Lumbini — serene, sacred, and soaked in history — is one of the most profound spiritual destinations in the world. Located in Nepal’s Rupandehi District, this UNESCO World Heritage Site marks the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Every step in Lumbini feels like walking through living history, echoing peace, mindfulness, and centuries of devotion.
Our visit to Lumbini came toward the end of a month-long journey across Nepal, and though the monsoon rains poured through much of the day, it made the entire landscape shimmer with life. The green fields glistened, the temples reflected softly in the puddles, and the entire experience felt like nature itself was blessing our visit.
Journey to Lumbini via Kapilvastu: Tracing the Steps of
the Buddha
We started our journey early morning from Lumbini and hired a taxi for 6000 Nepalese rupees for a full-day tour. Our first stop was Kapilvastu, the ancient kingdom where Prince Siddhartha spent his early years before embarking on his spiritual quest.
The ruins of Tilaurakot Palace, believed to be the site of King Śuddhodana’s palace (Buddha’s father), evoke deep emotion. Standing among the excavated walls, it’s easy to imagine the young prince walking these very grounds over 2,500 years ago.
From Kapilvastu, we continued toward Lumbini, just an hour away, following roads lined with green paddy fields glistening under the monsoon drizzle.
Maya Devi Temple: The Sacred Birthplace of Buddha
At the heart of Lumbini lies its most revered site — the Maya Devi Temple, which marks the exact location where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. The temple stands beside the Ashokan Pillar, an ancient stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to commemorate his pilgrimage to the birthplace of the Buddha. The inscription on this pillar is considered the historical evidence confirming Lumbini as the Buddha’s birthplace.
Inside the Maya Devi Temple, visitors walk on a raised platform surrounding the excavated ruins — the ancient sandstone reliefs, the marker stone showing the birthplace, and remnants of earlier temples built to honor the Buddha.
Behind the temple lies a beautiful rectangular pond, believed to be the Puskarini Pond, where Queen Maya Devi is said to have taken a ritual dip before giving birth. The pond’s still waters reflect the temple perfectly, especially during the evening.
We returned to Maya Devi Temple the next day, just before sunset, and captured breathtaking photographs of its reflection dancing on the surface of the pond. The stillness of that moment — the temple bathed in soft golden light, the gentle ripples on the water, and the calm chants of visiting monks — was pure serenity.
The Monastic Zone: A Global Tribute to the Buddha
One of Lumbini’s most striking aspects is its Monastic Zone, divided into East and West Monastic Areas, where different Buddhist nations have constructed temples and monasteries representing their unique architectural and spiritual traditions.
- The Chinese Monastery (Zhong Hua Buddhist Monastery) stands out in bold red and gold, designed like an imperial palace with sweeping roofs, intricate carvings, and serene courtyards. It’s a peaceful retreat that radiates grandeur and devotion.
- The Korean Monastery (Dae Sung Shakya Sa) is colossal, with its towering structure, ornate details, and large prayer halls. Though parts of it are in need of restoration, the monastery still stands as a majestic symbol of Korea’s deep Buddhist heritage.
- The Nepalese Monastery is particularly beautiful and symbolic — known for its Sahasra Buddha (Thousand Buddhas) installation. Inside, countless small Buddha statues line the walls in perfect symmetry, creating a mesmerizing sight that embodies both devotion and craftsmanship.
- The German Monastery (Lin Son Monastery) feels tranquil, featuring minimalist design and meditative spaces surrounded by lush gardens.
- The Myanmar Golden Temple gleams in sunlight with its gilded spires and traditional Burmese architecture, reminiscent of Yangon’s famous pagodas.
- India’s temple, currently under construction, is expected to be one of the most significant contributions to the Lumbini landscape once completed. It stands as a testament to India’s deep spiritual connection to the Buddha’s life story and teachings.
Walking through the Monastic Zone feels like a world tour of Buddhist philosophy — each structure reflecting the country’s culture and its interpretation of peace, compassion, and mindfulness.
Crossing Borders and Nearby Excursions
The Lumbini Airport was temporarily closed during our visit, but accessibility was never an issue. For Indian travelers, reaching Gorakhpur across the border is easy, as Indian citizens can cross without major formalities. If you start early from Lumbini, it’s even possible to visit Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya within the same day — which is exactly what we did. After our morning in Lumbini, we traveled to Ayodhya and reached by afternoon, closing our journey where another great spiritual story continues to unfold.
Travel Tips and Local Insights
- Getting There: Lumbini is easily accessible by road from Sauraha (Chitwan) or Pokhara. Taxis, private cars, and tourist buses are available. The local airport was not operational during our visit, but the border to India is very close.
- For Indian Travelers: It’s remarkably easy to cross into India from here and continue your journey to Gorakhpur.
- Extension Trip: If you start early from Lumbini, you can comfortably visit Ayodhya (the birthplace of Lord Ram) on the same day — exactly what we did. A smooth drive connects these two sacred sites, linking two major spiritual traditions of South Asia.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring (October–March) offer pleasant weather. Avoid heavy monsoon months unless you enjoy the quiet, moody atmosphere.
Reflections: Lumbini’s Peace and Presence
Lumbini isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience of stillness. Whether you’re a Buddhist pilgrim, a seeker of peace, or a curious traveler, the energy of this place is unmistakable. Rain or shine, every corner whispers stories of enlightenment and compassion.
From Kapilvastu’s royal ruins to the Maya Devi Temple’s sacred pond, and from the global monasteries to Ayodhya’s spiritual resonance, this leg of our Nepal journey was about connection — to history, to nature, and to something within.
If you ever visit Nepal, make sure Lumbini is not just a stop, but a destination you truly immerse yourself in. It’s not every day that you can stand where the Buddha was born and feel the same stillness that inspired him to seek the truth.
Stay Connected in Nepal
Keep your journey seamless with our Global Data eSIM — offering fast, reliable internet across Nepal and beyond. Stay connected for navigation, sharing travel moments, or booking your next adventure without worrying about SIM swaps or roaming charges.
👉 Buy your Global Data eSIM here
You May Also Like
Leave a comment