Treasure trove of Buddha in Lumbini (Photo Feature)

Lumbini, the birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a sacred sanctuary for Buddhists and spiritual seekers worldwide. Beyond its religious roots, the Greater Lumbini Area offers an array of unique experiences through history, archaeology and natural beauty. Yet, this treasure trove struggles to reach its full potential as a global destination.

Today, countries like Thailand, Bhutan, and Srilanka attract hundreds of thousands of Buddhist pilgrims and tourists, while Lumbini sees just about 1m visitors a year. The challenges lie in infrastructure. Although there has been a surge in hotels across Lumbini, the region still falls short in offering comprehensive facilities beyond basic stay. Modern tourists not only want to visit the birthplace of Buddha but also, they seek for extended stays enriched with engaging activities, better facilities, and a well-rounded experience.

Lumbini and its surrounding areas are home to ruins dating back as far as the 11th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, alongside other sites such as Tilaurakot, Kudan, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Araurakot, Sagarhawa, and Ramagrama. These sites hold profound connections to the life of the Buddhas and the evolution of Buddhism. Additionally, the region is remarkable for being the birthplace of the three Buddhas of Bhadrakalpa—Kanakamuni, Krakuchhanda, and Gautama Buddha. However, the lack of accessible information and proper guidance for tourists diminishes the potential of these historical and spiritual places.

There is an urgent need for effective marketing campaigns to highlight the essence of Lumbini and its sites. Many visitors remain unaware of the rich stories and spiritual significance behind the monuments scattered across the region. Developing meditation retreats, promoting outdoor activities, and offering cultural immersion programs could transform Lumbini into a holistic tourism center.

We cannot afford to wait for another ‘Visit Nepal’ campaign to spotlight Lumbini’s potential. It’s essential to focus now on establishing Lumbini as a truly iconic destination.