Sunwal
Sunwal is in Western Tarai.
Understand
In ancient times, Sunwal was a jungle situated in Nawalparasi Nepal. There is one sugar mill which is the biggest sugar factory of Nepal. It was established through the cooperation of Nepal and China.
Get in
By train
There is no railway station in Nepal near Sunwal. You can take taxi to reach there in low cost and superfast. But closest station is at Nautanwa, India on the Indian Railway network, but passenger trains are infrequent on this line. The alternative of taxi travel from the border crossing at Thuti Baari to Parasi takes about one hours. From Parasi, Sunwal is 9 km. Total travel time is 12 – 18 hours from Delhi and 10 – 12 hours from Kolkata (Calcutta). The Mahaparinirvan Express tourist train stops in Gorakhpur where tourists continue to Sunwal by road.
By bus
Buses ply the route between Thuti Bari from the stop across from border, and Sunwal. At Sunwal alight at the main gate. Alternatively, from the Nepal side of the border one can take a shared jeep to Parasi (9 km) followed by a bus to Sunwal. Parasi-Sunwal buses depart every 15 minutes. The last return bus departs at 17:00.
Buses also run from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Gorakhpur and Varanasi to Thuti Baari.
By taxi
Taxis are probably the best option for reaching Lumbini from thuti baari though you will need to know the going rate to avoid paying well over the odds. As everywhere else in the sub-continent, ensure that the fare has been agreed before heading out. This will save trouble at the destination.You can use the taxi from Butwal and take the east way along with Valuhi, Ghodaha, Khaireni, and finally Sunwal. It will take o Rs45 from Butwal to reach Sunwal.
By bicycle
Given that the sights in Sunwal are far across, bicycles and cycle rickshaws offer a good way to get around. Bicycles can be rented at hotels in Sunwal (Rs100/day), as well as the Sunshine Hotel provides room. Bicycles are also available near the main gate next to the cycle rickshaw stand. Make sure of the condition of the tires, as a flat will mean pushing it back over miles. Also check the condition of the seat and the lock.
See
- Lumbini Sugar Mill - an inscribed factory building at centre of Sunwal (290 BC).
- Somnath Temple - an ancient Hindu temple of Lord Shiv.
- Old School - Somnath baba higher secondary school situated at Sunwal is one of the oldest schools in Nepal. It was built during the time of Ranas.
- Paani Tanki its another beautiful place which is situated at top of the hill in Sunwal. It provides a fascinating view of the whole city of Sunwal and is a beautiful place for picnics.
Do
Soak up the peaceful atmosphere, conducive to meditation and reflection.
Buy
Lots of trinkets and religious paraphernalia are for sale near the entrance to the complex, including Buddha snowglobes and stickers. A couple of shops in the village near the bus stop stock more of the same plus a bit more.
Eat
There are a couple of dhabas near the bus stop in the village. They all serve the same fare: puri in the morning, curry during the day, at Rs20 a portion. At the beginning of the one street that is Sunwal village there is a rooftop restaurant Sunwal sekuwa corner.
Drink
Two small shops will sell you local spirits to take out.
Sleep
- Kalpana Guest House, Sunwal Bazaar (in main market), ☏ +977 9860836226.
Respect
- Wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site.
- Circumambulate the statues and other sacred objects in a clockwise direction.
- Preserve the peace and tranquility.
- Do not climb onto Houses or other sacred objects.