Butwal is active town comprising the Panoramic perspectives of the aggregate of hills and plains. Equidistance from Tansen and the Sunauli border with the easy connections to Lumbini, it is the gateway to West Nepal and within a day’s bus journey of both Pokhara and Kathamandu. It connects western Nepal with the capital Kathmandu through dual carriageway and air links thru airport at Siddharthanagar.
Butwal is a rapidly growing urban agglomeration in Nepal which offers you many exciting and religious places to visit. So, I have listed down few things and places that you should not miss out while you are in Butwal.
1. Pay a visit around Lumbini
Lumbini is one of many magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of Buddha, which is enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can catch a sight of remarkably beautiful monasteries built by diverse countries from Vietnam to France; admire the spectacular and diverse architecture they showcase, study Buddhism,meditate and visit the birthplace within the sacred Mayadevi Gardens.
a. Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, Pushkarini Pond and Bodhi Tree
Mayadevi Temple is situated in the middle of the park grounds called Lumbini Development Zone, it’s continuous developments making it a must-visit attraction. This temple marks the spot where Maya Devi gave birth to Gautam Buddha and the archaeological remains of this place date back to the time of Ashoka.
The focal point for the pilgrims is a sandstone carving depicting the birth of Buddha. The Ashoka Piller was built by the great Indian Emperor Ashoka who became a devout Buddhist while visiting the birthplace of Buddha back in 249 B.C.
And, there is the Puskarini, or Holy Pond, where the Buddha’s mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he had his first bath.
In the premises of the Maya Devi Temple complex right next to the shrine on the banks of the serene Maya Devi Pond, The Bodhi Tree can be found where Buddhist monks often sit under the tree meditating and chanting spiritual scripts. The tree is an age-old Peepal tree or Ficus Religiosa clad in colourful prayer flags, Locals believe that wishes made while tying a colourful prayer flag are often granted.
The entrance fee for Mayadevi Temple is Rs 200 for foreigners Rs 100 for SAARC nationals and free for Nepalese. The trip around the Lumbini is a must when you arrive in Nepal.
b. World Peace Pagoda
Japan Peace Stupa, also known as World Peace Pagoda is an early 21st Century monument – a symbol of peace and a famous tourist attraction in Lumbini. Located outside the main compound, the structure is a glorious stupa with traditional pagoda style architecture. Constructed by Japanese Buddhist at a cost of US $1 million, the monument is gleaming white structure with a golden buddha statue.
The majestic structure has a dome in the centre that can be reached by climbing one of the two flights of stairs leading to it. On the second level, there’s a corridor encircling the dome. The Symbol of Peace is open all days of the week for one and all to visit, explore, learn and get inspired to walk the path of non-violence and to live life in unity, which is a necessity in the world today.
c. Lumbini Museum
Located inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacred Garden Area, Lumbini Museum displays about 12000 artifacts including religious manuscripts, metal sculptures, Terra cottas, coins from Maurya and Khusana dynasty and stamps from all over the world depicting Lumbini. Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI), located opposite the Lumbini Museum, provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general. This museum was built in the 1970s and is now reimagined by architect Kris Yao from Taiwan and his team.
Blessed with the various sites, instruments and shrines of various stages of Buddha’s life, Lumbini offers a variety of attractions related to the different occurrences in Buddha’s life. The area has a sub-tropical climate with hot summers, very wet monsoon and pleasant winter. Winter is the best time to visit.
Visit the Panditarama Vipassana Center for some yoga and meditation and interact with the monks who live in the vicinity of the monasteries, devoting their time to bringing peace and harmony to all sentient beings through devotion and religious worship.
If you are tired with your trip around the Lumbini, well you do not need to worry, as there are plenty of restaurants and eateries which offers from local to international cuisines for you.
2. Visit Pakadi Brikshya
Pakari Birkshya,a gaint and a holy tree; is peepal or weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina). The evergreen tree has a trunk of about 82 ft. circumference and height about 96 ft.; the branches are wide spread creating circumference about 500 ft. is believed to be one of the biggest tree in Asia.
There are many myths and beliefs related to this tree. According to the locals, the large Pakari Tree date to the time of the Shakyas. The fact that birds never nest on it, vultures and crows never perch on it and elephants never go near it inspite of the branches so low from the ground level, amaze the people.
Its unique structure and public belief of historical relation to the period of Lord Buddha, has made it a famous external and internal tourist attraction spot in last few decades.
Pakari Tree can be reached in 5 minute drive from Khaireni bazar in south.
3. Experience the religious vibes of Siddhababa Temple
Siddhababa Temple is the sacred Hindu temple where every year thousands of Hindu devotees all around the world come to get blessings of Lord Shiva. Many sadhus and santas dressed in saffron coloured clothing are seen around the premises of the temple. It is believed that the wishes of the devotees who visit the temple comes true. There is a tradition to release a pigeon when a person’s wishes is fulfilled. This tradition has contributed to large number of pigeon population across the temple.
Siddhbaba Temple is a Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva situated at a distance 2 km away from Butwal sub-Metrocity, in Dobhan-5, Palpa District. The temple is located at left bank of Tinau River on the way to Pokhara via Siddhartha highway. A small river named Chidiya Khola flows near the temple.
4. Magnificient views of the valley from the top of Hill Park/Nuwakot
A park, well organized and filled with mesmerizing natural beauty, Hill Park is one of the most notable places in Butwal. Hill Park receives more than thousand visitors perspectives such as health conscious people, nature lover, peace lover and so on.
One needs to take a hike of around 300 stone steps to reach the top of Hill Park. Although some strenuous effort is required to reach its top, the panaromic views of the city seen from that place make us forget all those distress.
5. Visit the local areas and places around Manimukunda Sen Park (Amusement Park)
Locally known as Phool Bari, Manimukanda Park is the most famous places to visit when you’re in Butwal. Named after a legendary king, Manimukanda Park consists marvelous natural and archaeological importance. For those wanting to invest time exploring the ancient historic site, Manimukanda Sen Park has a lot to explore. It is full of natural scenes including a small zoo and a tiny playground for kids. The garden here is sweep over by greenery which makes you feel closer to nature.
a. Devdaha
The most historic and beautiful religious site of Nepal situated around 13 km east of Butwal is best known for the maternal home of lord Gautam Buddha. It is a place of best natural beauty and pollution-free environment. Shitalnagar Kheirani, Bhawanipur, Bairimai, Khayardanda, etc.
b. Muktidham, Nayagoan
The newly established religious placed constructed on the out of the city at Nayagoan gives a feeling of the Vintage Temple of Muktinath at Mustang.
c. Jitgadhi
To observe the great history of our beloved and brave soldiers, you much visit Jitgadhi. A fortress during Angol Nepal war, Narayan temple(1864 B.S.) Hanuman temple and Shivalaya of Hanumagngadhi, Jalabinayak Mahadev temple, Siddababa temple, Nuwakot, etc. are famous centers of attraction in Butwal.
d. Sainamaina
Located about 12 km. west from Butwal and to North from Banakatti, Sainamaina as an open museum is a very famous and fascinating resort from historical, archaeological culture and natural points of view. An Indian queen (Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh) because of the British disturbance in her kingdom came to this area with her soldiers and porters (‘Sena’ and ‘Mena’). Finally, this area came to be known as Saina Maina. It is a precious treasure collection of ancient ruins and monuments: statues of dancing saints, remains of palaces, etc.
e. Global Peace Park
It’s a newly born place in Butwal and can also be called a symbol of peace. Many international celebrities, tourists, and models are attracted here for its beauty and excellence.
f. Banbatika Park (Amusement Park)
It’s mostly famous for its decorating places, cute & beautiful animals. It is one place to celebrate a picnic moment and many occasions to celebrate. Banbatika has many animals known as anaconda, white mouses, ostrich, deer, leopards, rabbits, and many more. Banbatika is one beautiful park for a tourist.