Kapilvastu is in the South-Western part of Nepal. Politically, it falls in Western Development region, and in Lumbini Zone, a zone named after the birth place of Lord Buddha. Kapilvastu is connected with Lumbini and Bhairahawa in the East by road. It is also connected with the Mahendra Highway in the North. There is no airport in Kapilvastu, and the nearest airport available is in Bhairahawa (about 30 Km East). Lumbini is about 20 Km East of Kapilvastu. Any visitor to Lumbini can easily visit kapilvastu with some arrangement.

Taulihawa is the head quarter of Kapilvastu district, is connected to Kapilvastu site. Kapilvastu is locally called Tilaura Kot (Tilaura is name of a nearby village and 'kot' means a place of ancient artefacts). There is a museum maintained by the Department of Archaeology that houses the artefacts such as pottery obtained from excavation of the site. We can see the remnants of the buildings, walls, well and a lake at the site. The entry is free, and you can walk around on your own or can be assisted by a guard. River Banganga runs beside the Kapilvastu site. majority of inhabitants of the area are Hindus, who revere Lord Buddha as one of the gods. The Banganga river is sacred to the Hindus, and several festivals are organized on the bank annually. The place is very peaceful with wilderness in the surroundings (particularly to the North).

Kapilvastu was the capital city of Lord Buddha's father, Shuddhodhan in 1900 BC. Buddha lived his youth life here before denouncing the material life. We can see the ruins of the Eastern gate through which Buddha left the palace. The gate is also called 'Mahaparinirvana Gate'.