Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha

2Nights/3Days

USD $105 Per-person

Day 1: Kathmandu to Lumbini

• Take an early morning tourist bus from Kathmandu to Lumbini (approximately 7-8 hours journey).
• Check-in at your hotel in Lumbini and rest for a while.
• Visit the Maya Devi Temple and Sacred Garden, which are located at the heart of Lumbini.
• Explore the Lumbini Museum and learn about the history and culture of Buddhism.

Day 2: Lumbini Sightseeing

• Visit the Ashoka Pillar, which was erected by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate his pilgrimage to Lumbini.
• Explore the various monasteries in Lumbini, which represent different Buddhist traditions from around the world.
• Visit Kapilvastu, the ancient city where Buddha spent his early life.
• Take a tour of the nearby villages to see the local way of life and experience the culture of the region.

Day 3: Lumbini to Kathmandu

• Take an early morning tourist bus from Lumbini to Kathmandu (approximately 7-8 hours journey).
• Optional: Stop at Tansen on the way back to Kathmandu and explore the beautiful hill town.
• Arrive in Kathmandu in the evening and rest at your hotel.

This is just a basic itinerary, and you can modify it according to your interests and preferences. If you have more time, you can also explore nearby destinations like Chitwan National Park or Pokhara. It is always recommended to book your transportation and accommodation in advance to ensure a hassle-free trip.

INCLUDED IN THE COST

• At least 3 star hotels in  Lumbini with BB.
• 2 nights in Lumbini Hotel.
• Twin Sharing Room.
• Breakfast in Lumbini Hotel.
• Deluxe AC tourist Bus (KTM-Lumbini-KTM).
• Experience City Guide with Government license holders.
• All government and local taxes.

COST EXCLUDE (NOT INCLUDED)

• Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Lumbini
• Bar Bills
• Your travel insurance.
• International air fare.·
• Nepal entry visa fee
• Tips
• Entry fees during your visit in Lumbini

Overview

Lumbini is a sacred place located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, which is widely recognized as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

Lumbini is believed to be the place where Queen Mayadevi, the mother of Gautama Buddha, gave birth to him in 623 BCE. The site remained neglected for many centuries until the famous Indian emperor Ashoka visited it in the 3rd century BCE and erected a pillar with an inscription that proclaimed the importance of Lumbini as Buddha’s birthplace.

Today, Lumbini is home to numerous monasteries, temples, and shrines, built by various countries with Buddhist populations, including Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, and China. The main attraction in Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which houses the sacred marker stone indicating the exact spot where Buddha was born. The temple is located in the center of a large complex that includes a sacred pond, a museum, and several other temples and monuments.

Apart from its religious significance, Lumbini is also an important archaeological site that has yielded numerous artifacts dating back to the pre-Buddhist era. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Kapilvastu, the palace where Buddha grew up, and the Ashoka Pillar, which is one of the oldest inscriptions related to Buddhism.

Overall, Lumbini is a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism and ancient history, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of one of the world’s major religions.

Major Attractions of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha

• Maya Devi Temple: Maya Devi Temple is the most important and sacred temple in Lumbini, Nepal, as it marks the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi, the mother of Gautama Buddha, gave birth to him. The temple is located in the center of a large complex that includes a sacred pond, a museum, and several other temples and monuments.

The temple has undergone several renovations over the centuries, with the most recent one completed in 2002, which revealed many ancient ruins and artifacts. Inside the temple, visitors can see the marker stone that indicates the exact spot where Buddha was born. The marker stone is surrounded by a small fence and is adorned with garlands of flowers and prayer flags.

The temple complex also includes a meditation garden, where visitors can sit and meditate, as well as several other important sites, including the Ashoka Pillar, the World Peace Pagoda, and various monasteries built by different countries with Buddhist populations.

Maya Devi Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, and its serene and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place for meditation and contemplation. Overall, the temple is a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism and ancient history, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of one of the world’s major religions.

• Ashoka Pillar: The Ashoka Pillar in Lumbini is one of the most important and iconic landmarks in the region. It was erected by the famous Indian emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE and is one of the oldest inscriptions related to Buddhism. The pillar bears an inscription that proclaims the importance of Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha.

The Ashoka Pillar is made of sandstone and stands about 6.7 meters tall. It is crowned with a lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism. The pillar has four lions, which are placed back to back at the top, and it is believed that these lions represent Buddha’s teachings spreading in all four directions.

The inscription on the pillar reads, “King Piyadasi (Ashoka), beloved of the gods, having been anointed eight years, came himself and worshipped (this spot) because the Buddha Shakyamuni was born here. He caused (the following) stone pillar to be erected so that people might know where the Blessed One was born. He (the king) made the village of Lummini free of taxes and free of royal dues, and endowed it with wealth in various ways.”

The Ashoka Pillar is one of the main attractions in Lumbini and draws visitors from all over the world. It is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region and serves as a reminder of the profound impact of Buddha’s teachings on the world.

• Sacred Garden: The Sacred Garden in Lumbini is a vast area surrounding the Maya Devi Temple and is considered one of the most important and sacred sites in the region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world.

The garden covers an area of approximately 8 square kilometers and is home to various monuments, temples, and monasteries built by different countries with Buddhist populations. These structures represent the different Buddhist cultures and traditions that exist around the world.

Some of the notable monuments and structures in the Sacred Garden include the Ashoka Pillar, the World Peace Pagoda, the Myanmar Golden Temple, the Chinese Monastery, the Japanese Monastery, and the Korean Monastery, among many others.

The Sacred Garden is also home to a vast collection of trees and plants that are significant in Buddhist culture and tradition. The garden has been carefully designed to create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, with well-maintained walkways, ponds, and meditation areas.

Visitors can explore the Sacred Garden on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw and can take their time to explore the various monuments and structures in the garden. The garden is a perfect place for quiet contemplation, meditation, and spiritual reflection, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Buddhism and ancient history.

• Kapilvastu: Kapilvastu is an ancient city in Nepal that is believed to have been the capital of the Shakya Kingdom, where Gautama Buddha spent his early life. It is located about 27 kilometers west of Lumbini and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

The ruins of the ancient city of Kapilvastu are spread over an area of approximately 16 square kilometers and include various archaeological sites, including palaces, temples, and stupas. Some of the notable sites in Kapilvastu include Tilaurakot, Kudan, and Gotihawa.

Tilaurakot is believed to have been the capital city of the Shakya Kingdom, where Buddha spent his early years. The site includes the ruins of the ancient palace of King Suddhodana, Buddha’s father, and other important structures, including the royal court and the city gates.

Kudan is another important site in Kapilvastu and is believed to be the site of Buddha’s first sermon after his enlightenment. The site includes a stupa and a temple that are believed to have been built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.

Gotihawa is a small village located about 5 kilometers from Tilaurakot and is believed to be the birthplace of Krakuchanda, one of the Buddhas who preceded Gautama Buddha.

Kapilvastu is an important destination for those interested in Buddhism and ancient history, and it offers a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of one of the world’s major religions. Visitors can explore the various archaeological sites and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.

• Lumbini Museum: The Lumbini Museum is a modern museum located in the Lumbini Development Zone of Nepal. It was established to showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, and other objects related to Buddhism and the history of Lumbini. It has a total of three exhibition halls that cover different aspects of Lumbini’s history and culture.

The first exhibition hall displays artifacts related to the life of Buddha and his teachings. It includes a replica of the Ashoka Pillar and other important historical objects related to Buddhism.

The second exhibition hall focuses on the history of Lumbini and the archaeological discoveries made in the region. It includes exhibits related to the Shakya Kingdom, the life of Buddha, and the ancient ruins of Kapilvastu.

The third exhibition hall showcases the cultural diversity of the region and features exhibits related to the various Buddhist cultures and traditions that exist around the world.

The Lumbini Museum also has a library that houses a vast collection of books and manuscripts related to Buddhism and Lumbini’s history. Visitors can access the library and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Overall, the Lumbini Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Buddhism and the history of Lumbini. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region and learn about the profound impact of Buddha’s teachings on the world.

• Lumbini Monasteries: Lumbini is home to various monasteries that have been built by different countries with Buddhist populations around the world. These monasteries represent the different Buddhist cultures and traditions that exist around the world and serve as a place for spiritual reflection and practice.

Some of the notable monasteries in Lumbini include the Thai Monastery, the Tibetan Monastery, the Nepali Monastery, the Burmese Monastery, the Sri Lankan Monastery, and the Vietnamese Monastery, among many others.

Each of these monasteries has its unique architecture and design, reflecting the cultural heritage and traditions of the country it represents. The monasteries also have meditation halls and other facilities where visitors can participate in spiritual practices and learn about Buddhism.

The Thai Monastery, for example, is a beautiful complex with a golden roof and intricate carvings that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Thailand. It has a large meditation hall where visitors can participate in group meditation sessions and learn about the teachings of Buddha.

The Tibetan Monastery, on the other hand, has a unique design with colorful prayer flags and murals that depict the life of Buddha. It has a large prayer hall where visitors can participate in traditional Tibetan prayer ceremonies and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

Visitors can explore the various monasteries in Lumbini and learn about the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the different countries represented. The monasteries also offer a peaceful and serene environment where visitors can meditate and reflect on the teachings of Buddha.

How to get to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha?

From Kathmandu, there are several ways to reach Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha:

• By Flight: The quickest way to get to Lumbini from Kathmandu is by taking a direct flight to Bhairahawa. Bhairahawa is the nearest airport to Lumbini, and it takes about 30-45 minutes to reach Lumbini from Bhairahawa airport by taxi or bus.
• By Tourist Bus: You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Lumbini, which is a distance of approximately 290 kilometers. The bus journey takes about 7-8 hours, depending on the road conditions and traffic. There are both government and private buses available from Kathmandu to Lumbini.
• By Car or Motorbikes: You can also hire a private car or Bike from Kathmandu to Lumbini. It takes about 7-8 hours to cover the distance by road.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the journey from Kathmandu to Lumbini is scenic, and you will pass through beautiful countryside and villages. It is recommended to book your transportation in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Best time to Visit Lumbini

The best time to visit Lumbini is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. During this time, the temperature ranges between 10°C to 25°C, making it pleasant to explore the various sites and attractions in Lumbini.

The monsoon season, from June to September, should be avoided as the region receives heavy rainfall, which can make traveling and sightseeing difficult. The summer months, from March to May, are also hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.

If you plan to attend any festivals or special events in Lumbini, such as Buddha Jayanti, which celebrates the birth of Buddha, it is best to plan your visit accordingly. Buddha Jayanti falls in April or May, depending on the lunar calendar, and is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm in Lumbini.

It is always advisable to check the weather conditions and plan your visit accordingly. Regardless of the season, Lumbini offers a peaceful and serene environment that is perfect for spiritual reflection and meditation.

What can we see during the travel by bus from Kathmandu to Lumbini

If you travel by bus from Kathmandu to Lumbini, you will pass through several towns and villages, as well as beautiful natural scenery. Some of the things you can see along the way include:

• Trishuli River: As you leave Kathmandu, you will pass by the Trishuli River, which is a popular destination for white water rafting and kayaking.
• Mugling: Mugling is a small town located at the junction of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. It is a popular stopover for buses traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan.
• Butwal: Butwal is a bustling town located about 22 kilometers from Lumbini. It is known for its beautiful temples, including the Siddhi Binayak Temple and the Manimukunda Sen Park.
• Sauraha: Sauraha is a small town located on the edge of Chitwan National Park. You can see beautiful wildlife and take a jungle safari to explore the park.

These are just a few of the things you can see on the way from Kathmandu to Lumbini by bus. The journey is full of scenic beauty, cultural landmarks, and unique experiences that make it an unforgettable adventure.

Many accommodation options available in Lumbini?

Yes, there are many accommodation options available in Lumbini that cater to a range of budgets and preferences. Some of the most popular options include:

Guesthouses and budget hotels: There are several budget-friendly guesthouses and hotels in Lumbini that offer basic amenities such as hot water, Wi-Fi, and comfortable beds. These are a great option for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mid-range hotels: There are many mid-range hotels in Lumbini that offer more amenities such as air conditioning, swimming pools, and restaurants. These hotels are a good option for travelers who want more comfort and convenience.

Luxury hotels: There are a few luxury hotels in Lumbini that offer world-class amenities such as spas, fitness centers, and fine dining restaurants. These hotels are ideal for travelers who want to indulge in a luxurious stay.

Some popular accommodation options in Lumbini include the Lumbini Village Lodge, the Maya Devi Village, the Lumbini Buddha Garden Resort, and the Hotel Ananda Inn. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season (October to December), to ensure availability.