Lumbini (Nepal), Dec. 8: Lumbini in Nepal is attracting devout Buddhists despite the political turmoil in the country.

According to Lumbini Development Authority, as compared to the previous year, there has been a steep rise in the number of tourists and pilgrims visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

The number of visitors has touched 70,000 mark compared to approximately 50,000 visitors recorded for 2006.

"Lumbini is the place of peace of the world. This is called the world of the Buddhists. So, all the Buddhists and all other religious people come here. This pilgrimage tourism is important for the world, " said Gin Giri, a historian.

Lumbini is enlisted in the UNESCO's World's Heritage Site.

"This place is important because it is the birthplace of Lord Buddha who showed us how we can change ourselves, our own lives, " said Nasko, an Australian Tourist.

Tourist arrivals at Lumbini, which has always been a major cultural and pilgrimage centre for Buddhists across the globe, had earlier dropped sharply due to Maoist violence and political instability in the country.

Maoists today say that they do not wish to harm foreign tourists, a key source of income for country known for its scenic beauty and boasts of having eight of the world's fourteen highest mountains including the Mount Everest.

Lumbini, which exists as a pilgrimage centre, is situated about 350 kilometres (218 miles) from Kathmandu. It has been a major fascination for pilgrims from across the world including predominantly Buddhist countries of Japan, Burma, Hong Kong, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Korea besides neighbouring India.

Over 2,600 years ago, Buddha was born as a prince at Lumbini and went on to establish Buddhism. He attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in India’s Bihar State that borders the Himalayan country.

Nepal has been trying to develop Lumbini as an international centre for pilgrimage and tourism.

Religious groups from different countries are constructing monasteries or temple towers as part of the effort. Katmandu forms the base for visitors trekking the tranquil Himalayan mountains and its forested foothills or visiting the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Thousands of tourists spend hours sitting around its ancient temples and walking through its narrow lanes. (ANI)