Lumbini Cultural Tour:
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
LumbiniIt is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Lumbini is located in Central Nepal very close to the border of Indian State of Utter Pradesh. The birthplace of Sidhartha Gautam Buddha is pilgrimage site for Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. It is a small unknown town before the discovery of the birthplace of Buddha; it was marked by Ashok Pillar which was built in 250 BC by an Indian emperor Ashok in the height of his power. Beside the Ashok Pillar there is a temple of Maya Devi, mother of Gautam Buddha, and the sacred pool, known as Puskarni, where Maya Devi gave purification bath to Gautam Buddha. The focal point of Lumbini is the sanctum sanctorum where a stone slab is located which marks exact birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Places to visit include restored garden and surrounding areas with many ancient monuments, monasteries and stupas. The other important archeological site in Lumbini is Kapilvastu, located about 27 km west of Lumbini. Sidhartha Gautam Buddha spent his early years of childhood in Kapilvastu. Archaeologist has discovered that the foundation of the palace scattered in the area has 13 successive layers of human habitation dating back to 8th century BC. Other historical places associated with the life of Gautam Buddha are Aroarakot (about 10km west), Chatradei (about 5km north), and to the southwest Gotihawa (about 5km) and Kudan (about 2km) from Taulihawa. Niglihawa and Sagarhawa are other near by sites that are archeologically important. Surrounding villages and weekly market full of local merchandise and people provides interesting sightseeing tour beside the birthplace of Buddha. Bodhgaya, the place where Sidhartha Gautam Buddha attained the knowledge of Nirvana - eternal peace, is in Bihar; it is very close to Lumbini.
The road from Kathmandu to Lumbini is 285 km and from Pokhara it is 200 km. The road from Kathmandu joins East-West highway (Mahendra Highway) at Naryanghat and continues to the west to Butwal, and Bhairawa. Lumbini is about 16 km west of Bhairawa. Chitwan is about 3-hour drive. The circuit is done in anti clockwise direction.
| Itinerary: | |
| Day 01. | Arrive Kathmand. In Kathmandu |
| Day 02 | In Kathmandu. Half day city tour |
| Day 03 | Travel to Gorkha / local sightseeing |
| Day 04 | Travel from Grokaha to Pokhara |
| Day 05 | Travel from Pokhara to Tansen - local sightseeing tour |
| Day 06 | Travel from Tansen to Lumbini |
| Day 07 | In Lumbini - visit sacred Garden |
| Day 08 | Travel from Lumbini to Chitwan - Jungle activates |
| Day 09 | In Chitwan - Jungle activities |
| Day 10 | Travel to Kathmandu. Overnight in Dhulikhel |
| Day 11 | Return in Kathmandu. Half day city tour. In Kathmandu |
| Day 12 | In Kathmandu |
| Day 13 | Depart Kathmandu |
