Old Kathmandu City
Old Kathmandu City: Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthmandap- the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and Durbar Square are with it’s array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the square is still able to portray the image of how the ancient city of Kathmandu used to be like. A few minutes walk from the square will being you to the old city centre which still stills almost everything necessary for daily life.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath Temple was founded. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of all Pashus, which are living as well as non-living beings. Pashupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 B.C. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or holy symbol of Lord Shiva. There are many legends describing as to how the temple of Lord Pashupatinath came to existence here.
Legend says that Lord Shiva once took the form of an antelope and sported unknown in the forest on Bagmati river's east bank. The gods later caught up with him, and grabbing him by the horn, forced him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a linga but overtime it was buried and lost. Centuries later an astonished herdsmen found one of his cows showering the earth with milk. Digging deep at the site, he discovered the divine linga of Pashupatinath.
Swyambhunath
Swyambhunath: Located approximately 4 Km/ 2.5 miles, Buddhist stupa this is said to be 2000 years old, the stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagodas temples.
Boudhanath
Boudhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa) is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha, on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur: Locally known as Khwopa. It is world renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture and indigenous lifestyle. For its majestic monuments, colourful festivals and the native Newars best known for their long history of craftsmanship, the ancient city is also variously know as the “City of Culture”, the “Living Heritage “and “Nepal’s Cultural Gem”. Given such unequalled priority in ancient art and culture, Bhaktapur is more like an open museum, and the ambience here is such that it instantly transports visitors back by centuries the moment they step into its territory. Bhaktapur has its gem in the Durbar Square- a world Heritage site listed by the UNESCO. Strewn with unique palaces, temples and monasteries best admired for their exquisite artwork in wood, metal and stone, the palatial enclave has bewitched pilgrims and travellers for centuries.
Changunarayan
Perched atop a narrow ridge due north of Bhaktapur, the beautiful and historic temple of Changu Narayan is a living museum of carvings from the Licchavi period. The temple is a Unesco World Heritage Site and rightly so, because the statues, and the temple itself, are genuine works of art. However, the site was shaken badly by the 2015 earthquake; several buildings in the temple compound were badly damaged and houses collapsed in the adjacent village. At the time of writing, the temple was closed for restoration, which is expected to take some time.
Patan
Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, on the southern side of the Bagmati River, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. The others are Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.
Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, on the southern side of the Bagmati River, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. The others are Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.
A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.
The city is known for its rich tradition of arts and handicrafts and as the birthplace of master craftsmen and artists such as Arniko and Kuber Singh Shakya.
Bungmati & Khokana village
Bungmati & Khokana village
Bungmati is a small Newari village still abiding its tradition as their significant part of life. Very less influenced by the modern city just a few kilometers far from the village, Bungamati exemplifies true beauty of the still living age-old culture and civilization, your journey to Bungamti, starts with a vantage point where one can behold the entire village of Bungamati and Khokana. Walking down the lanes of Bungamati, you will pass through local Newari people busy working intricate designs in wood or stone on their way to creating many more beautiful artifacts keeping their talents running for the future generations to enjoy. However, small, at least 100 people from the village earn their living through woodcarving. The village was earlier, the origin of the precession of the chariot of Machindranath, one of the most important festivals of the Newari community. Near from the village of Bungamati, there is another beautiful Newari village called Khokana, where an important temple of Durga is situated, The village represents the richness of the early Malla era (13th century). About 4471 indigenous people inhabit in Khokana.
The 13th century old Newar settlement of Khokana is famous for producing mustard oil.
Nagarkot
Kirtipur
Dakshinkali temple
The road from Pharping continues a few kilometres south to the blood-soaked temple of Dakshinkali, a favourite Hindu pilgrimage destination. Set at the confluence of two sacred streams in a rocky cleft in the forest, and undamaged in the 2015 earthquake, the temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, the most bloodthirsty incarnation of Parvati. To satisfy the blood-lust of the goddess, pilgrims drag a menagerie of chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, pigs and even the occasional buffalo up the path to the temple to be beheaded and transformed into cuts of meat by the temple priests, who are also skilled butchers.
Just 5km southwest of Kathmandu, the sleepy town of Kirtipur has a wonderful sense of faded grandeur thanks to the impressive medieval temples dotted around its backstreets. When Prithvi Narayan Shah stormed into the valley in 1768, he made a priority of capturing Kirtipur to provide a base for his crushing attacks on the Malla kingdoms. Kirtipur’s resistance was strong, but eventually, after a bitter siege, the town was taken. The inhabitants paid a terrible price for their brave resistance – the king ordered that the nose and lips be cut off every male inhabitant in the town, sparing only those who could play wind instruments for his entertainment.
The town was shaken by the 2015 earthquake, but most of its historic treasures survived the disaster. As you approach Kirtipur from the Ring Rd, the old town is up the hill straight ahead, best approached by following the main road to the right and climbing the hillside on a wide flight of steps.
The road from Pharping continues a few kilometres south to the blood-soaked temple of Dakshinkali, a favourite Hindu pilgrimage destination. Set at the confluence of two sacred streams in a rocky cleft in the forest, and undamaged in the 2015 earthquake, the temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, the most bloodthirsty incarnation of Parvati. To satisfy the blood-lust of the goddess, pilgrims drag a menagerie of chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, pigs and even the occasional buffalo up the path to the temple to be beheaded and transformed into cuts of meat by the temple priests, who are also skilled butchers.
Once the sacrifice is made, the meat goes in the pot – pilgrims bring all the ingredients for a forest barbecue and spend the rest of the day feasting in the shade of the trees. Saturday is the big sacrificial day, and the blood also flows freely on Tuesday. For the rest of the week Dakshinkali is very quiet. During the annual celebrations of Dasain in October the temple is washed by a crimson tide and the image of Kali is bathed in the gore
It is 32 Kilometres east of Kathmandu, on the northeast edge of the Valley at an elevation of 2,175m. Among all the places for mountain viewing in the Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot is usually considered to be the best. The views go from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. On a clear day you can see Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha). You can also see Manasalu (8,463m), Ganesh Himal (7,111m) and Langtang (7,246m).
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is one of the more popular places from which to observe the high Himalaya. From the edge of the ridge, a stunning panorama of peaks unfolds, from Langtang Lirung in the east, through Dorje Lakpa to the huge bulk of Gauri Shankar and nearby Melungtse (7181m) and as far as Numbur (5945m) in the east. The old town escaped the 2015 earthquake with little damage, but almost all of the resorts on the ridge sustained some damage to their buildings and repair works are ongoing.
Dhulikhel is one of the more popular places from which to observe the high Himalaya. From the edge of the ridge, a stunning panorama of peaks unfolds, from Langtang Lirung in the east, through Dorje Lakpa to the huge bulk of Gauri Shankar and nearby Melungtse (7181m) and as far as Numbur (5945m) in the east. The old town escaped the 2015 earthquake with little damage, but almost all of the resorts on the ridge sustained some damage to their buildings and repair works are ongoing.
There's more to Dhulikhel than breathtaking views though. This is a real Newari town, with a temple-lined village square and a life outside of exposing tourists to the views.
Balthali Village
Just beyond Panauti town and Khopasi (40 KM southeast from Kathmandu) lies one of the rich cultural and natural destination of Balthali, where upon sits on top of a hill – Balthali Village Resort – a small, cozy retreat with bird’s eye view of green terrace fields dotted with ochre painted houses and faint hue of Himalayan peaks in the north horizon.
Just beyond Panauti town and Khopasi (40 KM southeast from Kathmandu) lies one of the rich cultural and natural destination of Balthali, where upon sits on top of a hill – Balthali Village Resort – a small, cozy retreat with bird’s eye view of green terrace fields dotted with ochre painted houses and faint hue of Himalayan peaks in the north horizon.
It offers a sunrise in the east, speculating Himalayan range of Manaslu, Langtang & Everest in the north, innumerable rice terraces in the west & huge bodied green forest of Mahabharata range in the South. One of the most important factors of this spot is that it is warm in the winter & cool in the summer. The area of Balthali is cover of various flora, colorful rhododendron forest, and magnolia & Sal trees.
Panauti
Panauti
Tucked away in a side valley off the Arniko Hwy, about 7km south of Banepa, Panauti sits at the sacred confluence of the Roshi Khola and Pungamati Khola. A third ‘invisible river’ called the Padmabati is said to join the other two rivers at Panauti, making this a particularly sacred spot. Accordingly, there are some fabulously ancient temples that have stood the test of time partly because of Panauti’s legendary resistance to earthquakes. This certainly held true during the 2015 earthquake, when the town escaped with minor cuts and bruises, though less so in the smaller tremor in 1988, which damaged several monuments.
Panauti was once a major trading centre with its own royal palace but today the small town has a bustling new quarter and a serene old quarter. Most of the town's few visitors come on day trips, but we recommend staying over and exploring the streets at dawn and dusk, when they are at their most magical. As well as its ornate temples, the village has some striking Rana-era mansions, which have been restored with assistance from the French government.
Kakani
Kakani
Most of the towns around Kathmandu sit at the bottom of the valley – you have to travel to the valley rim to get decent views of the Himalaya. Set atop a ridge at 2073m, just off the road to Trisuli Bazaar, Kakani is the quieter, more peaceful cousin of Dhulikhel and Nagarkot. From a series of high points along the ridge, there are magnificent views of the Himalayan skyline stretching all the way from Annapurna to Everest, via Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lekpa and Shishapangma. Part of the fun is getting here – the 24km road that winds uphill from Balaju makes for a challenging cycle ride and an even better motorcycle trip (but be careful of crazy truck and bus drivers). There was some earthquake damage here, but the hotels are open for business.
Palanchowk Bhagwati
Palanchowk Bhagwati Temple is situated in Sathighar Bhagawati of Panchkhal municipality of Kavrepalanchok District in Nepal. It is about 55 km north-east of Kathmandu. Palanchowk Bhagwati temple is said to have been constructed during the reign of King Manadeva.The temple houses a 3 feet long idol of Goddess Bhagawati carved in black stone.
3ft. high idol of Vagwati has been artistically carved in the black stone. The temple is thronged with devotees especially on Tuesday and Saturday who bring uncastrated males of sheep, goat, hen, duck or egg of duck, coconut and pigeon as the sacrificial offering to Bhagwati. Pigeon is set free in the compound of temple while all other are beheaded and blood of butchered animals are offered to Bhagwati while carcass is consumed as ‘Prasadam’(holy food). Temple of Kalika lies near to temple of Vagwati and Kalika is believed to be the sister of Bhagwati. The hill along with having religious and historical significances has many potential for promoting tourism as well. Palanchowk Vagwati is visited both by Hindus and Buddhist devotees- the perfect example of religious tolerance – one of the unique feature of Nepali people.
Palanchowk Bhagwati
Palanchowk Bhagwati Temple is situated in Sathighar Bhagawati of Panchkhal municipality of Kavrepalanchok District in Nepal. It is about 55 km north-east of Kathmandu. Palanchowk Bhagwati temple is said to have been constructed during the reign of King Manadeva.The temple houses a 3 feet long idol of Goddess Bhagawati carved in black stone.
3ft. high idol of Vagwati has been artistically carved in the black stone. The temple is thronged with devotees especially on Tuesday and Saturday who bring uncastrated males of sheep, goat, hen, duck or egg of duck, coconut and pigeon as the sacrificial offering to Bhagwati. Pigeon is set free in the compound of temple while all other are beheaded and blood of butchered animals are offered to Bhagwati while carcass is consumed as ‘Prasadam’(holy food). Temple of Kalika lies near to temple of Vagwati and Kalika is believed to be the sister of Bhagwati. The hill along with having religious and historical significances has many potential for promoting tourism as well. Palanchowk Vagwati is visited both by Hindus and Buddhist devotees- the perfect example of religious tolerance – one of the unique feature of Nepali people.
Daman
Perched 2322m above sea level, with clear views to the north, east and west, Daman boasts what is arguably the most spectacular outlook on the Himalaya in the whole of Nepal. There are unimpeded views of the entire range from Dhaulagiri to Mt Everest from the concrete viewing tower inside the Daman Mountain Resort. Many buildings around Daman were damaged by the 2015 earthquake, but the resort hotels were not badly affected.
Perched 2322m above sea level, with clear views to the north, east and west, Daman boasts what is arguably the most spectacular outlook on the Himalaya in the whole of Nepal. There are unimpeded views of the entire range from Dhaulagiri to Mt Everest from the concrete viewing tower inside the Daman Mountain Resort. Many buildings around Daman were damaged by the 2015 earthquake, but the resort hotels were not badly affected.
The Mountain Botanical Gardens comprise over 78 hectares of forest. February to March is the best time to visit, when the rhododendrons (the national flower of Nepal) are in bloom.
About 1km south of the village, a trail leads west through the forest to the tiny Shree Rikheshwar Mahadev Mandir, sacred to Shiva. On the way, you can drop into a gorgeous little gompa in a glade of trees draped with thousands of prayer flags. From the highway, it’s 1km to the gompa and 1.5km to the temple.
Chitwan
This day after breakfast you will drive towards the plane lands of Chitwan. It is about 07 hours drive from Nagarkot. Leaving the Kathmandu valley the highway stretches alongside the hills and with the river Trishuli on the right till Mugling. From Mugling the river Trishuli converts into the bigger river Narayani. On the way you pass across numerous small restaurant like structures selling fish from the river itself and different architecture than the one you see in Kathmandu.
Chitwan: Chitwan is among the last surviving examples of continuous band of forests and grassland, which once extended from the Indus River in Pakistan to Burmese border. Chitwan National Park lies in the lush valley of Chitwan situated in the foothills of Churia ranges. It is the first National Park of the Kingdom and is one of the finest national parks in Asia. The Park is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger. Apart from this various species of kingfisher bird, hundred different kinds of butterflies and various species of monkeys.
Manakamana Temple
The Manakamana Temple situated in the Gorkha district of Nepal is the sacred place of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati.The name Manakamana originates from two words, “mana” meaning heart and “kamana” meaning wish. Venerated since the 17th century, it is believed that Goddess Manakamana grants the wishes of all those who make the pilgrimage to her shrine to worship her.
In earlier times the only way to reach the Manakamana temple was by walking uphill for about three hours. Now, there is a cable car that runs from the cable station of Cheres, just 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) east of Mugling to Manakamana. The cable car rides over the distance of 2.8 kilometres (1.7 mi) in 10 minutes more or less. The bottom station of the cable car is placed at Kurintar (258 metres (846 ft)) and the top station is at Mankamana (1,302 metres (4,272 ft)). All passengers are insured up to Rs. 1,00,000. The tickets for the cable car are valid for seven days from the date of issue.
Bandipur
Bandipur is a living museum of Newari culture, a beautifully preserved village crowning a lofty ridge above the highway stop of Dumre. Its winding lanes are lined with traditional Newari houses. Time seems to have stood still here, although it has taken a lot of effort to preserve the magic while developing the town as a destination. Despite its proximity to the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake, Bandipur escaped with only minor damage, though a number of village houses collapsed.
With impetus and substantial help from the owners of the adventure company Himalayan Encounters, the Bandipur Social Development Committee has put Bandipur firmly on the map. Derelict buildings have been reborn as cafes and lodges, and temples and civic buildings have been pulled back from the edge of ruin. With its glorious 18th-century architecture, absence of motorised vehicles and restaurant tables set out on the bazaar, it has a distinct European feel. Yet Bandipur remains very much a living community, bustling with farmers and traders going about their business alongside the tourists.
Siddha Cave
Making for a popular half-day trip, at 437m deep and 50m high, Siddha Gufa is said to be the largest cave in Nepal. Its cathedral-like chasm is full of twisted stalactites and stalagmites and hundreds of bats chirp and whistle overhead. Guides (Rs 400) are compulsory and await you at the cave’s entrance. Flashlights are also available for hire.
Siddha Cave
Making for a popular half-day trip, at 437m deep and 50m high, Siddha Gufa is said to be the largest cave in Nepal. Its cathedral-like chasm is full of twisted stalactites and stalagmites and hundreds of bats chirp and whistle overhead. Guides (Rs 400) are compulsory and await you at the cave’s entrance. Flashlights are also available for hire.
Gorkha Durbar
Regarded by many as the crowning glory of Newari architecture, Gorkha Durbar is a fort, palace and temple all in one. Miraculously, the main structure survived the 2015 earthquake but damage was extensive. Repairs are underway and the site will remain closed until this work is complete. The temple-palace perches high above Gorkha on a knife-edge ridge, with superb views over the Trisuli Valley and magnificent panoramas of the soaring peaks of the Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himalaya.
Regarded by many as the crowning glory of Newari architecture, Gorkha Durbar is a fort, palace and temple all in one. Miraculously, the main structure survived the 2015 earthquake but damage was extensive. Repairs are underway and the site will remain closed until this work is complete. The temple-palace perches high above Gorkha on a knife-edge ridge, with superb views over the Trisuli Valley and magnificent panoramas of the soaring peaks of the Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himalaya.
As the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Durbar has huge significance for Nepalis. The great Shah was born here around 1723, when Gorkha was a minor feudal kingdom. Upon gaining the throne, Prithvi Narayan worked his way around the Kathmandu Valley, subduing rival kingdoms and creating an empire that extended far into India and Tibet.
The Durbar is an important religious site, so leather shoes and belts etc should be removed. Most pilgrims enter through the western gate, emerging on an open terrace in front of the exquisite Kalika Temple , a psychedelic 17th-century fantasy of peacocks, demons and serpents, carved into every available inch of timber. Only Brahmin priests and the king can enter the temple, but non-Hindus are permitted to observe from the terrace.
Pokhara
Pokhara ticks all the right boxes, with spectacular scenery, adventure activities, and accommodation and food choices galore. Whether you’ve returned from a three-week trek or endured a bus trip from hell, Lakeside Pokhara is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
The scene is a chilled-out version of Thamel, stretching along the shore of a tranquil lake with bobbing paddle boats. From the lake, and possibly even from your hotel bed, you can enjoy a clear view of the snow-capped mountains, just twenty or so kilometres away.
There’s much more to Pokhara than its laid-back charm. It also boasts a booming adventure sports industry; it is arguably the best paragliding venue on the globe and is surrounded by white-water rivers. There's a fascinating museum dedicated to the world-famous Gurkha soldier. And last but not least, it’s the gateway to the world-famous treks in and around the Annapurna range and beyond.
Palpa & Tansen
Palpa (a historical place) is in Lumbini zone. Palpa's high hills command an impressive view of Nepal in all directions with the great Madi Valley in the west and the Kali Gandaki River along its northern border. Palpa is made up on sixty-five VDC areas and a population of some 240 thousand people. Palpa is situated at the southern slope of the Mahabhrat range, and the Himalayas. The main religion of the people of Palpa is Hinduism followed by Buddhism.
Tansen the capital of palpa and is the best and nearest hill station of west Nepal and northern states of India due to its location and climate. There are great views of the Madi Valley from town. There are some interesting walks in the area. It is a good to two hours walk to the Kali Gandaki River and the large, deserted Ranighat Palace. From the close by hill call Srinagar Danda, there are excellent views of the Himalaya Mountains. The climate of Tansen is most pleasant throughout the year. In summer it stays mild and charming-hardly exceeds 28° degree Celsius. In winter it is quite warm and sunny -the temperature does not fall near freezing. Tansen is easily accessible through Siddhartha highway in-route and almost in between to Pokhara & Lumbini- the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The connection road to bus stop of Tansen is only 4 km
Palpa & Tansen
Palpa (a historical place) is in Lumbini zone. Palpa's high hills command an impressive view of Nepal in all directions with the great Madi Valley in the west and the Kali Gandaki River along its northern border. Palpa is made up on sixty-five VDC areas and a population of some 240 thousand people. Palpa is situated at the southern slope of the Mahabhrat range, and the Himalayas. The main religion of the people of Palpa is Hinduism followed by Buddhism.
Tansen the capital of palpa and is the best and nearest hill station of west Nepal and northern states of India due to its location and climate. There are great views of the Madi Valley from town. There are some interesting walks in the area. It is a good to two hours walk to the Kali Gandaki River and the large, deserted Ranighat Palace. From the close by hill call Srinagar Danda, there are excellent views of the Himalaya Mountains. The climate of Tansen is most pleasant throughout the year. In summer it stays mild and charming-hardly exceeds 28° degree Celsius. In winter it is quite warm and sunny -the temperature does not fall near freezing. Tansen is easily accessible through Siddhartha highway in-route and almost in between to Pokhara & Lumbini- the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The connection road to bus stop of Tansen is only 4 km
Bardia National Park is the largest national park and wilderness area in the Terai and has excellent wildlife-watching opportunities. Bardia is often described as what Chitwan was like 30 years ago, before being overrun by tourism. The park protects 968 sq km of sal forest and grassland, and together with the 550 sq km Banke National Park it protects one of Asia’s largest stretches of tiger habitat. The tiger numbers are increasing after their demise during the Maoist insurgency.
As well as tigers, there are also healthy populations of wild elephants and one-horned rhinos among the 30 species of mammals living here. The rhinos were re-introduced from Chitwan starting in 1986 in a bid to extend their range to help conserve the species. Unfortunately the early progress was all but lost when poachers took advantage of the insurgency and the population was decimated. Today the population is slowly recovering, with 31 being counted in 2014.
Bardia also has more than 250 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican and sarus crane. Gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles and Gangetic dolphins are occasionally spotted on rafting and canoe trips along the Geruwa River, the eastern channel of the Karnali River.
Bardia National Park suffered grea.tly during the Maoist insurgency. Tourism dried up, lodges were mothballed and the wildlife was hit hard by poaching owing to inadequate protection. The good news is that all this is now being reversed, and while it’s a long, arduous journey out here, it’s well worth the effort.
Lumbini
This day after breakfast you take a drive towards the holy birth place of Lord Siddhartha Gautama Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini. On your way you stop to visit the Mission East’s Children home. After which you will drive to Bhairawa and stop for the night.
Lumbini: This day you drive towards the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Here as a prince hi lived his childhood which was then known as the kingdom of Kapilvastu. Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, near the Indian border. It is the place where Queen Mayadevi is said to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who as the Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist tradition. The Buddha lived between roughly 563 and 483 BCE. Lumbini is one of four magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha, the others being at Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.
Lumbini is in the foothills of the Himalaya, 25 Km east of the municipality of Kapilvastu, where the Buddha is said to have lived till the age of 29. Kapilvastu is the name of the place in question as well as of the neighbouring district. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi temple, and other under construction. Also here is the Puskarini or Holy Pond-where the Buddha’s mother took the ritual dip prior to his bath and where he, too, had his first bath-as well as the remains of Kapilvastu palace. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas were, according to tradition, born, achieved ultimate awakening and finally relinquished earthly form.