The state government of Uttar Pradesh in India has approved tourism enhancement projects totaling 60 million rupees (US$693,000) for the ancient site of Kapilavastu, in Siddharthnagar District, in response to an increasing influx of tourists. The initiatives, approved on 19 July, are aimed at improving infrastructure, establishing essential tourism amenities, and preserving significant landmarks.
State Minister for Tourism and Culture Jaiveer Singh highlighted that the upcoming developments were intended to attract international tourists, while also providing tangible benefits to the local community. With the forecast increase in visitors and improved facilities, local businesses, including homestays, shops, restaurants, and transportation services were expected to flourish.
Situated near the Indo-Nepal border, the ruins of the ancient city of Kapilavastu are believed by scholars to be the ancient Shakya kingdom linked to the royal family of Prince Siddhartha Gautama. The prince lived in luxury in his kingdom for 29 years before embarking on his quest for enlightenment.
The site also features a depiction of Siddhartha’s journey from a wealthy prince to an ascetic in pursuit of the ultimate truth and nirvana. This aspiration to transcend the suffering of life facilitated Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment. His path also led to the founding of one of the world’s leading religions, Buddhism.
“Kapilvastu was the childhood home of Lord Buddha, making it an immensely sacred destination for followers of Buddhism,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Singh (The Statesman)
Kapilavastu is home to numerous archaeological monuments, including stupas that contain relics of the Buddha. The site offers attractions such as Kapilvastu Museum, a Peace Pagoda, a Thai Monastery, and the archaeological site of Tilaurakot.
Minister Singh remarked: “The development of the Buddhist Circuit, the enhancement of tourist amenities, and effective promotion campaigns have played a key role in this success. The state government’s vision is to firmly position Kapilvastu on the global religious tourism map through comprehensive development plans.” (The Statesman)
According to The Statesman newspaper, Uttar Pradesh welcomed 6.15 million Buddhist tourists in 2024, with 79,418 visiting Kapilavastu. This included 62,790 domestic visitors and 16,628 international tourists. In contrast, only 26,805 tourists visited Kapilavastu in 2022, with just 98 international visitors.
“The figures clearly show [Kapilavastu’s] growing importance as a Buddhist center,” stated Minister Singh. (The Statesman)
State Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Dharmarth Karya, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, noted: “Uttar Pradesh tourism is promoting the state’s tourism policy by participating in international trade fairs, circulating informative publicity material domestically and overseas, organizing and by familiarization (FAM) trips, among other activities.” (The Statesman)
Meshram added: “The department regularly conducts special FAM trips for travel and tour operators, monks, social media influencers, and media representatives from Buddhist-majority countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Japan, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Trained guides proficient in various foreign languages are also provided for the convenience of international visitors.” (The Statesman)
See more
UP Sanctions Rs 6 Crore Projects to Boost Tourism in Kapilvastu (The Times of India)
Kapilvastu Gaining Popularity Among Foreign Tourists: UP minister Jaiveer Singh (The Statesman)
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