Lumbini is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations located in the southern Terai plains of Nepal. It lies about 315 km southwest of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Lumbini is located at Rupendehi district of Nepal and is about 22km far from Bhairahawa city. It is the place where queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam in 543 BCE who later enlightened himself and became Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Siddhartha Gautam achieved Enlightenment sometime around 528 BCE, became the Buddha and founded Buddhism. It is believed that Lord Buddha walked immediately after his birth and took seven steps, under each of which a lotus flower bloomed. Buddha was one of the greatest human beings, a man of noble character, penetrating vision, warm compassion, and profound thought who always preaches for the peace in the world. Lord Buddha is known as the light of Asia.
The Sacred Garden, which is spread over 8 sq.km possesses all the treasures of the historic area. It has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in the year 1997 AD. The site is marked by Ashoka Stone Pillar, which has an engraved inscription identifying the spot as the birth place of Lord Buddha. On one side of the pillar is the Mayadevi Temple, the temple of the mother of Lord Buddha. Recent excavations have turned up a stone bearing Foot Prints of Lord Buddha.

Puskerni Pond, located south of the Ashokan Pillar is where Queen Mayadevi, mother of Lord Buddha is believed to have taken a bath before giving birth to Lord Buddha.
The Bodhi Tree in Lumbini is located in the premises of the Maya Devi Temple complex right next to the shrine on the banks of the serene Maya Devi Pond. Buddhist monks often sit under the tree meditating and chanting spiritual scripts. The tree is an age-old Pipal tree or Focus Religious clad in colorful prayer flags, Locals believe that wishes made while tying a colorful prayer flag are often granted.Ashoka Pillar, the pillar carrying an inscription identifying the holy site as the birthplace, is situated nearby the Sacred Garden. To one side of Ashoka pillar is the Mayadevi Temple. Recent excavations have turned up a stone bearing a “foot imprint”, indicating the exact place of birth.

Japanese Peace Stupa, situated at the northern end of Lumbini. Built by the Nippon Jon Myohoji of Japan, the 41-m tall edifice is visible from a distance. Four different Buddha statues are set into the stupa’s dome to face the four cardinal directions.

Lumbini Museum: A museum has also been established at the Lumbini garden to preserve the historical artifacts like clothes, coins, idols, and other items related to Buddhism unearthed during excavations carried out around Lumbini in different times. Tourists can view these artifacts in the museum for study and research. The museum is frequently visited by those seeking information about Buddha. The museum is at a 10 to 15 minutes walking distance from the Eternal Peace Flame.

World Peace Stupa: The World Peace Stupa was constructed at Lumbini to spread the message of peace, friendship and goodwill in the world and to raise awareness to keep the earth pure and clean. The 41.5 m tall stupa is one of the major attractions of Lumbini. The stupa was constructed as part of the campaign by Japanese Buddhist preacher Fujing to construct World Peace Stupa in different parts of the world. It takes 40 to50 minutes on foot and 25 minutes on a rickshaw to reach the World Peace Stupa from Mayadevi Temple. Very few tourist arriving at Lumbini miss a visit to the World Peace Stupa. The heavenly serene atmosphere around the stupa and the attractive pieces of art that adorn the Stupa entice the visitors.

World Peace Flame: The eternal World Peace Flame is a major attraction of the Lumbini garden located at the center of the garden. Tourists flock to observe the flame that is kept glowing uninterrupted 24 hours a day. The flame was lighted on 1st November 1986 AD by the then Prince Gyanendra Shah. The flame that represents peace and fraternity in the world was brought from the United States of America as part of the celebration of the International Peace Year. The eternal flame can be reached at the end of 10 minutes’ walk from the Mayadevi Temple.
The China Temple is a complex of pagodas, prayer rooms and meditation cells. Built by the Buddhist Association of China, the centerpiece at the Zhong Hua Buddhist Monastery is a huge statue of the Buddha housed in its main pagoda.

The Myanmar Temple (Lokamani Cula Pagoda) is a gleaming gold and white structure gracefully soaring into the sky in the style of the Shwe-dagon Pagoda in Yangon. There is a monastery complex behind the temple. Nearby, the International Gautami Nuns Temple is a fine replica of the Swayambhu stupa in Kathm-andu. There is a pond here known as Paleswan Pukhu.
Lumbini Museum: A museum has also been established at the Lumbini garden to preserve the historical artifacts like clothes, coins, idols, and other items related to Buddhism unearthed during excavations carried out around Lumbini in different times. Tourists can view these artifacts in the museum for study and research. The museum is frequently visited by those seeking information about Buddha. The museum is at a 10 to 15 minutes walking distance from the Eternal Peace Flame.
World Peace Flame: The eternal World Peace Flame is a major attraction of the Lumbini garden located at the center of the garden. Tourists flock to observe the flame that is kept glowing uninterrupted 24 hours a day. The flame was lighted on 1st November 1986 AD by the then Prince Gyanendra Shah. The flame that represents peace and fraternity in the world was brought from the United States of America as part of the celebration of the International Peace Year. The eternal flame can be reached at the end of 10 minutes walk from the Mayadevi Temple.

World Peace Stupa: The World Peace Stupa was constructed at Lumbini to spread the message of peace, friendship and goodwill in the world and to raise awareness to keep the earth pure and clean. The 41.5 m tall stupa is one of the major attractions of Lumbini. The stupa was constructed as part of the campaign by Japanese Buddhist preacher Fujing to construct World Peace Stupa in different parts of the world. It takes 40 to50 minutes on foot and 25 minutes on a rickshaw to reach the World Peace Stupa from Mayadevi Temple. Very few tourist arriving at Lumbini miss a visit to the World Peace Stupa. The heavenly serene atmosphere around the stupa and the attractive pieces of art that adorn the Stupa entice the visitors.Lumbini
International Research Institute (LIRI), located opposite the Lumbini Museum, provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general. Run jointly by the Lumbini Development Trust and the Reiyukai of Japan, LIRI contains some 12,000 books on religion, philosophy, art and architecture

Other Attractions
Nepalese and internationals Monasteries/Vihara representing different architecture and culture of Buddhist countries and Buddhist organizations are other attractions of Lumbini. The Monasteries of Royal Thai (Thailand), Chinese Monastery (China), Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu (Vietnam), Mahabodhi Society of Kolkotta (India), International Nun’s Society (Nepal), The Great Lotus Stupa (Tara Foundation, Germany), Myanmar Monastery (Myanmar), Manang Sewa Samaj (Nepal), Linhson Monastery (France), Sokyao Temple (Japan), Geden International (Austria), Sri Lankan Monastery (Sri-Lanka), Korean Mahabodhi Society (South Korea), Dharmodhaya Sabha (Nepal), Drigung Kagyud Meditation Center (India), Cambodian Monastery (Cambodia) Panditarama Meditation Center (Myanmar), Vipasana Mediation Center (Nepal), Lumbini Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, World Peace Pagoda, Eternal Peace Flame, Peace Bell and Crane Sanctuary add beauty and serenity to Lumbini.

1. Tilaurakot:
Tilaurakot is the ancient Kapilvastu, the capital of the Shakya Kingdom, situated 27 km west of Lumbini, three km from Taulihawa town. A joint effort of Nepalese and Japanese archaeologists recovered the royal town of Tilaurakot, the elaborate gateway in the western side, the twin stupa of the Buddha’s parents, King Sodhodhan’s palace in and around the Tilaurakot mound. Historically, Kapilvastu was named after Saint Kapil. Buddha visited Kapilvastu several times during his life. The first nunnery, in the Buddhist history, was also established in Kapilvastu. The most interesting things to note in the historic ruins are the earth rampart, the brick fortification, the ancient habitation, exposed plus the thirteen layers of human depositions dated from 8 BC and 2-3 AD. The Kapilvastu Museum exhibits the coins, pottery and toys (dating back to 7th century BC and 4th century AD) with a good collection of jewelry and other ornaments. The terracotta figures and plaques recovered at Tilaurakot belonged to the pre-Mauryan, Mauryan, Sunga and the Kushana periods. Both the pilgrims Fa-Hien and Hiuen-Tsang noted that they saw Kapilvastu in complete ruins and counted 10 deserted cities within Kapilvastu. It is said to have been destroyed by King Virudhaka who massacred the Shakyas during the last days of Lord Buddha.

Kapilvastu Museum is situated 27 km west of Lumbini in Tilaurakot. The museum holds coins, pottery and toys dating between the seventh century BC and fourth century AD. The museum also has a good collection of jewelry and other ornaments from that period. Open daily except Tuesdays and holidays, 10 am to 4 pm.

2. Kudan
Kudan is situated about 4.5 km south of Tilaurakot in the village of Kukan, where King Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha, the first time after returning from enlightenment. It is a huge mound of structural ruins and a pond nearby appears to be the wreckage of stupas and monasteries, believed to the Kasaya stupa, where a kasaya (yellow-robe) was presented to Lord Buddha. Kudan is also Kshemavati, the birthplace of historic Krakuchanda Buddha.

3. Gotihawa
Gotihawa is an important historic, archaeological as well as a very important religious site of the Buddhist world, located about 3 km southwest of Taulihawa.

It is believed that Krakuchanda Buddha, who came before Sakyamuni Buddha, was born and attained nirvana in Gotihawa.
The area outside modern Gotihawa village is covered with ancient potteries, brick structures of stupas and monasteries. At the center of the main mound lie a remain of broken Asokan Pillar standing on a slab. Adjoining the pillar on the north-east side is a huge stupa with rings of wedge-shaped ancient bricks, identifying the Nirvana Stupa of Krakuchanda Buddha. An ancient well lying in the center of the village is still being used by the villagers. The site is believed to have started developing in 6 century BC. The first phase of the stupa is made of rectangular and wedge-shaped bricks containing a large amount of rice husk, straw and vegetation (dating back to the 3rd century BC). The bricks are ill baked and few of them bear marks of crosses within circles internally barred. The second period is marked by the supplement of two more rings and a new Pradaksina Path at a higher level than the earlier. New rings are made of rectangular bricks only, it is conjectured that the enlargement of the stupa was carried out in Saka and Kushana time (end of 1st Cent. BC to the 2-3 Cent. A.D).
4. Niglihawa
Niglihawa is a significant archaeological site situated about 7 km north of Taulihawa, where, close to a large pond lie the remains of a broken Asokan Pillar. Historically, the Emperor Ashoka visited during his pilgrimage, built a stupa and set up a pillar. Renowned archaeologist Dr. Alois Fuhrer discovered this pillar in 1895. The 15 feet tall upper portion of the pillar bears inscription. This site is regarded as a very important religious place for Buddhists and research scholars. It is believed that Kanakmuni Buddha was born, enlightened and met his father in this place. The Asokan Pillar attests the fact that Emperor Asoka enlarged the stupa enshrining the relics of the Kanakmuni Buddha. Chinese pilgrims, Fa-Hien and Hiuen-Tsang, described the Kanakmuni Stupa and Asokan Pillar in their travel accounts.

5. Sagarhawa
Sagarhawa is the forest site where the ruins of an ancient pond were excavated in 1895. Archaeologists have identified this site as the “Palace of the Massacre of the Shakyas”. The ruins of the ancient site are lying on the west and south banks of the huge rectangular pond, locally known as Lumbu Sagar or long pond in Niglihawa village. It is about 12 km north of Taulihawa.
6. Aurorakot
Aurorakot is the large rectangular fortified area with the remains of ancient most and brick fortifications lies nearby Niglihawa. It is used to be a walled forest in ancient times. This citadel was believed to be a walled forest in ancient times. This citadel was believed to be the birth town of Kanakmuni Buddha, lying to the east of Niglihawa, and about 10 km. northeast of Taulihawa.

7.Jagadishpur Lake

Besides archaeological sites, you will also discover a lake in Kapilvastu Municipality, Jagadishpur. This lake is located 11 kilometers north of Tailihawa. Jagadishpur Lake is spread over 157 hectares and you can see different species of birds here. This lake is the host of migrating birds from different countries like China, Russia, Siberia, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This lake provides shelter to about 22,000 birds. The birds start to migrate here in winter and stay here until February. Some common birds include Gadwall, Northern pintail, Ferruginous deck, Northern shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Pochard, and Cotton Pygmy Goose.

8. Devdaha
Devdaha is the ancient capital of the Koliya kingdom, located 54 km east of Lumbini, across the Rohini River. It is the maternal hometown of Queen Mayadevi (mother), Prajapati Gautami (step-mother), Princess Yasodhara (consort), where Prince Siddhartha had spent his childhood. After seven years of his Enlightenment, Lord Buddha had visited Devdaha and had ordained the followers of Jain Sadhu Nirgarantha nathputra. There are several other sited Kumarbarti, Khayardanda, Bairimai/Kanyamai, Bhabanipur/Devidamar, Mathagadi (ancient weapons), around Devadaha.

9. Ramgrama
Ramgrama is the brick mound on the bank of the Jharahi River. It is seven meter high brick stupa consisting of relic (one of the eight astha dhatu) of Lord Buddha. The Stupa was built by the king of Ramgrama, who was the eighth king to obtain the Buddha’s relics. History has noted that Emperor Asoka to open it to multiply into eight four thousand stupa. However, the Dragon King of Ramgrama stupa did not permit

Nearby places

Sunauli
Sunauli lies four kilometres south of Bhairawa, is the most suitable border crossing between Nepal and most parts of India. Bus and train package deals to or from India usually involve an overnight here. It’s a good place to glean information from travelers coming the other way or meet up with people going in your direction, but when the bus leaves the next morning you’ll definitely want to be on it.

Bhairahawa
300 KM far west from Kathmandu & 4 km away from the Indian border lies a city called Bhairahawa, (officially name changed to Siddhartha Nagar, but it’s not catching on) which is the closest town to Lumbini. The 30 Minute direct flight connection from Kathmandu will took you to the industrial city of Bhairahawa.