Kathmandu – Chitwan – Lumbini – Pokhara Tour

Historical Kathmandu City; Kathmandu has often been by some as a flawless jewel in a unique setting. No other place in the world has the concentration of culture, art and tradition that exists in the Kathmandu valley (1300m.). Kathmandu is the crossroads for the many ethnic groups of Nepal and for visitors from all over the world every year. Nestled in the central hills of Nepal, Kathmandu is at once medieval and modern. The Kathmandu valley sprawls at the junction of two sacred rivers, Bagmati and Bishnumati. Just cross the Bagmati River to the south is HISTORICAL ANCENT Patan CITY, on ancient city of temples, while Bhadgoon with its thousands of homes and temples shrines lies six miles to the east. More then two hundred years ago these three cities housed the Royal places of three different kingdoms that divided the valley palaces surviving today.

LUMBINI
The true meaning of Buddha is 'Enlightened Person'. Leaving the luxurious life of royal palace, Siddhartha Gautam tried to awake his mind. Gradually, he left behind material luxury, selfishness, jealousy, ego, love, family and angriness. He became renowned by spreading the mantra of peace all over the world. This very person Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini, Nepal.

He was born as the first son of King Sudhdodhan and Queen Mayadevi in Kapilvastu in 623 B.C. While the queen was going to her maternal home from the palace, she gave birth to a baby boy near Puskarini pond where Mayadevi Temple has built. The excavations reveal the historical records of third century till the seventh century. The sculptures from fourth century also reflect the birth of Siddhartha Gautam. Statues where Queen Mayadevi has clung into a tree's branch for support can also be seen. On the left hand side we can see Queen's sister Prajapatiwhere on the right hand side Gods is welcoming them. On the middle section there's a sculpture of Lord Siddhartha Gautama.

Around the temple there are excavations of Bihar. On the west side, there is a Pipal tree where meditating people chant mantras. Outside the temple King Ashok has built a pillar which is named after him in 249 B.C. It is written, "In Lumbini, Siddhartha Gautam was born." During the period 1992-1996, scientists started their investigation and while digging they found some fossils, sculptures and statues. Then instantly in 1997 UNESCO declared Lumbini as World Heritage Site. In 1967 the secretary of UNESCO came to visit Lumbini.

In 1978 Japanese architecture Professor Kenzo Tagela prepared master plan to separate the area into phases. According to the plan eleven hundred and fifty-five acres of land was allocated and that was divided into three parts. So, in the northern side new Lumbini village was made, in the southern side, Mayadevi temple and in the middle the Stupa area. As Lumbini is spread at wide areas, we need to provide the transportation facility like cab, cycle or rickshaw to visit. In the middle there is a huge pond. Boating can be done but not more than the area of sixteen hundred meters. On the side of the pond there is a massive light of peace which is a museum.

Few years back the number of hotels was very limited. We had no other choices except heading to go back to Bhairahawa for accommodation. But now adding new budget hotels and star hotels, there are altogether thirty one hotels in the Lumbini area. We can buy the statues of Buddha made from wood, clay and Dhalot (precious metal) as peculiar gifts.