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| PATAN (LALITPUR) |
| Lalitpur (The city of beauty), the ancient name of Patan, is planned one circular format with Buddhist stupas on the four points of the compass. Full of Buddhist and Hindu shrines and monuments with fine gateways, delicate bronze caste of medieval Kings on top of stone monoliths and exquisite statuaries of guardian deities, the city is also noted for its craftman-wood carvers, masons, carpenters and metal workers. |
| Durbar Square |
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The Palace complex of Patan, with its fine pagoda temples and stone statuary, is the hub of the city, and its principal attraction. The ancient palace of the Malla Kings, their stone water-baths, linked with countless episodes of history and legend, and the consummate skill of the anonymous artists, never fail to intrigue the visitors. |
| Krishna Mandir |
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A three storeyed stone temple of Lord Krishna built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in the 16th, Century. It is a uniquely perfect specimen of Nepalese skill in the craft of temple construction. Scenes from the epic Mahabharata and Ramayana are carved on its entablatures in bar relief. |
| Hiranya Varna Mahabihar |
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Located in the courtyard of Kwabahal, this beautiful three storeyed, golden pagoda of Lokeswar was built in the 12th. Century AD by the King Bhaskar Verma. There are a golden image of Lord Buddha and big prayer wheel on the pedestal of the Mahabihar. |
| Kumbheswar |
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A five-storeyed, temple of Lord Shiva built by King Jayasthiti Malla in 1442 AD, there is a natural spring inside the courtyard said to have its source in the glacial lake of Gosainkunda. Ritual bathing lakes place here every year on Janaipurnima. (Aug-Sep). |
| Machhindra Nath (Red) |
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A pagoda temple built in 1408 AD. A fine clay image of Machhindra Nath is housed here for six months each year. Several art works and bronze images are scattered in the temple precincts. Machhindra Nath is taken round the city of Patan in a colourful chariot festival beginning April-May. |
| Mahabouddha |
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A tall Shikara- styled, red-brick temple consecrated to Lord Vishnu is situated on the bank of Bagmati at Shankhamul. |
| Tibetan Handicraft Centre |
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This complex was orginally a refugee centre. Now, Tibetan men and women weave rich, colourful carpets in their traditional ways. Shops sell other Tibetan handicrafts of wood, silver and brass. |
| Godavari |
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A popular picnic site for Nepalese holiday makers, it is located in the lap of Phulchoki, 15 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. It is a home of a large and diverse butterfly population, including many rare collector's items. In the dense woodland there is a fish hatchery, the Royal Botanical Garden, housing a wide-ranging collection of high altitude orchids and cacti, and marble quarry. One passes through two old villages, Thaiba and Harisiddhi, enroute to Godavari. |
| Phulchowki |
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The most prominent hill (9,050 feet) surrounding Kathmandu Valley. It is a natural garden of wild roses, yellow jasmine, iris and other mountain flowers. The summit boasts a rich grove of rhododendrons of various hues, and a wonderful view of the Himalayas.
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| Copyright © 2007. All Rights Reserved. Gorkha Travels. |
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