Ultimate Guide to Lumbini: Birthplace of The Buddha

Nepal’s Lumbini comes under one of the most sacred places in the world for every Buddhist. It is in the Terai region of southern Nepal. It is believed that the creator of the Buddhist religion Buddha or Siddhartha Gautam was born in this place. Previously this place was known as Kapilavastu district. Nowadays, this place provides many religious and historical attractions related to the life of Gautam Buddha.

Visiting this place lets People observe some of the country’s most brilliant temples and monasteries. That is the reason, why this place is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evidence and inscriptions are here, indicating this place’s historical aspect. In 1896, the Ashoka pillar was discovered in this place by Nepali archaeologists. This thing linked the birth of Buddha to the Lumbini province. Hence it became one of the top tourism destinations in the country.

Why choose Nepal’s Lumbini for your next trip?

People willing to travel to international destinations within a limited budget can plan a trip to Nepal’s Lumbini. Lumbini is an excellent tourist destination for spending a great vacation with friends and families. This tourist spot runs according to the Buddhist Tradition. As per the information, this beautiful Buddhist Pilgrimage site is in the Rupandehi District.

In 563 BCE, Queen Mahamayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama; hence this place is also getting popular as the birthplace of Goutam Buddha. It is an exciting place to plan a great trip. You can explore the Buddhist tradition and culture by visiting this stunning place. Tourists can find several monasteries here, which can calm down your soul. Every year lots of Buddhist devotees visit this place from all over the world.

How to Reach Lumbini?

Through Airline

If you want to reach Lumbini from international destinations, primarily take a flight to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After that, you must take another flight from Kathmandu to Siddhartha Gautama Airport in Bhairahawa. Lumbini is just 15 min away from this airport.

It is the fastest way to reach this tourist spot. On the other hand, if you travel within Nepal, you must take Yeti Airlines and Buddha Air, which connect Bhairahawa to other domestic airports.

Through Road

People can reach Lumbini quite easily through lots of routes. From Kathmandu airport, tourists must take a bus to Bhairahawa or Buddha Chowk and then move on to Lumbini from this place. Those who take off at Bhairahawa Airport from Kathmandu have to hire a private car or bus to reach Lumbini, which is nearly 4 km from the airport.

Sunauli border crossing plays a vital role in connecting Lumbini with Gorakhpur. Moreover, this border also connects Varanasi in India. From the Sunauli border, you must take a rickshaw ride to reach Buddha Chowk. From this place, tourists can catch a direct bus to Lumbini Bazaar.

Through Railway

As per the information, no trains run between cities in Nepal. Few tourist trains run from India, like Mahaparinirvan Express, between major cities. These trains have stopovers at Gorakhpur. From this place, travellers can reach Lumbini by road.

Read also: November Itinerary: Best Places to Explore in Nepal

Most suitable time to visit the birthplace of The Buddha

The most suitable time to visit this place is between April to May. During this time, you can comfortably explore the monasteries. As per the information, you can also visit this place from October to November or December to February.

Because in these months temperatures range from 12-28 degrees Celsius which is quite pleasant weather for visiting this place. On the other hand, the summer season is quite harsh here. The temperatures rise to almost 40 degrees Celsius in southern Nepal, which is intolerable.

Places you can visit on your Lumbini trip:

1. Ashokan Pillar

In 249 BC, a fascinating pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka at the spot of Gautam Buddha’s birth. In honour of Buddha’s birth, it grants this place a tax-free status.

2. The Bodhi Tree

This unique tree is on the premises of the Maya Devi Temple complex. You will find this tree right next to the banks of the serene Maya Devi Pond. Several Buddhist monks dit under this tree for meditation.

Moreover, they also chant spiritual scripts under this tree. It is an old Peepal tree that is clad in colourful prayer flags. Local people believe your wish will come true by tying a colourful prayer flag on this tree.

3. Buddhist Temples

You will find several unique temples with great spiritual significance in this place. As per the information, many temples were constructed in this holy place from the 2nd century BC to the 9th century AD.

Here you will also find modern temples, which include Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Temple. You can explore Tibetan craftsmanship, Newari-style Buddhist images in these temples, and many more.

4. The Japan Peace Stupa

It is also popularly known as the world peace pagoda. It is a 41m imposing structure located at the northern end of the gardens.

5. The Lumbini Museum

To explore artifacts from the Mauryan and Kushan periods, you must visit The Lumbini Museum. This museum is inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacred Garden Area.

This museum displays several artifacts, which include-

Terra cottas
Religious manuscripts
Coins from Maurya and Kushan dynasties (etc.)

6. The Lumbini International Research Institute of LIRI

In this place, people can study Buddhism and also other religions. This unique Research Institute has a vast collection of books on religion. Moreover, you can also find art and architectural books here.

Fun activities you can enjoy in Lumbini:

#1. Enjoy boating activities in Central Canal

This unique water body is spread around 1.3 km in length. This sparking canal separates Peace Pagoda in the north from the Sacred Garden in the south. People can enjoy boating activities at this canal with the presence of drivers.

#2. Climb up at the Peace Pagoda

It is a gleaming white building that has a large central dome. The presence of this large dome makes it the World Peace Pagoda.

The Japanese built this unique building as a symbol of peace. Here you will also find the set of Buddha statues placed inside the building in various positions.

#3. Meditate to calm down your soul

Without exploring the possibility of meditation, your Lumbini trip will be incomplete. While visiting the Bodhi Tree in the Maya Devi Temple, you will undoubtedly pursue the contemplation and reflection of meditation.

Moreover, you will also notice several meditation centers around the town. They offer various programs with Buddhist monks. These programs will help tourists to understand the deeper aspects of meditation.

#4. Explore Bird Watching

In the winter season, the farmland in this region of the Terai has produced various crops and stubbles. Here you can also watch streams and small irrigation channels away from towns.

Here you will also observe some giant old trees. These are used by roosting vultures and large water birds. Moreover, you can also find numerous birds here.

Conclusion

As per the information, this place comes in one of the four famous pilgrimages of Buddhism, which makes it very special to every Buddhist person. Most interestingly, not only do Buddhist people pray here, but Hindus also worship this holy pilgrimage. According to Hindu mythology, Gautam Buddha is considered one of the many demonstrations of God Vishnu. You can calm your mind by observing the spiritual significance of this place. It is a fantastic place for exploring spirituality; that’s why it is a great place to spend your vacation with your friends and families.

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Ultimate Guide to Lumbini: Birthplace of The Buddha

Why choose Nepal’s Lumbini for your next trip?

How to Reach Lumbini?

Most suitable time to visit the birthplace of The Buddha