Butwāl, Nepal
Region: Lumbini Province
Geographic Coordinates: 27.700000, 83.466000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 118462
Language: Nepali
Butwāl is a city located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal, Situated in the southern part of the country. It is one of the largest cities in Nepal and serves as an important commercial and industrial hub for not just its own district but also for neighboring districts. The city has a population of approximately 200, 000 people, Making it a bustling urban center. The climate in Butwāl is tropical with hot summers and mild winters. The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region from June to September, Which can cause flooding in low-lying areas.
However, Despite this weather pattern, Butwāl remains an attractive tourist destination all year round due to its natural beauty and cultural significance. One of the most popular attractions in Butwāl is Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha – which lies just 22 kilometers away from the city center. Lumbini attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to pay their respects at various Buddhist temples and monuments that have been built there over time.
Another significant attraction near Butwāl is Tilaurakot Palace – an ancient palace that was once home to King Suddhodana (Buddha’s father) before he renounced his worldly possessions. The palace ruins are now preserved as a historical site where visitors can explore ancient architecture and learn about Nepalese history. Butwāl also boasts several beautiful parks such as Devinagar Park, Manimukunda Park, Siddhartha Nagar Park among others where visitors can relax amidst lush greenery while enjoying views of mountains surrounding them.
For foodies visiting Butwal must try local delicacies like momos (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle soup), Chow mein (stir-fried noodles), Dal-bhat-tarkari (rice with lentil soup & vegetable curry) etc., Which are readily available at street-side food stalls and restaurants. Butwāl is a city of great historical, Cultural, And natural significance. It offers a unique blend of ancient architecture, Modern infrastructure, And scenic beauty that makes it an attractive destination for both tourists and locals alike. The city’s strategic location also makes it an important commercial hub in Nepal.
Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins or enjoying the natural beauty of the region, Butwāl has something to offer everyone who visits.
Important Landmarks
- Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha
- Tilottama: Hilltop temple with panoramic views
- Manimukunda Park: Beautiful park with a lake and boating facilities
- Siddha Baba Mandir: Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Devinagar Dham: Religious complex featuring temples, gardens, and a museum
- Chaurjahari Cave: Natural cave system with stalactites and stalagmites
- Rani Mahal: Historic palace built in Mughal style architecture
- Bhairavsthan Temple: Ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav
- Nawalparasi Wildlife Reserve: Protected area for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism activities
- Tansen Bazaar: Popular market area showcasing local handicrafts and traditional goods
Primary Industries
- Cement Industry: Butwāl Cement Mills Pvt. Ltd., which is one of the largest cement factories in Nepal.
- Textile Industry: There are various textile mills situated in Butwāl, including Lumbini Textile Mills Pvt. Ltd., which produces cotton yarns.
- Sugar Industry: Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd., a leading sugar company from India, has a sugar refinery plant located close to Butwāl.
- Agriculture Industry: The fertile plains surrounding Butwal support agriculture-based industries such as rice mills, flour mills, and oilseed processing plants.
- Manufacturing Industry: There are numerous small-scale manufacturing units that produce items like plastic products, soap and detergents, furniture and fittings etc.
- Trading Business: Due to its strategic location on the highway connecting India with Nepal’s capital Kathmandu via Pokhara city; many traders have established their business here dealing with various commodities such as food grains (rice & wheat), pulses (beans), spices (cumin seeds), edible oils (mustard oil) etc.
- Banking Sector: Many nationalized banks such as Nepal Bank Limited, Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited, Agricultural Development Bank Limited have their branches here along with private banks like Standard Chartered Bank, Nabil Bank Limited etc.
Noteable History
- The establishment of Butwal Municipality in 1956 marked the beginning of modern development in the area.
- Siddhartha Highway was constructed in the 1960s, connecting Butwal to other major cities in Nepal and facilitating trade and commerce.
- Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital, one of the top medical colleges in Nepal, is located in Butwal.
- Famous Nepali poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota was born in nearby Dhanusha village but grew up in Butwal.
- A major earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in Butwal and surrounding areas.
- Notable people from Butwal include former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala who played a key role in Nepal’s transition to democracy; writer Rajesh Hamal; musician Narayan Gopal; cricketer Paras Khadka; and actress Reecha Sharma.
Museums and Things To See
- Siddhartha Art Gallery
- Lumbini Peace Park
- Butwal Museum
- Manimukunda Sen Park
- Devdaha Museum and Research Centre
- Tilottama Campus Art Gallery
- Bhairahawa Buddha Park
- Shree Sanatan Dharma Mandir (Hindu Temple)
- Butwal Hilltop Garden
- Kothi Palace
Cultural Events
- Butwal Mahotsav is an annual cultural festival held in Butwal, typically in January or February. The festival showcases music, dance, and food from various ethnic groups of Nepal.
- Rato Machhindranath Jatra is a traditional chariot festival celebrated in Butwal every year during the Nepali month of Baisakh (April/May). The festival involves pulling a large wooden chariot through the streets of the city.
- Teej Festival is a women’s celebration that takes place throughout Nepal, including Butwal. It occurs in August or September and includes fasting, singing, and dancing.
- Holi Festival is the Hindu spring festival that celebrates love and colors. It occurs every March and involves playing with colored powder and water.
- Dashain Festival is one of Nepal’s most significant festivals celebrated by Nepalese people all over Nepal, including Butwal for 15 days between late September to early October to mark victory over evil forces.
- Tihar Festival also known as Deepawali or Diwali falls between mid-October to mid-November for five days long celebration signifying victory over darkness with lightening lamps everywhere.
- Maghe Sankranti Mela marks the end of winter solstice which usually occurs on January 14 each year where people take holy bath at rivers like Tinau river located nearby butwal city .
- Buddha Jayanti also known as Vesak Day ,is an auspicious day marking birth anniversary ,enlightenment & death anniversary of Lord Buddha .It takes place on full moon day around May/June each year where many Buddhists celebrate it by visiting temples offering prayers & lighting candles .
- Chhath Puja : Chhath Puja is a festival that takes place during October or November in Terai region of Nepal including Butwal involving offering prayers to Sun god .
- Lumbini Festival takes place in Lumbini ,the birthplace of Lord Buddha located nearby butwal city .It usually occurs on December 1-3 each year where people celebrate it by visiting temples offering prayers & lighting candles as well as participating in cultural programs showcasing Buddhism culture.
Cuisine
- Momo: A popular Nepali dumpling filled with vegetables or meat, served with spicy tomato sauce. Some popular momo restaurants in Butwal are Momo House and Newa Momo.
- Sel Roti: A traditional Nepali sweet made from rice flour, sugar, and butter. It is usually eaten during festivals like Dashain and Tihar. You can find sel roti at local sweet shops like Laxmi Sweets.
- Thakali Cuisine: Thakali food is a specialty of the Thak Khola region of Nepal which includes dishes like dal bhat tarkari (lentil soup, rice, and curry), aloo tama (potato and bamboo shoot curry), and sukuti (dried meat). You can try authentic Thakali cuisine at The Thak Khola Restaurant.
- Newari Cuisine: Newari food is famous for its unique taste and variety of dishes like bara (black lentil pancake), choila (spicy grilled meat), yomari (sweet steamed dumpling). You can try Newari cuisine at places like The Hungry Eye Restaurant.
- Bhojpuria Cuisine: Bhojpuria food is famous for its spicy taste which includes dishes like chana masala, aloo gobi, paneer tikka masala etc.. You can try Bhojpuria cuisine at places like Krishna’s Kitchen or Shree Krishna Fast Food Center.
- Manimukunda Park
- Siddha Baba Park
- Bishow Shanti Park
- Rupandehi Multiple Campus Ground
- Butwal Cricket Ground
- Butwal Football Stadium
- Tilottama Botanical Garden
- Simalpani Community Forest
- Ghodaghodi Lake and Wetland Conservation Area (located nearby)