Lumbini, Nepal, India

As a Jain, I am often asked the difference between Jainism and Buddhism. My (light-hearted) answer: Jainism came first, Buddhism was a me-too. But the latter evolved into an international brand while the former stayed a domestic one. Otherwise they preach similar principles of life. It was thus natural for me to look forward to visiting Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and believed to be the birthplace of the Buddha in 623 B.C.. And as revered a spot for Buddhists as Jerusalem and Mecca are for Christians and Muslims. Lumbini is one of the four important places associated with the life of Buddha, the others being Bodh Gaya (where he attained enlightenment), Sarnath (where he first preached) and Kasia (where he passed away and attained Nirvana).