Sunset at the Lumbini World Peace Pagoda

The World Peace Pagoda stands at the northern edge of the Lumbini development area, a white dome with golden images of the Buddha set into its sides. It was built by Nipponzan Myohoji, the Japanese Buddhist order that has raised peace pagodas in many countries since the middle of the 20th century, and it is a calm place to end a day at Lumbini. Few visitors come at sunset, and the low light turns the dome a soft gold against the flat green plain.

We walk around the pagoda's terrace and climb to the upper level for the view over the fields. Nearby, a crane sanctuary protects wetlands used by sarus cranes, the tallest flying birds in the world, which stand almost as tall as a person. In the evening they often fly in to roost in pairs, calling loudly. Our guide carries binoculars, and the area also holds egrets, storks and other water birds, especially in the cooler months from November to February.

From the pagoda it is about 15 minutes by car back to the hotels near the Sacred Garden. In the winter months, from December to February, evenings turn cool and misty, and a light jacket helps. From April to June, sunset is the only comfortable time to be outdoors. We often pair this visit with a ride through the monastic zone in the late afternoon, ending here as the light fades and the first lamps come on.