| In & Around Kathmandu |
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| Kathmandu |
Kathmandu , the city that gives refuge to millions of people came into existence bit by bit. It has witnessed changes that date back to the time of Sage Manjushree and the legend of his mighty sword to kings who made history and to the hippy era that put the name of Kathmandu on the lips of every westerner's uncompromised set of values. The city is also described as paradise in the poem of Bhanubkakta Acharya, the first Nepali poet.
Today as the capital of Nepal and with a touch of urbanity creeping upon its very existence Kathmandu has still kept its ancient distinctiveness alive in many aspects.
There are a lot of places that are interesting in an around Kathmandu . Ancient palaces, time worn temples, museums, festivals, Nepalese culture and of course the more recently, celebrated Jazz festivals.
Kathmandu is a valley located at an altitude of 1336m. It is surrounded by ring of green mountain walls. The valley covers area of 281 sq. miles. Three main towns - Kathmandu Patan and Bhadgaon of great historic, artistic and cultural interest are located here. |
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| Bhaktapur |
| Bhaktapur lies at distance of 14 km and is situated to the east of Kathmandu . As the name 'Bhaktapur' would suggest, it's the city of devotees. Infact, everywhere in Nepal one witnesses a fine blend of history, culture and religion entwined together. It covers an area of 4 Square miles. It is at a height of about 1400m and motor transport is available to visitors. |
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| Some importance monuments to be seen in Kathmandu . |
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Kathmandu , the capital city of Nepal has its mane derived from a famed pagoda structure called Kasthamandap. This 17th century monument is said to have been built from a single giant tree. |
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This is a very ancient seat of royalty-locally known as Hanuman Dhoka. The word Hanuman Dhoka is the name of monkey god and Dhoka means entrance as well as palace. The entire palace complex here is named after the monkey god Hanuman, a very important symbol of protective divine strength. This is the palace where all the monarchs of Nepal were crowned. The impressive red statue of Hanuman here dates back to 17 th century AD. |
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This nine storied pagoda structure is one of the most beautiful architectural jewels in the square. Many intricately carved windows and fantastic wooden struts of this building is the perfect example of highly developed Nepalese woodcraft. |
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This 17 th century temple residence of Kumari, the living goddess is very monastic in character. This was specially built for royal Kumari-who is Buddhist by birth but the age old tradition honors her as Hindu state goddess. This is the perfect examples of religious tolerance Nepal is known for. One can walk into this temple courtyard and enjoy its interior view. She frequently appears in the window to acknowledge the greetings from visitors. Photography is not allowed in the temple premises. |
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This monument is about 2 km. west of downtown Kathmandu , located on a lovely little hillock. This stupa is said to be 2000 years old. This famous place of Buddhist worship known as the monkey temple in the tourist world, commands a beautiful cityscape. This stupa has two different ways leading to the top-one from the front that requires you to climb 360 pilgrim steps and another one in the back is a short cut. |
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This biggest stupa of Nepal is said to have been built in 5 th century around. This place of worship attracts tens of thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet , Sikkim and Bhutan every year in winter. This place is often described as a mini-Tibet of Nepal . |
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This is the holiest of Hindu temple situated on the bank of Bagmati river. This is the largest and most important Hindu temple complex said to have been built before Christ. This temple dedicated to Lord Siva attracts, Tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims from India every year sometime in the middle of spring. |
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It is the famed stone statue of Lord Vishnu lying on the huge serpent bed. This 7 th century sculpture was most skillfully carved out of giant single stone. This place of worship is open to all except our monarch who according to a very old tradition is the incarnation of Vishnu himself. |
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Kasthamandap
