Buddhist Temple
Maya Devi TempleThe spiritual heart of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563BC. In the adjoining…
The Terai & Mahabharat Range
When you think of Nepal, it's usually the northern half that comes to mind, the extraordinary, world-famous Himalaya. But what about the southern half of the country? Most of it is the very opposite, a hot, subtropical plain known as the Terai, which stretches north from the border with India. The Mahabharat Range and Chure Hills stand in the middle, as if mediating between snow-capped peaks and a flat horizon.
For the traveler, this area has a split personality. From west to east, the Terai offers a succession of beautiful and well-managed national parks: Sukla Phanta, Bardia, Chitwan and Koshi Tappu. Meanwhile, the major population centres do not have the same sense of calm, with broken, trash-strewn streets, haphazard construction and an omnipresent cloud of dust. The people are as cheery as ever, but mountain villages aside, the cities of the Terai are mainly transit points to the national parks, India or somewhere else.
Explore The Terai & Mahabharat Range
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout The Terai & Mahabharat Range.
Buddhist Temple
World Peace PagodaLocated outside the main compound, but easily accessible by bike, the impressive gleaming-white World Peace Pagoda, one of the world's greatest stupas,…
Buddhist Monastery
Cambodian MonasteryWith strong touches of Angkor Wat, this colourful fantasy due for completion in 2018 is already one of the most fascinating temples in Lumbini. The temple…
Buddhist Monastery
Royal Thai Buddhist MonasteryClose to the north end of the pond, this stunning and imposing wat (Thai-style monastery) is built from gleaming white marble. The blue-roofed meditation…
Buddhist Monastery
Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist MonasteryThis elegant monastery is one of the most impressive structures at Lumbini. Reached through a gateway flanked by dogs of Fo, the elegant pagoda-style…
Hindu Temple
Janaki MandirAt the heart of Janakpur lies the marble Janaki Mandir, one of the grander pieces of architecture in Nepal, and the city's must-see sight. Built in…
Hindu Temple
Shashwat DhamBurned out on ancient sites? Here's a contemporary take on the temple compound, and it's very impressive. The centrepiece is a Shiva temple that resembles…
Viewpoint
Daman Mountain Resort View TowerSome of the best views of the Himalaya in Nepal can be had from the concrete viewing tower inside the Daman Mountain Resort. Unfortunately, the resort has…
Buddhist Temple
Myanmar Golden TempleThe Myanmar Golden Temple is one of the oldest structures in the compound. There are three prayer halls – the most impressive is topped by a corncob…
Buddhist Temple
Korean Buddhist TempleAt the time of research, the government of South Korea was finishing up this massive temple. The interior is magnificent; you might find workers still…
Buddhist Temple
Nepal Vajrayana Mahavihara TempleThis beautiful Newari temple with central courtyard was nearing completion at time of research.
Hindu Temple
Amar Narayan MandirAt the bottom of Asan Tole (the steep road running east from Sitalpati), the Amar Narayan Mandir is a classic three-tiered, pagoda-style wooden temple…
Buddhist Temple
Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus StupaThis truly extravagant stupa, constructed by the German Tara Foundation, contains a hollow crown partly covered in glass, revealing a small Buddha within…
Buddhist Monastery
Thrangu Vajra Vidhya MonasteryThis monastic temple funded by Canadians opened in 2014; 80% of the residents are nuns. The temple is noted for the nearly three thousand Buddha statues…
Buddhist Monastery
Drubgyud Chöling GompaThis classic Tibetan-style gompa (Buddhist monastery) was built in 2001 by Buddhists from Singapore and Nepal. The mural work inside is quite refined…
Buddhist Temple
Manang Samaj StupaThis grand yet tasteful chörten (Tibetan reliquary stupa) was constructed by Buddhists from Manang in northern Nepal, but needs some work. There's a…
Viewpoint
Ilam View TowerThis tower offers captivating views of the Ilam Bazaar and the remote villages of surrounding valleys. There's also a daal bhaat restaurant (meals Rs 250…
Buddhist Site
Lokamani Pula PagodaLocated on the grounds of the Myanmar Golden Temple is this huge gilded stupa in the southern Burmese style, inspired by the Shwedagon Paya in Yangon.
Buddhist Temple
Mother Temple of the Graduated Path to EnlightenmentThe Austrian Geden International Foundation constructed this complex of stupas and monastery buildings, the latter in classical Greek style.
Buddhist Monastery
Sri Lankan MonasteryThe grand and moated Sri Lankan Monastery contains elaborate and colourful murals depicting the life of Buddha.