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Tharu Village Tour
Spend some time in an indigenous village and learn about the way of life of the descendants from the era of Buddha.
In many of the villages surrounding Lumbini, you’ll find the indigenous Tharu people. These ethnic communities are indigenous to the southern plains of Nepal and some research suggests they are the descendants of the kingdoms that existed here when Buddha was born.
Some of the Tharu villages offer cultural tours, giving you the opportunity for an insight into their way of life. If you visit, you’ll have the chance to take part in a cooking experience, see performances of local music and dance, and learn more about the architecture and handicrafts of the communities.
A Tharu village tour will also include the opportunity to taste some of the traditional ethnic food. The Tharu people eat a lot of freshwater fish, crabs and snails from the nearby waterways, as well as pig, chicken, rabbit, and even mouse. One of the most popular Tharu dishes is steamed rice flour bread eaten with spicy chutney, lentils, or curry.
At one of the villages, Jagadishpur Jalasaya near Tilaurakot, you can even take part in a homestay program. 13 houses here have developed basic facilities for tourists, including traditional Tharu meals and cultural experiences. The itinerary of your stay can be personalised depending on your interests, and can include local organic food and drinks, cycling, walking, local crafts, fishing, dance, or visiting religious sites.
A visit to a Tharu village is a cultural link to the people who lived here at the time of Buddha’s birth and combines natural, historical, and religious insights.
