Getting there and around, Accommodation, Dining

Getting there and around
Buses run regulary after every hour or so from morning six o' clock to afternoon five o' clock to Lumbini from Bhairawa, an industrial town situated 284 km to the southeast of Lumbini. They are crowded and slow: it almost takes an hour for the 22km trip.
 You can hire a cab for the day for about US$15. The cost may sound little bit expensive, but it's worth spending if you are travelling in a small group. The other option is you can hire a three-wheeler tempo for about half the price.
You can also take a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairawa: there are five flights a week for US$75.
Depending on how long you want to stay in Lumbini, a bicycle or hiring a rickshaw would be nice to go around but not necessary (expecially for the fact that one cannot find a bike for rent easily).

Accommodation
Many just make a day trip to Lumbini from neighboring towns of Butwal, Bhairawa or Sunauli. But if you want to stay in the area, the peaceful environment of Lumbini is certainly better than those towns. The Lumbini Hokke Hotel is a spotlessly clean excellent Japanese style hotel for a rather steep price (US$80 up). The Sri-Lankan Pilgrims' Rest House is a more modest living place for about US$10; it is a little distance away from the main center of Lumbini though. The Lumbini Village Lodge is closer and provides rooms for a few dollar less, but the rooms are very basic at best.

Dining
There is very little choice. There is only one restaurant, the Lumbini Garden Restaurant, which is about ten minutes walk from the center. The Lumbini Hokke Hotel (fairly expensive) and The Sri Lankan Pilgrim' Rest House (very basic menu) are the only other choices.

Of Interest

The main attraction at Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden, which is spread over 8 sq.km and possesses all the treasures of the historic area. Today as part of the global initiative to promote Lumbini, many countries have built or are building temples, monastries or stupas near the Sacred Garden in the International Monastery Zone. Temples or shrines that have finished their construction so far are Myanmar Temple, International Gautami Nuns Temple, China Temple, The Nepal Buddha Temple and the Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara.

Ashoka pillar, carrying an inscription identifying the holy site as the birthplace, is situated nearby the Sacred Garden. To one side of Ashoka pillar is the Mayadevi Temple which houses a bas relief depicting the nativity. Recent excavations have turned up a stone bearing a "foot imprint", indicating the exact place of birth. The Puskarni pond, where Queen Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother, had taken a bath before giving birth to him lies to the south of the pillar. Kushinagar is the place where Lord Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana. Here are a lot of chaityas, stupas and viharas to see. The Muktabandhana stupa is believed to have been built by Malla dynasty to preserve the temporal relics of Lord Buddha. A smaller shrine nearby contains a reclining Buddha which was brought from Mathura by the monk Haribala. Bodhgaya is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree under which Buddha attained wisdom is called the Bodhi tree, while the temple marking the sacred spot is known as Mahabodhi temple.

There are also three museums in Lumbini.
The Lumbini Museum, located in the Cultural Zone, contains Mauryan and Kushana coins, religious manuscripts, terra-cotta fragments, and stone and metal sculptures. It also possesses an extensive collection of stamps from various countries depicting Lumbini and the Buddha.
Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI), located opposite the Lumbini Museum, provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general. Run jointly by the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and the Reiyukai of Japan, LIRI contains some 12,000 books on religion, philosophy, art and architecture.

outside of the Lumbini Museum, Lumbini, Nepal.

Kapilvastu Museum is situated 27 km west of Lumbini in the village of Tilaurakot. The museum holds coins, pottery and toys dating between the seventh century BC and fourth century AD. The museum also has good collection of jwellery and other ornaments of that period.

Lumbini

Situated at the Terai plains of the southern Nepal, Lumbini is the place where Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya Prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlighted One, was born in 623 BC. The sacred place, marked by a stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka of India in 249 BC, is listed as one of the World Heritage Sites.

Today the holy site is being developed with international support as the supreme Buddhist pilgrimage and a symbol of world peace. The shrines and monastries that many countries have built or are still building reflect the architectural traditions of the respective countries, and thus giving Lumbini an international feel with a message of universal friendship and brotherhood.

About 30km east of Lumbini is the village of Tilaurakot which is believed to have been the location of the Kapilvastu royal palace where the Buddha grew up as the Shakya dynasty prince, until he renounced it at the age of 29 in search of enlightenment.

Temple of  Lumbini By China

Ashoka Pillar In Lumbini

 In Buddha's time

In the Buddha's time, Lumbini was situated between Kapilavastu and Devadaha. It was there that the Buddha was born. A pillar now marks the spot of Asoka's visit to Lumbiní. According to an inscription on the pillar, it was placed there by the people then in charge of the park to commemorate Asoka's visit and gifts. The park was previously known as Rummindei, two miles north of Bhagavanpura.

In the Sutta Nipáta (vs. 683) it is stated that the Buddha was born in a village of the Sákyans, in the Lumbineyya Janapada. The Buddha stayed in Lumbinívana during his visit to Devadaha and there preached the Devadaha Sutta.

Itinerary of Chitwan - Lumbini Cultural Package In Detail

Day 1 
Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel
Day 2 
Kathmandu Sightseeing
Day 3 
Early Departure for Rafting in Trisuli River, Arrival in Chitwan,
Day 4 

Lumbini

Jungle Activities in Chitwan National Park. Activities include Visit to Tharu Village, Taking part in Tharu cultural dance show, Jungle safari on elephant ride, Cannoing in the Rapti River, Knowing the activities of Fisherman, Visit to Elephant and Rhinoceros breeding farm, Museum of Endangered or extinct species and tribe of chitwan.
Day 5 
Departure to Lumbini (Birth Place of Lord Buddha), Lumbini Sightseeing includes visit to the Mayadevi temple, Chinese temple Thai temple, and other ponds and temple Anthropological site of ancient palaces, Light of peace. Visit to Buddism Library and excavation research center & World Peace Stupa etc. Stay overnight in Lumbini
Day 6 
Back to Kathmandu.
Day 7 
Drop to Airport, Fly Back Home.

Tour Cost:
Service Includes: Transfer, Accommodation, Guide, Transportation, Permit and entry fees, Rafting Gears, Meals during rafting and Chitwan Jungle Safari

Beautiful Places In Ilam

Shriantu: Antu Hill situated in the far east of Ilam, famous for viewing sunrise. Most of the flat land of the Terai, Mirik, Kurseong, darjeeling along with beautiful tea gardens can be seen from this place.

Sandakpur: Situated in the north of Ilam, Sandakpur is the main touristic place. Sunrise, sunset, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, all parts of Ilam district and Darjeeling in India can be viewed from this place. various kinds of animals like musk deer and red panda and rare species of birds like pheasant can also be seen here.

Siddhithumka: This place is also famous for panoramic views of sunrise and sunset and most of the flat land of the terai.

Mangmalung: This is situated in the middle of the forest at the upper part of Ibhang and is the important religious place for the Kiratis. This place is regarded as the origin of the Kirat religion. There is also a cave of Matrika Kirateswar and a festival is observed every year with a great pomp and show.

Chhintapu: Mt. kanchenjunga along with most parts of Ilam can be viewed from here. 11 types of rhododendron, rare birds, butterflies important for research study, important herbs like yarshagumba (aphrodisiac) and Paanch Aaulay and rare animals like red panda and musk deer are found in here.

Maipokhari: This pond is situated at the top of Maipokhari and Sulubung. It is 188 sq. hec. in area with a radius of 750m and it has nine corners. This pond, situated in the middle of forest with rhododendron and magnolia campbelli (chhap) is important from the point of view of natural scenery, religious importance and pilgrimage to goddess.

Gajurmukhi: Gajurmukhidham situated on the bank of Deumai River, one of the four rivers of Ilam is an important religious place.

Pathibhara: Pathibhara situated at teh top of Kutidanda and Haaspokhari in Mechi Highway is called as small Pathibhara regarded as the younger sister of Pathibhara in taplejung district. From this hill covered with green forest one can have a view of Terain plains, Mahabharat Range and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Ilam Bazaar: It is the district headquarter of Ilam and is situated at the altitude of 1208m. This is the city of houses and temples that reflects its own originality and geo-structure and old tea gardens. The oldest tea factory and tea gardens in Nepal exist here. Small cozy and economic wooden houses which reflect their originality and rich sculptural tradition are the center of attraction.

Pashupatinagar: Pasupatinagar is adjoined with Darjeeling of India situated in the far east of district. This place is one of the entry points to India. The cheese factories here are very famous.

Fikkal: Fikkal is situated in the east of Ilam Bazaar and lies along the Mechi Highway. It is one of the oldest market places of Ilam and is being developed as a main business center for agricultural products.

Mangalbare: This is one of the main markets situated at the south of Ilam. This place is also the collection and distribution center of all the agricultural products of Ilam.

Todke Waterfall: The highest waterfall in Ilam district is Todke Waterfall located in Maimajhuwa VDC in the north of the district headquarter. This waterfall is 285 ft. high and is very fascinating.

Ilam Tea Garden Sunrise View from Antu Danda 

DAY 01	Fly Bhadrapur. Drive to Ilam - Arrive Shri Antu, enjoy sunset view.
DAY 02	Sunrise view from Shri Antu - Breakfast - Short walking to a Tea garden - Lunch -  Depart to Ilam Bazar.
DAY 03	A village walk around Ilam Bazar - Lunch - Maipokhari - Todkefall  - back to Ilam Bazaar.
DAY 04	Back to Kathmandu.

Ilam Tour

Ilam, a hilly district situated in the far eastern Nepal, is divided into 48 Village Development Committees (VDCs) and one municipality. This district is fully covered by hills except some parts of inner Terai. The district covered by pleasant natural geo-structure, temperate climate, low green hills and fertile lands, has been made prosperous by the hard work of the farmers.

Tea Form

 

The district is famous for tea and six 'As' - aalu (potato), alaichi (cardamom), aduwaa (ginger), akabare khursani (red round chilly), olan (milk) and amliso (a grass from which brooms are made, Thysanalaena). This district is proceeding towards modern agricultural business from the traditional cereal farming. Among the six 'As', potato, ginger, cardamom, red round chilly and amliso are exported to Siliguri and Darjeeling in India whereas milk is taken to Kathmandu via Biratnagar and Tea is exported to foreign countries. Ilam is inhabited by the people from various sects and ethnic group and is an interface of different cultures and religions. Ilam has exciting natural green hills covered with tea plantation and forest, diverse climate, simple living style and houses depicting its own arts and unique style. The following touristic places with panoramic view are eager to welcome guests:

Potentiality of Eco-tourism in Ilam

Ilam is a small hilly district, which is located in Eastern Development Region of Nepal with an area of 1703 sq. km. extending from 260.40′ to 270.8′ north latitude and 870.40′ to 880.10′ east longitude. The altitude of this district ranges from 250 meter to 3636 meter above from the sea level. Ilam is charming because it is unspoiled by modernity, pollution and urban bustle. Ilam is multicultural district. Ilam is very rich in terms of natural, cultural and environmental perspective. Ilam has various nature resources, greeny forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, holy sites, tea gardens and hospitable people. Being these all assets, Ilam can provide an ecotourism destination for the nature lovers.Concept of Ecotourism      In general, Ecotourism is the best available option to develop tourism product with minimum of negative impacts, which is instrumental in opening an access to new and virgin natural regions but steered with an objective to conserve vegetation, its habitant and also by developing linkages to bring forth the welfare and well being of local residents. 

Ilam Tea Form

Ecotourism focuses on local culture, it is typically defined as travel to destination where the flora fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attraction.      In recent years many developed and developing countries have been adopting ecotourism as a means of economic development and sustainable growth. Since ecotourism is related with nature travel in rural remote and protected areas. The varied natural resources, diversity of geographic belts, the uniquences of physical features, the small greenery hills have made Ilam useful and attractive destination to ecotourists. Ilam: A Touristic Destination      Ilam has its own scope for tourism development. The fundamental attraction of tourism in Ilam are natural sceneries, pleasing weather, short trekking routes, tea estates, small hills with greeny forest, snowcapped mountains and hospitable people. Being these attractions Ilam has strong potentiality for development of ecotourism. Apart from the natural beauty, this is a region of ethnic diversity and cultural heritage. Maipokhari, Pathibhara, Gajurmukhi, Singhabahini etc are famous for religious destination for pilgrimage tourists. Different ethnic communities like limbu, Rai, Gurung, Tamang, Magar, Sherpa, Newar, give their different cultural tastes. The rare lapcha, one of the tribal group of Nepal, their cultural museam also attracts the tourist, Ilam is the homeland of Lepchas’.      Ilam offers some of the most usual and delightful trekking. Tourist who come to Ilam can make their tour more exciting and pleasant through such trekking. The following routes are most potential for trekkers, which also help to develop ecotourism in those areas.Ilam to Sandakpur:      Sandakpur is situated at an altitude of 3636 meter above from the sea level. So, the area is often snow covered. Its height and slope provide opportunities for skiing. Due to its height, the site offers some spectacular sunrise and sunset views. It also offers view of mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga, Mt. Makalu and some of the world’s highest mountains. Rather than cultural and historical aspects its natural aspect seems highly promising for ecotourism development in this area. The area is also important for flora and fauna. Red panda, a rare animal species are also found there. From Ilam bazaar bus services are not regular. So, tourists can use private vehicles that take them to Khorsanitar of Maimajhuwa, about 21km north from Ilam bazaar, from there Sandakpur is about six hour trek.Ilam to Maipokhari      Maipokhari processes religious, archeological and touristic value for the promotion Ilam as a model ecotourism  center. Maiokhari, the famous lake with nine angular points which covers an area of 1.6 hectors. Maipokhari lies at an elevation of 2150 meter above the sea level. It is an important watershed area. The forest around Maipokhari harbors various valuable species of plants, like ground orchid, white rhododendron and various diversity in wild animals. Maipokhari has great religious and cultural importance. So, its religious value and popularity make it a potential site for ecotourism development. Maipokhari is located about 11km north from Ilam bazaar. Foot trekkers can get enjoy by viewing enchanting views of ‘Jasbire Bhanjyang’ which lies in the way to Maipokhari. Maipokhari is about 4 hours by foot from Ilam.Ilam to Antudanda      Antudanda (Dipendra Shikar) is located about 35 km east from Ilam bazaar. Antudanda is famous for the views of the Himalayas, the best view point of sunrise and sunset. Antudanda lies at an elevation of 1627meter is Samallung VDC. Antudanda is an hour drive from Pashupatinagar and about 3 hours drive from Ilam bazaar. Home stay facilities available at Antu region, village tourism is in growing phase in this area. Rare hepcha a ethnic group and their culture can also view in Antu. Antu pokhari, tea estates are next attraction of Antu. Mountain biking, pony riding, camping sites angling, boating, rock climbing village tour bird watching, skiing and paragliding area possible tourism products that can be developed in the area, which help to promote ecotourism in Ilam. Ilam to Gajurmukhi      The major attraction of Gajurmukhi is a cave with carved images of gods and goddesses. The cave is about 20 feet long and 10 feet height. Its important is most from a religious perspective. It is on the bank of Deumai river. Gajurmukhi is 4 hour drive from Ilam bazaar and enhancing the trekking route from Ilam through Mangalbare and Dhuseni, it takes about 6-7 hours by foot. Gajurmukhi is one of the famous place of pilgrimage. Ilam to Siddithumka      It lies at an elevation of 1800 meter west of Ilam bazaar. Siddithumka is ideal for a short trek and for panoramic views of the mountains and plains wrought in the colors of sunset and sunrise. It is a 4 hour trek to reach Siddithunka from Ilam bazaar. ‘Ratna Gufa’ is another attraction of Siddithumka.Ilam to Pathibhara      Pathibhara of Ilam is believed to be the younger sister of Pathibhara Devi of Taplejung Pathibhara is an important site from a religions and cultural viewpoint. The Pathibhara temple is closed to the mechi Highway in the south east of Kolbung VDC. It has an easy road access to it.Ilam to Chhintapu      At an altitude of 3400 meter above the sea level, Chhintapu ranks the second highest peak in Ilam district. The area is famous for various types of rhodedendron. Aboutt 11 varieties of rhododendron are found in this area. It is also famous for herbal plants and various species of birds. It is close to Maipokhari, a trek from Maipokhari to Chhintapu via deurali and Maipatal will take only Six hours walk. This area has great potential for the development of ecotourism. Kanyan and Fikkal Bazaar      Ilam has 144 year history of tea farming Kanyan tea estate is the largest one. The existing products at the Kanyan and Fikkal bazaar are natural attraction. Kanyan is popular among tourists for picnicking sight seeing and taking photographs. The area is accessible by a black topped read linking to Ilam, Fikkel and Kanyan.       Panitar of Mangalbare, Chilinkot, Soktim, Ilam are major tea estates of Ilam, they decorated Ilam as a bride ‘Todke Jharna’ is another attraction of Ilam which is in Maimajhuwa VDC which lies about 20 km north from Ilam bazaar.Recommendation for ecotourism development in Ilam      Ilam has various touristic assets but it is lagging behind the publicity throughout the national as well as international level. There is necessity of intensive desire of government, local peoples, statkeholders to promote ecotourism in Ilam. Proper plans, policies and programs should be made in this regards.      ·    There is possibility to develop charali – Ilam part of the mechi Highway as a ‘Sightseeing Highway.’ Both side of the road provide a magnificent view where we can observe the enchanting views of orchid, colorful flowers, tea estates, small greenery hills etc. Proper plan should be made for develop this part as a model highway, which obviously help to promote the tourist products of Ilam.·     For the development of ecotourism there should be an ariport in Ilam.·     To make Ilam a famous tourist destination and develop Ilam as a model ecotourism center, Ilam needs a tourism information center.·     Ilam offers an excellent gateway for the trekkers. So there need to be reconstructed and added the trekking routes.·     Ilam has cultural diversity, for the conservation and promotion of cultural values there need to be established cultural museam.·     Antu Danda, Sandakpur and Sidithunka are famous for the spectacular view of sunrise and sunset. These places may attract the handsome number of tourists if they published properly.·     

Hotel 

Pilgrimage sites of Ilam like Maipokhari, Gajurmukhi, Pathibhara, Singhabahini and other temples inside the 

Ilam Municipality increase the religious values of Ilam should be promoted to increase the volume of tourist as well as enhance.the religious values of Ilam. ·     Numbers of resorts and view tours can be built in various central parts of tea gardens in different places to lure handsome numbers of tourists from national as well as international level.Conclusion     Tourism is said to be hen that lays golden eggs. Ecotourism has immense potential to help the global fight against poverty. A WTO initiated study concluded that in developing countries tourism is almost universally the leading source of economic growth, foreign exchange and job creation. Tourism industry can be easily set up because no heavy expenses are made while starting it For developing ecotourism many resources are available in Ilam.     Ilam is the first choice for those people who want to know about cultural heritage, religion, customs and model agro tourism as well as village tourism.      Ilam itself is decorated by nature. Ilam offers a high value of ecotourism in terms of the natural cultural and scenic attributes. There are ample opportunities that Ilam could present itself as a model ecotourism site. Because of its location, enchanting views, best weather, hospitable people diversity in flora and fauna and good access, Ilam has becomes the base for promote the best tourist destination Although, these positive aspects, there are some constraints to further development of ecotourism in Ilam, such constraints are poor transportation and communication facilities, lack of manpower, lack of marketing and lack of willingness etc. The future of ecotourism in Ilam is found to be very optimistic. There are so many potential ecotourism site in Ilam which are waiting for further development and promotion throughout the national as well as international area.