Top Things to Do in the Lumbini | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Lumbini

Places To Visit In Lumbini

Manang Samaj Stupa

A chorten created by Buddhists from Manang in Northern Nepal, the Manang Samaj Stupa is known to be one of the oldest Stupas in Nepal, dating back to the birth of Gautam Buddha in 600 BC. There is a golden Buddha Statue in the middle of this building and is surrounded by colourful murals. At present, this attraction is believed that it will go under renovation soon.

Maya Devi Temple

One of the most ancient Buddhist Temples in Lumbini, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Maya Devi Temple is one of the most well-known temples which is known as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The temple is situated in the middle of the park grounds called Lumbini Development Zone, it’s continuous developments making it a must-visit attraction. Maya Devi Temple is located right next to the sacred pool called Pushkarini and a sacred garden. This temple marks the spot where Maya Devi gave birth to Gautam Buddha and the archaeological remains of this place date back to the time of Ashoka, around 3rd century BCE. Gautam Buddha was said to have been born in 563 BC. The temple was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange in 1978 and the work is still under process which comprises of landscaped lakes and a number of monasteries being built by various architects from all over the world. Fortunately, none of the monuments or temples was affected by the Nepal earthquake in 2015. Read More

Located right in front of the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Maya Devi Pond is a square-shaped structure with steps all around to ascend to the water level. Also known as Puskarini, this is where Gautama Buddha's mother - Maya Devi - used to bathe. In fact, Lord Buddha's first bathing was done in this pond. A grand temple now takes the location where Buddha was born, and the Maya Devi pond is located right in front of the shrine. On special occasions, the steps around the pond are illuminated with oil lamps after sundown to worship the sacred place. Source On one side of the pond is a well-kept garden with tall trees, lined by lush green bushes and on the other are ancient ruins that date back to the 3rd Century B.C. These ruins are believed to be the remains of ancient temples and stupas protected with brick pavilions. Another monument that will grab one's attention here is the Ashok Pillar, which was built by Emperor Ashoka in homage to Gautama Buddha's journey towards enlightenment and his teachings. The pond, therefore, is not just religiously significant but has great historical importance too. Read More

Myanmar Golden Temple in Lumbini is the oldest structure of the city. Built in Burmese style of architecture, the temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha. The impressive corncob-shaped shikhara, styled after the temples of Bagan gives a regal look to the whole structure. There are three prayer halls and a Lokamani Pula Pagoda inside the building.

Royal Thai Monastery in Lumbini is an imposing and stunning wat-style (Thai Monastery style) monastery dedicated to Buddhist practices. The gleaming building is constructed from white marble and the blue-roofed meditation centre closeby are an example of a fine architectural style. The beautiful designs and carving on the temple wall makes this place a must-visit.

Also known as Sri Lanka Temple, the monastery is a beautiful Sri Lankan Buddhist establishments that give insights into the life of Gautama Buddha and its importance in the region. The grand monastery holds several important religious events and practices, especially those followed in Sri Lanka. These celebrations, events, and festivals may seem a little different than those followed in an ancient monastery in Lumbini. However, the motive and the teachings are almost the same. It also provides a sneak peek into the life of Gautama Buddha and emphasises on its evolution throughout time. The Sri Lankan Monastery in Lumbini is a perfect illustration of a system of spiritual belief bringing two countries closer. Those wanting to explore the association must visit the monastery. Source The Sri Lankan Monastery is a Theravada Buddhist establishment dedicated to Sri Lanka. It is a striking monastery nestled in the East Monastic Zone of Lumbini which has a spherical raised platform with a traditional Pagoda on top. Underneath the Pagoda, is a beautiful golden idol of Lord Buddha seen seated in a meditating posture. This arrangement has a pathway that encircles the structure and provides an area for circumambulation. The site is extremely well maintained and peaceful enough to allow tourists to sit a moment in solitude. Read More

Thrangu Vajra Vidya Monastery is a monastery in Lumbini that is dedicated to Thrangu Rinpoche. He believed in the teachings of Buddha, building his principles on peace, knowledge and unity. This monastery is one of the institutions established by him and is one of the few that actively support education in Nepal. From a very young age, Thrangu Rinpoche started establishing institutes for Buddhist studies. Today, this monastery has a number of students who are aspiring monks. There are also many events that take place at the monastery where seminars, speeches and ceremonies are held on a regular basis. He has also established here are a number of institutions that are situated in different countries such as England, the US as well as Canada. Thrangu Vajra Vidya Monastery is an ode to Thragu Rinpoche and is a great attraction in Lumbini. Read More

Located at a distance of 24 km from Lumbini, Tilaurakot houses remains of Kapilavstu and is considered to be the place where Lord Gautama Buddha spent 29 years if his life. Its unearthing is marked as a significant event that reveals the historical life of Gautama Buddha. It is set in the district of Kapilavastu which is believed to be the site of the ancient city of the Shakyas. The exposed ruins include foundations of a structure that resemble a residential complex. Studies reveal that Gautama Buddha had lived his life as a prince and received all the royal luxuries before renouncing his throne and walking out of the Eastern Gate. Tilaurakot is termed as a UNESCO tentative site and is a significant tourist attraction. It is situated on the banks of Banaganga Rice and is surrounded by trees. A small museum in the vicinity has some of the objects that were found during excavation. Read More

Situated in Lumbini, Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu Temple is one of the few attractions that represent the relationship between Vietnam and Nepal. A number of people visit this temple as part of the pilgrimage for Gautam Buddha. With its facade flanked with artificial mountains and a grand roof, it is definitely worth a visit for those who are interested in Buddhism and are visiting Lumbini.

Japan Peace Stupa, also known as World Peace Pagoda is an early 21st Century monument - a symbol of peace and a famous tourist attraction in Lumbini. Located outside the main compound, the structure is a glorious stupa with traditional pagoda style architecture. Constructed by Japanese Buddhist at a cost of US $1 million, the monument is coloured white with a golden buddha statue. The majestic structure has a dome in the centre that can be reached by climbing one of the two flights of stairs leading to it. On the second level, there's a corridor encircling the dome. The Symbol of Peace is open all days of the week for one and all to visit, explore, learn and get inspired to walk the path of non-violence and to live life in unity, which is a necessity in the world today. Read More