- Govt. of India Approved
- IATO Member
- Trusted Since 1999
Pilgrimage Guide › Nepal Sacred Sites 42–48 › Araurakot
Araurakot in Kapilvastu district, Nepal, is an ancient fortified town honoured as the hometown of Kanakamuni Buddha. It lies about 1.4 km east of the Niglihawa Ashoka Pillar.
Araurakot, Kapilvastu district, Nepal
About 1.4 km east
About 10 km north-east
Moat and brick fortifications
October to March
30–60 minutes
Araurakot is an ancient town site surrounded by a moat and the remains of brick fortifications. Nepal’s Lumbini Development Trust identifies it as the natal town of Kanakamuni Buddha, where he was born, grew up and lived as a householder before his renunciation.
Together with the nearby Ashoka pillar at Niglihawa, which honours Kanakamuni Buddha, Araurakot forms part of the rich sacred landscape of ancient Kapilavastu. Archaeological work has been carried out here, but much of the site is still unexcavated, and its full story is still being studied.
Araurakot helps pilgrims picture the life of a Buddha of the past, who, like Prince Siddhartha, grew up in a royal town and left it to seek awakening. Standing by its old moat, pilgrims can reflect on the path that all Buddhas share.
It completes a meaningful day among the sacred sites of ancient Kapilavastu.
Araurakot is about 1.4 km east of Niglihawa and about 10 km north-east of Taulihawa. It is about 30 km from Lumbini. The site is not well signposted, so it is best visited with a local guide, together with Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Tilaurakot.
October to March is the best time. The site is open farmland with no facilities, so carry water. Paths can be muddy after rain; wear good shoes. Visit Araurakot right after Niglihawa, as they are very close together.
Prime Value Tours can include this sacred place in a private tour for your group, with an English or Thai-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, vegetarian meals and unhurried time for chanting and meditation at every stop. Tell us your group size and travel dates, and we will plan the best route and send your quotation within 24 hours.
Araurakot is an ancient fortified town site in Kapilvastu district, Nepal, honoured as the hometown of Kanakamuni Buddha.
Araurakot is only about 1.4 km east of the Niglihawa Ashoka Pillar.
You can see the ancient moat, remains of brick fortifications and the mound of the old settlement.
The site is not well signposted. It is best visited with a local guide.
Araurakot is usually visited with Niglihawa, Gotihawa and Tilaurakot in one day from Lumbini.
Government-approved tour operator from Varanasi since 1999. Private Buddhist pilgrimage tours for Thai and Southeast Asian groups, with English or Thai-speaking guides.
