Lumbini ranked among Top Destinations to visit in 2025 by The New York Times

The world-renowned publication The New York Times has listed Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as the 9th must-visit destination in its prestigious “52 Places to Go in 2025” list.

Highlighting Lumbini’s historical and cultural significance, the article mentions that Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam in Lumbini’s gardens thousands of years ago. The site is described as a blend of ancient archaeological ruins and vibrant art, making it a major pilgrimage and cultural destination.

The feature also notes the emergence of new temples and meditation centers in Lumbini, including the Thousand Temple, a Mahayana monastery inaugurated in November. The temple boasts three 16-foot Buddha statues, thousands of smaller statues, and intricate murals that captivate visitors.

In 2024, Lumbini welcomed over 400,000 visitors from 112 countries, with third-country tourist arrivals increasing by 48% compared to the previous year. Sanuraja Shakya, Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, expressed optimism that the New York Times article will attract Buddhist pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and global travelers, solidifying Lumbini’s place as a world-class destination.