Tourists are returning to the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled in the Southern Plains of Nepal, is again drawing in crowds as religious tourism gains momentum.
Recent reports indicate a surge in visitors. In 2023, about 1.2 million people visited Lumbini. This year, the numbers are even more impressive, especially with a significant influx of tourists from India. In the first quarter alone, Lumbini welcomed around 70,000 Indian tourists. To break it down, 19,360 Indian tourists visited in January 2024, followed by 20,489 in February and 30,670 in March. This is a notable increase compared to 2023 when the total number of Indian visitors was 61,122.