Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who lived 2600 years ago. It is a sacred area for Buddhists as well as those who care deeply about peace and humanity. Buddhists from all over the world (mostly from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand) dream of landing their feet inside Lumbini and bowing their heads before the sacred birthplace.
Many antique stupas and monasteries may be found in Lumbini’s restored park and surrounds. An inscription about the birth of the Buddha can be seen on a massive stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka about 250 BC. The Maya Devi temple is an essential component of Lumbini.
Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha while holding onto a branch is depicted in stone. The strokes of barren women seeking for fertility have worn it down. Lumbini (Buddha’s Birthplace), Kapilvastu (Siddhartha’s palatial hometown), Devdaha (Mayadevi’s Maternal Hometown), and Ramagrama (where Buddha’s relics were housed) make up the Greater Lumbini Buddhist Circuit. One can visit Lumbini to see the sites that are significant in his life.
When Buddha was alive, he visited Lumbini and Kapilvastu, and his relics (ashes) were housed in a stupa on Ramagrama.
Lumbini, in addition to its religious and historical significance, provides cultural insights into southern Nepalese village life. If at all possible, time your visit to coincide with the weekly Monday bazaar, when villagers from all over come to buy grains, spices, ceramics, jewelry, saris, and other products.
With colorful items set out under the mango trees and the air fragrant with incense, it could be a scene from the Arabian Nights. It’s a chance to haggle for souvenirs while seeing Lumbini’s native life.
Major Attractions/ Things to do in Lumbini:
Sacred Pond & Ashokan Pillar:
Maya Devi, the mother of Prince Siddhartha, is supposed to have bathed in the Sacred Pond. A 50-60 ton Ashokan Pillar has been erected beside the sacred pond. In 249 BC, Indian Emperor Ashok brought the pillar, which was identified with a Pali inscription. This proof established the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. In the 7th century, a thunderbolt destroyed this pillar. In 1312, Nepalese King Ripu Mall paid a visit to Lumbini with an evidence carving slogan, Om Mani Padme Hum. Near the Sacred Pond, there is a Bodhi tree.
Maya Devi Temple (Birthplace of Buddha):
In the 3rd century BC, Maya Devi Temple was built near Ashokan Pillar, with a marker stone indicating Prince Siddhartha’s exact birthplace. Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims gather to this temple every year on the full moon day of Baisakh to commemorate Buddha’s birth anniversary. A nativity sculpture with an activity of the prince’s delivery time is on exhibit. In addition, the temple contains ancient remains.
Monastic Zone:
There is a world peace lamp, a Buddha statue, and 42 plots of monastic land. Different countries monastery associated to Vajrayana and Theravada Buddhism may be seen, such as German, Chinese, Burmese, Mahabodhi Society, and Thailand. There includes a museum, Lumbini village, and a birds sanctuary.
Tilaurakot:
King Suddhodhana’s Tilaurakot palace in Kapilvastu, where Prince Siddhartha spent his first 29 years, located 27 kilometers west of Lumbini Garden. This is around an hour’s drive from Lumbini. This palace is home to old ruins, a grove of trees, King Suddodhana and Queen Mayadevi’s Stupa, a museum, and the palace’s west gate.
Lumbini Peace flame:
The Eternal Peace Flame is a continual flame that is guarded and burns 24 hours a day, 365 days a year here at the river’s mouth. It burns to represent world peace and is particularly lovely when the sun sets to view the full impact.
Visit Crane Sanctuary:
Cranes play a significant role in Buddha’s stories. As a result, they have a sanctuary dedicated only to their preservation, as well as a conservation site for a variety of other local species. The reserve, which is near to the World Peace Pagoda, is thought to be home to over a hundred pairs of cranes, including the uncommon Sarus Crane.
Meditate:
It is impossible to discuss Buddhism without mentioning the concept of meditation. Tourists in Lumbini frequently try their hand at various meditation techniques. While most tourists enjoy relaxing and reflecting under the Bodhi Tree, a number of meditation institutes in the vicinity provide programs with Buddhist monks for individuals seeking serious direction and wanting to join the community.
Best seasons for Lumbini tour:
Lumbini has four seasons, however Nepal has two distinct seasons that are the greatest times to visit. The greatest seasons go from early March until the end of June, and then again from September to the end of December.
In addition, due to the moderate quantity of sunshine and mild cold, spring (October-November) is another time of year when travelers like visiting Lumbini. The precipitation is significantly lower than in the summer, making travel and tourism more enjoyable. Traveling to Lumbini during the winter months (December-early February) can be chilly, as there is likely to be a lot of frost. Summers, on the other hand, will most likely be hot and humid (June-August).
Lumbini Tour Entry Fee:
The entrance cost is NRs 16 if you are an Indian. The entry cost for other SAARC nationals is NRs 100. Nepalese and Indians pay the same amount for a video camera and professional filming.
The entry charge for any foreign national would be 750 rupees. Outside of SAARC, professional filming will cost Rs. 37000($350), while a still camera will cost Rs. 200.
Final Remarks:
Lumbini is a magnificent sacred destination that many Nepalese are proud of. It’s easy to get there, and there’s much of historical, theological, and cultural learning to be had. Make sure you don’t miss out on this stunning location while in Nepal.
Lumbini Tour FAQs:
The finest time to visit Lumbini is in April and May, when the Buddha Jayanthi, or the birth of Lord Buddha, is commemorated with much pomp.
Lumbini Museum, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Ramgram Stupa, Tilaurakot, Ashoka Pillar, Puskarni, Kapilvastu, and Aroarakot are just a few of the city’s prominent attractions.
The distance between Kathmandu and Lumbini is about 330 kilometers, and it takes about 10/11 hours to travel.
The 14 monasteries in Lumbini’s West Monastic Zone have some amazing architecture, and the most of them are open to visitors.
Lumbini Tour begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. It is a 255-kilometer trip west of Kathmandu. However, you may go from India’s Sunauli border to Lumbini in just a few hours; the distance from Sunauli to Lumbini is only 88 kilometers.