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Lumbini Tourism Area

Lumbini Tourism Area is one of the renowned tourism zones among 18 tourism zones of Nepal consisting of 4 districts namely Nawalpur, Parasi, Rupandehi, and Kapilbastu. Adjoining tourism zones are Simraun Tourism Area in the east, Bheri-Kankrebihar Tourism Sector in the west, Ruru-Resunga Tourism Sector, and Pokhara Tourism Sector in the north, and India in the south. The name of this tourism zone is derived from the popular tourist destination of Nepal, Lumbini, which is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha is also known as the ‘Light of Asia’. This tourism area lies below Churiya ranges, i.e., Terai Region and connected with East-West Mahendra Highway. Bhairahawa Airport is the domestic airport of this tourism zone which is connected with the regular flights from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The Gautam Buddha International Airport is under construction. Here is the information about the tourist destinations of this tourism zone.

Nawalpur lies in Province no. 4 (Gandaki Pradesh), covering an area of 1,043.1 sq.km. Kawaswoti is the administrative headquarter of this district. It is also known as Nawalparasi east of Bardaghat Susta. Adjoining districts are Chitwan in the east, Parasi in the west, Palpa and Tanahun in the north, Chitwan and India in the south. Formally Nawalpur District was part of the Nawalparasi District, which split into two districts Nawalpur District and Parasi District after the state reconstructed administrative divisions as of 20 September 2015.

Tourism in Nawalpur

Nawalpur is one of the newly formed districts after the introduction of federalism in Nepal. Narayani, the deepest river of Nepal flows along the district rendering river water adventure. Kawaswoti a beautiful green city is a wonderful place to hang out. This district partially touches parts of Chitwan National Park. Pilgrimage sites like Maula Kalika and CG Shashwat Dham attracts lots of pilgrims here. The Amaltari Buffer Zone Consumers’ Committee under the Chitwan National Park has started the Amaltari Village homestay program in 21 houses of Tharu Community in this district.

Places to visit in Nawalpur

Kawaswoti

Kawasoti lies about 31 km west of Bharatpur connected with East-West Mahendra Highway. The Narayani River flows south of it, and the Mahabharat Range is north of it. It is one of the beautiful cities of Nawalpur district and is located at the heart of the country. It is also known as a greenery city where 60% of the land is occupied by the forests where people can get the fresh air and the bacteria-free water which is important stuff for human beings.

 

CG Shashwat Dham

Shashwat Dham is one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations. With the stunning Ekambareshwar Shiva Temple, a Buddhist center, and a yoga retreat, the site attracts visitors from all walks of life. Amidst the scenic foothills of Nawalparasi and spread over 12 verdant acres, the temple is a destination for explorers, spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike to discover ancient knowledge and inner peace. It lies in the Devchuli region of the Nawalpur district on the east-west highway and is 22 km west from Narayanghat. There are two museums inside Shashwat Dham, including a Hindu religious museum and Nirvana Museum. The Hindu museum is located in the basement of the Ekambareshwor Mahadev and is dedicated to ideology, philosophy, scriptures, history, and traditions. It has also preserved souvenirs from the famous spiritual destinations across Nepal and India to showcase through an audio-visual experience. The Nirvana museum is dedicated to the life of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha and his process of becoming enlightened.

 

Narayani River banks 

Strolling on the bank of Narayani River offers pleasant bird watching tours, canoe ride, etc. The Narayani River is regarded as sacred among Hindu pilgrims and many religious celebrations take place in its bank throughout the year. Ekadashi mela and Maghe Sankranti mela are some of the major events visited by thousands.

 

Devchuli and Barchuli hills

These are the tallest hills of Nawalpur district. Considered as the sacred place of worship by both Magar people of hills and tharu people of plains, these hills have their own cultural and historic importance. Apart from being culturally relevant, these hills are also natural gems, famous for hiking and sightseeing. Thousands of tourists hike in these hills every year and enjoy the great sightseeing from the top of the tallest hills. Mighty Himalayan ranges are seen clearly in the north. One can see far up to Palpa, Chitwan National Park on a clear day. Hikers also get a chance to enjoy indigenous Magar culture and organic foods during their hike.

 

Amaltari Village Homestay

Amaltari Village Homestay is dominant in Tharu Community. Tharu one of the popular and respected indigenous groups of Nepal rich in their typical culture and typical lifestyle. The Amaltari Buffer Zone Consumers’ Committee under the Chitwan National Park has started the Amaltari Village homestay program in 21 houses of Tharu Community in this district. Amaltari Village is the first place of Nawalpur district having homestay. The capacity of each homestay is for four persons. The Amaltari Village home-stay is located at around six kilometers south of Danda along the East-West Highway. The Amaltari Village homestay is in the choice of people as it has transport facilities as well as has a peaceful environment.

 

Maulikalika Temple

Maula Kalika Temple is a famous Hindu temple of Goddess Kalika in Gaindakot town of Nawalpur district. Maula Kalika is a very famous and growing tourist destination. Located on the top of the Mauladada or Maula hill on the north of Narayani River (also called Gandaki River) in Gaindakot, Maula Kalika temple is situated 561 meters (1,841 ft) above sea level.

Parasi District lies in Province no. 5, covering an area of. Ramgram is the administrative headquarter of this district. It is also known as Nawalparasi west of Bardaghat Susta. Adjoining districts are Nawalpur in the east, Rupandehi in the west, Nawalpur and Palpa in the north, and India in the south. Formally, Parasi was part of the Nawalparasi District, which split into two districts, Nawalpur District and Parasi, after the state reconstructed administrative divisions as of 20 September 2015.

Tourism in Parasi

Parasi is rich in cultural and religious sites. There are ample amount of attractions point in this district. Ramgram Buddhist Stupa, Daunnedevi temple, Tribeni Dham, Balpuri Baba Temple, Bardaghat, etc. are the popular destinations of this district. It is accessible with the roadways as East-West Mahendra Highway is linked with this district. It lies between to Chitwan and Butwal.

Places to visit in Parasi

Ramgram

Ramgram lies about, 5 km from Bumahi, a small town connected to Mahendra Highway. Ramgram is mainly Hindu but also an important place for Buddhists because it is the location of Ramagrama stupa. This stupa, which was constructed around 2,500 BCE, contains one of the relics of Buddha. To this day, Ramagrama stupa remains the only intact and original stupa containing relics of Lord Buddha. The stupa has been an object of great reverence and pilgrimage site since its original construction. The 7-meter-high stupa is now buried under a mound of earth and is awaiting further research.

 

Daunne Devi Temple

Daunne Devi Temple is a sacred Hindu temple of Daunne Devi, situated at the hill of 1,033 m of Pasari district. It is located at the top of the hill, so you can hike to reach the temple. The temple is surrounded by the vast green forest with a variety of flora and fauna, cool and peaceful places with religious significance. The temple houses an idol of Daunne Devi donated by Rana Prime Minister Junga Bahadur Rana.

 

Tribeni Dham

The famous Triveni Dham lies at the confluence of the Sona, Narayani, and Tapasa rivers. Here one finds the temples of Gajendramokshya, Bhakteshwor, Laxmi Bainketeswara, Nagababakuti, and Radhakrishna; the Kotihom Yajnashala; the Sanskrit school; and many beautiful gardens. Triveni Dham is the popular site for holy baths, tarpans, shraddha, upanayana, darnabhedans, annaprasans, chudakarmas, and various other sacramental rites; and the festivals of Kartik Mela, Kumbha Mela, Ramnavami, Byaspurnima, Holi, Chhat, and Buddha Jayanti serve as occasions for a large number of pilgrims from Nepal and India gathering in the region.

Rupandehi District lies in Province No. 5, covering an area of 1,360 sq. km. Siddharthanagar is the administrative headquarter. Adjoining districts are Parasi in the east, Kapilbastu in the west, Palpa in the north and India in the south. It lies in the Terai region. Rupandehi is named after Rupadevi, the queen of King Suddhodana. Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Devdaha, the birthplace of Mayadevi (mother of Lord Buddha), lies in Rupandehi district.

Tourism in Rupandehi

The world Heritage Site, Lumbini - the birthplace of the Buddha and a destination popular among domestic and international tourists. Mani Mukunda Sen Udhyan, which is also known as Butwal Garden attracts tourists. The garden has also become a popular destination among picnickers. Another tourist attraction in the district is the pocket area of organic vegetables, Sarhan Tandi, located at Devdaha. As commercial agriculture prospers in Rupandehi, the potential for agro-tourism has also increased in the district. With attractions like professional farming of ostrich, fish and bees, Nepal’s largest cow farm and research center, organic cultivation of vegetables, and the expansion of the mushroom pocket area, the district has become a hub for agro-tourism in the region.

Places to visit in Rupandehi

Lumbini

Lumbini is the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, Queen Mahamayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam in 563 BCE. Gautam, who achieved Enlightenment sometime around 528 BCE, became the Buddha and founded Buddhism. Lumbini is one of many magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha. Lumbini has some older temples, including the Mayadevi Temple, and various new temples, funded by Buddhist organizations from various countries. Many monuments, monasteries, and a museum, and the Lumbini International Research Institute are also within the holy site. Also, there is the Puskarini, or Holy Pond, where the Buddha's mother took the ritual dip before his birth and where he had his first bath. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas were, according to tradition, born, then achieved ultimate Enlightenment and finally relinquished their earthly forms. Lumbini was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Thousands of Buddhist monks, pilgrims, and tourists visit Lumbini annually.

 

Butwal

Butwal is the commercial center of Rupandehi, which is closer to the Sunauli border between India and Nepal. Butwal Hill Park, Jitgadhi fort during Angol Nepal war, Narayan temple built by (1864 B.S.) Hanuman temple and Shivalaya of Hanumagngadhi, Jalabinayak Mahadev temple are the attractions of Butwal.

 

Manimukunda Sen Park

The winter palace of Palpali King, Manimukunda Sen, is very fascinating from natural and archaeological values. There are ruins and antiquities of the majestic palace of Manimukunda Sen, an ancient Palpali king, containing 6 large rooms as well as the royal residence. According to the ancient myth, Nilkanth varni (Swaminarayan) stayed for two months in king's palace during his "Vanvicharan". At night you can see the surrounding villages. His Majesty's Government, the archaeological department has attempted to maintain it in 1991. It is popular for the picnic spots, the zoo and the gardens inside the park.

 

Siddha Baba Mandir

This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated in the border between Palpa and Rupandehi. Devotees believe that Siddha Baba will grant their wishes and offer pigeons at the temple. There are two Siddha Baba Mandir adjacent to each other. One lies within Rupandehi and another in Palpa. Nonetheless, both temples are regarded as pilgrimages of equal importance. Every Saturday, a large number of devotees visit the temple.

 

Ramapithecus Park

This park is located on the bank of Tinau River, near to the border between Palpa and Rupandehi. The second specimens of Sivapithecus were found in Nepal on the bank of Tinau River in 1932. Now it is in the Nature Museum Kathmandu. This find was named "Ramapithecus". The discoverer, G. Edward Lewis, claimed that it was distinct from Sivapithecus, as the jaw was more like a human's than any other fossil ape then known, a claim revived in the 1960s. At that time, it was believed that the ancestors of humans had diverged from other apes 14 million years ago. Biochemical studies upset this view, suggesting that there was an early split between orangutan ancestors and the common ancestors of chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans. We can visit the park while driving on Siddhartha Highway.

 

Sainamaina

Located about 12 km. west from Butwal, Sainamaina as an open museum is a very famous and fascinating resort from historical archaeological culture and natural points of view. Among the different Gramas villages of Shakya King, it was in the samgrama site. An Indian queen (Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh) because of the British disturbance in her kingdom came to this area with her soldiers and porters (‘Sena’ and Mena’) and finally, this area came to be known as Saina Maina. It is an exquisite treasure trove of ancient ruins and antiquities: statues of dancing saints, ruins of the palace, well etc.

 

Parroha Bol Bam Dham

It is the oldest Bol Bam Dham (pilgrimage and festival) in Nepal. The pilgrimage is dedicated to Lord Shiva located about 13 km west of Butwal City. Thousands of Lord Shiva's devotees from various parts of the country and from neighboring states of India visit to worship the Shivalinga inside the Bol Bam Dham. The major inflow of pilgrims occurs during the Bol Bam. Bol Bam is an annual pilgrimage glorifying the Lord made in July/August in which devotees travel barefooted wearing saffron robes in routes to the Dham.

 

Praketeshwar Mahadev Temple

Praketeshwar Mahadev Temple lies Lumbini Road which is one of the most popular temples of this district. Many people visit there to worship God Praketeshwar Mahadev throughout of the year. In months of Shrawan (late July and early August), there is a big crowded fair, quite popular among locals and people around the regions.

 

Nawa Durga Bhawani Temple

This temple lies in Sainamaina. Many peoples visit there to worship Goddess Durga throughout the year. It is the most popular Temple after Parroha Temple in this area.

 

Satiya Mai Temple

Satiya Mai Temple is dedicated to Devi Satiya. It was in the middle of Rohini Khola but nowadays the river is flowing west of the Satiya Devi Templa and Satiya Garden. There is a temple of Maya Devi. There is a belief that the Goddess grants the wishes of the devotees who visit the temple.

 

Shankar Nagar Ban Bihar and Research Center

Shankar Nagar Ban Bihar and Research Centre, simply referred to as Ban Batika by locals is a popular attraction in Tilottama Municipality. The Centre is maintained inside Shankarnagar Community Forest. It is popular for its picnic spots, zoo and garden.

 

Chappiya Fish village resort

Chappiya fish village resort has become one of the popular attractions of Rupandehi. It provides various species of fish and mouthwatering cuisines, and have the option of boating and fishing. It is located in a peaceful area with a mesmerizing evening view. It is located in Siyari Gaupalika which is about 12 kilometers west of Bhairahawa.

 

Global Peace Park

It's a newly developed place in Butwal, and called a symbol of peace. Many international celebrities, tourists, and models are attracted here for its beauty and excellence.

 

Devdaha

The most historical and beautiful religious site of Nepal situated 13 km east of Butwal is best known for the birthplace of Maya Devi, maternal home of lord Gautam Buddha. It is a place of best natural beauty and pollution-free environment.

Kapilvastu district lies in Province no. 5, covering an area of 1,738 sq. km. Kapilbastu is the administrative headquarter. Adjoining districts are Rupandehi in the east, Dang in the west, Arghakhanchi in the north, and India in the south. The altitude ranges from the height of 93 m to 1,491 m above sea level. Geographically, the district can be divided into the low land plains of Terai and the low Chure hills.

Tourism in Kapilbastu

Kapilbastu is known as the open museum which has historical and archaeological importance. In the latest archaeological excavation, the Department of Archaeology (DoA) discovered Kapilvastu with the largest number of archaeological sites in the country, totaling 136. Excavation works have been carried out at Tilaurakot for the last six years, yielding remarkable results. Furthermore, archaeologists have found evidence to support the existence of historical stupas, monasteries, palaces, a coin minting factory, ponds, roads, forts, and, in one case, an entire city dating to 600BCE. It was the capital city of Shakya Kingdom which is about 29 Km west of Lumbini. This is the place where Siddhartha Gautam was born. This region is connected with the East-West Mahendra Highway, take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and drive about 1 hour.

Places to visit in Kapilbastu

Jagadishpur Lake

Jagdishpur Lake lies about 11 km north of Taulihawa and spreading over 157 hectares. This lake hosts the habitat for thousands of migrants’ birds from Siberia, China, Russia, Mongolia, etc. during the winter (until February). The pond also provides a habitat for more than 20,000 birds, including Gadwall, Lesser Whistling duck, Tufted duck, Ferruginous duck, Northern pintail, and Northern shoveler, etc.

 

Nigrodharam

Nigrodharam, also known as Kudan, lies about 2.5km south from Taulihawa. It is here that King Suddhodan Shakya, the Buddha’s father, constructed a large vihara to meet his son for the first time after Siddhartha achieved enlightenment. It is also the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first discourse following enlightenment to his followers, including his wife Yashodhara and son Rahul. Recent excavation projects have discovered a wooden post-hole dating to the 8th century BCE which they believe will be instrumental in yielding new information about the Buddha’s life.

 

Gotihawa

Gotihawa lies about 4 km southwest of Taulihawa. This is the place where the Krakuchhanda Buddha was born who was the 25th of the 29 Buddhas mentioned in Buddhavamsa, a hagiographical Buddhist text. Its significance is marked by a pillar commissioned by Indian emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to the place in the third century BCE. Ancient relics and artifacts dating back to the period of Krakuchhanda Buddha are protected in Gotihawa. A 1993-94 excavation discovered relics dating as far back as 900BCE. Archaeologists believe the infrastructures in this site were developed in the sixth century BCE. The site also preserves several ancient pottery, brick structures of stupas and monasteries.

 

Sagarhawa

Sagarhawa is the site of the Massacre of the Shakyas, lying about 9 kilometers north of Taulihawa. Archaeologists say that 77,000 Shakyas were killed here by King Virudhaka, son of the Prasenajita Raja of Kosala, for revenge. Several stupas are commemorating the members of the Shakya tribe who were slaughtered.

 

Niglihawa

Niglihawa lies about 7 km north of Taulihawa, which is the birthplace of the Kanakamuni Buddha. The site features the remains of the Ashoka pillar in Niglihawa built by the Indian emperor Ashoka in 249BCE. The pillar is now in a broken state. It was only in 1895 AD that Alois Fuhrer, a German Indologist, discovered this pillar.

 

Dhamnihawa Stupas

The Dhamnihawa Stupas are believed to have been built to commemorate the Lord Buddha's parents, King Suddhodan and Queen Mayadevi. The twin stupas lie on the bank of Banganga River, around 800 meters north of Tilaurakot. The stupas were unearthed between 1968 and 1969.

Moreover, this tourism area has more popular tourist destinations and they are rich in cultural and historical sites as well as archaeological sites. This tourism area has the potential to attract the tourist for the study and research on the archaeological sites and the history of Buddhism. Furthermore, other many places are still in the exploration phase in tourism markets. Thus, the above information supports for the publicity of tourist destinations in the national and international tourism markets.

If you have any queries or need any support, please comment here. If you are planning to make your trip to Nepal, I shall be grateful to help you to organize your trip to Nepal. Please connect me via Whatsapp, +977-9860804860.

Suraj Bhattarai

I discovered my passion on travel and Tourism Sector and had started to write travel blogs since 2018 with the aim to promote the Tourism of Nepal in national and international level of tourism market. I am also a government certified Trekking Guide of Nepal.

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