Rupandehi

Rupandehi is a district in Lumbini Province, Nepal. It lies in the southwestern part of the country in the Terai plains and borders India to the south. The district’s administrative center is Siddharthanagar, commonly known as Bhairahawa, where district offices are based. The district includes major urban centers such as Butwal, which serve as commercial and transport hubs.

Rupandehi contains part of Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). The Lumbini World Heritage Site lies in the district’s southern area within the Lumbini Development Trust and includes the Maya Devi Temple and surrounding monastic zones. The site is a major center for Buddhist pilgrimage and international tourism. Nearby areas are associated with ancient sites of Buddhist and regional historical significance.

The economy is diversified, with agriculture as a backbone—crops such as rice, maize, sugarcane, and vegetables are important—alongside services, trade, and small-scale industry. Cross-border trade with India is facilitated by the Sunauli border crossing, and the East-West Highway passes through the district, linking Rupandehi with other parts of Nepal. The Gautam Buddha International Airport near Siddharthanagar provides air connectivity and supports regional tourism.

Rupandehi has a multiethnic population that includes Tharu, Brahmin, Chhetri, Magar, and Madhesi communities. Nepali is the common language, with local languages such as Awadhi and Bhojpuri spoken in various communities. The district blends urban growth around Butwal and Siddharthanagar with rural communities, reflecting Nepal’s broader social and economic diversity.