Lumbini World Heritage Site Tour

Lumbini is the most popular religious place among Buddhists, comparable to Jerusalem, Mecca, and Kashi in importance. Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Lord Buddha.

It is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations and is located in the Rupandehi District of the southern Terai (lowlands) of Nepal, at an altitude of 600 feet above sea level and 230 km away from Kathmandu. Your Lumbini World Heritage Site Tour will fulfil your interest in the Buddhist religion and provide deeper insights into the life of Buddha.

Buddha is known as the “Light of Asia.” Millions of people from around the world visit Lumbini, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Indian emperor Ashoka identified this sacred place and erected the famous “Ashoka Pillar” in Lumbini around 250 BC, which remains one of the main attractions for visitors.

Among the early pilgrims was Emperor Ashoka himself, who built one of his memorial pillars in Lumbini. The site is now being developed as a major Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of Lord Buddha form its core significance.

Maya Devi Temple, the Sacred Garden spread over 8 sq. km, and the sacred pond Puskarni — where Queen Mayadevi is believed to have bathed before giving birth to Gautam Buddha — are other major attractions. Lumbini holds immense historical and religious importance for Nepal and the world.

Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was born into a royal family in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a revered pilgrimage destination. As the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the sacred area of Lumbini is one of the holiest places in the world, and its preserved remains provide valuable evidence about early Buddhist pilgrimage traditions.

Main Attractions of Lumbini

Ashoka Pillar:

The Ashoka Pillar was built by Emperor Ashoka in 259 BC, after he adopted Buddhism. After its construction, the king exempted local villagers from taxes and distributed 100 gold coins among the people. The pillar was struck by lightning in the seventh century and split into two parts. The entire site was lost for six centuries under dense forest until it was rediscovered in 1895, after which it was cleared, and the pillar was restored.

Maya Devi Temple:

This temple is dedicated to Maya Devi, the mother of Buddha. As Lumbini is Buddha’s birthplace, the significance of this temple is natural and profound. The Maya Devi Temple was originally built in the 2nd century. Beside the temple is a sacred pool where Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth. The Japanese Buddhist Federation is currently involved in reconstructing the temple structure.

The Crane Sanctuary:

A special sanctuary has been established for the protection and breeding of endangered cranes in the region. It is a peaceful and interesting place to visit.

The Sacred Garden:

This beautiful area surrounds the Ashoka Pillar and is an ideal place to relax, meditate, and walk around amidst serene natural surroundings.

Monasteries:

Many countries have built monasteries in Lumbini, each reflecting unique cultural and architectural styles. Visitors can walk around the monastic zone and explore these monasteries freely, though most of the buildings are modern.

Additionally, other important sites include the Nepal Buddha Temple and the Dharmaswami Buddhist Monastery. Countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam have also contributed to building more temples and monasteries in Lumbini.
Lumbini Adult Holidays & Vacation Tour is accessible by bus or private car, or by a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa, followed by a short drive to Lumbini. During this tour, one can also extend the trip to Pokhara and Chitwan to explore their beautiful natural and cultural attractions.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: After breakfast, fly to Bhairahawa and drive to Lumbini. Check in at the hotel and rest. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Explore the Lumbini Buddha Birthplace and its surrounding sacred sites.

Day 03: After breakfast, fly back to Kathmandu or join the next tour.

Note: Kathmandu to Bhairahawa one-way flight ticket (per person) will be an additional cost.

Includes:

Domestic flight tickets

English-speaking tour guide for city sightseeing

Private vehicle for the entire tour

Wages of the guide and staff

Excludes:

International airfare

Domestic airport tax

Nepal visa fee and international airport departure tax

Lunch and dinner

Personal expenses (tips, laundry, insurance, emergency evacuation, etc.)

Any other cost not mentioned in the “includes” section