Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a site of great historical and spiritual significance. Located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Here's how to reach the Lumbini Monastic Site:
The nearest airport to Lumbini is Gautam Buddha Airport, also known as Bhairahawa Airport. It is located about 22km from the site. You can take a taxi or a local bus from the airport to reach Lumbini. There are regular flights from Kathmandu which take around 30 minutes.
Lumbini is well-connected by road to major cities in Nepal. If you're coming from Kathmandu, you can catch a bus from the Central Bus Station. The journey can take around 7 to 8 hours. There are also buses and private vehicles available from other cities like Pokhara and Chitwan.
As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Nepal does not have an extensive railway network. However, you can travel to the nearby Indian city of Gorakhpur by train and then take a bus or a taxi to cross the border into Nepal and reach Lumbini.
Important Information:Once you reach Lumbini, there are plenty of hotels, guest houses and monasteries which offer accommodation. You can also explore the sacred garden, the Maya Devi Temple, and multiple monasteries belonging to different Buddhist traditions around the world. Remember to manage your time well to enjoy all that Lumbini has to offer.