Tilaurakot

Tilaurakot, 25km west of Lumbini, is said to be the childhood home of the Buddha. Tilaurakot is believed to the capitla of the Kapilavastu kingdom, where the Prince Siddhartha Gautam lived for the first 29 years of his life. Tilaurakot is 3km north of the busy village of Tiulihawa. Few less people visit here than Lumbini. It is a peaceful place with shaded grounds.

There are the remains of some stupas, some fort gates, old city walls and a moat. There are two Ashokan Pillars here, which were put up to memorialize the birth of the Buddha in two previous ages. The eastern gate is considered important, because the Buddha is said to have pasted through this gate when he departed to find enlightenment. Often the guard will give a tour of the sites (donation expected).

There is a small museum containing some pottery found in the area and coins (around 3,000). Open daily except Tuesday, 10 am to 5 pm, Friday, 10 am to 3 pm. Admission Rs 5.

In the Area
These places along with Tilaurakot can all be visited in the same day if you have your own vehicle. You have to rent a vehicle in Bhairawa, but you have to make sure your driver know how to get to all these places. Taulihawa is on the road to Tilaurakot from Bhairawa.

At Gotihawa, 6km south of Taulihawa, there is an Ashokan pillar and a stupa, which commemorates a previous Buddha.

Niglihawa, 10km northeast of Taulihawa, is where there is a ruined Ashokan pillar that also commemorates a previous Buddha.

Kudan, 2km southwest of Taulihawa, is said to be where the Buddha came after enlightenment, to preach to his father and his young son.

Where to Stay
Lumbini Hotel, in Taulihawa, on the road to Tilaurakot, has really basic rooms for Rs 60/100. Another basic place is the New Siddhartha Guest House, just north of Taulihawa on the road to Tilaurakot. There are several basic places to eat in Taulihawa.

Travel
A good way to get here is by jeep while at the same time going to Lumbini (25km).

Uncomfortable minibuses go between Bhairawa and Taulihawa (22km past Lumbini). There are two morning buses. This bus stops in Lumbini at the Parsa Chowk intersection by the Hotel Rainbow. From Taulihawa you take the main paved northern road 3km to an intersection which has the museum on the right and a right going right 500m to the main site.

A bicycle is good way to get to Tilaurakot from Bhairawa. It takes less than 2 hours to ride from

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides