Lumbini is located in the south-central Terai of Nepal, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. For millions of Buddhists the world over, it evokes a kind of holy sentiment akin to the significance of Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha - the apostle of peace, and the Light of Asia - was born in 623 B.C. In historical terms, the region is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to the pre-Christian era. The site (Lumbini Grove) was described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha's time and still retains its legendary charm and beauty. Both the Shakyas and Kolias Clans owned the garden and its tranquil environs at the time of Lord Buddha's birth. King Suddhodana, father of Buddha was of the Shakya Dynasty belonging to the Kshatriya or Warrior Caste.
 

For centuries, Buddhists the world over knew that the general area of Lumbini was where the Lord was born. In the words of those famous Chinese pilgrims of antiquity, Huian Tsang and Faeihan, 'Lumbini -where the Lord was born - is a piece of Heaven on Earth, where one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden, embedded with stupas and monasteries!' However, the exact location remained uncertain and obscure until 1 December 1886 when a wandering German archaeologist Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer came across a stone pillar and ascertained beyond doubt it was indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Since that day it has become a focal point for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
 

Lumbini is the fourth largest tourist destination in Nepal. Nearly 20,000 tourists visit the area every year (Source: Nepal Tourism Board). Recently, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. It has great potential to grow as the major tourist destination in years to come.

The significance of Lumbini
Many of the places that were of importance to the Lord Buddha during his life retain a potent significance to Buddhists of today. Unsurprisingly, nowhere has a greater significance than the site of his birth. In the words of Buddha himself: "O-Bhikshus', after my death when people and members of a new generation come and ask you, then tell them that here the Buddha was born, here he attained the full enlightenment, here he turned the wheel of Dharma twelve times, and here finally the Buddha entered into Parinirvana". Hundreds of years have gone by, but the architectural splendours of that era are still standing and serve as a vivid reminder of the origins of Buddhist philosophy and doctrines. As a complement to the temples and shrines, our aim is to create a living environment in which Buddha would have felt at home during his life.

Tourist Attractions

Lumbini Garden              
The garden is foremost attraction in Lumbini tourism. The fact that Lord Buddha had taken birth in Lumbini Garden makes it a plce of reverence. Number of stupas, monasteries and temples surround the garden.               

Some of these are ancient while are some were erected by medieval states. A collosal stone pillar built by the great Indian emperor Ashoka is also here. Account of the birth of Buddha is inscribed on it.  

Mayadevi Temple          
Devoted to Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, the temple attracts praise for its architectural beauty. Credit of discovering the temple, in 1895, goes to a German archaeologist. The temple is remarkable in the way Maya Devi is shown giving birth to Lord Buddha.       

Pushkarni Pool
Queen Mayadevi took a dip in the pond before giving birth of prince Siddhartha. The prince also had his purification bath in the pond. Brick steps of the pond lead to the emerald-green water.      

Kushinagar       
Lumbini travel guide also takes you to Kushinagar where Lord Buddha attained nirvana. One can see number of stupas, viharas and chaityas which remind us of the mahaparinirvana.   

Bodhgaya          
The place of Mahaparinirvana, it was at Bodhgaya that Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. The legand narrates that Siddartha Gautama reached the village of senai and sat on a kusa grass mat under a pipal tree. Here he resolved not to rise again untill enlightenment was attianed. Thereafter the place became a pilgrimage site.     

Maha Bodhi Temple      
The temple is known for its 1700 years old idol. The idol sits facing the place where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.               

Bodhi Tree         
Near Maha Bodhi Temple is the Bodhi tree, an ancient peepal tree. Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree.     

Kapilvastu Excursion    
Kapilvastu, birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is a famous historic town which is always brimming with charm. Lord Buddha was born here in the sixth century. Kapilvastu attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. Kapilvastu is 27km from Lumbini.              

How to Reach   
By Air: One can reach flight from Kathmandu Airport for Bhairahwa Airport which is the nearest air port for Lumbini. Sacred Garden is 15 minutes drive away.            

By Rail: Nearest railway station is at Gorakhpur in India. It is 122 km from Lumbini.           

By Road : Good roads link Bhairahwa to Lumbini, and also other important Nepal cities. 
Local Transport: Buses, taxis and rickshaws are the means of local transport in Nepal.    

We have prepared the following exclusive itinerary that cover tours within Nepal. Whether of short or long durations, these programs have been specially tailor-made to suit the interests of our clientele gleaned from our experiences in operating these tours in the past. However, should they require more fine tuning to cater to your particular needs? We could adapt our itineraries accordingly for details tours.

Lumbini Pilgrimage tour – itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Welcome by the Travel Staff, Meet with guides
Transfer to Hotel and briefing about the package
Rest of the day free for your own leisure.
Overnight Hotel at Kathmandu

DAY 02: KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING
Breakfast at hotel
Full day Sightseeing around Kathmandu and Patan City.
Sightseeing Point – Pasupatinath Temple, Boudha Nath Stupa & Swyambhunath Stupa
Lunch break will be 45 minutes
Visit Patan Durbar Square
Overnight at Hotel

DAY 03: KATHMANDU – LUMBINI
Departure to Lumbini from KATHMANDU
Arrival at Lumbini and Check in hotel

DAY 04: LUMBINI
Breakfast at hotel
Full day Sightseeing at Lumbini Garden
Evening free fro explore on your own leisure.
Dinner at hotel and Overnight at hotel

DAY 05 – LUMBINI - KATHMANDU
After breakfast, transfer to Bhairahawa Airport
Flight to Kathmandu
Check in Hotel at Kathmandu and Rest
Dinner and Overnight at hotel

DAY 06 – DEPARTURE
Breakfast
Transfer to Airport for the flight to onward destination.