Best visit place in Nepal (LUMBINI)

Top Places to Visit in Lumbini
Lumbini is the right spot to visit if you are looking for archeological, religious and cultural destination. Here are the top places to visit in Lumbini:

1. Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi is the name of Lord Buddha’s mother. This temple is dedicated to Maya Devi. This temple has very simple design and is white in color. Pilgrims visit this temple for morning meditation. The tree under which she gave birth is the site of the temple. A Bodhi tree is located closer to the temple, which is famous for meditation and prayers.

2. Ashoka Pillar
Ashoka Pillar is a large stone pillar with inscriptions. Emperor Ashoka of India built it in 3rd century. On the surface of the pillar, the wording says that the local king had announced Lumbini to be free of tax as it was the birthplace of Lord Buddha. There are more than 19 pillars found in this region and the Ashoka pillar is the oldest of all.

3. Puskarni Pond
Just south to the pillar, you will find a small lotus bond. It is said that Queen Maya Devi took bath in the pond, right before giving birth to Lord Buddha. In addition, Lord Buddha was given his first bath in this pond. Today, you can find numerous devotees taking a holy dip in this pond. You can find ruin of various 2nd century and 9th century monasteries.

4. Great Lotus Stupa
This stupa is found by NGO, German Tara Foundation. This beautiful structure holds religious values in it. Each measurement of the temple complies with the building rules of the time of Buddha. There is a large meditation hall in the center of this stupa.

5. Myanmar Golden Temple
As the name indicates, this temple is built in Myanmar architecture. This is one of the oldest structures of Lumbini. There are three large prayer halls in this temple.

6. Lumbini Museum
This museum holds many historic and cultural artifacts, which explain the life and journey of Lord Buddha. Artifacts of various parts of the world pertaining to Lord Buddha can be found in this museum. This museum is located to the northern ends of Lumbini.

7. Sacred Garden
The home of Gautama Buddha’s mother is now the Sacred Garden of Lumbini. You can find how Buddha was brought up right up to the point, when he left his palace in search of enlightenment.

8. Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery
This is a grand architectural structure and a major attraction. This large monastery is located to the northern side of the pond and is completely made of white marbles. The garden, gold statues and the carved architecture are the main attractions of this monastery. The blue meditation center is another art-beauty.

9. World Peace Pagoda
This bright white pagoda is located right outside Lumbini. Usually tourists take bike ride to this pagoda from Lumbini. This structure has a large gold statue of Buddha in his birth position. This pagoda was built in the cost of one million USD. It is said that there were many commotions while the pagoda was being constructed and one Buddhist monk was killed during this commotion. The grave of that monk is located at the bottom of this stupa.

10. Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Bihar
This is a Tibetan styled monastery located right outside the main Lumbini Village. It is said that around 60 monks live in this Bihar. Everyday, rituals and prayers are conducted by this group of monks. You can find numerous Buddhist artworks and paintings in this structure.

11. Gotihawa
Lord Gautama Buddha is not the first Buddha of the world. There were numerous Buddhas before and after him. Gotihawa is the spot where Gawtama Buddha met with the previous Buddha, Buddha Karkucchanda. There is a large pillar in this region, with a huge stupa made with Mauryan Bricks.

12. Kudan
This is a small region outside Lumbini. This is the place where Lord Buddha met with the King of the region, Suddhodhana, during his return to his birthplace, after his enlightenment. There is a small pond and a beautiful stupa in this region. You can learn a lot about Lord Buddha and Buddhism in this stupa.

13. The China Temple
This is a beautiful pagoda-structure. This temple is famous for its serene beauty and peace.

14. Tilaurakot
This region is located around 27 km away from Lumbini. This region was the main area of Shakya Kingdom in the past. Today, you can find ruins of monasteries and stupas of ancient times. The wall of the city and the moat around it, still remains.

Other important destinations a little away from Lumbini are Niglihawa, Devadaha and Sagarhawa.

Best Time to Visit Lumbini
Lumbini is located at the southern end of Nepal. The region experiences cliché sub-tropical monsoon climate. Summer starts in May and ends in June. They are the hottest months of the year. Thus, it should be avoided.

Monsoon starts in June and ends in August. The climate will be pleasing when compared to summer. However, travel will be hard due to muddy roads and constant shower. The best time to visit Lumbini is from October to December. The temperature will be cool and pleasing.