During the time of Lord Buddha, Lumbini was actually a park on Kapilavastu - an area in modern day Nepal. It is believed that Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini. Buddha's famous devotee - King Ashoka had paid a visit to his Lord's birthplace and now the very spot is marked by a pillar commemorating the visit. It is inscribed on this pillar that it was placed at this spot by the team of people who were then in charge of the park - to memorialize Asoka's visit and gifts.

There are many ways in which tourists going to Lumbini on a Nepal Tour Packages. By air: The nearest airport is at Bhairawah - a small domestic airport which some flights operating to and from Kathmandu. By Rail: Nepal does not have a railway system. The nearest staionn is at Nutanwa in India and there are numerous passenger trains goingthrough this station from multiple destiantions. However, the passenger trains are notoriously late. The Mahaparinirvan Express tourist train stops in Gorakhpur where tourists continue to Lumbini by road.By Road: You can either cross over from India at the border town of Sunauli in a taxi. You will have to take special permits at the Customs and Immigration office there. But this process is usually smooth and hassle free. In Nepal you can board buses from Sunauli, Kathmandu or Pokhara for Lumbini. Your best bet will be to hire a taxi from Sunauli, provided you know the current market rate. Unless you have booked through a pre-paid Nepal Travel Package you are liable to get fleeced.

Inside Lumbini, a good way to get around is by cycles and cycle rickshaws. Bicycles can be rented at most of the hotels and lodges at Lumbini at a nominal fee.

Most Nepal Tour Packages have the visit to Lumbini included. Do check out if the sightseeing includes the following must visit locations:

1.Ashokan pillar - This inscribed pillar was erected here by King Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

2.Various Buddhist Temples: These are the foundations of temples ranging from the 2nd C BC - 9Th C AD, along with 2 modern temples. There are also various other temples outside the main complex which have been built by flowers of Buddhism in other Buddhist countries like Japan, China and Burma.

3.Japanese Peace Stupa - is a tall structure built in one end of the complex gardens.

4.The Lumbini Museum - This houses artefacts from ancient periods, religious manuscripts and various other things excavated from the site.

Visitors to Nepal on various kinds of Nepal Holiday Packages swear that a holiday in this country is incomplete without a trip to Lumbini.