Meet Sunil: The Heart Behind the Bar at Lumbini Buddha Garden
Some places are remembered for their views. Others for their rooms. Lumbini Buddha Garden is remembered, in part, for the person standing behind the bar — ready with a smile and a perfectly mixed mocktail.
From Chitwan to the Bar Counter
Sunil grew up near Chitwan National Park — Nepal's most famous wildlife reserve, home to the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. It's a place that teaches patience, attentiveness, and an appreciation for small, beautiful moments.
These are, as it turns out, exactly the qualities of a great bartender.
When Sunil first joined Lumbini Buddha Garden as a young fresher, he had everything to learn and no time to learn it slowly. The resort's pace was brisk, guests came from across the world, and standards were high. He rose to every challenge.
"He accomplished in no time what most new staff take years to learn." — LBG Management
His Early Days at LBG
- Joined Lumbini Buddha Garden fresh out of school
- Quickly mastered service, hospitality standards, and resort operations
- Built genuine relationships with returning guests
- Developed a particular passion for the bar — cocktails, mocktails, and the art of conversation
Two Years in Malaysia: A Turning Point
After two years at LBG, Sunil made a decision many young Nepali workers make: he left for Malaysia, chasing better wages with friends from back home.
The money was better. But the trade-offs were real.
What He Found in Malaysia
| Factor | Lumbini Buddha Garden | Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Wages | Modest | Higher |
| Working hours | Flexible, humane | 8+ hours standing daily |
| Community feel | Strong — like family | Absent |
| Connection to nature | Deep, constant | None |
| Personal fulfilment | High | Low |
Standing for eight or more hours each day, counting down the days, missing his friends — Sunil endured two years before deciding that money alone was not enough.
Why Sunil Came Back — and Never Left
The day Sunil returned to Nepal, he came straight to Lumbini Buddha Garden.
Not to his home village. Not to Kathmandu. To LBG.
That instinct — to return to the place that felt most like home — says everything about the culture that has been built here.
"He always finds it like a workplace converted to home." — LBG Management
He has now been part of the LBG family for more than five years since his return, bringing with him the resilience, perspective, and work ethic that only comes from having left, struggled, and chosen to come back.
What Sunil Does at LBG
Sunil is LBG's specialist bartender, with a particular talent for:
- Cocktails — crafted with care, using quality ingredients
- Mocktails — creative, refreshing, and perfect for the many pilgrims and wellness travellers who visit Lumbini
- Guest connection — he remembers names, preferences, and stories
- Atmosphere — the bar area at LBG is a place guests linger, and Sunil is a large reason why
Whether you arrive after a long day touring the Lumbini Sacred Garden and Maya Devi Temple, or you simply want to unwind in the garden with something cold and colourful in hand, Sunil will make sure the moment is right.
Come Say Hello
If you're staying at Lumbini Buddha Garden, a chat with Sunil is not optional — it's one of the highlights.
Ask him about:
- His favourite mocktail to make (and why)
- What it was really like working in Malaysia
- The wildlife around Chitwan where he grew up
He will happily tell you, with the quiet warmth of someone who has been places, seen things, and found exactly where he belongs.
👉 Check our room availability and book your stay
FAQs About Life at Lumbini Buddha Garden
Does Lumbini Buddha Garden have a bar? Yes. The resort has a fully operational bar serving cocktails, mocktails, beers, wines, and soft drinks. Sunil and the team are on hand throughout the day and evening.
Can non-alcoholic drinks be made on request? Absolutely. LBG caters to pilgrims, Buddhist visitors, and wellness travellers — and the mocktail menu is extensive and creative.
Is the bar area outdoor or indoor? The resort offers both indoor dining and outdoor seating areas within the semi-natural garden. Guests frequently enjoy evening drinks in the garden as fireflies emerge at dusk.
What time does the bar open? The bar is generally available during meal service hours and into the evening. Contact the resort directly for current operating times: info@lumbinibuddhagarden.com
Posted by LBG Management · Originally published September 2018 · Updated 2025
