A 'Lumbini circuit' suggested for Budddist tourism

Former Nepalese prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Friday advocated a "Lumbini circuit" of Buddhist tourism sites spanning India and Nepal which would attract millions of Buddhist pilgrims .

Nepal said he was for two different circuits, one for India, touching Buddhist spots of Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and another one in Nepal, touching Lumbini, the "maternal house" of the Buddha, Kapilavastu, his "father's house", and other sites.

"One broad Lumbine circuit should be there.. both countries can attract Buddhist pilgrims on the circuit… This should be developed to attract millions of pilgrims," said Nepal at a talk at Sapru House organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).

Last year, in November, an MoU was inked between a committee set up by the Nepal government and a Hong Kong-based NGO to transform Lumbini into a "Mecca for Buddhists".

The Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation (APEC) Foundation was to pump in investment worth US $3 to 5 billion to develop infrastructure at Lumbini.