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Places of Interest - Kathmandu, NEPAL
Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square): Built between the 12th and the 18th
centuries, the Durbar square is a complex of palaces, courtyards and
temples is the historic seat of royalty. A seat of ancient Malla kings,
the durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World heritage site, epitomizes
the religious and cultural life of the people. It has a 17th - century
stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15
languages. One can see the Taleju Temple (Built by King Mahendra Malla in
1549 A.D.), Kal Bhairav, the god of Destruction, Nautalle Darbar,
Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, three museums including the
numismatic museum and the Tribhuvan Museum.
Kumari Ghar: Situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace is the
temple of Kumari – with profusely carved wooden balconies and a window
screen, the building is simply majestic.
Kashthamandap: A temple located near the temple of kumari, from which the
city of Kathmandu derives its name. Built by King Laxmi Narasingha Malla,
it was constructed from the wood of a single tree.
Budhanikantha is situated below the shivapuri hills; Buddhanikantha is
about eight km north of Kathmandu. The hub of the temple complex is
remarkable colossal statue of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils
of a cosmic serpent. This great stone figure is one of the masterpieces of
stone sculpture of Lichchavi period, and is supposed to have been built in
the fifth century.
Swayambhunath is listed as a world heritage site; this is one of the
world's most glorious Buddhist sites in Nepal. It is established that it
is to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Three km
west of Kathmandu this site is situated on a hillock about 77 m. above the
valley. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all seeing
eyes of Lord Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Bouddhnath: lies some 6 km to the east of Kathmandu, this colossal and
ancient stupa are one of the biggest in the world and the largest in the
valley. A world heritage site, Bouddhnath is built by using dew to mix the
mortar .The stupa looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most
fascinating specimens of stupa design.
Changu Narayan Temple is also a world heritage site, dedicated to the
Hindu god Vishnu, is situated on a ridge overlooking the valley. The
temple is one of the finest specimens of pagoda architecture. Exquisite
wood and stone carvings are its remarkable features.
Kirtipur: Situated on a ridge 8-10 km south-west of Kathmandu, this
ancient newar township has many things to offer, from old shrines,
temples, artistic old houses to people dressed in old traditional
costumes. Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairav are major
attractions here. And so is the natural fortress, this town is, with a
proud and courageous history.
It is suggested that licensed guides be hired for sight seeing trips, who
can speak international languages. It is recommended that sight seeing
trips are arranged through government registered travel agencies.
Suggested Site Seeing Trips
Sight-seeing can be done on foot in the city core areas; for outlying
spots, hire a car or take the bus. Travel agencies in Kathmandu offer a
variety of half-day and full-day guided tours. The following combinations
of tourist sites make for a pleasant half-day of sight-seeing:
Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhu
Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares
Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath, BouddhaKnath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Changu Narayan
Balaju and Budhanilkantha
Kirtipur, Chobhar and Dakshinkali
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