Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and thus one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. While Queen Maha Maya Devi was travelling to the Lumbini garden way to Devdaha, she bathed in Puskarini kunda, felt labor pain, supported Sal tree and finally gave birth to Prince Siddhartha. It is believed the infant walked seven steps, where lotus was bloomed. Shakyamuni Buddha was the fourth Buddha of fortunate kalpa. All four Buddha’s of fortunate kalpa were born nearby Lumbini, Niglihawa, Taulihawa, Gotihawa and Kapaliavastu. This place is one of the most sacred places for all the Buddhists around the world.It is located 304 km south-west of Kathmandu and easy access by road from Chitwan National Park.

Lumbini is a 10-hour drive from Kathmandu and a 30-minute drive from Bhairahawa. The closest airport is Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairahawa, with flights to and from Kathmandu.The India border town of Sonauli in Maharajganj district is 1 hour drive from Lumbini and Nautanwa railway station in India is just a few kilometres away. The nearest big city is Gorakhpur, which is about 100km and is 4 hours drive from Lumbini. Lumbini is dotted with many historical and religious monuments like broken Ashoka Pillar, ancient inscriptions, remnants of an old monastery, image of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi, Siddhartha pond where Buddha was bathed after his birth, Mahayana monastery etc. are still well preserved.In the Sacred Garden, you can visit Myanmar Temple, Royal Monastery, International Gautami Nuns Temple, Lotus Stupa, Dharmaodaya Nepal Monastery, Ladhak Kagyud Monastery, Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara, Mahabodhi Society of Calcutta and Manang Monastery. Lumbini Development Trust was established in 1985 for holy site management and development. It was enlisted a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997.    

The best time to visit Lumbini is from October to December. The temperature remains cool and pleasing. You can find lush flora and unique flowers in bloom during this time. April and May are also pleasing time to visit, however, the temperature could be slightly warm. December to February will be the peak winter season and the temperature can go as low as 8 degree C.