Lumbini–Kapilavastu–Sravasti Buddhist Heritage Trail

Kathmandu → Lumbini / Kapilavastu / Sravasti

Highlights

• Trace Buddha's life from birth to teaching — the essential Buddhist heritage trail across Nepal and India.
• Buddhist Heritage · 8 days / 7 nights
• Small group, guide-led

Day-by-day itinerary

1. D1

   Lumbini — The Sacred Garden of Birth

   Arrive at Lumbini via Bhairahawa Airport (Gautam Buddha International Airport, 20 km away) or overland from Sunauli border. Visit the Maya Devi Temple — UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the exact birthplace with the 3rd-century BCE Ashoka Pillar confirming the site. Walk the Sacred Garden, meditate under the ancient Bodhi tree, and see the Puskarini Pond where Maya Devi bathed before giving birth. Explore the monastic zone with stunning monasteries built by Buddhist nations worldwide. The World Peace Pagoda offers a contemplative space with panoramic views. Evening: join international pilgrims for chanting at the Maya Devi Temple.

   Lumbini / Kapilavastu / Sravasti As per plan

2. D2

   Kapilavastu — The Prince's Palace

   Travel 27 km east to Tilaurakot, the archaeological site identified as ancient Kapilavastu — capital of the Shakya kingdom and Buddha's childhood home. Walk the 500m x 400m fortified citadel where Prince Siddhartha spent 29 years. Recent excavations have revealed an apsidal temple, ancient roads, terracotta figurines, and coins dating to the 3rd century BCE — evidence of active Buddhist worship long after the Buddha's time. Visit the Samai Mai temple within the citadel and the nearby Sagarhawa — identified as the massacre site of the Shakyas. The site's recent UNESCO nomination bid highlights its growing importance. Best explored with a guide who can bring the ruins to life.

   Lumbini / Kapilavastu / Sravasti As per plan

3. D3

   Cross into India — Sravasti, the Teaching Ground

   Return to Sunauli border (2 hours from Lumbini), cross into India (Indian citizens: voter ID; foreigners: valid Indian visa required before arrival — India does not offer visa on arrival at land borders). Continue to Sravasti, Uttar Pradesh (6–7 hours from border). Sravasti — ancient Savatthi — was Buddha's primary teaching base. Visit Sahet (ancient Jetavana Monastery) where Buddha spent 19 rainy seasons — see the Anandabodhi Tree, Gandhakuti (Buddha's hut), and the ruins of monasteries. Visit Mahet — the ancient city gates and ramparts. The Angulimala Stupa commemorates the reformed bandit who became an arahant. Sravasti's quiet ruins, surrounded by wheat fields, evoke a profound sense of timelessness.

   Lumbini / Kapilavastu / Sravasti As per plan

4. D4

   Sravasti Deep Exploration and Return

   Spend a second day at Sravasti's Buddhist sites. Visit the Place of the Twin Miracle (Yamaka Patihariya) where Buddha is said to have emanated fire and water from his body simultaneously. Explore the ancient stupas of Anathapindika and Angulimala. Visit Shobhnath Temple — a significant Jain site marking Sambhavanatha's origin. If time permits, continue to Balrampur (9 miles) for additional heritage exploration. Return via Lucknow (170 km) — well-connected by air and rail to Delhi, from where you can fly to Kathmandu or return to the Nepal border. The complete Lumbini-Kapilavastu-Sravasti circuit traces the essential arc: birth, royal life, and teaching — the three acts of the Buddha's terrestrial drama.

   Lumbini / Kapilavastu / Sravasti As per plan

Price includes

• Local storyteller guide
• Stays as per itinerary
• Daily breakfast
• All ground transfers

Make it yours (upsells)

Everything apart from the trip itself is an upsell — tick what you want.