Lumbini the birth place of Lord Buddha is situated 22 km west of Siddharthanagar, district headquarter of Rupandehi district in the western Terai region of Nepal. It is an important site from the Buddhist heritages as well as tourist point of view. This region was associated with the Sakyas and Koliya at Kapilvastu and Ramagrama Devadaha respectively in ancient period. This book a research project work, funded by University grants Commission Nepal HESP of Asian Development Bank, is an attempt to put things in proper way. The book contains geography history cultural heritages, present position of tourism pilgrims and pilgrimage modes of transport tourist accommodation, tourism promotional activities and proper suggestions to promote the life styles of the people in Lumbini area. Second chapters throw light on sacred geography and history through Buddhist literature, Chinese account and art remains. In the third chapter details the Buddhist heritages and Master Plan for the development of Lumbini, and its implementation as well as achievements are mentioned in proper way. Physical development as well as cultural heritages are pointed out in Brief. In the fourth chapter, tourist movement at Belahiya, Lumbini and Kapilvastu has incorporated. The result of the analysis of tourists flow and their modes of stay have been incorporated here, highlighting the nationality, high tourist season and further steps in the promotion of this industry. This helps us to place the changing position due to the national policy, peace and security in proper perspective. The fifth chapter contains the pilgrims and pilgrimage from various modes. The study of the pilgrims is based on their motives, professional area, literacy and academic qualification, age, mass, modes of stay, number in a group, frequency, length of stay and accommodation. Chapter sixth throws light on the modes of tansport. Major entry points, air transport, land transport and role of travel and tours. Modes of stay in hotel. Sypplementary accommodations and others of Lumbini, Siddharthanagar and Butwal are incorporated in seventh chapter. Infrastructures for the development of tourism, flow of tourists, changing life styles of the people and norms of modernization have been mentioned in the text. In the eighth chapter promotional activities as well as future indications are mentioned. At the last chapter nineth summary findings and conclusions have incorporated which helps for planning of tourism industry, preservation and conservation of the cultural heritages to the authorities in future. Bibliography appendices glossary index and photographs have been included to make the volume more authentic informative and attractive. |
