The
excursions around Kushinagar are no less interesting than the city
itself. Two of the most famous excursions around Kushinagar are both
situated in Nepal, across the Indian Border. They are namely, Lumbini
and Kapilvastu. It should be noted that though the border between India
and Nepal is porous for the inhabitants of both the countries, foreign
nationals require separate Visas to venture in these countries. These
places are under the range of 50 kilometers from Kushinagar therefore
one need not stay overnight. Lumbini
Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, in southwestern Nepal, nearly twenty-five hundred years ago. Since then, the city has always remained the focal point of Buddhism. Today's Lumbini is a small sleepy town in the southwestern Tarai plains of Nepal, where the ruins of the old city can still be seen. The followers of both Hinyana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism revere Lumbini. The restored garden and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient Stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar that is erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha.
Kapilvastu
Kapilvastu is located 27 kilometers south of Lumbini close to Siddhartha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. The place is close to both Lumbini as well Shravasti. The place has now been christened Piprahwa. Kapilvastu is a prime archeological site and that is why it is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Nepal. Though very little remains of what was once a flourishing town, the place is a must visit. The place has the ruins of the palace where Lord Buddha spent his formative years. The archeological works that had been done in this area had to pass through various roadblocks including financial constraint. The archeologists had dug out as many as 14 different layers of human habitation in this area. The oldest among these dates back to 8th century before Christ. The place is a must for archeological and historical buffs.
