Lumbini - Discovering Nepal

Travelling to Lumbini

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Lumbini, a pretty good destination in Nepal (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Lumbini and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Lumbini, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Nepal, here's everything to know about Lumbini for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Lumbini

Lumbini is a small town located in the southwestern part of Nepal, near the border with India. It is famous for being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The town is considered a holy site for Buddhists and attracts countless pilgrims and tourists each year. The main attraction in Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha was born. Other important sites include the Ashoka Pillar, the Sacred Pond, and the various monasteries and temples built by countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The best time to visit Lumbini is between October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry.

What to visit in Lumbini

Lumbini, located in Nepal, is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Here are some of the tourist attractions in Lumbini: 1. Maya Devi Temple: This temple is located at the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Lord Buddha. The temple has the bas relief of Maya Devi and the marker stone indicating the exact birthplace of Lord Buddha.
2. Sacred Garden: Spread over an area of 8 square kilometers, the Sacred Garden in Lumbini has several stupas, monasteries, and temples built by different countries like Japan, China, and Thailand. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone visiting Lumbini.
3. Ashoka Pillar: Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini in 249 BC and erected a pillar with inscriptions on it. The pillar was rediscovered in 1896 and is now a major attraction in Lumbini.
4. The Lumbini Museum: This museum situated near Maya Devi temple has a collection of artifacts related to Buddhism, including coins, stamps, and manuscripts. The museum is a great place for those who want to learn about the history and evolution of Buddhism.
5. Monasteries: Lumbini has several monasteries built by different countries, including the International Gautami Nuns' monastery and the Chinese monastery. These monasteries are great places to learn about different Buddhist traditions and practices.
Overall, Lumbini is a must-visit destination for those who have an interest in Buddhism or are looking for a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Nepal, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Lumbini.

When to go on holiday to Lumbini

The best time to visit Lumbini, Nepal is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During this time, the climate is dry with clear and sunny skies. It is also the perfect time to explore the Buddhist monuments and temples in the area as there is no rainfall and the temperature ranges between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The summer months of June, July, and August are not ideal as it can be quite hot and humid. Additionally, the monsoon season from July to September can bring heavy rainfall which may disrupt your travel plans.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Lumbini

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. Here are a few ways to get to Lumbini: 1. By Air: You can take a flight to Gautam Buddha Airport, which is located in Bhairahawa and is the nearest airport to Lumbini. The airport is well connected to major cities in Nepal, and you can take a taxi or a local bus to Lumbini from the airport.
2. By Road: Lumbini is well connected to major cities in Nepal by road. You can either take a public bus or hire a taxi to reach Lumbini.
3. By Train: The nearest railway station to Lumbini is the Nautanwa railway station in India, which is about 22 kilometers from Lumbini. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Lumbini.
In summary, you can reach Lumbini by air, road, or train, depending on your preference and location.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Lumbini, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Lumbini

Lumbini, being a holy city in Nepal, has a variety of vegetarian cuisines. Here are some of the typical foods of Lumbini with a short description for each of them: 1. Dal Bhat Tarkari - This is the staple food of Nepal and consists of lentil soup (Dal), steamed rice (bhat), and vegetable curry (tarkari).
2. Aloo Tama - It is a typical Nepali dish that consists of boiled black-eyed peas and bamboo shoots cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy along with potatoes.
3. Choyela - It is a dish made with marinated grilled meat (usually chicken or buffalo) that is mixed with onions, herbs and spices, and served cold as an appetizer with beaten rice (chiura).
4. Sel Roti - It is a sweet Nepali snack made from rice flour that is traditionally prepared during festivals like Tihar and Dashain. It is a deep-fried donut-shaped bread that is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
5. Sambusa - It is a popular snack in Nepal that consists of a triangle-shaped pastry filled with spiced vegetables or minced meat and fried until crispy.
6. Gorkhali Lamb - It is a dish made with succulent pieces of lamb cooked in a thick, spicy gravy that is flavoured with loads of garlic and ginger.
7. Momo - It is a Nepali dumpling that is typically filled with minced meat (chicken, buffalo, or pork) or vegetables and herbs, and steamed or fried. It is served with a spicy tomato-based chutney.
You can find general info about typical foods in Nepal here.

Is Lumbini an expensive destination for tourists?

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is generally a budget-friendly destination for tourists. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation is relatively low in Nepal as compared to other popular tourist destinations in the world. However, the costs may vary depending on the type of accommodations and activities you choose.
In Lumbini, you can find accommodations ranging from basic guesthouses to luxury hotels. The prices of accommodations range from as low as USD 5 to USD 200 or more per night. Similarly, the cost of food depends on the type of restaurants you choose to eat in. You can find local street food as low as USD 1, but if you prefer to dine in high-end restaurants, the price may go up to USD 30 or more.
Transportation is also cheap in Nepal, although the quality of transportation may vary. The cost of a local bus ride may cost you around USD 1 or less, while private taxi services can cost you around USD 50 to USD 100 depending on the distance and time.
Overall, Lumbini is not an expensive destination and it is possible to have a budget-friendly trip to this spiritual city.

Where to find accomodation in Lumbini

The best areas to find accommodation for visiting Lumbini, Nepal would be near the Lumbini Development Zone, which includes the main attractions such as the Maya Devi Temple and the Sacred Garden. Other areas to consider are the central business district in Siddharthanagar, or Taulihawa, the administrative center of the Kapilvastu District.
You can check hotel prices at Lumbini here:
Booking.com

Is Lumbini a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, generally Lumbini is considered a safe place for tourists. The government of Nepal and local authorities take measures to ensure the safety of visitors to Lumbini and the surrounding areas. However, as with any travel destination, it is always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. It is recommended to avoid traveling alone at night and to keep your valuable belongings in a secure place. Additionally, it is advised to research the potential risks in the area before your trip and to follow any local safety guidelines.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Nepal here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Lumbini.

What type of travelers will enjoy Lumbini the most?

Lumbini is known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world. Therefore, it is a great destination for travelers interested in spirituality, history, and culture. As it is a peaceful and serene place, it is suitable for travelers who are looking for a relaxed and contemplative atmosphere.
Lumbini is not necessarily a place for young people looking for fun or adventure-seeking activities, rather best suited for couples, families, and people who want to learn more about Buddhism and explore historical and religious sites. That being said, there are still opportunities for outdoor activities such as cycling and trekking in the surrounding areas.

How to get around Lumbini

The most common transportation options for moving around Lumbini, Nepal are taxis, rickshaws, and bicycles. Taxis are readily available and the most convenient option, but they can be expensive. Rickshaws are a cheaper alternative and are ideal for short distances. Bicycles are a great way to explore the area at your own pace and are available for rent at many bike shops and guesthouses.

What to see around Lumbini

Here are some nice places that you can visit on a day trip from Lumbini: 1. Tilaurakot: It is an ancient city located approximately 27 kilometers from Lumbini, known for its historical and archaeological significance.
2. Kapilvastu: Located around 14 kilometers from Lumbini, this is the site where the Buddha spent his childhood and youth.
3. Devdaha: This place is located around 50 kilometers from Lumbini and is known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha's mother, Queen Mayadevi.
4. Ramgram: It is a sacred pilgrimage spot located approximately 45 kilometers from Lumbini, famous for its ancient Stupa that houses the relics of Lord Buddha.
5. Kudan: This is the site where Lord Buddha is believed to have met his father, King Suddhodana, after achieving enlightenment. It is situated about 4 kilometers from Lumbini.
These are some of the popular places to visit on a day trip from Lumbini, but there are many other small towns and villages in the surrounding areas that are worth exploring as well.
For every travel information about Nepal you can click here.

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