Lumbini Tour
Lumbini is a small town located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, renowned as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This holy site attracts millions of visitors every year who come to pay homage to the Buddha and learn about his teachings. Our 3-day Lumbini tour is perfect for travelers who have limited time and wish to visit this religious spot. This short Lumbini tour is crafted to take you to the root of Buddhism, where it all started.
You will learn a lot about Buddhism and its different practices and beliefs during the Lumbini tour with us. An experienced and knowledgeable guide will accompany you during the tour, which enriches the experience. You will be visiting the place where Gautam Buddha was born and spent his childhood. During the tour visit numerous monasteries and landmarks.
This three-day Lumbini tour begins with a long, scenic drive from Kathmandu to Lumbini. On the day you arrive in Lumbini & the next full day, you will spend visiting and exploring sites. And on the third day, we drive back to Kathmandu, which ends the tour. Our Lumbini tour is an easy venture. People of all ages can join this tour solo or with their loved ones.
Gautam Buddha
Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual teacher who lived in ancient India and founded the Buddhist religion. He was born in 563 BCE in the city of Lumbini, Nepal. According to the legend, he was born into a royal family, and his father was a king named Suddhodana.
As a child, Siddhartha was sheltered from the realities of life outside of the palace walls. However, one day he left the palace and saw the suffering of the people in the world, including poverty, sickness, and death. This experience had a profound impact on him and caused him to question the nature of existence and the meaning of life.
At the age of 29, Siddhartha left his luxurious life behind and embarked on a spiritual journey to find the answers he was seeking. He studied with several prominent spiritual teachers, but ultimately found their teachings lacking. He then decided to undertake a period of intense meditation, during which he achieved enlightenment, or "Bodhi."
After his enlightenment, Siddhartha became known as the Buddha, which means "awakened one." He spent the rest of his life traveling throughout India and Nepal teaching the principles of Buddhism to all who would listen. His teachings centered on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
The Four Noble Truths are:
- The truth of suffering: Life is filled with suffering, pain, and sorrow.
- The truth of the cause of suffering: The cause of suffering is craving and attachment to material things.
- The truth of the end of suffering: It is possible to end suffering by eliminating craving and attachment.
- The truth of the path to the end of suffering: The Eightfold Path is the path to the end of suffering.
The Eightfold Path is a set of guidelines for living a life of moral and ethical behavior, mindfulness, and wisdom. The Eightfold Path includes:
- Right understanding: Understanding the Four Noble Truths and the nature of reality.
- Right intention: Developing a positive and compassionate attitude.
- Right speech: Speaking truthfully and kindly.
- Right action: Living a life of ethical conduct.
- Right livelihood: Earning a living in a way that is ethical and does not harm others.
- Right effort: Making a sustained effort to cultivate positive qualities and eliminate negative ones.
- Right mindfulness: Cultivating awareness and attention to the present moment.
- Right concentration: Developing the ability to focus the mind and achieve deep states of meditation.
The teachings of Gautama Buddha have had a profound impact on the world, and Buddhism has become one of the major religions of the world. Today, there are over 500 million Buddhists worldwide, and Buddhist teachings continue to inspire people to live a life of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom.
Things to do in Lumbini
Visit the Sacred Garden
The Sacred Garden is the main attraction in Lumbini, which houses the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and several monasteries built by different countries. The temple marks the exact spot where the Buddha was born, and the Ashoka Pillar is a testament to the ancient ruler's dedication to Buddhism. The monasteries built by different countries in their architectural styles offer visitors a chance to experience the diversity of Buddhist traditions.
Explore the monastic zone
The monastic zone is an area in Lumbini where several monasteries have been built, reflecting different schools of Buddhism. Visitors can walk through the monasteries, learn about different Buddhist practices and cultures, and interact with the monks who reside there.
Visit the Lumbini Museum
The Lumbini Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and significance of Lumbini. The museum has several exhibits on display, including artifacts and sculptures from the Mauryan and Kushan periods, as well as a collection of photographs documenting the development of Lumbini over the years.
Take a meditation class
Lumbini is a place of spiritual significance, and many visitors come here to deepen their practice of meditation. Several monasteries in the monastic zone offer meditation classes, which provide an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and connect with like-minded individuals.
Explore the surrounding area
Lumbini is surrounded by several picturesque villages and towns, which are worth exploring. Visitors can take a bicycle tour of the area, visit the nearby Kapilvastu Palace ruins, or explore the nearby sal forests.
Major attractions of the Lumbini tour
Maya Devi Temple
The Maya Devi Temple is the most important in Lumbini. It marks the exact spot where the Buddha was born. Likewise, the sacred pool inside the temple is where the Buddha took his first bath. You can expect to spend a few hours at the temple, learning about the Buddha's birth and his early life.
Ashoka Pillar
The Ashoka Pillar is a significant landmark in Lumbini. The pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It carries an inscription declaring Lumbini as the birthplace of the Buddha. You can expect to spend some time at the pillar, learning about its history and significance.
Sacred Garden
The Sacred Garden is the main attraction in Lumbini. The garden is divided into several zones, including the monastic zone, the meditation zone, and the cultural zone. Spend a few hours exploring the different zones, visiting the monasteries, and interacting with the monks.
Learn about Buddhism
Lumbini is a significant site for Buddhists, and during your tour, you can expect to learn about Buddhism, its teachings, and practices. You can attend a meditation class at one of the meditation centers, where experienced practitioners will guide you through the practice.
Attend a puja ceremony
A puja ceremony is a traditional Buddhist ritual involving chanting and offerings. You can attend a puja ceremony at one of the monasteries in the evening. It will be a unique & spiritual experience that you must try once.
Explore the Kapilvastu Palace ruins
The Kapilvastu Palace ruins used to be the capital of the Shakya Kingdom. It is the place where the Buddha spent his early years. Explore the ruins, which provide insight into the ancient city's layout and architecture. Similarly, learn about the daily life and customs of the Shakya Kingdom.
