The Buddha himself exhorted his followers to visit what are now known as the four great places of pilgrimage: Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar. Many great teachers of the buddhist tradition maintained the practice of pilgrimage and paying respect to the holy sites. Nagarjuna, father of the Mahayana, restored the temple in Bodhgaya and protected the Bodhi tree, while the great Indian master Atisha, later on as important as Nagarjuna to the Tibetan tradition, also often visited Bodhgaya and indeed attained many realizations there.

Of the many places in Nepal and Northern India associated with the Buddha, eight in particular have become special objects of pilgrimage: the four great places above, and four others, namely, Rajgir, Shravasti, Sankashya and Nalanda, each of which is regarded as having been blessed by the Buddha. After the Buddha's passing away and the cremation of his body, the relics were divided into eight portions and various beings erected a great stupa over each. So arose the tradition of eight places of pilgrimage.

The actions of the Buddha in each of these places, recalling which is an important aspect of making pilgrimage, are described within the canons of the scriptures of the various traditions of his teaching, such as the sections on Vinaya, and also in various compendia describing his life. The sites themselves have now been identified once more with the aid of records left by three pilgrims of the past. The great Emperor Ashoka, although initially opposed to Buddhism, later became a zealous follower who in the second decade of his reign made a great pilgrimage to numerous Buddhist shrines. As well as other buildings, he left inscribed pillars at each site to indicate the significance of each place. Many remains of these ancient structures survive even today.

In the early fifth century AD, the Chinese pilgrim Fa Hien walked from China to India in search of buddhist books on discipline, the Vinaya. He was followed two centuries later by Hsuan Chwang. Records of the travels of both, which contain detailed accounts of the holy places they visited, have survived in Chinese. Translated into English in the last century, they are now available in most western languages.

The practice of Buddhism flourished long in India, perhaps reaching a zenith in the seventh century AD, at which time the Buddha's teaching began to be firmly established in Tibet. After this it began to decline because of the invading muslim armies, and by the twelfth century the practice of the Dharma had become sparse in its homeland. Thus, the history of the eight places of pilgrimage from the thirteenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries is obscure and they were mostly forgotten. However, it is remarkable that they all remained virtually undisturbed by the conflicts and developments of society during that period. Subject only to the decay of time they remained dormant, waiting for rediscovery.

From the middle of the last century, the Archeological Survey of India, under the auspices of the British Government, and one Englishman in particular—General Sir Alexander Cunningham—unearthed and identified many sites, including the eight places of pilgrimage. Since that time, owing to a renewed Indian interest in Buddhism and the devotion and hardship of many individuals, the pilgrimage sites have been revived. Now, two and a half millennia after the Buddha, there are once more active Buddhist establishments and practitioners of the Dharma from many lands resident in all but one of the eight places.

LUMBINI: The birth of Gautama Buddha in Lumbini makes it one of the most sacred places in the world. Buddha was born into a royal family in 556 B.C.E. Many auspicious signs accompanied the Buddha's birth at this place. Years after Mayadevi gave birth to Shiddhartha, he once visited Lumbini on his way to Devadaha and preached there the Devadaha Sutta.

Emperor Ashoka raised a pillar on the spot where Siddhartha was born. The inscription at the pillar states that Ashoka visited the site himself two centuries later, worshipped at this spot because it was the hallowed birthplace of the Buddha.   Lumbini was also visited by the Chinese pilgrims, Fa-Hien, Hiun Tsang and Wu-Kung. In the 5th Century, Fa-Hien, after visiting the place, referred to the sacred lake, in which Queen Maya Devi had bathed before the birth of the child, and to the sacred well, the water of which was used by the Nagas for bathing the child.  Hiuen Tsang also referred to the beautiful bathing tank of the Sakyas in the La-fa-ni (Lumbini) grove. He recorded an Asoka pillar to the east of the site and several other commemorative stupas.





1. A) WALK AROUND THE CULTURAL LUMBINI SITE
Your visit can start from the Lumbini Museum that displays ancient coins, religious manuscripts, terra – cotta fragments and stone and metal sculptures. On the other side you will see the Lumbini International research institute, a peculiar architectural design that provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and other philosophy, art and architecture. Besides, there is Peace Hall (Auditorium), Archaeological Office, High School Complex, Boat Station, Lumbini Square, Symbolic Pavilion and Camping Ground, all of which are yet to be completed. Passing through the Friendship Bridge, the symbol of coexistence, one will enter the Monastic Enclaves, bisected by the proposed Central Link; where there are 42 plots allotted for new monasteries of the Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism.

1. b) WALK THROUGH THERVADA MONASTIC ZONE:
This route enters the eastern lane of the Theravada Monastic Zone, crossing the Thai Monastery and stupas, built by the Government of Thailand. The architectural design is typical to Thai environs. There after, one will pass a monastery constructed by the Maha Bodhi Society of West Bengal, India. One will pass the Burma Temple and the monastery built by the Government of Myanmar. Next one passes the Sri Lankan Monastery constructed by the government of Ceylon followed by one built by the International Gautami Nun Society, Nepal – a typical monastery replicated from Swayambhu, with the Buddhist philosophy of 13 steps to Nirvana and three pinnacle stages. One can enter the Nepal Vipasana Center and practice meditation techniques. Other monasteries also provide meditation practice. Further information can be sought from the tourist Information Center nearby. After the serenity of the spiritual atmosphere, one will enter the Sacred Garden after passing the symbol of peace and prosperity of human existence – the Eternal Peace Flame.




1. C) STROLLING AROUND THE SACRED GARDEN
This garden is the heart of Prof. Tange’s design, the ultimate objective of the plan to create an atmosphere of spirituality, peace, universal brotherhood and non violence consistent with Lord Buddha’s message to the world. The zone shelters ancient monuments in a freshly restored atmosphere; Maya Devi Temple is the heart of all monuments at this holy site. The temple complex bears the testimony of several phases of construction over the centuries. It was fully restored and reopened in 2003 during the celebration of the 2547th auspicious birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. Inside the temple, there are remains of structures of the early Maya Devi Temple that dates back to the 3rd century B.C. to 7th century A.D.

THE NATIVITY SCLUPTURE is the shrine of Maya Devi, which depicts Queen Maya Devi grasping a tree branch with her right hand. Next to her is Gautami Prajapati, her sister in a supporting posture at the time of delivery. The far right shows figures of Brahma and Indra, wearing conical crown, standing in devotion before the queen to receive the divine child as narrated by Buddhist Literature. At the bottom of the pane is the newly born Prince Gautam (Buddha) with a halo around his head standing upright on a lotus pedestal with two celestial figures receiving him. 




THE MARKER STONE (conglomerate) located deeply buried in the sanctum sanctorum pinpoints the exact spot of the Lord Buddha. This was discovered after a meticulous excavation of the Maya Devi Temple in 1996. The Marker Stone 70 × 40 × 1 cm, is now preserved with a covering of bullet proof glass. PUSHKARINI is believed to be the most sacred pond of the Shakyas in which Maya Devi took her bath before giving birth to the prince Buddha. It is also the pond where the infant Buddha was given his first purification bath. The pond has two deep wells, terraced steps and is riveted by beautiful layered bricks of 1933-39.



THE ASHOKAN PILLAR is an important evidence of the birth place of Buddha. The inscription engraved by Ashoka is still intact and testifies the authenticity of the birth place. The text written in Brahmin script records the visit of King Priyadarsi who ordered structures built to protect the site.



One can also see the brick masonry foundation, known as the GROUP OF STUPAS and vihars, built in the period of Mauryan, Gupta and Kushana (between the 3rd century B.C. and the 2nd century A.D) which are evidence of the early devotee’s desire to be near the sacred birth place. On the back side, one can view a brick pillar know as MAHENDRA STAMBHA, erected around the 1970s, to commemorate the initiative of U. Thant and King Mahendra. On the eastern side are standing two monasteries, Lumbini Buddhist Monastery (the Hinayan Buddhist sect) built in 1953 and Dharma Swami Maharaj Buddhist Monastery (the Mahayana Buddhist Sect) built in 1968.

1. D) WALKS THROUGH THE WESTERN LANE (MAHAYANA) MONASSTIC ZONE
One can witness the later development of Buddhism in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist sects. Exiting through the Shanti Deep, one will pass the Panditatram Meditation Center. Continuing on, the western lane bisects the south and north Monastic Zone. The first major site is the Darmodaya Sabha, a typical Nepali style monastery with Bahal (holy courtyard), Gumba (monastery) and stupa. On the Continuation of the southern lane, is Manang Stupa built by the Manang Buddhists of Nepal, typical to the Tibetan Buddhism style. Further is the Korean Monastery and monastery guest house. Leading to the northern complex one will see the China temple (the Chinese monastery), with typical architecture from the Tinanmen square, Beijing. Further is the Vietnamese Monastery, typical of Vietnam. On the continuation are French and Austrian Monasteries and guest house for meditation practice. On the north is the Japanese Monastery. Adjacent is the Ladakh Monastery, built by Buddhists from Ladakh, India. Nearby are two German monasteries. The last monastery located at the north end is proposed for construction by Nepali Buddhists. Plots have also been allotted to Buddhist groups from Austria, Mongolia, Malaysia and Bhutan.

1. E) STROLLS AROUND THE NEW LUMBINI VILLAGE     
The northern part of the master plan has been designed as the gateway to the outer world and amenities for the visitors to find comfortable lodges, restaurants and camping facilities. The first interface of this garden is the World Peace Stupa. On the western side is the Crane Sanctuary and Wetland Garden established by the International Crane Foundation (USA) in collaboration with Lumbini Crane Conservation Center and LDT. The forest and wetland harbor 200 blue bulls and 300 bird species. The southern part offers a camping ground. The eastern side has the Lumbini Hokke Hotel with distinctive Japanese hospitality. Another Hotel, Mikassa, was also constructed  by a Japanese organization and there is a Pilgrim guest house constructed by the Government of Sri Lanka. The Nepal Council for Preservation of Buddhist Religion, at the eat zone of highway, displays the Thangka Exhibition.



2. LUMBINI – BUDDHIST CIRCUIT TOUR
The Lumbini Circuit tour goes through Tilaurakot, Kudan, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurorakot, Devdaha and Ramagrama all being significance to the life, enlightenment and death of Buddha. There are 62 archaeological sites scattered outside the Lumbini Garden.      

2. A) Tilaurakot has been identified by archaeologists as the actual capital of Kapilvastu and the home of king Suddhodhana, father of Prince Siddhartha who later went on to become the Buddha. This is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha spent the first 29 years of his princely life. Chinese travelers who visited Tilaurakot more than 2500 years ago reported seeing numerous stupas, monasteries and palaces. The Chinese pilgrims Fa-Hien and Hiuen-Tsang noted that they saw Kapilvastu in complete ruins and counted 10 deserted cities within Kapilvastu. King Virudhak, who massacred the Shakyas during the last days of Lord Buddha, is said to have destroyed the cities.

Located about 27 km west of Lumbini and 3 km from Taulihawa town, a joint effort by Nepali and Japanese archaeologists recovered the royal town of Tilaurakot, the elaborated gateway in the western side, the twin stupa of the Buddha’s parents and king Suddhodhan’s palace in and around the Tilaurakot mound. Historically, Kapilvastu was named after Saint Kapil. The Buddha visited kapilvastu several times during his life. The first nunnery in Buddhist history was also established in Kapilvastu.

The earth rampart, the brick fortification, the ancient habitation, and the 13 layers of human depositions dating between 8 B.C. and 2-3 A.D. are the most noteworthy in the historic ruins. The kapilvastu museum exhibits coins, pottery and toys dating back to the 7th century B.C. and 4th century A.D. The terracotta figures recovered at Tilaurakot belongs to pre-Mauryan, Mauryan, Sunga, and Kushana periods.


2. B) KUDAN is located some 4.5 km south of Tilaurakot, is mound of structural ruins. A pond nearby appears to be the ruins of stupas and monasteries. These are believed to be the Kasaya stupa, where a Kasaya (yellow robe worn by monks) was presented to Lord Buddha. This is where king Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha for the first time after he returned from cosmic enlightenment.



2. C) GOTIHAWA located about 3 km southwest of Taulihawa, is believed to be the birth place and the place of nirvana of Krakuchanda Buddha, who came before shakyamuni Buddha. Brick structures of stupas and monasteries can be seen in the area outside modern Gotihawa village. At the center of the main mound the remains of broken Ashokan pillar lie. Adjoining the pillar on the northeast side is a huge stupa with ring of wedge-shaped ancient bricks, identifying the nirvana stupa of krakuchanda Buddha. The villagers are still using an ancient well in the center of the village. The development of the site is believed to have started in the 6th century B.C. Rectangular and wedge-shaped bricks containing large amount of rice husk, straw and vegetation dating back to the 3rd century B.C. are found here. It is speculated that the enlargement of the stupa was carried out during the Sunga and Kushana period (end of the 1st century B.C. to the 2nd and 3rd century A.D.).



2. D) NILGLIHAWA is a significant archaeological site about 7 km north of Taulihawa where the remains of broken Ashokan Pillar lie closed to a large pond. Emperor Ashoka built a stupa and set up a pillar when he visited the site during his pilgrimage. Discovered by renowned archaeologist, Dr. Alois Further in 1895, this pillar is 15 feet tall with inscriptions on its upper portion. It is believed that Kanakmuni Buddha was born and enlightened here. The Ashokan pillar attests that Emperor Ashoka enlarged the stupa enshrining the relics of the Kanakmuni Buddha. Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang also describe the Kanakmuni stupa and Ashokan pillar in their travel accounts.  

2. E) SAGARHAWA is the forest site where the ruins of an ancient pond were excavated in 1895. Archaeologists have identified this site as the “Palace of the Massacre of the Shakyas”. The ruins of ancient site lie on the west and south banks of the pond known as Lumbu Sagar. Sagarhawa is about 12 km north of Taulihawa.



2. F) AURORAKOT is a large rectangular fortified area with remains of ancient moat and brick fortification east of Niglihawa, and about 10 km northeast of Taulihawa. A walled fortress in ancient times, this citadel was believed to be the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha.

2. G) DEVEDAHA, 54 km east of Lumbini across the Rohini River, is the ancient capital of the Koliya kingdom. It is the maternal hometown of Queen Maya Devi, Prajapati Gautami (Siddhartha’s stepmother) and princess Yashodhara (his consort). This is where Prince Siddhartha spent his child hood. Seven years after his Enlightenment Lord Buddha visited Devadaha and ordained followers of Jain Sadhu Nirgrantha Nathputra. There are several sites around Devadaha such as Kumarbarti, khayardanda, Bairimai/kanyamai. Bhabanipur/Devidamar, Mathagadi (ancient weapons).

2. H) RAMAGRAMA is a brick mound on the bank of the Jharahi River. It is a 7 m high stupa containing one of the eight Astha Dhatu (relics) of Lord Buddha. The king of Ramagrama, the eighth king to obtain the Buddha’s relics, built the stupa. History mentions that Emperor Ashoka wanted to open it to multiply into eighty four thousand stupa. However, the Dragon King (Naga Raja ) of Ramagrama stupa did not permit. So this is the only Stupa where Ashoka could not take out the Lord Buddha’s relics. Out of the total eight stupas with  Buddha’s relics this is the only original Stupa with the complete Buddha relics. Ashoka had opened other seven stupas to take out Buddha relics  for the purpose of erecting numerous other stupas during his period.



3. VILLAGE TOUR/WALK    
A walk through the villages surrounding Lumbini, interaction with the warm and hospitable local people, buying their authentic handicraft products and observing their traditional rituals will bring one closer to understanding the diversity of Terai cultures in Nepal.
Tour of villages also gives opportunity to observe Terai landscapes and vegetation found in the outskirts of the settlements. The people in these traditional villages offer a peek at their agro-based rural lifestyle, colorful costumes, festivals which they are celebrated with much joy and their gracious hospitality. They belong to different religions, cast and creed, with agriculture as main occupation. The main festivals celebrated by the people are Nagapanchami, Holi, Dashain and Tihar. Tourists can visit the local temples and mosques or partake in the cultural ceremonies. The wetland areas, lakes and ponds in the village have the option of choosing to walk through the villages, riding through  on a local rickshaw or bullock cart.
The main ethnic group living in the villages are Tharu, Yadav, Harijin, Lodh, Kurmi, Chamar, Gupta, Mallah, Shreevastav, Kohar, Murau, Goshami, Brahmin, Chhettri and Muslim. The languages spoken are Bhojpuri and Nepali.

3. A) EKALA offers cultural sightseeing in the village and bird watching at Lake Karbolaha that has a crane sanctuary nearby. Visitors can also visit religious sites of Shiva temple, Kalimaisthan temple and mosque. They live in traditional stone or tent houses.

3. B) KHUDABAGAR offers cultural sightseeing in the village and bird watching at Lake Punnihawa which is a wetland area. Tourist can also visit recently set up Tharu museum.

3. C) TENUHAWA offers peek at the Muslim culture and bird watching at crane sanctuary near Karbolah lake toward the north-west of the village. Here you can observe women working at indigenous craft making colorful baskets, handicraft items that are also available on sale at different sales outlets. One can also pay visit to the mosque in the village.

3. D) MADHUVANI also offers sightseeing of rural Terai life and bird watching at hathihawa and Tharunia Lake. Dhalulagiri and Annapurna ranges in the north can also be seen during clear winter mornings. In addition one can also visit temples of Durga, Shiva, Kalikasthan and Samaimaisthan in the village. Local handicrafts are available at sales center and hotels. Biraha culture is the main culture attraction here.

Maya Devi Temple Complex

Personnel	Entrance fees (in Rs.)	Camera fees.
For Foreigners	50	1 USD or RS 75 for still camera. 10 USD or Rs. 750 for movie Camera.
For Indian nationals	10	Rs 15 for still camera. Rs 200 for movie Camera.
For Nepalis	0	Rs 15 for still camera. Rs 200 for movie Camera.

Personnel	Entrance fees (in Rs.)	Camera fees.
For Foreigner	50	1 USD or RS 75 for still camera. 10 USD or Rs. 750 for movie Camera.
For Indian nationals	10	Rs 15 for still camera. Rs 200 for movie Camera.
For nepali	0	Rs 15 for still camera. Rs 200 for movie Camera.

Lumbini Museum

Personnel	Entrance fees (in Rs.)	Camera fees.
For Foreigner	50	1 USD or RS 75 for still camera. 10 USD or Rs. 750 for movie Camera.
For Indian nationals	10	Rs 15 for still camera. Rs 200 for movie Camera.
For nepali	0	Rs 15 for still camera. Rs 200 for movie Camera.

Filming (per day)
For Foreigner USD 500
For Nepali USD 5000

 

Distance for Lumbini Circuit Tour

SN	From	To	Km	Drive
1	Airport	Maya devi temple	17.4	25 min
2	Butwal	Maya devi temple	21.1	30 min
3	Maya devi temple	Kudan	29.42	45 min
4	Kudan	Gotihawa	4.33	15 min
5	Gotihawa	Tilaurakot	7.32	20 min
6	Tilaurakot	Niglihawa	8.85	20min
7	Niglihawa	Aaraurakot	1.25	3 min
8	Aaraurakot	Sagarhawa	5.21	10 min
9	Sagarhawa	Devdaha	65.3	1.5 hrs
10	Devdaha	Ramagrama	25.19	40 min
11	Ramagrama	Bhairahawa	28.56	1 hr
12	Bhairahawa	Airport	3.7	5 min
13	Lumbini Garden walk	-	7.5	-
14	Ekala Village walk	-	3	-
15	Shivagadhiya village walk	-	3.5	-
16	Tenuhawa village walk	-	2.2	-
17	Lumbini Adarsha village walk	-	5.5	-
18	Madhuvani	-	6.5	-

 

Day	From – To	Activities	Time	Overnight
01	Kathmandu – Bhairahawa – Lumbini	Fly from Kathmandu – Bhairahawa. Drive from Bhairahawa to Lumbini. Observing Lumbini Gardens and surrounding areas.	30 min (flying) 30 min (Driving)	Lumbini (Hotels, lodges)
02	Lumbini	Visit the Mayadevi temple and tour of surrounding areas of LDT. Visit the surrounding villages and observe rural lifestyle.	2-3 hrs. or more (LDT tour) 2-3 hrs.(village tour)	Lumbini (Hotels, lodges)
03	Lumbini – Buddhist circuit tour	Drive and visit religious and archaeological sites at Gotihawa, Kudan, Tilaurakot, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa and Lumbini.	6-8 hours (tour)	Lumbini (Hotels, Lodge)
04	Lumbini – Devadaha – Ramagrama – Bhairahawa – Lumbini Kathmandu	Drive and visit religious and archaeological sites at Devadaha, Ramagrama and then drive to Bhairahawa.	3-4 hrs. (visit)	Lumbini (Hotels, lodges)
05	Lumbini - Kathmandu	Fly back to Kathmandu from Bhairahawa.	30 min (flying)	Kathmandu

Option 2 ( 6 days )

01	Kathmandu – Lumbini	Drive from Kathmandu to Lumbini. Visit the Mayadevi temple and LDT surrounding areas.	8-10 hrs. (Driving)	Lumbini (Hotels, lodges)
02	Lumbini	Visit the Mayadevi temple and LDT surrounding areas. Visit the surrounding villages and observe rural lifestyle.	2-3 hrs. or more (LDT tour) 2-3 hrs.(village tour)	Lumbini (Hotels, lodges)
03	Lumbini – Buddhist circuit tour	Drive and visit religious and archaeological sites at Gotihawa, Kudan, Tilaurakot, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa and Lumbini.	6-8 hours (circuit tour)	Lumbini (Hotels, Lodge)
04	Lumbini – Devadaha – Ramagrama – Bhairahawa – Chitawan	Drive and visit religious and archaeological sites at Devadaha, Ramagrama and driving to Chitwan..	3-4 hrs. (visit) 4 hrs driving	Chitwan (Hotels, lodges)
05	Chitawan	Elephant safari and canoeing at Chitawan National Wildlife Park.		Chitwan (Hotels, lodges
06	Chitwan – Kathmandu	Tharu village walk or bird watching after breakfast. Departure to - Kathmandu	3 hrs walk 5-6 hrs (driving)	Kathmandu