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Lalitpur (Patan) Travel Guide
Discovering the Cultural Gems of Lalitpur: A Travel Guide
Lalitpur, also known as Patan, is a city located in the central region of Nepal. It is renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. The city is home to numerous temples, palaces, and squares that showcase the intricate architecture and artistry of the Newari people, who have lived in the region for centuries.
As a travel destination, Lalitpur offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Visitors can explore the city's bustling markets, where artisans craft traditional handicrafts and textiles, or visit the numerous temples and monasteries that dot the city's landscape. The city is also home to a number of museums, which offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural history.
One of the highlights of a visit to Lalitpur is Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a number of ancient temples and palaces. The square is a hub of activity, with street vendors selling traditional snacks and handicrafts, and visitors can also witness traditional music and dance performances.
Other popular attractions in Lalitpur include the Patan Museum, which houses a collection of ancient art and artifacts, and the Mahaboudha Temple, a stunning temple made entirely of terracotta tiles.
Overall, Lalitpur is a city that offers something for everyone, from history buffs and cultural enthusiasts to those simply seeking a unique and authentic travel experience. So, it is a must visit place for all the travelers visiting Nepal.
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MAKE AN ENQUIRYBest Places To Visit In Lalitpur (Patan)
From historical cities to natural wonders, come see the best of Lalitpur (Patan).
Darbar Square
This city square is located in the city center of Lalitpur. It is one of the three major Durbar Squares of the Kathmandu Valley and is also a UNESCO Heritage Site. The architecture, culture, grandeur, and history in this region is a sight to behold. Most of the temples and monuments in this square were built in the 17th century. This square was considered the center of Hinduism and Buddhism. Before this there were 136 courtyards, in which there were more than 55 temples. Today, only a handful stand with the passage of time. Each temple and monument has a different architectural style to depict the cultural importance of the religion.
Khumbeshwar Temple
Kumbeshwar Temple, also known as Kumbeshwar Mahadev Temple, is one of the three five-storied temples in Patan that is often overlooked due to its neighboring Golden Temple. Even though Patan is known only for Hindu temples, Kumbheshwar Temple is quite famous for being one of the holiest temples in Nepal. This temple has five storeys and has a tall, slender temple design. Artistic wood carving defies gravity.
Royal Palace Patan
The Kathmandu Valley in Nepal is home to no less than seven World Heritage Sites. One of them is the Patan Royal Palace along with the temples in the palace complex. The Royal Palace in Patan covers the city's Durbar Square and is one of the most famous attractions there. The palace has a series of connecting courtyards behind windows, with eaves hanging above and delicate wooden curtains. On the northern entrance are carved golden pylons depicting Parvati, Shiva, Ganesha and Kumar.
Bhimsen Temple
Bhimsen Temple is located in the northern part of Patan Durbar Square. The temple has three storeys and is dedicated to Bhima, one of the five Pandavas of the Mahabharata, who were known for their strength and bravery. In Newar, he is traditionally worshiped as the god of trade and commerce. There are many temples dedicated to Bhimsen in Nepal, but the one in Patan Durbar Square attracts people the most because of the temple draws and carvings, the architecture of this temple is a bit unusual which makes it different from other temples in Patan. The temple was built by Srinivasa Malla in 1680.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
Hiranyavarna Mahavihara, informally called Golden Temple which literally means "Great Monastery of Gold Coloured", Hiranyavarna Mahavihara is built in the style of a Nepali Bahl. The courtyard is a rectangular, almost square space. It is a historical vihara (Buddhist monastery) located in Patan, Nepal. And it is famous for feeding rats.
Krishna Mandir
Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, Nepal was the cultural stronghold of the Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. One of the major Hindu temples present here is the Krishna Temple. Built by Siddhi Narasimha, one of the great Malla kings, the temple holds an extraordinary and respected place in the Hindu community of Nepal. Engraved entirely in black stone, the beautiful structure of the Krishna temple includes many important sculptures and carvings on its outer walls as well as on the inner walls. Inside, there are temples of Lord Krishna and his wives and also Lord Shiva, who draws a large number of Hindu devotees to the temple every day.
Patan Museum
For anyone traveling to the beautiful country of Nepal and deeply interested in its culture and history, Patan Museum is a must-visit destination. Located in Lalitpur district, Patan Museum is housed within an ancient residential court at Keshav Narayan Chowk. As a World Heritage Site, the Patan Museum as part of an international campaign by UNESCO to revive and protect the precious monuments of the Kathmandu Valley. Thus, this museum came into existence as the most beautiful amalgamation of the cultures of South Asia. Carefully restored to its splendor as well as the splendor of the original Nepalese architecture, the interiors of the museum are also filled with antiques that depict the rich history and culture of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley.
Rato Machindranath Temple
The temple of Seto Machhindranath is located in Jan Bahl (also known as Machhindra Bahal). Situated at Keltol between Ason and Indra Chok in central Kathmandu, the temple is believed to have been established around the 10th century. Seto Machhindranath is worshiped as an aspect of Avalokiteshvara. It is believed that the Rato Machendranath Temple is the place where the Lord's patron, Rato Machendranath or Matsyendranath, spent most of his life. The most famous festival here is the Machendranath festival which takes place during April and May. Built in 1673, this temple has a protected metal fence with 4 doors which is guarded by stone lions on the ground floor.
Sundari Chowk
In the Patan Durbar Square of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal is the beautiful courtyard of Sundari Chowk, with three impressive statues of the Hindu deities Hanuman, Ganesha and Narasimha at the entrance. It is one of the three main courtyards of Patan Durbar Square and lies to the south of its more famous neighbour, Mul Chowk. Relatively smaller than the original square, the area is arranged around a carved sunken water tank known as Tusha Hitti, built in 1647, the square was under reconstruction as a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site And here the north, south and west wings were nearing completion when Nepal was hit by a massive earthquake in 2015.
The Central Zoo
The only zoo in Nepal, Central Zoo is home to over 850 animals, representing over 100 species. The zoo was originally established by Rana Prime Minister Judha Shamsar and is quite popular for its animals among other facilities. The large, central zoo houses over 35 endangered endemic species, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal Tigers. It is also home to the Siamang ostrich and hippopotamus. This place is also a paradise for bird watchers.
Uku Bahal Monastery
Uku Bahl is a Buddhist monastery located south of Patan Durbar Square in Nepal. It is also called Rudra Varna Mahavir. Filled with sacred images and temples, this place has three courtyards. When you enter, you'll see the outer courtyard with two flagged British-style lion statues and an impressive doorway. They can find splendid objects like brass bells, winged horses, peacock figurines, Garuda elephant and thunderbolt called Dorges.
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