Have you ever been to a new location and been completely amazed by it? For numerous tourists, this experience is often found in Butwal.
While Butwal might not be as well-known as other cities in Nepal, it shouldn’t be underestimated. Butwal, though smaller, is a charming and promising tourist spot that deserves a look. You’ll be astonished by the variety of unique activities and locations available in this secret spot.
Butwal, a compact town situated amidst verdant surroundings, shines as a jewel renowned for its distinguished cultural legacy and stunning natural vistas. Explore until the conclusion to discover the lesser-known treasures of Butwal.
1. Manimukunda sen park.
In the local area, it’s called Phool Bari, and this was once the royal garden of King Manimukunda Sen during ancient times. The park offers plenty of attractions, such as a modest zoo and a small children’s play area. The zoo is home to various wild creatures, including the cheetah (leopard), deer, and Nilgai.
Manimukunda Sen Park carries a rich historical background, as it was once the beloved garden of King Manimukunda Sen, also referred to as Phool Bari. Presently, this park serves as a testament to its grand history, offering a mix of historical significance and leisure activities.
One of its highlights is a modest zoo, home to animals such as cheetahs, elegant deer, and the impressive Nilgai. Additionally, the park boasts a lovely play area, providing a green space for kids to enjoy. It is a perfect spot for families looking for a place to relax and learn.
2. Siddha Baba temple.
Furnished with devotion to Lord Shiva, this sacred place is a destination for those who follow Lord Shiva, attracting visitors during major celebrations such as the Maha Shivratri festival. Situated atop a rugged hill, it is a stop on the journey to Palpa from Butwal. Its elevated position provides breathtaking vistas of the splendid mountains and valleys below. During the rainy season, the site is graced with the sight of a stunning waterfall flowing down the slope. A brief pause at this temple is recommended to offer your prayers and to take in the picturesque surroundings.
Also, being positioned at a advanced altitude offers stirring lookouts of the near hills and lowlands. It’s a place where you can enjoy graphic decor while also chancing time for deep reflection. Throughout events similar as Maha Shivratri, the tabernacle transforms into a lively mecca of fests. It’s a top destination for anyone looking for a spiritual experience and the beauty of nature.
3. Devdaha.
Devdaha is historically significant as the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha’s mother. This location is imbued with profound cultural and spiritual relevance. Visitors can delve into its rich heritage and visit notable sites such as the ancient Pakari Brikshya tree, which is thought to possess spiritual importance.
Furthermore, the village of Saran provides an authentic insight into traditional Nepalese life. Its tranquil environment and ties to Buddhism render it an attractive destination for pilgrims and individuals wishing to engage with the cultural fabric of Nepal.
4. Lumbini.
Lumbini possesses an unmatched significance and is recognized as the most sacred site for Buddhists, as it is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, who was born in 623 B.C. Historically, Lumbini has not only attracted Buddhists but also individuals from diverse faiths and religions, highlighting its considerable historical importance.
In 1997, it was honored with the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The location, where Maya Devi is believed to have given birth to Buddha, is supported by substantial evidence, including inscriptions and bricks, affirming its status as his birthplace. A visit to Lumbini is a worthwhile experience for those in Butwal.
5. Butwol Hill Park.
Butwal Hill Park presents breathtaking panoramic views of Butwal from its elevated location. Visitors can admire the stunning landscapes that extend across the city, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and photography. The park also features a beautiful temple, which enhances its charm and provides a tranquil and spiritual environment for exploration.
Moreover, in addition to its scenic and cultural offerings, Butwal Hill Park provides various recreational activities for guests to partake in. With well-maintained pathways for leisurely walks and designated picnic areas, there are numerous opportunities to relax and engage with nature.
6. World peace pagoda.
At the northern extremity of the Lumbini site, the magnificent World Peace Pagoda captivates with its brilliance. This substantial white stupa, constructed by Japanese Buddhists, represents an investment of approximately one million US dollars. Similar to other peace pagodas globally, its purpose is to foster unity among humanity and to encourage the pursuit of peace.
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The World Peace Pagoda is strategically positioned along the central axis of the Lumbini Master Plan. A direct line extending from the Mayadevi Temple to the stupa traverses the site for a distance of 3.2 kilometers (2 miles). True to its designation, the surroundings of the pagoda exude tranquility, often attracting locals who seek respite in the shade provided by the trees that delineate the area. The stupa features stairways that allow visitors to ascend to various levels and navigate around the structure.
From the summit of the World Peace Pagoda, one can gaze across to the neighboring Crane Sanctuary. This designated area is intended to serve as a natural habitat for the Sarus Cranes, which are native to the region.
7. Maya Devi temple.
The Maya Devi Temple, located in Lumbini, is a site of great reverence and historical importance, recognized as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who is widely known as Buddha. Nestled within the Lumbini Garden, this temple is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex features ancient ruins, stupas, and monuments that date back to the 3rd century BCE and beyond. Within the temple, a marker stone indicates the precise location where it is believed that Buddha was born.
Adjacent to the temple is the sacred pool known as Pushkarini, along with a hallowed garden. A notable bas-relief sculpture inside the temple illustrates Queen Maya Devi grasping a Sal tree during the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, making it one of the most recognized depictions of Buddha’s birth. The temple complex is encircled by ancient stupas and pillars, including the renowned Ashoka Pillar, which was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE. This pillar features inscriptions that honor his visit to Lumbini and highlight the site’s significance.
8. Banbatika Park.
Banbatika Park serves as a tranquil green sanctuary situated in the northeastern part of Butwal. It offers an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, allowing visitors to unwind amidst the natural surroundings. The park is adorned with verdant trees, vibrant flowers, and serene ponds, contributing to a truly calming environment.
Visitors are drawn to Banbatika Park for its status as a concealed treasure, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether one seeks a peaceful stroll, a comfortable place to reflect, or simply wishes to appreciate the beauty of nature, the park provides an abundance of options.
9. Ashok Pillar.
It is clearly mentioned in the Divyavadan literature that the first journey of the emperor under the leadership of Ashoka Emperor Upagupta started from Lumbini. Emperor Ashoka first visited Lumbini and then Kapilvastu and other places and reached Kushinagar.
According to historical evidence, it is clearly confirmed that Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini by the Brahmi script written on the Ashoka pillar. Divya Dan also mentions the phrase that Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini. The three pillars found by Emperor Ashoka in Kapilvastu and Lumbini seem to have been prepared by a group of special artists using the same kind of shiny limestone and the Lumbini pillar also confirms that Shakya Muni Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal.
10. Supa deurali.
Supa Deurali Temple is considered to be a symbol of the faith of the entire village with batuas who show goodwill towards Deurali by offering two flowers and stones. The goddess who fulfills the wishes of those traveling on the Sandhikharka-Gorusinge highway. It is a tradition to make vows when you are sad and after the vows are fulfilled, offer what you have said to Supa Deurali.
There is a temple in Khanchikot located in Sandhikhark municipality-7, Arghakhanchi district. Vows can be offered on days other than Ekadashi, Aunsi and Purnima at the temple located in a gorge between two high Mahabharatas, Narpani and Falame. Especially on Saturdays there is a crowd of people offering vows. The temple area is also attractive in nature.
The waterfall falling to the east of the temple and the gurgling sound of the river attract the mind of travelers passing through that road. From the temple complex, one can see the Himalayas, hills, and plains simultaneously. Â
