Efforts to transform Devdaha, believed to be the maternal home of the historical Buddha, into a prominent tourist destination in Rupandehi district are now underway. The executive officer of Devdaha Municipality, Ganesh Ghimire, emphasized the intention to establish Devdaha as an appealing tourist spot by closely linking it with Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Plans are in motion to conserve and publicize the area extensively, and the municipality is actively preparing a master plan to position Devdaha as a major tourism hub in the district.
Devdaha possesses significant tourism potential, with around a dozen historical and archaeological sites. Notable places like Pakari Brikshya, Kanyamai, Bairimai, Bhawanipur, Khayardanda, Rohini River, Mathagadhi, Devi Damar, and Kunwarwarti have already become popular destinations for tourists. Chairman of Devdaha Development Society, Bhim Gurung, expressed the desire to see the area evolve into one of the country’s major tourism hubs. He criticized the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) for allegedly neglecting Devdaha’s immense tourism potential. The society aims to encourage homestays in the area to generate additional income for locals and is actively seeking donors to support their goals.
Two years ago, archaeologists unearthed artifacts dating from the Buddha era during an excavation at Bhawanipur in Devdaha. The findings included walls, bricks, silver and wooden bracelets, clay utensils, butter lamps, and stones. Despite the potential, only some parts of Kanyamai, Bhawanipur, and Panditpur out of the 14 Buddha-related areas in Devdaha have been excavated so far. Remains dating back to the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries have been discovered during these excavations.
Some important tour links:
Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days
