Kapilvastu, 100 m above sea level, is a place with historical significance in
Siddharthnagar District of
Uttar Pradesh. Kapilvastu is located between two prominent Buddhists locations such as Saraswati and Lumbini (86 km away in Nepal) - the birth place of
Buddha.
Also known as Piprahwa, Kapilvastu was formerly the capital of Sakya clan, whose ruler was the father of Buddha. Buddha lived here for 29 years.
The prime attraction is Stupa Complex, which is said to have housed the relics of Buddha. Prominent of the discoveries is the item, which carries an inscription referring to the name of Kanishka, a great patron of Buddhism. Besides, the ruins of old palace can be seen here.
Accommodation facilities are available nearby. The best time to visit here is from October to April.
By road, Kapilvastu is 97 km from Gorakhpur, 148 km from Kushinagar, 312 km from Varanasi and 308 km from Lucknow.
