Places to see in Lalitpur (Patan)

Patan

Lalitpur (Patan): As the name suggests it's the city of fine arts. Situated some 5 kms south-east of Kathmandu, this ancient city is full of history and heritage, exemplified by hindu temples and buddhist monuments. The important tourist attractions of Patan are:

Durbar Square: Listed as a world heritage site, the former royal palace situated in the heart of the city is like its counterpart in Kathmandu. Patan Durbar square is an enchanting melange of ancient palaces, Pagoda temples, shrines and captivating courtyards. The three main chowks or courtyards hare are the central Mul chowk, Sundari chowk and keshav Narayan chowk. Tusahity, the Royal bath in the Sundari Chowk is a masterpiece of stone architecture. Another remarkable structure of the square is a temple of Lord Krishna built entirely in stone in 17th century. This krishna Mandir is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style of architecture in Nepal.

Mahaboudha: Just a few yards east to the Patan Durbar square lies this Buddhist monument, which is an excellent example of terra-cotta artform. With thousands of images of Buddha engraved on its wall, it points to the skills of Patan's craftsmen. Built in 14th century. Monuments obelisk like design stands apart in a city flooded with pagoda roofs and pagoda temples.

Uku Bahal: Another Buddhist monument, near Mahaboudha. Uku Bahal is one of the best known Buddhist place of worship. It's a two-story building enclosing stone - paved courtyards. Woodcarving on the roof struts. Various sacred images and other small shrines are its main attractive features.

The central zoo: Situated at Jawalakhel, the zoo is a pleasant diversion point. For wildlife lovers. Its offers about 106 species of birds and over 665 different animals mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. There is also a beautiful pond, built in 17th century with boating facility.

Hiarnya Verna Mahavihar: This three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwar (Buddha), is located inside Kwabadehal. king Bhaskar Verma in 12th century built this monument, which houses the golden image of lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.

Rudra Verna Mahavihar: This Buddhist monastery is just a treasure house with amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. If legends are to be believed then the kings in ancient times were crowned here.

The Ashokan Stupas: Believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Magadhan emperor Ashoka, the four stupas are at the four corners of Patan Situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and Teta - The four Stupas provide a testimony to the city's ancient religious importance.

Kumbeshwar: A Fair is held around this temple of Lord Shiva on the Janani Poornima day in August. The temple was built during the reign of king Jayasthiti Malla.

Jagatnarayan Temple: Housing many fine images in stone and a mesmerizing statue of Garuda on a stone pillar, this imposing temple of Lord Vishnu is situated at Sankhmul.

Temple of Machhendranath and Minnath: Situated at Tabahal, this pagoda of Red Machhendranath was built in 1408 A.D. the deity is shifted to the shrine in Bungmati for six months.

On the way to Tabahal, at Tangal is the famous shrine of Minnath, a must stop for all devotees.

Achheshwar Mahankar: The Mahavihar has been recently reconstructed around the 17th century temple of Lod Buddha built by Achheshwar. A beautiful panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley can be had from the Mahavihar. Which lies just behind the Ashokan stupa of Pulchowk.

Bajra Barahi: About 10 km south of Patan near Chapagaon village is Bajra Barahi lying in a small woodland part. Once here, a visit to Tika Bhairav and lele is unforgettable.

Godavari: Undoubtedly, nature has bestowed Nepal with immense natural beauty. It's vegetational and splendid natural beauty has been showcased at the Royal Botanical Garden, which lies at the foothills of Phulchowki. Visit to Patan is not complete without a date of travelmasti at the garden.

Phulchowki: 10 km Southeast to the Patan is the Picturesque vistas and peaks of 2758m high mountain Rich vegetation, gorges and excellent climate make Phulchowki a superb spot for hiking. A Buddhist Shrine on the top of the hill is the added attraction.

Patan Industrial Estate: Gifts and souvenirs are living memory pieces. And Kathmandu valley is very rich in that. In ancient times, Nepalese Craftsmen were respected not only in their own kingdom, but in far flung royal court of China, The very same crafts has survived the travails of time and are practiced even today. And entering into Patan Industrial Estate takes you centuries back in history.

Situated at Lagankhel near Sat Dobato and spread over almost 14 hectares of land, the estate was established in 1963 to help preserve and develop traditional skills of metal casting, wood carving and weaving. The estate provides visitors a unique opportunity to purchase handicrafts goods right at the place where they are produces..