very little. The entry fee for locals is just Rs.40. Similarly, the same goes for Indian citizens. An additional fee of Rs 50 will be charged on Nepali and Indian nationals for use of camera,

Entry Fees for Foreign Nations

The fees depend upon the country you are from. If you are from SAARC countries, then you have to pay Rs. 200. However, foreigners from other countries have to pay Rs 500 as an entry fee for the conservation of the historical Lumbini heritage. Likewise, visitors from other countries will have to pay two dollars for the use of a camera.

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Lumbini travel guide: Why you should visit the birthplace of Buddha!

• September 29, 2022

Lumbini is one of the most holy and sacred places in the world. With Buddha being born in the now Sacred Garden of Lumbini, millions of tourists flock to lay eyes on the marker stone. Laying peacefully and elegantly in the middle of the uncovered archaeological sites of the ancient Mayadevi temple, the birthplace of the Gautam Buddha is a powerful experience. And to help you experience it all, I have come up with a Lumbini travel guide, based on the year that I worked and lived in the area.

Lumbini, is a testament to the power of buddhism to bring together people from all walks of life,  nationalities, and cultures to live peacefully and in harmony. Lumbini in Nepal consists of a large 3 mile by 1 mile complex overseen by the Lumbini Development Trust from the Government of Nepal.

Inside the complex you can find 32 monasteries from different countries around the world. Additionally, you can enjoy the Lumbini Peace Pagoda, Lumbini Museum, boating, a crane sanctuary and even a newly built cafe to empower local women in the area – Amma cafe. Additionally, the Sacred Garden area of Lumbini has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.

Lumbini has much to offer not only to Buddhists but travelers and tourists from all religions and walks of life. It is a powerful place to visit, and enjoy your travels in Nepal. Who knows, you may even find enlightenment while sitting under a Sala tree, while visiting the Sacred Garden of Lumbini.

In this article, I want to provide you with an overview of Lumbini, the Sacred Garden, and the area outside of the complex, so you can visit and enjoy your stay in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha!

To start this Lumbini travel guide off, let’s take a look at the history of Lumbini.

History of Lumbini:

Lumbini of Nepal, is believed to be the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha. Buddha was born in present day Lumbini, Rupandehi, in the Lumbini Province of Nepal. It is said that Queen Maya Devi, Buddha’s mother, gave birth to Siddhartha while traveling from her palace in Tilirakout to her hometown in Devadaha. The birth supposedly took place while she was holding on to a sala tree. Buddha was born around 623 BCE , and lived in his kingdom in modern day Tilirakout of Kapilvastu in Lumbini Province of Nepal, until he was 29 years old.

The birthplace of Buddha has been worshiped for centuries, with substantial proof that the area has been an auspicious place for Buddhist devotees for thousands of years. Whereas, the first major piece of proof that Buddha was born in the Sacred Garden of Lumbini comes from the Mauryan King Ashoka the Great. 

Whereas, Ashoka the Great, in 249 BCE, erected a pillar in remembrance of the Budhha, and signifying the location of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama – The pillar still stands in  till this day. Additionally, inscribed on the sandstone Ashoka pillar one can find Pali inscriptions in Brahmi script signifying and stating the importance of the location. 

Around Mayadevi temple, and the Ashoka Pillar, there have been archaeological digs that have excavated the remains of Buddhist monasteries dating back to the 3rd century BC all the way to the 5th century AD. Moreover, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of ancient Buddhist stupas and shrines from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD.

The sacred area of Lumbini, is not only limited to the Sacred Garden and surrounding areas. Whereas, a great number of additional religious areas have been located in what is now known as the Greater Lumbini Area.

Greater Lumbini Area – Buddhist Religious Sites

The map shows the Greater Lumbini Area and other important Buddhist sites in the locality.

The Greater Lumbini Area includes Rupandehi, Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu districts in the southern plains of western Nepal in the Lumbini Province. The 5,260sq km area contains 136 identified archaeological sites – more and more sites are continuing to be identified and excavated in the Greater Lumbini Area. A lack of research and funding has restricted research and further archaeological studies from taking place.

With more than 136 identified archaeological sites, the Greater Lumbini Area comprises of the Sacred Garden, where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to prince Siddhartha; as well as Tilaurakot (Kapilvastu) where Prince Siddhartha’s father’s palace remains, with boardwalks, displays, Hindu shrines, a small museum and recent archaeological excavations. Other important and historical Buddhist sites in the Greater Lumbini Area include Kudan, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurorakot, Devadaha and Ramagrama – the latter believed to be the repository of one eighth of the Buddha’s remains.

The Lumbini Development Trust reports that the Sacred Garden and the Greater Lumbini Area receives around 1.5 million visitors annually, of whom about 1.2 million are domestic tourists, 200,000 are Indians and nearly 170,000 are foreigners. Of the 170,000 foreigners, it has been reported that more than three quarters of them (77% in 2018) are pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and China.

The Greater Lumbini Area, and even Tilaurakot (Kapilvastu) where Prince Siddhartha’s palace remains, attracts only a small portion of the total tourist population that travels to Lumbini. If you are adventurous and looking to explore everything related to Buddha and his life in Nepal, then I strongly recommend checking out at least Siddhartha’s Palace, Kudan, and Ramagrama!

Map of Lumbini Nepal:

In the map of Lumbini Nepal, and the Greater Lumbini Area, I have highlighted some of the most auspicious areas you can visit. If you are looking to get the full experience out of Lumbini, then make sure to have a look at the Lumbini travel guide map below, and plan your trip accordingly. Some of the Buddhist sites are quite far apart, and will take an hour or so to reach from Lumbini. Therefore, plan smart, so you can see everything you can in Lumbini, Nepal!

While using the map, make sure to click on the box with an arrow at the top left! Lumbini is in orange.

When is the best time to visit Lumbini?

If you are looking to experience festivals in Nepal , the best time to visit Lumbini is either between April – May for Buddha Jayanthi, Buddha’s birthday. Or you can visit Buddha’s birthplace during October – November for cooler weather and chances of seeing the Himalayas from Lumbini.

However, during April and May it can be hot in the Terai area of Nepal – which is where Lumbini is. During April you can expect temperatures to get around 33°C or 91.4°F. And in May, temperatures can reach  34°C or 93.2°F. Moreover, the problem is not only with the heat, but also the humidity in the region. Where it constantly feels hotter than it actually is. 

Therefore, if heat is not your thing, another great time to visit Lumbini is during the months of October and November. During this time, temperatures will be much more mild. Ranging from highs of  32°C or 89°F and lows of  20°C or 68°F in November, and highs of  30°C or 86°F and lows  of  17°C or 62°F in December. Additionally, during this time, the skies will begin to clear, and if you are lucky, you will have views of the Himalayas from Lumbini!

How to get to Lumbini?

There are different ways to get to Lumbini, and depending on your starting location, your preferred transportation and route may be different. Therefore, I have broken the travel options up into what I believe are the five most common travel starting points: Kathmandu, Pokhara , and Chitwan.

There are two ways to get to Lumbini from Kathmandu. You can reach Lumbini by going by road, or by flight.

Getting to Lumbini by road:

If you decide to travel by car, you can either take a tourist bus, or rent a private car. Going by road, you have two possible routes, one you can travel through Pokhara, and Tansen Palpa – both great tourist destinations. The second route would be through Chitwan – third largest tourist city in Nepal. Of course you can couple your Lumbini visit with another travel destination like Pokhara, Tansen, or Chitwan. However, going by road is quite a long and strenuous trip (information about travel details are in the table below.

I have included the overall trip duration and cost of all different routes when traveling by road. 

Getting to Lumbini by Plane:

Going by flight is more expensive than traveling by road. However, you will save an entire day of travel if you decide to go by air. A domestic flight from Kathmandu will take you to Bhairahawa, Rupandehi in Lumbini Province. The distance from Bhairahawa airport to Lumbini is 15 Km. To travel the 15 km from Bhairahawa airport to Lumbini will take you around 20 minutes in a taxi and 30 minutes in a public bus.

Currently, the Government of Nepal is building an international airport in Bhairahawa to allow for tourists to travel directly to Lumbini by plane. The airport is over 90% done and they have conducted their first international test flight. The Lumbini international airport is scheduled to open in late 2022.

Domestic flight prices to reach Bhairahawa and Lumbini can be seen in the table below:

*Flight prices change according to on and off-season. All flight prices are from Buddha Air. 

Monasteries in Lumbini Travel Guide:

There are a total of 32 monasteries in the Lumbini complex, and additional monasteries are being built and added to the monastery zone of the Sacred Garden of Lumbini (as of 2022, America has begun the planning and construction phase of their lotus flower monastery in Lumbini).

Each monastery is run by their own set of monks. The monasteries are typically open from 6am to 6pm at night, and allow for visitors and tourists to come and see the architecture and pay their respects to Buddha at each monastery. In addition to the architecture features of the monasteries, many of them also have unique paintings depicting the life of Buddha, as well as Buddha statues. Some of the monasteries also have dorms where you can stay. Finally, you can practice Buddhism and meditation with the monks as well.

The monasteries in Lumbini are broken up into two distinct sections: east and west. The distinction is based on where the monastery is located in relation to the Lumbini complex. Whereas, in 1970, an international committee was formed to manage the overall development and direction of Lumbini. Professor Kenzo Tange of Japan was given the assignment to create a Master Plan for Lumbini. The plan was approved by the UN and Government of Nepal in 1978. 

The plan effectively breaks the 3 mile by 1 mile complex into three different 1 mile blocks which are dedicated for different purposes. The middle section is devoted to the construction of monasteries, and further broken down into the west and east monastery zone.

The monasteries in each zone are as follows: 

East Monastic Zone of Lumbini:

1. The Royal Thai Monastery, Thailand

2. Myanmar Golden Temple, Myanmar

3. International Gautami Nuns Temple, Nepal

4. Sri Lankan Monastery, Sri Lanka

5. Dhamma Janani Vipassana Center, Nepal

6. Mahabodhi Society Temple, India

7. Bodhi Institute Monastery and Dharma Center, Canada 

8. Nepal Theravada Buddha Vihar, Nepal 

9. Cambodian Temple, Cambodia

West Monastic Zone of Lumbini:

1. Urgen Dorjee Chholing Buddhist Center, Singapore

2. French Buddhist Association, France

3. The Great Lotus Stupa, Germany

4. Drigung Kagyud Meditation Center, Laddakh India

5. The World Linh Son Buddhist Congregation, France

6. United Tungaram Buddhist Foundation, Nepal

7. Thrangu Vajra Vidhya Buddhist Association, Canada

8. Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu, Vietnam

9. Geden International Monastery, Austria

10.  Chinese Monastery, China

11.  Dae Sung Shakya Temple, South Korea

12.  Drubgyud Chhoeling Monastery, Nepal

13.  Dharmodhaya Sabha Nepal, Nepal

14.  Karma Samtenling Monastery, Nepal

15.  Manang Samaj Stupa, Nepal

16.  Pandirarama Lumbini International Meditation Center, Myanmar

17.  Ka-Nying Shedrup Monastery, Nepal

18.  Zarong Tgupten Mendol Dogna Chholing, Nepal

19.  Nepal Vajrayana Maha Vihara, Nepal

20.  Japanese Monastery, Japan

21.  Lotus Flower, United States of America

Restaurants in Lumbini:

One of the newest restaurants in Lumbini is Amma Cafe, which is located inside the Lumbini complex area. Amma Cafe, is a joint effort between the World Bank and Lumbini Development Trust, to promote women empowerment in the area. The cafe is located next to the Eternal Peace Flame at the edge of the canal in Lumbini. Lumbini Development Trust is designated a building for the repurposing to make a cafe with financial support from the World Bank.

As of September 2021, Amma cafe has been opened and currently has 16 women from the local village managing and overseeing all of the cafe operations. The cafe is a wonderful place to sit, eat and enjoy the ambiance of Lumbini. They have a variety of drinks and food items including international and Nepali dishes.

If you are visiting Lumbini and find yourself hungry while in the Lumbini complex, make sure to check out Amma Cafe and enjoy some milk tea, milkshakes, pizza or a sandwich!

Other than Amma cafe, there are other local food options which serve Nepali and Indian cuisine. Most of these restaurants are found on the main road going through Mahilwar bazaar. Make sure you check out the various restaurants serving tandoori food options. Our personal favorite is Namaste – I have marked it on the Google map above!

You can also find Ghongi (fried snails) in Lumbini . Learn more about the dish in my Weirdest food in Nepal blog.

FAQs: Lumbini Travel Guide:

To round up this Lumbini travel guide, I have included some of the most frequently asked questions about Lumbini, as well as Buddha in general! If there are any other questions you may have about the area, or history of Lumbini, let me know in the comments below!

Lumbini in Nepal is famous for being the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha in 623 BCE. It is now a pilgrimage site, with 32 monasteries, the Ashoka Pillar, Lumbini World Peace Pagoda, and Mayadevi Temple which houses Buddha’s birth place. Lumbini is famous for Buddhist pilgrims, who wish to visit the birthplace of the Lord Buddha. Moreover, Lumbini is located in the Greater Lumbini Area, which has over 136 different historical Buddhist archaeological sites. Tourists can also find Buddha’s kingdom where he lived for the first 29 years of his life in Kapilvastu.

Buddha was born in present day Lumbini, Rupandehi, of Lumbini Province in Nepal in 623 BCE. It is located in the central, southern planes of the country, about 15 km away from the border with India. There has been much debate over if Buddha was born in India or Nepal. However, UNESCO and many scholars attribute Buddha’s birthplace to Lumbini in Nepal. The birthplace of the Lord Buddha has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. Moreover, the Ashoka Pillar which stands next to Mayadevi Temple which houses the birthplace of Buddha, has an inscription from 249 BCE identifying the area as the official birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.

It is believed that Buddha died at the age of 80 in the current day, Kushinagar of India in the year 543 BCE. Currently, the Parinirvana Stupa or Mahaparinirvana Temple stands at the location of Buddha’s death. Alexander Cunningham , a British archaeological surveyor for the Government of India in the late 19th century is credited with the discovery of Buddha’s death. He found and believed through research, that Buddha had some sort of illness when he was in Kushinagar, and eventually succumbed to death.  The first temples believed to be built at the location of Buddha’s death were that of Emperor Ashoka. The same, who had erected the Ashoka Pillar at the location of Buddha’s birthplace.

Who initially invented or recognized Lumbini is difficult to say. However, the earliest identification of Lumbini being the birthplace of Buddha is attributed to Emperor Ashoka the Great in 249 BCE. Ashoka, erected the Ashoka Pillar which with inscriptions identifies the place as Buddha’s birthplace. Modern day Lumbini and the current Sacred Garden complex and master plan are attributed to Professor Kenzo Tange of Japan. He was chosen in1978 by UNESCO and the Government of Nepal, to develop a master plan for Lumbini. As of 2022, the master plan is still under construction with the Lumbini Development Trust overseeing the implementation of the plan.

The Lumbini Temple or the Maya Devi Temple is said to have been built around the 3rd century BCE. The archaeological remains of the place also date back to the time of Ashoka. In November 2013, ancient remains of an ancient tree shrine that dated before 550 BCE were also discovered. The Maya Devi Temple is one of the ancient Buddhist temples in Lumbini and it has been rebuilt and changed many of times throughout history. It is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sacred garden also comprises of the Ashoka Pillar, the Sacred Garden, ancient stupas, and the Sacred Puskarni pond.

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The birthplace of Buddha

A temple marks the exact spot where Buddha was born more than 2500 years ago, starting the journey of a man who would change the world!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: August 5, 2023

Lumbini, Nepal

Like many religious origin stories, the genesis of Buddhism starts with a baby. It’s said that from the moment of birth, this baby was destined to change the world.

The year was 623 BC and a pregnant Queen Mayadevi, the wife of a ruler of a kingdom in present-day Nepal, was walking back to her hometown to give birth.

But the baby came slightly sooner than expected and so, with a full moon in the night sky, she stopped under a sal tree and gave birth. Today, this place is called Lumbini.

According to the stories, as soon as the little boy was born, he walked seven steps to the north, looked around, and then announced that this would be his final rebirth.

Those seven steps were just the first of many important ones to come.

The baby boy was named Prince Siddhartha. He would be raised as royalty but eventually leave the palace in search of a deeper meaning to life.

Eventually, at the age of 35, Prince Siddhartha would find enlightenment. In this moment, he would become the Buddha   – and the founder of one of the world’s great religions.

It’s no wonder that Lumbini has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world for Buddhists, representing the beginning of it all.

** Jump down to the best places to visit in Lumbini **

Understanding Buddhism

Buddhism is an interesting religion because, when compared to the other main faiths in the world, it has a big difference – it is based around a human and not a god.

Previously, I knew very little about Buddhism, so thinking more about this key difference was an important first step in my journey of understanding. And what better place than Lumbini to do this.

For religions like Christianity, Islam, or Hindu, there are deities at the core of the narrative. With Buddhism, it’s not about worshipping an omnipotent and omniscient god. It is much more about a way of living.

And this comes from Buddha himself.

He was not a god – and, in fact, he told his followers not to worship him. In many ways, he is best described as a philosopher or a prophet who preached about life in a way that captivated the souls of the people.

Now, we all know that when it comes to religions, there’s a decent mix of history and imagination in their foundational stories.

When it comes to Buddhism, there is much more factual history in the narrative than in other major faiths.

Let’s forget about some of the decoration that’s been added to the tales over the years – such as the baby Prince Siddhartha walking seven steps and declaring he won’t be reborn again. Most objective observers could probably agree that things like this are not factually accurate from a historical perspective.

But the majority of the life of Buddha, and hence the keystone of Buddhism, can easily be proved as historically true.

So, when you consider the impact he had on the people he met, we have to assume that his teachings were impressive, that he was able to inspire people enough to follow them.

We have to assume that, even is there was nothing divine about the Buddha, that he was one of the greatest thinkers of human history and his messages had a resonance that changed people’s lives.

It’s worth stressing that everything I’ve said is not to take away from the spiritual side of Buddhism and the aspects that are based more in faith than fact.

The point I’m trying to make is that Buddha is a part of world history, regardless of your belief system. And his teachings have universal relevance and are as relevant today as they were 2500 years ago.

Even one of the most important elements of the Buddhist faith, the enlightenment, can be looked at in two ways.

It could be an ethereal experience in which Prince Siddhartha passed into another plane. Or it could just be the time when finally he had clarity of thought and the maturation of his messages was complete.

Either way, it probably doesn’t matter. The story of Buddha is as relevant for one person as it is for another, regardless of how you approach it.

The history of Lumbini

Today, the site at Lumbini is a physical representation of the story of Buddhism. But it wasn’t always that way.

When Queen Mayadevi stopped here in 623 BC to give birth, there was nothing of significance here. And that’s fitting. There’s a purity and a cleanliness to the story that the boy who would become Buddha was not born in a house but beneath a tree, near a pond, under a full moon.

For many centuries after that, Lumbini remained relatively undeveloped.

The site was first officially declared the birthplace of Buddha in the 3 rd century BC by the great Indian emperor Ashoka. But, even then, it was only a limited number of temples and pagodas that were built here by worshippers.

Lumbini was apparently visited a lot by pilgrims in the Middle Ages and so more infrastructure was added – but it was mostly lost and covered by forest from the 15 th century onwards.

The site of Lumbini would only be ‘rediscovered’ by archaeologists at the end of the 19 th century.

Even then, This only changed very recently (in a relative sense), in 1978, when a new masterplan to develop the site was unveiled.

The idea to turn the Lumbini site into a new visitor experience was the result of a campaign by the then UN Secretary General U Thant, a Buddhist from Myanmar, who visited in 1967 and was shocked at how little care was being taken of the birthplace of Buddha.

The Lumbini Master Plan

What came out of the campaign by U Thant was the idea of a complete redevelopment of Lumbini. It led to a new master plan for the site developed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and approved in 1978.

This new design, still called the Lumbini Master Plan, is what you’ll find when you visit today – and it has a huge impact on the way you’ll experience the site. It’s laid out in a way that’s supposed to take you on your own spiritual journey.

The site is made up of three sections, each exactly a mile long. You’ll start in the first one, called the New Lumbini Village, which has tourist facilities like hotels, food stalls, shopping and a museum.

As you symbolically move from this area of ‘worldly activities’, you’ll go into the central area that represents knowledge and spiritual purification, called the Cultural and Monastic Zone.

You’ll need to travel the whole mile of this section by walking, bicycle, or boat down a canal. On either side, surrounded by forest, are the monasteries (that you can explore later).

Finally, you’ll arrive in the last section, the most sacred of them all – for it was here that Buddha was born. You’ll be able to see the marker stone and spend some time in the sacred garden.

Some visitors will come to Lumbini for an hour or so, see the main temple, and then leave. But there’s much more to the site than that. Spending time exploring the different areas, thinking about what they represent, connecting with the pilgrims who have come here – it’s what your Buddhist journey should be.

Places to visit in Lumbini

To give you an idea of the things you can do at Lumbini, I would like to offer a bit more information about the main sights.

Here are the main places to visit in Lumbini. I’ve put them on a map so you can see how it all fits together.

There is no wrong or right way to explore the area, but it was designed for you to slowly make your way south towards the Sacred Garden as the climax of the visit.

World Peace Pagoda

At the northernmost the site is the World Peace Pagoda. It was built by Japanese Buddhists as a symbol to unite humanity.

It’s an enormous pagoda that dazzles bright white in the sun.

True to the name, you’ll often find locals sitting peacefully in the park around it with a picnic. You can also climb up the stairs and walk around the upper level of the pagoda.

Crane Sanctuary

Next to the World Peace Pagoda is the Crane Sanctuary. This natural reserve has been put aside as a safe area for local birds, including the Saris Cranes.

The cranes are the tallest flying bird in the world and it’s estimated there are about 100 pairs living in the area. They are especially important in Lumbini because of the special link they have to the story of Buddha.

Lumbini Museum

I don’t think Lumbini is the kind of place you come to spend time in a museum. There are enough ‘real’ things to see in Lumbini without needing to spend too much time in a building.

Having said that, you may be interested in the Lumbini Museum in the village area. It has a small collection of artefacts and photos that tell you a bit more about the site and about some general Buddhist traditions.

Central Canal

The Central Canal runs down the middle of the Lumbini site and connects the village area to the Sacred Garden. Along its length, several small brick bridges cross the water.

One of the ways to get through this central section is to catch a boat along the canal. You’ll find drivers waiting at either end.

Otherwise, your other options are to walk along the side of the canal, which is designed to give the impression of a pilgrimage. Or you can cycle through one of the monastic zones on the sides of the site.

West Monastic Zone

Many of the visitors to Lumbini are not simply tourists, here to have a look around and take some photos. Most are true pilgrims, who have come from around the world to visit the birthplace of Buddha. To accommodate them, there are monasteries within the main site.

The monasteries are located in two zones, either side of the Central Canal. The West Monastic Zone is the larger of the two and has 14 monasteries. They are all followers of the Mahayana school of Buddhism.

Each monastery is different and almost all of them have been established by Buddhists from a particular country. It means you can find a wonderful collection of different architectural styles, capturing the whole world.

Most monasteries welcome guests and you can go in and look at the public areas. It’s worth going to as many as possible.

I would particularly recommend the Chinese Monastery, with a golden pagoda at the centre of a manicured garden; the South Korean Monastery, with it’s tall and colourful facade; and the Great Lotus Stupa (sponsored by Germany), with an intricately-painted interior and large garden.

East Monastic Zone

In the East Monastic Zone, there are only five monasteries but they are also worth visiting. These are all followers of the Theravada (Hinayana) school of Buddhism.

Because there are fewer buildings, the zone feels even more peaceful, with more forest between the different structures. If you’re getting around by bike (which is what I would recommend), part of the experience is cycling amongst the nature as you go between the monasteries.

One of the most impressive buildings of the whole Lumbini site is here on the eastern side – the Royal Thai Monastery, with gleaming white marble taking its inspiration from the grand wats of Thailand .

There’s also the Myanmar Golden Temple that is designed to look like the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon , and the Sri Lanka Monastery that is spread over several levels and surrounded by a water feature.

Sacred Garden

At the heart of Lumbini is the Sacred Garden and it’s here that you’ll find the most important parts of the site. It’s said that this was the very spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha in 623 BC.

When you go into the garden, you’ll immediately sense the gravity of where you are. Prayer flags hang between the trees and pilgrims sit underneath them in silent prayer.

The large Sacred Pond is the focal point of the garden and it’s said that this was where Queen Mayadevi had a bath before giving birth, and where she gave her son his first purification bath.

Another very important part of the Sacred Garden is the Ashoka Pillar. This was erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his visit to Lumbini when he officially declared it to be the birthplace of Buddha.

Mayadevi Temple

But within the Sacred Garden, there is no part that is more significant than the Mayadevi Temple.

The large white temple building that you can see from the outside is actually a modern construction, having been built in 2003. It’s really only there to protect what is inside, and is not important on its own.

Inside is the actual Mayadevi Temple – or, at least, the archaeological remains of it. Experts say they’ve found evidence of a wooden building from the 6 th century BC, that would be the oldest Buddhist shrine in the world. The stone foundations you can see are from various reconstructions over the following centuries.

In the middle of the Mayadevi Temple is the Marker Stone, that shows the supposed exact spot of Buddha’s birth. In the same location is a stone carving of the nativity scene that was made in the 4 th century.

It’s when you arrive at the Marker Stone and take a moment to think about what it represents that you have reached the end of the physical journey that the architects of the Lumbini site designed.

But it is not supposed to be the end of your spiritual journey. Seeing these sites for yourself, allowing your mind to consider new teachings, having conversations with pilgrims or monks – this is how you make the most of a visit to Lumbini. And it’s something you can take away with you as well.

In my next post from Nepal, I’ll tell you a bit about the region around Lumbini, where you can continue your exploration of Buddhism. (Incidentally, there’s a very cool book if you would like to teach Buddhism for kids .)

There is a lot of history here, much of it related to Buddha’s life and his influence in the world in the few centuries after his death. It’s worth taking the time to see some of that too when you’re here.

This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List ! I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Only about 800 more to go... eek!

More stories about Nepal

• The monkey temple of Kathmandu
• Visiting Buddha's birthplace
• Things to see around Lumbini

8 thoughts on “The birthplace of Buddha”

Now I feel regfret because not visit this place when I was in Nepal. Wathing all this, look like watching all over world in same place, alot os histroy also.

This is probably the best article on Buddha. Your article content history of Buddha that was exciting to read and a great experience to observe all those places where Budhha belongs too. It is the best article on Budhha. Great information

Great article!!! Keep posting such articles for travelers help. Really, Lumbini is a divine spiritual place which consisting of different world heritage sites.

Hi, Nice to see detail history of Lumbini the birth place of Lord Buddha with awesome pictures. Please visit Bhutan. Cheers Tshewang

thanks for sharing.. i think soon traveling to lumbini nepal

omg nepal is my favorite place..

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Travel Story - What an amazing trip I had

Nepal is perhaps one of the best countries that I have visited. It has everything, from amazing natural diversity, wildlife and cultural ethos to the awe-inspiring Himalayas. Nepal is a country of many wonders with treasures that never fail to amaze and inspire me. Recently, I had the chance to visit Nepal. As much as Nepal Treks are fun, this time- I wanted to really dive deep into the historical and cultural aspects of the country. After all, Nepal has ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and despite its growing modernization in places like its capital Kathmandu and other major cities, the tenor of cultural spirit is still alive and thriving in almost all corners of Nepal- sometimes even mingling along with the rapid growth of cities and their rapid in-migration. Read my complete travel story to know Nepal's highlights better way.

Speaking of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is like any other, always bustling with life and energy and chaotic pandemonium. When I arrived at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, I was greeted by my guide. I had decided to take the aid of a local Travel Agency who assisted me in my touring endeavor. Nepal Hiking Team my travel agency, had arranged for a guide for me to pick me up from the airport and with my Hotel transfer.

Going a little sideways with my continuality here, but I would definitely recommend hiring a local travel agency while visiting Nepal, especially if it is your first time. It can be a daunting task to visit a new country, and Nepal is no exception. That is why hiring a travel agency is always beneficial. They arrange everything for you, leaving you with free time to do as you please instead of worrying about permits, transport or even accommodation and meals. That was the case for me as well with Nepal Hiking Team, who arranged and planned my trip brilliantly.

First on my tour list was the heritage sites of Kathmandu itself. A bit about Kathmandu before we delve into its cultural and historical treasures; Kathmandu is the largest city of Nepal, with a population of about 1.5 million people. Historically termed as "Nepal Mandala", Kathmandu has been the home of Newari culture since medieval times. The Newari culture is definitely seen in various aspects f the city, from temples, architectural style of buildings, food and even celebrations and festivals. The historical sites of Kathmandu manifest the Newa architecture quite beautifully. Moreover, Kathmandu has been, for many years, the epicenter of the Himalayan country. It has a multiethnic population, and has many Buddhist and Hindu religious sites, including the heritage sites.

As such, the Kathmandu city hosts four major UNESCO Sites. In the Kathmandu Valley, there are a total of 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The UNESCO Sites are distributed among the valley closely to one another. That makes the Kathmandu valley have one of the densest concentrations of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are situated alongside each other. Within the city itself, the four major sites are the temple of Pashupatinath, the Swayambhunath Stupa, the Bouddhanath and the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

My first site was the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. A major sacred Hindu temple, Pashupatinath is located on the banks of the Baghmati River. My guide informed me that the temple served as a seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list on 1979, Pashupatinath is a large complex with many smaller temples, ashrams and sculptures. When I visited Pashupatinath, I saw many worshippers about, many with bright red tika on their foreheads. My guide said that during the major festival of Maha Shivaratri, Pashupatinath Temple was swarmed by many pilgrims from all over the country, with many from India as well. I also saw many Sadhus in the temple, with their faces covered in ashes and donning bright yellow robes with matted hair. I was also informed that the temple is also where the Hindu people performed their sacred cremation ceremony by the banks of the river.

The pagoda style of the Pashupatinath temple is something that I was to come across many times during my tour. The beautifully crafted two level roofs of the temple are balanced on wooden rafters which are decorated with amazing carvings. With the atmosphere rich with burning incense, the temple was quite exotic and reflected the cultural beauty in the constant peal of its temple bells.

My next UNESCO Site was the Kathmandu Durbar Square. One of the three Durbar Squares of the Kathmandu valley, the Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the old Malla and Shah Kings of the Kathmandu city, along with many temples, old buildings and monuments along with sculptures and statues of Gods. Several buildings of the Durbar square complex had collapsed in the 2015 earthquake, and the renovation work was being done. Along with the old buildings, the outskirt of the complex also held many fine cafes and restaurants. The place was as busy as ever, with small vendors selling spices and flowers and shops of Thanka paintings and Nepali handicrafts that ranged from brass and copper jewelry to traditional Newari masks and Nepali paper Mache. The complex itself was beautiful. Despite the damage done by the earthquake, it is easy to see the wonderful Nepali craftsmanship on the temples and buildings of the Durbar Square. The tentatively ornamented doors and windows of the temples and the finely tuned and crafted sculptures of the various gods seemed lively. It was not hard to imagine how it must have been in the medieval times. The openness of the complex and being surrounded by such majestic culture and architectural beauty had me in a trance. The people going about their way, with the looming temples and the giant statue of the God, with flocking pigeons and the bustling atmosphere seemed to breathe life into the area.

After a quick lunch of delicious momo in one of the many restaurants at the Durbar Square area, I headed out to the Swayambhunath temple- also known as "the Monkey temple", an ancient religious temple atop a hill west of the city. At the entrance of the temple, I saw three giant statues of Buddha, all decorated quite beautifully, along with gumbas and smaller stupas which were also quite elaborately decorated and painted in the most intricate colors. My guide told me that each morning before dawn, hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims ascend the long steps from the eastern side that lead up the hill and begin a series of clockwise circumambulations of the Stupa. After I had climbed the steps up to the Stupa myself, I was rewarded with the most breathtaking sight of the panoramic city, which seemed to be alive.

After a tour of the temple complex, my next destination was the Bouddhanath Stupa. As I was in the car being driven to Bouddha, I also got a chance to experience the hectic traffic of the city; it truly is quite fascinating! Bouddhanath is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. When I reached Bouddhanath, the beautiful dome of the Stupa loomed up in front of me like a giant. The sire of the Stupa was decorated with many colorful prayer flags and the serene eyes of the Buddha looking out in four directions were quite majestic in the evening sun. The sparse distribution of the twilight clouds above the Stupa gave off a tranquil feel to the whole place. There were many people around here as well, sitting by on the base of the Stupa and enjoying the evening with family and friends. It was a lovely site to end my first day of the tour.

My tour of Nepal continued with my next destination- Pokhara. The lakeside city of Pokhara is said to be the tourism capital of Nepal, and it is not difficult to see how so. The city is located right next to the beautiful Phewa Lake, and is also quite close to the Annapurna Himalayan range whose majestic sights I saw as I entered the city. Many prefer to drive to the city, but my agency had arranged for a flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu, which took about 20 minutes.

Pokhara is often the starting point of many Annapurna Treks, and thus, you can see lots of tourists in the city, especially around the lakeside area which is riddled with various restaurants and shops catering to tourists. Furthermore, there are also numerous temples and gumbas in the city, with many temples serving as combined places of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists, much like the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. One of the first places that I visited in Pokhara was the Bindhyabasini Temple, followed by the World Peace Pagoda, a.k.a. "the Shanti Stupa". I got a beautiful panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city and Phewa Lake from the pagoda.

Pokhara had many attractions as well, like the Mahindra cave and the Davis Fall. The all natural setting of Pokhara contributed to its large influx of tourism, both from within the country and outside. During the evening, I leisurely strolled around the lake side area, enjoyed a tranquil boat ride on the lake and visited the Tal Barahi temple- which is located right in the centre of the Phewa Lake. I had the constant view of the Annapurna range, and the beauty of Pokhara lulled me into a beautiful expectation of visiting Sarangkot- a vantage point near the city.

In the early hours of dawn the next day, I was driven to Sarangkot. I finally get why people fall in love with sunrises now; as I stood on the hill station at Sarangkot, I saw the rising sun from amidst the Annapurna Himalayas. It was majestic and I will never forget the moment. The panoramic view of the lovely Pokhara city also provided me with a postcard perfect picture.

My next much awaited stop on my Nepal Tour was Lumbini- a Buddhist pilgrimage UNESCO World Heritage Site. The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini had some of the most amazing collection of monasteries, each unique and artistically different from one another based on their construction by different Buddhist nations. I visited the holy Mayadevi Temple, and the Puskarini Pond. The atmosphere at Lumbini is that of a deep religious serenity, the monasteries are quite fascinating to explore, which I did on a rickshaw. I saw little monk children running around in crimson robes, and had a marvelous time exploring the complex. The heritage site captures the Buddhist spirit in its peaceful surrounding, and its various Buddhist art and architectural treasures.

My last stop on my Nepal Tour was Chitwan National Park- one among the two national parks of Nepal enlisted under the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Famous for its jungle safaris, I knew that Chitwan was going to present me with the natural side of Nepal, and I was right! Presenting me with a wild taste of the wilderness, I experienced Chitwan’s wide expanses of natural landscape and woodlands. The lush forests of Chitwan National Park and its parameters consist of many wild animals and rare floral abundance along with ethnic villages and old traditional settlements of the local people. Perhaps one of my most memorable moments was riding an Elephant through the woods! I explored the ethnic Tharu villages and visited the national park’s animal breeding centers. With a relaxing and euphoric nature walk along the Rapti River, I was surrounded with the ambiance of exotic birds filling up the sound of the air with their chirping.

One of the best times while I was at Chitwan was the Elephant bath. I got in the cool waters of the Rapti River and helped the elephant bath (or more specifically, got sprayed by the lovely creature!). The elephant sprayed a shower of water out of its trunk and I was in love! The excitement of playing with the elephant in the water brought out the inner child in me, and left me with a smile on my face and my soul feeling lighter.

Nepal really is a wonderful country with amazing features and beauties. It simply isn't enough to visit it once, as the country has so many attractions and highlights that it demands more well-deserving visits. It's natural, Himalayan, cultural and religious wonders make Nepal a cornucopia of exotic characters. And my agency, Nepal Hiking Team, did a terrific job of presenting everything in the most comfortable and amazing of ways!

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Essay: Lumbini

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‘ Lumbini ‘ is the birthplace of the Lord buddha, located at Lumbini Zone, Rupandehi district of Nepal. To arrive there, we have to drive 30 minutes from Bhairahawa and 9 hours from kathmandu. To fly there, the nearest airport is Gautam Buddha Airport which flies from and to Kathmandu.

According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautam was born in 623 BC. Queen Mayadevi gave birth to him. Later on, he founded Buddhism after achieving Enlightenment and became ‘Gautama Buddha’ in time around 543 BC. Hindu regard the Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu and worship Queen Mayadevi as Rupa Devi, as mother goddess of Lumbini. His mother (Queen Mayadevi) took the ritual dip prior to his birth in Puskarini (Holy) pond. Where he, too had his first bath. At other site near Lumbini, according to the tradition, Earlier buddha were born, achieved ultimate Enlightenment and finally gave up earthly form. Lumbini is one of many magnet for pilgrimage, where many people come to worship, visit, research and study about the life of Gautam Buddha and various other purposes. Lumbini has number of temples, including the Mayadevi Temple, Ashokan pillar and several others in construction. Many statue, monasteries and a museum called ‘the Lumbini International Research Institute’ are also located. Where people get help to learn and know about the history of Gautam Buddha and in 1997, Lumbini was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO .

In the Buddha’s time, Lumbini was situated between Kapilvastu and Devandaha (both in Nepal). It was there, where Buddha was born. Now a days, a pillar is marked as the spot where king Ashoka visited Lumbini during his period and there is inscription on the pillar, which indicates that , it was placed there by the people then in charge of the park to commemorate Ashoka’s visit and gifts. Previously, this park was known as Rummindei, which lies 3.2 km north of Bhagavanpura. In the Sutta Nipata (vs 683) it is stated that the Buddha was born in a village of the sakyans in the Lumbineyya Janapada. Where he stayed during his visit to Devadaha and preached the devandaha Sutta.

In 1896, Nepalese archaeologists (led by khadga Samsher Rana and Alois Anton Fuhrer ) discovered a great stone pillar at lumbini. Fuhrer assumed that the pillar was placed at the site by Ashoka (emperor of the Maurya Empire) around 245 BCE. Records made by the Chinese Pilgrim Faxian(Buddhist monk) in the early fifth century CE were also used in th process of identifying this religious acclaimed site. Recent excavations beneath existing brick structure at the Mayadevi Temple, constructed during the Ashoka era. Lumbini have uncovered the evidence for an older timber structure beneath the walls of the newer brick. The layout of the Ashokan shrine closely follows that of the earlier timber structure, which suggests a continuity of worship at the site. The Pre-Mauryan timber structure appears to be an ancient bodhigara(tree shrine), where pre-Buddha tree worship began at around 1000 BC. Which was followed and developed by Buddhist monastery like community in approximately 550 BC.

In present days, Lumbini historic site is 4.8 km in length and 1.6 km in width. The holy site of Lumbini is covered by a large monastic zone in which only monasteries can be built, no shop, hotels or restaurants are allowed to built. It is separated into an eastern and western monastic zone, The Theravadin monasteries belongs to eastern whereas, Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries belongs to western. An ancient monasteries like sacred Bodhi tree, bathing pond, the Ashokan Pillar and the Mayadevi temple, Where the supposed birth place of Buddha is located. Many pilgrims from different countries perform chanting and meditation at the site, from early morning to early evening.

2023 update

• The cultural and economic impact of Lumbini extends beyond the local economy. The site is also an important contributor to the global economy, as tourists from around the world visit Lumbini to learn about Buddhism and its history.
• Lumbini’s significance is not limited to the past but continues to evolve in the present. For example, in recent years, Lumbini has become a center for meditation and spiritual retreats, attracting practitioners from a wide range of spiritual traditions.
• Finally, it is worth mentioning the challenges that Lumbini faces in terms of infrastructure and environmental sustainability. As the site becomes more popular, it will be important to ensure that it can accommodate the increasing number of visitors while minimizing its impact on the environment and local communities.

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Lumbini Nepal - The Birth Place of Buddha

Hemanta budhathoki.

• Last Updated on May 14, 2024

Table of Contents

Lumbini , The birthplace of Buddha is in southern Nepal. Mayadevi gave birth to Gautama Buddha in 623 BC who achieved enlightenment and became Lord Buddha. The place is one of the many magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha. Lumbini is about 260 kilometers from Kathmandu and 169 kilometers from Pokhara, 1-hour drive to Nepal India border Sunauli and 4 hours driving to Gorakhpur railway station. Only one airport at Bhairahawa is 25 kilometers far from Lumbini. You can plan to visit Lumbini with your  Nepal treks tours  plan. 

The place to visit in Lumbini

Lumbini Museum Place at the northern end of the compound, the Lumbini museum is devoted to the life of Buddha with a nice collection of artifacts and photos from Buddhist sites around the world. An excellent model of the master plan of the Lumbini development zone is also displayed inside this museum.  

Different monastery or temple built by different Buddhist countries In the 2 part of Monastic Zone, divided into Mahayana and Theravada zones, stand ornate temples, stupas, and monasteries built with funds from Buddhist sources in many different countries. Each is unique, most reflecting the architecture of the parent country. Every temple and monasteries have the most elaborate roof decorations of any of the sites. Meticulously painting the smallest details of multicolored murals and door panels is fascinating. Some are completed, many still under construction, and some just beginning to be built.

• Golden Lotus stupa built by German
• Chinese temple & monastery complex
• Korean Temple with their respectful accommodation facility
• Cambodian temple
• Myanmar Golden Temple
• Mahabodhi Society Temple India
• Thai Monastery
• Vietnamese monastery. The traditional Vietnamese architectural buildings and pagoda which is 25 meters high is magnificent and picturesque. It is near its completion
• Burmese Swedagoan pagoda
• Nepalese temple built by International Bhikshuni Association

Kapilbastu Tilaurakot – Childhood home of Gautama Buddha Kapilavastu was an ancient city that was the capital of Shakya, The parents of Gautama Buddha King Suddhodana and Queen Maya Devi. Prince Siddhartha Gautama spends his life until his age 29th. The site contains archaeological ruins of the palace. It is about 59 kilometers from Lumbini. 

With all these attractions of Lumbini, the destination is visited by thousands of Buddhists and Hindu devotees from all around the world along with historians and tourists interested in Buddhist religion and culture. Apart from the structures, the Lumbini area is also famous for the wide array of bird species found in its farmland and reservoirs that include the Sarus crane, Indian spotted eagle, gyps, owls, and other endangered animals too.  People interested in trekking can also take the Lumbini circuit tour to visit the 64 scattered archaeological sites in the area.

Village Tour near Lumbini : The trip to the villages in the surrounding areas also lets one experience and understand the lifestyles of the diverse ethnic people as one goes to the villages and indulges in the everyday lives, culture, and customs of the warm and friendly people. The trip to Lumbini is a complete package combines nature with the culture and religion and warm hospitality of the people making it a truly peaceful and spiritual experience.

How to reach Lumbini

from Kathmandu : Lumbini is about 260 kilometers from Kathmandu. It takes 8 to 9 hours driving. Regular tourist buses are available early in the morning. Local buses from Gongabu Bus Park depart in the morning or evening for a night drive to reach the next day morning. The second option is to take a  flight to Bhairahawa airport and a short drive to Lumbini. There are more than 10 flights from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and back. Lumbini is also worth visiting as a Day tour from Kathmandu .      From Pokhara : From Pokhara Tourist bus is available, local bus and flight too. it is 170 kilometer takes about 6/7 hours to drive from Pokhara to Lumbini. You also can choose our Lumbini tour from Pokhara.    From the Indian Nepal border : The nearest border from Lumbini is the Sunauli border between Nepal and India. It is about 57 kilometers. From Chitawan National Park is about 135 kilometers. Local transportation or private transportation is available.

Email us ( [email protected] ) to organize your Lumbini tour as per your timeframe, interest, and budget. 

Hemanta Budhathoki is team leader of Nepal Highland Trekking and travel company. 

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Must-see attractions in Lumbini

Maya Devi Temple

The spiritual heart of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563BC. In the adjoining…

World Peace Pagoda

Located outside the main compound, but easily accessible by bike, the impressive gleaming-white World Peace Pagoda, one of the world's greatest stupas,…

Cambodian Monastery

With strong touches of Angkor Wat, this colourful fantasy due for completion in 2018 is already one of the most fascinating temples in Lumbini. The temple…

Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery

Close to the north end of the pond, this stunning and imposing wat (Thai-style monastery) is built from gleaming white marble. The blue-roofed meditation…

Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery

This elegant monastery is one of the most impressive structures at Lumbini. Reached through a gateway flanked by dogs of Fo, the elegant pagoda-style…

Myanmar Golden Temple

The Myanmar Golden Temple is one of the oldest structures in the compound. There are three prayer halls – the most impressive is topped by a corncob…

Korean Buddhist Temple

At the time of research, the government of South Korea was finishing up this massive temple. The interior is magnificent; you might find workers still…

Nepal Vajrayana Mahavihara Temple

This beautiful Newari temple with central courtyard was nearing completion at time of research.

Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa

This truly extravagant stupa, constructed by the German Tara Foundation, contains a hollow crown partly covered in glass, revealing a small Buddha within…

Thrangu Vajra Vidhya Monastery

This monastic temple funded by Canadians opened in 2014; 80% of the residents are nuns. The temple is noted for the nearly three thousand Buddha statues…

Drubgyud Chöling Gompa

This classic Tibetan-style gompa (Buddhist monastery) was built in 2001 by Buddhists from Singapore and Nepal. The mural work inside is quite refined…

Manang Samaj Stupa

This grand yet tasteful chörten (Tibetan reliquary stupa) was constructed by Buddhists from Manang in northern Nepal, but needs some work. There's a…

Lokamani Pula Pagoda

Located on the grounds of the Myanmar Golden Temple is this huge gilded stupa in the southern Burmese style, inspired by the Shwedagon Paya in Yangon.

Mother Temple of the Graduated Path to Enlightenment

The Austrian Geden International Foundation constructed this complex of stupas and monastery buildings, the latter in classical Greek style.

Sri Lankan Monastery

The grand and moated Sri Lankan Monastery contains elaborate and colourful murals depicting the life of Buddha.

About 29km west of Lumbini, Tilaurakot has been identified as the historical site of Kapilavastu, where Siddhartha Gautama spent the first 29 years of his…

Ashokan Pillar

The Indian emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini in 249 BC, leaving behind an inscribed sandstone pillar to commemorate the occasion. After being lost for…

Lumbini Crane Sanctuary

The wetlands surrounding the World Peace Pagoda are protected as a crane sanctuary and you stand a good chance of seeing rare sarus cranes stalking…

Lumbini Museum

Tucked away at the northern end of the compound, this museum is devoted to the life of the Buddha, with a nice collection of artefacts and photos from…

Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu Temple

Vietnam's contribution has a grand roof but one kitschy lawn: its fake mountains resemble a minigolf hole. The faded grandeur is also a reminder that…

Gold Buddha Statue

This large golden Buddha is the latest addition to the various monuments at the southern end of the central canal, joining the Eternal Flame and the…

Gautami Nun’s Temple

This modest building is the only monastery in the compound built solely for female devotees.

Tilaurakot Museum

This small museum at the final turn-off to the Tilaurakot archaeological site displays some of the artefacts found there. A new and larger museum building…

Eternal Flame

Located at the southern end of the canal, the Eternal Flame was created in 1986 to commemorate the International Year of Peace. It symbolises the undying…

Ceremonial Bell

Located near the southern end of the central canal, this large bell is dedicated to world peace.

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Things to do in Lumbini

Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama- the Lord Buddha that became a place of faith for millions from around the world. This Mecca for Buddha devotees and believers is located in the Rupandehi District in the Terai lowlands of Nepal.

It is a significant pilgrimage place with significant historical, cultural, religious, and national significance and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lumbini is blessed with a range of attractions relating to the major events of Buddha's life, including diverse sites, monuments, and shrines.

People come here because it marks one of the most important sites for their faith. Some come for a brief visit and concentrate on prayer in the Sacred Garden while some visit and stay for longer to gain spiritual experience. Whatever the reason is for them to visit here, it should be a life-changing experience inspired by the Buddha’s life and teachings.

While visiting Lumbini, there are numerous things to do in the region that are not confined to visiting the Sacred Garden or seeking a spiritual experience. So, take a look at our list of the best things to do in Lumbini and use it as a guideline to help you decide what is ideal for you.

Top things to do in Lumbini

1. explore the sacred garden.

The first thing first comes is the Sacred Garden while visiting Lumbini. The Sacred Garden is located in the heart of Lumbini, and it is here that the most important sections of the site may be found. The Ashoka Pillar in the garden built by the Indian emperor Ashoka to commemorate his visit to Lumbini states that Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha in this location in 623 BC.

When you enter the garden, you will immediately feel the weight of your surroundings. Pilgrims sit in peaceful prayer beneath prayer flags strung amongst the trees. The garden's center point is the enormous Sacred Pond named Pushkarini Pond, where Queen Mayadevi is claimed to have bathed before giving birth and where she gave her son his first purification wash.

The Mayadevi Temple, on the other hand, is the most prominent archaeological, historical, cultural, and spiritual site in the garden. The big white temple structure visible from the outside is actually a newer structure, having been completed in 2003. It's just there to protect what's within, and it's unimportant in and of itself. When you get at the Marker Stone and take a minute to reflect on what it means, you've completed the physical journey that the Lumbini site's architects planned.

The ancient ruins of stupas and monks in maroon congregating under a sprawling Bodhi Tree draped with colorful prayer flags are another notable thing inside ‘the Sacred Garden’ on Lumbini.

2. Explore Lumbini Monastic Site

Lumbini’s sacred site is surrounded by a huge monastic zone where only temples and monasteries are present to provide insights into Buddhism, its propagation, and the system of belief that acts as a common thread to help maintain harmonious associations between several countries. No stores, motels, or restaurants are permitted in the area. The zone is divided into an eastern and western monastic zone by a lengthy water-filled canal. Theravada Buddhism dominates the eastern zone while Vajrayana and Mahayana dominate the western part.

I. East Monastic Zone

The eastern monastic zone of Lumbini represents Theravada Buddhism which means "elder's teachings," with the elders being senior Buddhist monks. This school of Buddhism considers itself to be the most faithful to the Buddha's original teachings. Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar are the epicenters of Theravada Buddhism which is also known as ‘Southern Buddhism’.

So being dominated by Theravada Buddhism, Eastern Monastic Zone houses the temples and monasteries built by the Southern Asian countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc. Visitors will not only get to learn about this Buddhism but also admire the fascinating different architectures. The temples, monasteries, and a Vipassana center in this zone are:

A. Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery B. Myanmar Golden Monastery C. Mahabodhi Society Temple of India D. Dhamma Janani Vipassana Center (Nepal) E. International Gautami Nuns Temple (Nepal) F. Sri Lankan Monastery

II. West Monastic Zone

The western monastic zone of Lumbini has fourteen Mahayana Buddhism where Mahayana and Vajrayana practices are followed and two Vipassana Meditation Centers. Mahayana Buddhism is the largest Buddhism sect in the world and Vajrayana Buddhism is a branch of Buddhism that is believed to have started from Mahayana practices. These practices are followed at zeal in Tibet, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. Some of these along with other countries such as France, Canada, Germany, Austria, etc. have built monasteries and meditation centers in the zone. They are:

• A. Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery (China)
• B. Dae Sung Shakya Temple (South Korea)
• C. Geden International Monastery (Austria)
• D. Urgen Dorjee Chholing Buddhist Centre (Singapore)
• E. French Buddhist Association (France)
• F. The World Linh Son Buddhist Congregation (France)
• G. The Great Lotus Stupa (Tara Foundation) (Germany)
• H. Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu (Vietnam)
• I. Thrangu Vajra Vidhya Buddhist Foundation (Canada)
• J. United Tungaram Buddhist Foundation (Nepal)
• K. Drubgyud Chhoeling Monastery (Nepal Mahayana Temple)
• L. Dharmodhaya Sabha Nepal (Swayambhu Mahavihara)
• M. Karma Samtenling Monastery (Nepal)
• N. Manang Samaj Stupa (Nepal)
• O. Pandirarama Lumbini International Meditation Center (Myanmar)
• P. Drigung Kagyud Meditation Centre (Laddakh)

3. World Peace Pagoda

The World Peace Pagoda is located at the site's northernmost point. The pagoda was built in the early twenty-first century by Japan to promote the value of peace and love. It is one of the most popular destinations in Lumbini. This magnificent stupa is white in hue with the tree level of staircases. There are four massive golden Buddha sculptures facing four different directions.

4. Visit Lumbini Crane Sanctuary

The Crane Sanctuary is located next to the World Peace Pagoda. This wetland was established to provide a haven for native birds, especially Saris Cranes. These world’s highest-flying birds are estimated to be 100 couples in the sanctuary. They are particularly significant in Lumbini because of their unique connection to the Buddha's life story. You can also sight some antelope-like blue bull, Indian spotted eagle, gyps, owls, etc. And for the spectacular views of this reserve, you can walk over to the watchtower.

5. Visit Tilaurakot

Tilaurakot is about 25km west of Lumbini. It is an important archaeological site that houses an ancient palace, where the Buddha spent his 29 years as a Shakya Prince before he embarked on his journey to become the Buddha. It is believed that the Lord Buddha as Prince Siddhartha stood at the eastern gate of Kapilavastu from where we can see the farmlands before taking that first step toward enlightenment.

And while you are here, take some time to roam around and take in the ambiance. There is also the Kapilvastu Museum near Tilaurakot. The museum houses pottery, jewelry, and ornaments of that period.

6. Visit Ramagram Stupa

Another thing to do during your Lumbini journey is to visit the Ramagrama Stupa. It is one of the eight places where the Buddha's relics were placed following his cremation. It is also the only one that hasn't been opened by Emperor Ashoka because he got a vision of a snake deity telling him not to meddle with the site when he arrived.

The Ramagrama Stupa is on a Tentative List for nomination as a new UNESCO World Heritage site because of its significance.

7. Meditation Retreat

Buddhism places a high value on meditation. Buddha himself practiced meditation to achieve enlightenment. So, you can also meditate deeply in one of the meditation centers in Lumbini in the hopes of experiencing the same enlightenment that converted Prince Siddhartha into Lord Buddha. You can also meditate under the Bodhi tree in the Sacred Garden.

8. Boating in Central Canal

The water of the central canal flows through the monastic sites and connects the village area to the Sacred Garden. It is an excellent location for boating activities and viewing the surroundings. You can find modest outboard motorboats that conduct trips at each end of the canal. Otherwise, you have the option of walking down the canal's side, which is supposed to resemble a pilgrimage. Alternatively, you can cycle through one of the site's monastic zones.

9. Cycling Around Town

Cycling is a great way to get closer to the heart of local culture in Lumbini. It is affordable as well as simple to ride because the roads are flat with less traffic. You can enjoy the acres of land covered in mustard flowers and rice paddies. You will be able to observe ancient living styles and people with big smiles.

10. Visit Lumbini Museum

The Lumbini museum is tucked away in the compound’s northern end in the cultural zone. The museum is dedicated to the Buddha’s life and houses an enormous collection of artifacts and images portraying both Lumbini and Lord Buddha. The complex also maintains religious manuscripts, terra-cotta fragments, stone and metal sculptures, and rare and ancient Mauryan and Kushana coins.

When to Travel to Lumbini?

Lumbini is accessible throughout the year and visiting here at any time of year will be a rewarding experience for devotees of Lord Buddha. However, if you’re unsure when to visit Lumbini or come when it’s at its best to fully immerse yourself in the experience without having to worry about inconveniences, here’s a detailed guide about the ideal time to visit Lumbini.

Autumn (October – mid-December) The greatest time to visit Lumbini and discover its landmarks and architecture is in the autumn. The post-monsoon month, October has a clear sky and clean atmosphere. The temperature also begins to cool off which makes the travel to Lumbini very convenient. The sunrise and sunset views are at their most stunning during the autumn season. The temperature ranges from 12°C to 28°C, which is rather pleasant.

Winter (mid-December – March) Winter is harsh in Lumbini. The temperature can get as low as 2°C. And the mornings are foggy and weary because of excessive humidity, limiting a good sightseeing experience.

Spring (March – April) After the harsh winters, the temperatures begin to rise, and the fog lifts, leaving you with a bright and colorful atmosphere ideal for stepping out to explore. The big festival of Buddha Purnima is also held in April or May when hordes of believers and visitors flock from all over the world to commemorate Buddha's birth in his country.

S ummer/Monsoon (Late April-September) Temperatures begin to climb significantly in late April and May, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season starts in mid-to late-June and can persist until September. While the rains provide some reprieve from the oppressive heat, the humidity levels are still too high to enjoy any outdoor strolls or sightseeing.

How to get to Lumbini?

The major gateway to enter Nepal is Kathmandu because it houses the only International Airport in the country. The other ways are via the Nepal-Tibet border or the Nepal-India border. So, to get to Lumbini these three ways are open for international travelers. Being Kathmandu the major spot, let’s take a look at the options from Kathmandu to Lumbini

• Getting Lumbini from Kathmandu

Lumbini is about 270 kilometers away from the capital Kathmandu. Both air and road options are available from Kathmandu to Lumbini. A charter flight is a quickest and most comfortable option, but it is also the most expensive. For the budget options, you can either take the public vehicle transfer or tourist bus transfer.

By Air Flying is the quickest method to get to Lumbini from Kathmandu. And there are daily flights from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa (Gautman Buddha International Airport) which take around 30 minutes. Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines are the only airlines that fly between these two cities. Lumbini is about a 28-kilometer/30 minutes drive from the Gautam Buddha International Airport by taxi or public transfer.

(Note: Depending upon the visitors’ budget and interest, a chartered helicopter flight is also possible from Kathmandu to Lumbini.)

By Road The road is the most common way to get to Lumbini from Kathmandu. The drive on the tarmac road might last 7-10 hours depending upon the traffic. The drive is scenic where you will go from the hilly region to the Terai plains and notice a dramatic shift in the landscape. The level of comfort may vary on your road trip, depending on your mode of transportation but none of the ground transportation options will match the comfort of a flight, maybe due to time constraints. However, the cost is more comfortable when traveling via road than via flight.

If you are planning to travel via roadways, here are the options to choose from.

• By Private Transfer A private transfer from Kathmandu to Lumbini is the next most comfortable option after flying. You can eat and rest anywhere you want and have frequent rest stops. The cost of hiring the private transfer may vary based on the vehicle model, size, and seat numbers.

• By local/tourist bus Local and tourist bus services are only recommended if you are on a tight budget or experience the local way of traveling.

Tourist buses are a little more expensive than the local ones with services like air conditioning, comfortable seats, and sufficient lunch and comfort stops. The prices might again vary depending upon the ongoing market value and pre-booked tickets are also not compulsory. However, your seats will be secure during the peak season and traveling with a large group if you book the ticket in advance.

Being the cheapest in all, local vehicles/buses are loud and crowded with no air conditioning and no comfort stops. Sometimes, the seats are broken and the buses are overloaded and you have to eat at local eateries along the highway.

Another downside of traveling via local and tourist vehicles is that they won’t drop you off at the Lumbini Bazaar but at Buddha Chowk from where you have to take another vehicle to reach Lumbini Bazaar.

2. Getting Lumbini from Nepal-India Border

There are 8 open Nepal-India borders from where one can travel from one country to other. If you want to travel to Lumbini from India, Sunauli, around 30 kilometers away from Lumbini, is the closest border crossing. After arriving in Sunauli, you can take a rickshaw or available public vehicle to Buddha Chowk, where you will see the buses waiting to go to Lumbini Bazaar. You can also hire a private transfer which is more expensive but more convenient.

3. Getting Lumbini from other places

• Lumbini is about 170 kilometers from Pokhara. You can either take a flight, a private vehicle, or a public transfer to get to Lumbini from Pokhara city. • It is just 130 kilometers from Chitwan National Park. And it is the closest place to visit from. You can opt. to drive on a private jeep or car or a local bus.

4. Getting Lumbini from the Nepal-Tibet border

Travelers traveling from the Nepal-Tibet border have to drive to Kathmandu and opt. to choose to drive or fly from Kathmandu as above mentioned.

Lumbini is full of history. It tells a lot about the Lord Buddha’s life. It is where the people seek spiritual experience. It is the place where people go to find nirvana. Choose anything from the above list of best things to do in Lumbini and make a tribute to the creator of philosophy, whose goal was to eradicate suffering from human life.

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Lumbini Tour

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Trip Highlights of Lumbini Tour

• Exploration of Mayadevi temple from the 3rd century.
• Visit around Ashoka pillar from 249 B.C.
• Cultural and historical insights by visiting the famous Lumbini Museum
• Panoramic view of the surrounding landscape of World Peace Flame and World Peace Stupa.
• Glimpse into the diversity of Buddhist traditions by visiting Tilaurakot, Kunda, Devdaha, and Sangrahawa.
• Glimpse of unique architectural styles and cultural elements by visiting several Buddhist monasteries and stupas.
• Meditation and reflection at the peaceful Lumbini Garden.

Overview of Lumbini Tour

Lumbini Tour is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha – Messenger of Peace. Lord Buddha was born in Nepal in 623 B.C. As a prince, his mother, Maya Devi, was going to her maternal town. The Lumbini tour is one of the four holy places of Buddhism.

It is located in the Kapilvastu district of Nepal, about 306 km west of Kathmandu. The Lumbini is a pilgrimage tour that also displays the tremendous archaeological triumph of humanity.

Lumbini contains 62 archaeological sites that exhibit different events during and after Buddha’s life. It has been declared a World Heritage Site   by UNESCO. However, The Mayadevi temple is a significant ancient heritage that houses the old idol of Mayadevi, the Birthmarker stone, and the ruins from the 3rd  century B.C. to the 7th century B.C.

The Birth Marker stone precisely marks the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Emperor Ashoka inscribed and erected the Ashoka Pillar in 249 BC behind and to the west of the Mayadevi Temple.

The pillar and inscription are the testaments of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The holy and ancient Pushkirini Lake is situated near the Ashoka Pillar. It is believed that Mayadevi had bathed in the lake before giving birth to Lord Buddha.

The Lumbini Museum preserves historical artifacts and has an extensive collection of Mauryan and Kushana coins, religious manuscripts, terracotta fragments, and stone and metal sculptures related to Buddhism.

The eternal World Peace flame in the center of the Lumbini garden, which flows continuously 24 hours a day, is also a significant attraction. During the   Lumbini Tour, Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihara, Devdaha, and Sagarhawa are other famous religious and archaeological sites.

Lumbini Tour Cost

Various factors cause fluctuation in the Lumbini tour cost. One of the major factors that affect the cost of a tour is the size of the group. We are providing discounts in large numbers to groups. Even if you are solo we still manage our best to provide you a discount. But a large number of groups get more discounts than small groups or solo travelers. 

Another factor that varies overall cost is the duration of the trip. Generally, the tour is completed within 3 days including the drive and exploration of Lumbini, and then return to Kathmandu. But if you want to extend your package by adding some activities and exploration areas, we are ready for that too. In such cases, the cost increases, and fluctuation in cost arises. 

Your preference for transportation also determines your price for the Lumbini Tour. you have the option to travel either by airplane, bus or by car. If you choose to travel by airplane the cost increases as it is an expensive mode of transportation. If you choose a bus it is the most budget friendly. And cars are also expensive but not more expensive than airplanes. 

We provide you with accommodation at the finest hotel in Lumbini. Still, if you prefer to stay in a more luxurious one your cost increases. Generally, we include your accommodation on your trekking package but if you desire a luxurious one the cost increases. 

For the exact cost of a customized itinerary, contact Boundless Adventure at +977 9851103819. 

Gautam Buddha

Siddhartha Gautman, commonly known as Lord Gautamn Buddha is a leader of spirituality and founder of the religion of Buddhism. The exact birthdate of Lord Buddha is still unknown but the people celebrate his birth date on Buddha Purnima which falls in April or May and there is a belief that he was born in the 5th century BCE in Lumbini Nepal.

Siddhartha Gautama was born into a Royal family and his father, Śuddhodana was a King. According to the traditional belief Siddhartha Guatman Buddha lived a sheltered life, to escape from the miseries of the world. After dissatisfaction with his luxurious lifestyle, he began on a spiritual journey to better understand the essence of suffering and discover a way to overcome it.

At the age of 29, Lord Buddha sacrificed his imperial status and began a spiritual journey in search of enlightenment. After years of meditation and spiritual practice under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, Buddha attained enlightenment at the age of 35. The incident reflected his awakening to the truth of life, and he became known as the Buddha, which signifies “the awakened one.”

After getting enlightenment, the Lord spends his remaining life on the path of Dharma or the path of freedom from suffering. His teaching pointed our four valuable truths:

• The truth of suffering (dukkha)
• The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
• The truth of the end of suffering (nirodha)
• The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering (magga)

The philosophy of the Buddha highlighted kindness, mindfulness, and the growth of wisdom. He encouraged his followers to question and investigate his teachings rather than accepting them blindly.

The Guatman Buddha has directed the eightfold noble paths including right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

The philosophy of Lord Buddha has made a deep impact on the world by inspiring millions of people to seek inner peace, freedom from suffering, and spiritual awakening. For this reason, Buddhism is the major religion with a large number of followers throughout Asia and around the world.

Kathmandu Valley UNESCO Sightseeing

On your first day of itinerary, you’ll have a visit to the Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO sightseeing. On the Kathmandu exploration day, You’ll explore some of the famous and significant sites. First, you’ll explore Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Durbar Square is a significant site for cultural and historical aspects and a part of a world UNESCO heritage site.

The Durbar is home to more than 50 temples which is why it is known as the “museum of temple”. It is one of the oldest durbar squares which used to be a royal place of Malla kings in ancient times of Nepal and was built between the 4th to 8th centuries in a Nepalese architectural style. Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Taleju Temple, the Kumari Ghar (residence of the Living Goddess), and the Kal Bhairav Temple are some prominent structures, you’ll get sightseeing at the time of exploration.

Swayambhunath monastery/ Stupa is another site of UNESCO you’ll have exploration after Kathmandu Durbar Square. Swayambhunath, the Buddhist religious site located at the top of the hill at Swayambhu. The monastery is also known as a monkey temple as several monkeys are there all around the stupa’s areas.

The monastery is on top of the hill with a big white stupa golden spires, prayer flags, and beautiful decorations. One of the most notable features of the stupa is the pair of eyes on both sides of the main stupa. The eyes are also known as the “Eyes of Buddha” or the “Wisdom Eyes,” which are on all four sides of the stupa signifying the Buddha’s all-seeing wisdom and enlightenment. Besides the main stupa, you can visit the other shrines, temples, statues, and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries at the complex of Swayambhunath stupa.

Boudhanath stupa is another significant site for the Buddhist religion you’ll get insight into on Kathmandu sightseeing day. The Boudhanath stupa is a famous tourist destination in Kathmandu. The stupa is in dome shape with a massive hemisphere and decorated with prayer flags, prayer wheels, and intricate carvings. You can get involved in various activities on the stupa including spinning prayer wheels and lighting butter lamps.

Your last sightseeing at Kathmandu on the day is Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple and a UNESCO heritage site. At the Gaushala, Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath temple is on the bank of the Bagmati river. The temple is the holiest place in Nepal and a pilgrimage site for Hindus around the world. The temple is in pagoda style with wood carvings, golden spires, and fancy decorations. Furthermore, the temple is not only a place to worship but also a cultural landmark and a symbol of Nepal’s religious identity.

Visiting all of these UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu provides you with a sense of spirituality and peacefulness of mind and body.

Aerial View Option From Kathmandu to Lumbini

For the aerial view option from Kathmandu to Lumbini, you have the option to go by airplane. While choosing an airplane service you’ll take a flight from the domestic airport of Kathmandu and land at the nearest airport of Lumbini, Bhairahawa. The flight takes 30 minutes.

The airplane flight takes you through the aerial view with a bird’s gaze of Nepal’s distinct landscape. As you take off from Kathmandu you’ll see the beauty of Kathmandu Valley with big buildings, temples, and dense forests in some areas. As you get closer to Lumbini the landscape changes showcasing the fertile plains of the Terai extending below. Rivers flow through the lush greenery and agricultural land surrounding the landscape, providing you with a glimpse into the region’s agricultural cultivation.

As you get to Lumbini, you’ll see the sacred area from above with clear temple spires standing within the calm surroundings. The aerial view provides a unique perspective to appreciate the beauty of the Lumbini complex along with the Maya Devi temple and peaceful surrounding areas.

Exploration Day at Lumbini

Exploration Day at Lumbini provides you with a sense of spirituality and profoundness. On the Lumbini exploration day, you’ll move to Tilaurakot, early in the morning. It is a historical site of Kapilvastu and lord Siddhartha Gautam Buddha.

After returning from Tilaurakot you’ll visit prominent sites of Lumbini including Maya Devi temple , Ashoka pillar , monasteries, garden, sacred pond, and meditation centre.

At Mayadevi temple you can explore the area where queen Mayadevi gave birth to lord Siddhartha Gautam Buddha and can see devotees praying. Visiting the temple provides you with a calm atmosphere. Exploring the Ashoka pillar provides you insight into historical artifacts and their significance in spreading Buddhist teachings .

Lumbini is the home of several monasteries that were built by various Buddhist communities from around the world. Exploration of the monasteries provides you insight and understanding of different cultures of Buddhism through their unique architectural styles and spiritual practices.

Tilaurakot is the area of Kapilvastu Municipality in Kapilvastu district in the Lumbini province. The village lies in southern Nepal and used to be the village development committee. The village is 25 km northwest of Maya Devi temple and holds great significance in cultural and historical significance in the context of Buddha’s life and Philosophy.

People believe that Tilaurakot used to be the capital city of the Shakya Kingdom where lord Buddha spent his early prince’s life. Siddhartha Gautama Buddha spent his life in Tilaurakot for 29 years and lived a sheltered life within the palace before starting his spiritual journey.

Archaeological excavations at Tilaurakot have found several artifacts and structures which are about of sixth century BCE, providing a unique glimpse into ancient architectural styles. During your exploration time at Tilaurakot, you can get insight into ancient architectural styles by looking at buildings, walls, and gates in the area.

The remains of the palace of King Suddhonath, father of Lord Buddha is the major attraction of Tilaurakot. Although the Palace is destructed now, the remaining objects provide insight into the royal family’s luxurious way of living and the social structure of the Sakyan family during the ancient era.

Travel in Lumbini

Lumbini is the Birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal, and Buddha was born in Nepal. Lord Buddha was born into the royal place in the 7th  century but was enlightened in Gowa.

However, His name was Siddhartha Gautam; he became famous as Lord Buddha. Many Buddhist pilgrimages travel to the Lumbini every year around the world. Lumbini is 255 Km west of Kathmandu but near the border of India .

Itinerary of Lumbini Tour

Boundless Adventure Nepal is your Lumbini tour arrange company in Nepal. We fully take care of your tour while you are on the Lumbini tour. We are providing Hotels and itineraries.

If you are traveling to Lumbini, Nepal, for a short time, please let us know. We can probably customize your itinerary according to your holidays. While we can make a longer itinerary, you may simultaneously travel on the Jungle safari in Nepal.

We provide Plane and helicopter service to Everest at an extra cost. If you are interested in exploring the Himalayas, please let us know.

Day: 01 Pick up from International airport and drive to Hotel

We are willing to welcome you to Nepal with your name list and the name of our company pick-up board on your arrival at gate No one.

Usually, It will take an hour to meet us when you land because there will be a visa process for the arrival and getting luggage.

It will take the same person about a mobile local SIM card.

We will drive to the hotel. It will take 15 minutes from the airport to the hotel, but sometimes there are more extended traffic jams.

Day: 02 Kathmandu valley sightseeing.

Have breakfast in the hotel, interlude with a tour guide, and leave the hotel to explore the Kathmandu heritage site and Buddhist monastery. You will have four different places to explore today.

1)Historical Kathmandu Durbar Square. 2) Swayambhunath monastery 3) Bouddhanath monastery. 4) Pashunath Temple. An English-speaking guide leads all sightseeing; of course, you will have a Car, Van, or bus according to the group size.

You will have lunch on the restaurant’s roof near the Bouddhanath monastery. Your tour guide will explain the historical tour to you. Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day: 03 Drive to Lumbini

We’ll drive to Lumbini by car/bus from Kathmandu through the Prithivi Highway. It usually takes 7/8 hours every day.

It is a long drive, but you will have a beautiful panorama of landscape, green valleys along the way, rivers, and rice fields.

However, you will have lunch along the way to Lumbini, overnight in the hotel, Dinner, and rest.

Note: If you feel comfortable flying, we suggest you go to Lumbini by plane from Kathmandu. The plane takes off from Kathmandu Domestic Airport every hour till 4:00 PM.

Day: 04 Explore in Lumbini Temple

Today is an exciting day in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Have an early breakfast and drive to Tilaurakot, 35 km west of the Hotel of Lumbini.

This is the historical palace of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha of Kapilbasthu district. Drive back to the Hotel for a warm lunch, and we will explore the Ashoka Pillar, Maya Devi temple, and surroundings.

After returning to the Hotel in Lumbini, have dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

Day: 05 Drive back to Kathmandu.

Have breakfast in the hotel and drive back to Kathmandu similarly. You will enjoy Rivers, greenery, and rice fields along the way to Kathmandu.

You will have lunch near the River on the way to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu, the same hotel as you stayed the first night.

Day: 06 Mount Everest Flight (options)

Wake up early in the morning and drive by car/van to the domestic airport for one hour on the Mount Everest tour by plane.

It is a beautiful Himalayan flight from Kathmandu Airport by plane or Helicopter.

we are guaranteed to provide your sites near the window to take pictures; it is safe, and you don’t have to worry about it.

Note: To explore Mount Everest longer, you must go to Everest by Helicopter. It will take longer than three hours round trip from Kathmandu, including landing at the 5530 Meters (Kalapathar)

Day: 07 Final Departure.

Have breakfast in the Hotel, and we can drive to the international airport for your departure. Please note: The hotel’s checkout time is noon.

If you have a late-night flight, then let us know.

We wish you peace in the World and a safe journey back to Suite Home.

What's Included?

• Airport picks up and drops off by car/van/bus.
• Kathmandu city tour as per above program, inclusive tour guide, car/van.
• Highly experienced, helpful, and friendly Guide.
• Nepal Government taxes
• Ground transportation or flight tickets
• Complete board package trip.
• Three-time meals a day( Breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinner)
• Tea or coffee with every meal.
• Per person, one city map

What's Excluded?

• Travel insurance.
• Tips  and Donation
• Sightseeing entry fees.
• Hard and soft drinks

For price please contact us.

Essential Information - Lumbini Tour

Best seasons to explore at the lumbini.

Four seasons are open in Lumbini, but Nepal has two seasons that are the best time to travel. The best seasons start from the beginning of March to the end of June and restart from September to the end of December. Similarly, The Lumbini have their trust to look after the Temple. It is called Lumbini Development Trust.

Everyone can go to the Birthplace of Lord Buddha. March, April, May, June, September, October, and November are the best traveling seasons here. You can do it in groups and group join bases for 2023 and 2024.

Transportation to Lumbini Tour

Boundless Adventure provides ground transportation from Kathmandu according to the group size. You can travel by Car, Van, Jeep, Hiace, and Tourist bus from Kathmandu. It depends on your budget /cost and how comfortable a vehicle you would like to use during your tour in Lumbini.

We provide plane tickets at the nearest airport in Lumbini and pick them up from the airport to the hotel, and you may explore Lumbini right the next day or the following days.

Every type of transportation is available with us for exploring the  Lumbini. Contact us for details of the Lumbini tour itinerary, Cost, information, and the Lumbini tour Hotel by email or  WhatsApp at +977 9851033819.

Solo females or groups 

Boundless Adventure is fully responsive, even though it is for solo females. Of course, our complete response is to provide excellent service for solo and groups. We’ll give you a detailed tour itinerary in Lumbini according to your traveling days and Hotels for every night.

Lumbini is a small town in the western part of Nepal (Close to India) But very famous for the Birth Place of Lord Buddha; similarly, the Lumbini tour has standard luxury hotels available on B/B planes with vegetable, Jain food, and continental food. Every luxury hotel provides you with non-vegetarian food as well.

Note: We keep providing a tour from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini and back to Kathmandu. Please let us know if you want to go to Mount Everest by plane or Helicopter.

Most Asked Questions by Travellers

1. where does the lumbini tour start from.

Lumbini Tour starts from the capital of Nepal (Kathmandu), It is a 255 km west drive from Kathmandu. But, you may travel from the Sunauli border of India to Lumbini within a couple of hours only, from Sunauli border to Lumbini is just 88 Km only.

2. Is the domestic plane also available on Lumbini Tour?

Yes, you can fly from the domestic airport of Kathmandu to Bhairawa airport and a car/van drive to Lumbini, It is a 35 km drive from Bhairawa airport to Lumbini. We’ll provide you with ground transportation and plane tickets too.

3. How can we book the Lumbini tour with you?

It is very easy, just click on book a trip and fill up accordingly Nepal arrival details including attach your passport and sent us. You will get a booking invoice in your email and you’re booking had been confirmed.

4. How many days does the Lumbini tour take?

Normally 3 nights and 4 days long for Lumbini tour from Kathmandu to Kathmandu by ground transportation, if you are going take a domestic flight from Kathmandu, Two nights will be more than enough.

5. Where is Lumbini located?

Lumbini is in Nepal. It is a low land area in Nepal. The Lumbini tour is 255 km west of Kathmandu, Nepal.

6. How much does the Lumbini tour cost?

The Lumbini tour cost depends on the size of the group. If you are traveling with groups will be chipper and solo is a little expensive than a group. Contact us for price details; we can sort it out easily.

7. Does Every Hotel have WI-FI?

Yes, every hotel has free WI-FI and Boundless Adventure Company provides two bottles of mineral water to drink in every Hotel.

8. Do we need to pay an entrance fee in Lumbini?

Yes, every nationality has to pay for the entrance fee, it cost Nepali Rs 500/- per person including your small camera and mobile.

9. Does ATM available on the Lumbini tour?

Yes, an ATM is available nearby the hotel of Lumbini and the entrance gate of Lumbini temple. But Every ATM charge you RS 300 to 450 at once withdraw.

10. What types of vehicles do you provide for the Lumbini tour?

We have many different types of Vehicles for different sizes of groups and clients. From one person to four-person can use a Toyota car, from 5 people to 7 Person can used Scorpio/Lands cruiser and Van, if you have 8 to 13 people then they can be used Toyota Hiace / minibus and if you have more than 14 people then you may use Toyota costar and luxury bus.

Reviews on Lumbini Tour

Based on 215 Reviews

Humbling experience in Lumbini

My journey with my group of friends to Lumbini with Boundless Adventure was truly enlightening. The calm atmosphere of Lumbini with the expertise of our guides made our tour unforgettable. All management was organized smoothly by the team members of Boundless Adventure.

With all the logistic support by Boundless Adventure, we were able to just focus on absorbing the spirituality of the area. Indeed the Mayadevi temple where lord Buddha was born was the highlight of the visit. Also seeing people from all over the world showing respect to the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautman was a humbling experience that will stay in my memory forever

Somchai Anong, Thailand

Birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal

I had a great holiday in the birthplace of Lord Buddha with Boundless Adventure. It had been a long time since I was unable to spend time with my family, so I took leave from my work and decided to go on a tour with my family. I chose the Lumbini tour due to the reason that it is suitable for all age groups of our family. The professionalism, hospitality, and service of Boundless Adventure is more than I expected.

They took good care of my family and mine for 5 days. We returned home after completing a tour of a spiritual site with a sense of peace and gratitude, our thanks go to only and only Boundless Adventure for the exceptional service and care.

Dampa, Myanmar

Getting engaged in a spiritual practice is always a kind of therapy for me that’s why I chose the Lumbini tour. Trusting Boundless Adventure is the best decision I’ve ever made for my tour. The Lumbini tour is the best among all the tours have undertaken throughout my life. My guide was knowledgeable about the history of the Lumbini and I was able to get some information from him.

I not only visited the areas but also got engaged in a meditation practice. I got so relief much after my journey on Lumbini. From the time I contacted Boundess Adventure to farewell from Nepal, the team took my proper care. I am grateful for the service of the company and look no other trekking agency for my next journey in Nepal.

Liem Hoang, Vietnam

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