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Patan Valley:
The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 kilometers
of Kathmandu. Once a separate kingdom, Patan merged with
Kathmandu long ago, ago toady the two cities divided
only by the Bagmati River. Also known as Lalitpur (City
of Beauty), Patan is known for its elaborate and
beautiful temples and for the it's skilled metalworkers,
who are the source of most of the cast-metal statues
sold through the valley's three major cities, and it has
the largest Buddhist population.
Patan Durbar Square (Culture world Heritage Site):
Most of the monuments in this square Belongs
to the medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century.
Important things to be seen this area include the Golden
gate and the Golden window of the old palace, the
beautiful piece of traditional metal craft, the famed
Krishna temple with 21 Golden pinnacles, the Royal bath
of Sundari Chowk, a perfect piece of the classic work in
stone. Royal Taleju temple, Vishwa Narayan temple are
the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood,
the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden
balcony overlooking the square outside including many
other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around the
square.
Krishna Mandir:
 This
is the most ornate of the temples on Durbar square and
is one the most beautiful temples in Nepal. Dedicated to
Krishna and his consort Radha, the temple is constructed
from stone and integrates a number of traditional Indian
styles. Built in the mid 17th century by King Siddhi
Narsingh Malla, the four story temple sits atop a three
stage plinth. Considered extremely holy Holy, this
temple is almost always bustling with reverent worships.
The uppermost floor is a central Shikhara style tower.
Around the second and third floors are profusely
decorated pavilions topped with gilded finials.
Bas-relief friezes around the exterior of the temple on
each floor depict scenes from the Hindu epics
Mahabharata and Ramayana. Each year on Krishna's
birthday, which falls sometime in August or September, a
huge crowd gathers here for a nightlong celebration
filled with music.
Mahaboudha Temple (The
temple of the 10,000 Buddha's):
A Buddhist temple designed in the Indian Shikhara architectural style, Mahaboudha takes
its name from the thousands of terra-cotta plaques
covering it. Each plaque contains an image of the
Buddha, and it is said that every brick used in the
construction of the temple depicts the Buddha. The
bricks used are of an ocher color rather than the usual
red so prevalent in the Kathmandu valley. After the 1934
earthquake destroyed this temple, it was rebuilt. When
the reconstruction was completed enough of the original
bricks were left over to build a second, smaller temple,
which was then dedicated to Maya Devi, the Buddha's
mother. However, the two temples have left the compound
very crowded. Because the main temple nearly fills the
courtyard in which it stands, visitors must crane their
necks to see more then a few feet of the temple's base.
Godawari:
It is situated
six miles of Patan. It is a good picnic spot amidst
thick wooded jungle. Here is fish hatchery, marble mine,
St. Xavier's school, and agricultural farm. There is
also Royal Botanical garden. it is one of the holiest
places in Nepal and once every twelve years a great
number of pilgrims come from all parts of Nepal to have
a holy bath in the foot of the hill.
Bajra Barahi Temple:
The temple of
Barahi (incarnation of Vishnu in the form of a boar) is
situated in wooden place. It is about 10 kilometers
south of Patan city and is linked by road. One can enjoy
charm of rural life and natural landscapes by driving up
to Tika Bhairab. There are many old but interesting
villages are Sonaguthi, Chapagaon on the way.
Bhaktapur Valley:
Bhaktapur, literally the "city of
Devotees", is renowned for its elegant art, fabulous
culture, and colorful festivals, traditional dances and
the typical newer lifestyle. Tourists visiting Nepal
feel their visit incomplete
unless they get a mesmerizing glimpse of this ancients
"city of culture". This conch shaped historic city,
Bhaktapur, spreading over an area of 6.88 square
kilometers and lying at 12 kilometers of Kathmandu, was
founded in the 12th century by king Anand dev Mall. Age
– old dances and festivals are still observed by the
locals with the same fervors and enthusiasm as their
ancestors did in the past. King Yaksha Mall (15th
century) heavily fortified this city. Eight Mother
goddesses (Asta Matrika) at eight geometrical corners of
the city were installed for the divine protection. In
spite of continual invasions by intruders and historic
city still boasts of its superb art and subtle culture
so vividly depicted on the remaining palaces, temples,
monasteries, Biharas and other monuments.
The Hindus and the Buddhists have coexisted in harmony
and drawn inspirations from each other through the ages.
Bhaktapur is predominantly comprised of the peasantry
painting; carving, masonry, bronze casting, jewellery,
pottery, etc. are other traditional enterprise still
existing. Monuments and artistic carvings on wood, stone
and metal are strewn all over the historical core of the
city. Alleys and narrow and zigzagged lanes lead you to
see the environment of Newar medieval settlements. There
main squares of the city are remarkably attractive in
their artistic exposition of elegant temples, dignified
places, graceful monasteries and Biharas standing around
these open public places and connected to one another
with quaint streets.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
(Culture world Heritage Site):
The city of Bhaktapur lies 14 kilometers to the
east of Kathmandu. Its Durbar square is a symphony of
art and architecture. The centerpiece is the 55 windows
palace overlooking the square which is paved over with
brick. The history of the palace dates back to the 12th
century.
Palace of 55 Windows: This takes its name from the row
of ornately carved wooden windows that line the second
floor of the palace. Above each of the windows are
wooden Tympans (similar to toranas) depicting gods,
goddess, and mythological creatures. Behind this ornate
façade is the palace's Royal audience dates to the early
18th century, when king Bupendra Mall had the original
palace remodeled. To the right of the palace of 55
windows is a large, open square on two sides by an-
shaped building that once a dharmasala (resting place
for pilgrims).
Nagarkot:
 Nagarkot,
altitude 2,175 meters and 10 kilometers east of
Bhaktapur is a widely enjoyed hill resort. It has been a
weekend spot for mountain viewers in quite and comfort.
The sunrise viewed from this hill present you the ever
refreshing memory of the majestic panoramic view of the
Himalayan ranges from Dhaulagiri in the west to the
Everest in the east. Your visit, be it a prolonged or a
brief one, we hope, would be blissful and perpetual.
Changu Narayan:
Listed
in the world cultural heritage, is also a scenic spot
situated at the altitude of about 1700meters and 4
kilometers to the north of Bhaktapur. The Changu Narayan
temple is believed to be the oldest of the entire temple
of Bhaktapur district. It is said to have been built by
King Hari Datta Verma in 323 A.D. And the most authentic
inscription located in the precinct of Changu Narayan is
dated 464 A.D. and is accredited to the Lichhavi King
Mandev. |
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