Tilaurakot (Kapilavastu)
Also known as: Kapilavastu · Kapilvastu palace · तिलौराकोट · कपिलवस्तु
Ruins of the Shakya capital where Prince Siddhartha lived for 29 years before leaving through its eastern gate.
Tilaurakot, on the Banganga river, is identified by most archaeologists as ancient Kapilavastu, the capital of King Shuddhodana. Excavations have revealed brick fortification walls, a moat, gateways and the foundations of palaces and houses; recent work has found evidence of occupation going back many centuries before the Buddha.
The eastern gate is traditionally where Siddhartha left the palace on his great renunciation. The site lies in a peaceful grove, with a small museum nearby at Tilaurakot. It is on the UNESCO tentative list.
