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The world Heritage site (Religious)
Lumbini
Lumbini, the birth place of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya Prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world's millions of people faithful to all schools to Buddhism. This nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka's commemorative pillar is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
| The main attraction at Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden spread over 8 sq km and possesses all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother giving birth to him. Standing west of the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. The pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we find the sacred pond, Puskarni , where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. |  |
There is also a sacred stone marked with a "foot imprint" of Emperor Ashoka which had been placed here to make exact birthplace. There are other places of interest too nearby. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.