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How I travelled by train from Delhi to Kathmandu.
As a travel enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for my next adventure. When I stumbled upon the idea of visiting Nepal on a long weekend, I knew I couldn't pass the chance. After some research, I chose to take the public transport route from Delhi to Kathmandu. My journey commenced with the Hamsafar Express from Delhi to Gorakhpur, a comfortable train ride that offered picturesque views of rural India. After approximately 12 hours, I arrived in Gorakhpur, early in the morning. From there, I hopped into a shared taxi that took me to Sunauli, the border town between India and Nepal. While crossing the border at Sunauli, the taxi entered Nepal through a small arch. I noticed that there were no checks for Indians crossing into Nepal. However, people entering India from Nepal were asked to provide proof of identity. As soon as I entered Nepal, I bought a new sim, exchanged currency, and booked a bus to Kathmandu. This was a nine-hour journey through bumpy, winding roads. Although the bus was packed, the views outside more than made up for the cramped conditions I was in.
Although I was tired and hungry when I arrived in Kathmandu, my excitement to explore the city remained undiminished. I stayed in a small guesthouse in the bustling Thamel neighbourhood. Brimming with shops, cafes and restaurants, Thamel is the tourist hub of the city. After a quick coffee break, I visited the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. The stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Nepal's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The stupa, located on a hill, has hundreds of steps leading to the top. As I climbed the steps, I was greeted by the sight of monkeys running around, which added to the charm of the place. The stupa itself was breathtaking. It's adorned with colourful prayer flags and has a large gold-plated dome. The atmosphere was peaceful, and I felt a sense of calmness wash over me as I sat and observed the devotees offering prayers.
One of the highlights of my visit to Kathmandu was the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. I was fascinated by the unique architecture of the temple and the vibrant religious culture surrounding it. The temple complex is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and features various shrines and temples dedicated to different deities. I also saw many naked Naga Sadhus at the site, smeared in ash. Next, I went to Durbar Square, which was once the seat of the Nepalese royalty. The square is home to a stunning array of traditional architecture, including temples, palaces, and statues—I photographed quite a bit. I was particularly struck by the intricate wood carvings and metalwork that adorned the buildings. The square also serves as a hub for cultural and religious activities, and I was able to witness a variety of ceremonies and rituals during my visit. I also explored the narrow alleyways and bustling markets surrounding the square, which provided a glimpse into the daily life of the locals.
After spending a day in Kathmandu, I decided to take a trip to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It's located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about Buddhism. Lumbini is located in the southern part of Nepal and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all around the world. To reach Lumbini, I took a bus from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa—the nearest town to Lumbini. The journey was quite long and took about 10 hours. Along narrow, winding roads, the bus passed through small villages, terraced farms, and lush green forests. I saw children playing in the fields, women carrying heavy baskets on their heads, and men ploughing their fields with oxen.
Finally, we reached Bhairahawa in the evening. The town was small but bustling with activity. There were shops selling souvenirs, restaurants serving local cuisine, and hotels for tourists. I checked into budget hotel and decided to explore the town. I visited the Maya Devi Temple—another UNESCO World Heritage Site—believed to be Lord Buddha's birthplace. The temple has a beautiful garden, a pond, and several ancient ruins. The next day, I visited the Lumbini Museum, which houses a large collection of artefacts related to Buddhism. My next stop was the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to mark the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The pillar has an inscription in Brahmi script and is considered to be one of the oldest inscriptions in Nepal. In the evening, I took a bus back to Gorakhpur and then a train to Delhi. Although my trip to Nepal was a short one, it was very memorable. I hope to make another trip where I have the chance to leisurely and intimately explore the country.
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