Overview
Buddhism exprience tour around Lumbini in Nepal
Nepal Buddhism tour focuses insight into the life-hood of Lord Buddha who was born in Lumbini, Nepal. This is pilgrimage and research tour of archeological sites exhibiting different event's in Buddha's life. The tour goes through Tilaurakot, Kudan, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurora kit, Devadaha and Ramagrama all bearing significance to the life, Enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is a complete knowledge of Buddha's life and the development of Buddhism.
Tilaurakot
Tilaurakot 27 km west of Lumbini is an actual capital of Kapilvastu and the home of King Suddhodhan, father of Prince Siddhartha who later went on to become the Buddha. This is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha spent the first 29 years of his princely life. A joint effort by Nepali and Japanese archeologists recovered the royal town of Tilaurakot, the elaborate gateway in the western side, the twin stupa of the Buddha's parents, and King Suddhodhan's palace in and around the Tilaurakot mound. The terracotta figures recovered at Tilaurakot belong to pre-Mauryan, Mauryan, Sunga and the Kushana periods.
Kudan
Kudan4 km south of Tilaurakot is a huge mound of structural ruins and a pond nearby appears to be the ruins of stupas and monasteries. It is said to be the Kasaya Stupa, where a Kasaya (yellow robe worn by monks) was presented to Lord Buddha where King Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha for the first time after he returned from Enlightenment.
Gotihawa
Gotihawa 3 km southwest of Taulihawa is historically and archaeologically important religious and archaeological site for Buddhism. It is believed that Krakuchanda Buddha, who came before Shakyamuni Buddha, was born in Gotihawa and attained Nirvana here. Brick structures of stupas and monasteries can be seen in the area outside modern Gotihawa village. At the center of the main mound, the remains of a broken Ashokan Pillar lie on a slab. Adjoining the Pillar on the northeast side is a huge stupa with rings of wedge-shaped ancient bricks/ identifying the Nirvana Stupa of Krakuchanda Buddha.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, pick-up & transfer to hotel.
Day 2 : Fly to Lumbini.
It is a 35 mints flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. Arrive and drive to Lumbini about 30 mints. Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 3 : Lumbini Monastery experience.
Visit the Mayadevi temple, Sacred Garden, Monastic Zone, and New Lumbini Village and surrounding areas of Lumbini Development Trust which covers 3 square miles. Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 4 : Lumbini Cultural experiences.
Visit surrounding typical local villages of Lumbini and observe rural culture. Interaction with warm and hospital local people, buying their authentic handicraft products and observing their traditional rituals will bring one closer to understand the diversity of Terai cultures in Nepal.
Day 5 : Religious and archeological experience.
Visit religious and archeological sites of Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Siddharthanagar, Niglihara, Sagarhawam Aurora kit. Niglihawa is where Kanakmuni Buddha was born and Sagarhawa is the archeological findings as the palace of the Massacre of the Shakyas. overnight in the hotel.
Day 6 : History experience and return to Kathmandu.
Visit Devdaha and Ramagram. Devdaha is the ancient capital of the Koliya region. It is the maternal hometown of Queen Mayadevi (mother), Prajapati Gautami (step-mother), Princess Yasodhara (consort) and where Prince Siddhartha had spent his childhood. Ramgrama is the brick mound on the bank of the Jharahi River. It is seven-meter high brick stupa consisting of relic (one of the eight that dhatu) of Lord Buddha. The Stupa was built by the king of Ramgrama, who was the eighth king to obtain the Buddha's relics. After a great experience, transfer to Bhairaha airport and fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 7 : Departure
If you have time and are interested in other adventures like white water rating, wildlife safari or any other activities can extend your holiday or transfer to the airport and fly back to sweet home.