Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan
In Nepali: निग्लिहवा, गोटिहवा र कुदान · Also known as: Nigali Sagar · Gotihawa · Kudan · निग्लिहवा
Buddhist tradition speaks of Buddhas before Siddhartha. At Niglihawa (Nigali Sagar), a broken Ashoka pillar beside a large pond records the enlargement of the stupa of Kanakamuni Buddha, and at Gotihawa another pillar stump marks the traditional birthplace of Krakuchhanda Buddha.
At Kudan, south of Tilaurakot, brick stupas mark where the Buddha is said to have met his father Shuddhodana after his enlightenment, and ordained his son Rahula. All three sites are short drives from Taulihawa.
What to see and do
At Niglihawa, see the two broken pieces of Ashoka's pillar beside the Nigali Sagar pond; at Gotihawa, the stump of a pillar beside the ruins of a brick stupa. At Kudan, walk among the excavated stupa bases in a quiet grove.
Good to know
These sites are small and rural; signage is limited. A local guide from Taulihawa or Lumbini helps put them in context.
Quick answers
- Where is Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan?
- Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan is in Kapilvastu district, Lumbini Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan?
- About 110 m (361 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan?
- For a 3-day trip from Bhairahawa (Lumbini), about NPR 5,000 (≈ US$37) per person on a budget, or NPR 11,000 (≈ US$81) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Bhairahawa (Lumbini) and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan?
- October–March
- How do I get to Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan?
- Short drives from Taulihawa. It is about 33 km (straight line) from Bhairahawa (Lumbini).
- What is Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Kudan called in Nepali?
- निग्लिहवा, गोटिहवा र कुदान
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