Nepal has proposed developing a joint tourism circuit linking Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, with India’s popular coastal destination of Goa, in a move aimed at expanding cross-border tourism, attracting international visitors and creating new investment opportunities. The proposal includes establishing direct air connectivity between Bhairahawa and Goa, joint tourism promotion and partnerships in the hospitality and service sectors.
The initiative was presented by a Nepali business delegation during the Vibrant Goa Global Business Summit 2026, held in Goa from October 29 to 31. The delegation, led by Tankaprasad Pokharel, Chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Lumbini Province, met Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and discussed opportunities to strengthen tourism and commercial cooperation between Nepal and the Indian state. Chief Minister Sawant expressed a positive view of the proposals, indicating that cooperation could be explored to expand tourism and business partnerships between the two destinations.
Lumbini and Goa Proposed as a Combined Tourism Circuit
The proposed circuit seeks to bring together two destinations with distinct tourism attractions: Lumbini’s Buddhist heritage and spiritual significance, and Goa’s beaches, leisure activities and established holiday tourism market. By combining these experiences in a single travel package, Nepal hopes to offer international visitors an opportunity to explore both spiritual and coastal tourism destinations during one trip. The delegation highlighted Lumbini’s international importance as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and proposed using its global religious and cultural appeal to attract visitors travelling to Goa.
The initiative could also encourage tourists visiting Nepal to extend their journeys to India, while creating opportunities for visitors to Goa to include Lumbini in their travel itineraries. The proposed cooperation could extend beyond Lumbini to other heritage destinations in the region, including Kapilvastu, Ramgram and historical sites across Rupandehi and Nawalparasi. A broader Buddhist tourism package could help diversify travel experiences, encourage longer stays and increase economic activity for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, travel agencies and local businesses.
Direct Bhairahawa–Goa Flights Proposed to Improve Connectivity
Establishing direct air connectivity between Bhairahawa and Goa was one of the key proposals presented during the meeting. The delegation suggested utilising Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa to improve access to Lumbini and facilitate the movement of tourists between the two destinations. If introduced, direct flights could make travel more convenient for international visitors arriving in Goa who wish to visit Lumbini, as well as Nepali travellers planning holidays in the Indian coastal state. Improved air connectivity could also support exchanges involving business representatives, tourism professionals and investors.
However, the proposed route has not yet been confirmed as an operational flight service. Its implementation would require further assessment of passenger demand, commercial viability, airline interest, flight permissions and operating costs. Developing coordinated travel packages and strengthening transport links from the airport to major tourism sites would also be important for the initiative’s success.
Nepal and Goa Explore Tourism Investment and Business Partnerships
Alongside the tourism circuit and direct flight proposal, the Nepali delegation discussed joint investment opportunities in tourism, hospitality and service-oriented industries. The proposals included cooperation between hotels and hospitality businesses, private-sector partnerships, joint promotional campaigns and exchanges between tourism and business representatives. The delegation also raised the possibility of a Pokhara–Goa tourism partnership, highlighting the potential to combine Pokhara’s lakes, Himalayan scenery and adventure tourism activities with Goa’s coastal attractions. Direct air connectivity between Pokhara and Goa was also suggested as a possibility, with the aim of improving the use of Pokhara International Airport and expanding travel opportunities between the two regions.
According to the delegation, cooperation between tourism businesses in Nepal and Goa could support the development of joint travel packages, digital marketing campaigns and participation in tourism fairs. Religious tourism, yoga, meditation, wellness tourism and conference tourism were also identified as areas with potential for collaboration. A 19-member Nepali business delegation participated in the summit under Pokharel’s leadership, engaging with business representatives and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for tourism promotion, investment and international business networking.
Implementation Key to Turning the Proposal into Tourism Opportunities
The proposed Lumbini–Goa circuit could create a new dimension in Nepal–India tourism cooperation by connecting Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tourism with an established international leisure destination. It could help Lumbini reach new international markets while offering Goa-bound travellers an additional destination rooted in history, spirituality and cultural heritage. However, turning the proposal into a functioning tourism partnership will require coordination between the governments, aviation authorities, airlines and private-sector tourism operators of both sides.
Regular air connectivity, practical travel packages, effective destination promotion, quality hospitality services and investment in tourism infrastructure will be important to make the initiative commercially sustainable. The positive response from Goa’s Chief Minister has opened the door for further discussions, but formal agreements and a clear implementation plan will be necessary before the proposed circuit and flight connections become reality. If successfully developed, the partnership could strengthen cross-border visitor movement, create new business opportunities and give Nepal and India an additional platform for joint tourism promotion.
