Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Nyatapola Temple

This five-story pagoda was built in 1702 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

The National Art Gallery



Contains ancient and medieval painting belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depiction Tantrism of various perious periods and descriptions

Bkaktapur Durbar Square


The golen Gate is the entracne to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is ont of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marbelous intricacy. The palace of 55 Windows was built in 1700 AD. Among the brick balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi which is also located in the Durbar Square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the "Bell of Barking Dogs". This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, was rung to signal curfew during those days. The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate. the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture gallery, the Batsala temple, etc. A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monumnet List in 1979. As per Bhaktpur Municipality from 1 Jan. 2001 entrace fees has been increased to Rs. 750 per person for foreigners and Rs. 50 per person for SAARC nationals is charged. Children under 12 years of age will not be charged.

Gokarna

This lovely Royal Games Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about 10 km north-east of Kahtmandu. Many wild animals such as spotted deer can be viewed int the sancturary. On the northern side of Gokarna, is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.

Rani Pokhari

Ranipokhari is the artificial square-shaped pond with the temple of Shiva in the middle, known as Matrikeshwor Mahadev. Ranipokhari lies in the heart of Kathmandu, with 10–15 minutes walk from Kathmandu Durbar Square.

The pond was constructed during the reign of King Pratap Malla in 1727 B.S, in memory of his son Chackrawotendra, using water from various pilgrim places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gosaikunda, Muktinath, and Kaligandaki and so much other places. It was a token of consolation to his wife, drowned in sorrow of their son's death. In the south of the pond, there is a statue of Pratap Malla and his family riding in a White Elephant. There is some mysterious story of Kichkanya (female ghost in man-faced with reverse legs) with Pratap Malla linked with Ranipokhari.

The pond is fenced with iron bars and opened once a year during Bhaitika, the fifth and final day of Tihar.

Taleju

Built in 1564 by King Mahendra Malla, this is the royal deity of Malla kings. The temple stands 36.6metres high, resting on a twelve stage plinth. Its three roofs soar abobe the rest of the Hanuman Dhoka complex, and untile very recent times, it was considered very inauspicious to build a house higher than this temple. At the eighth stage of the plinth, the step broadens out into a platform with twelve miniature temples. This ultra-sacrosanct temple is opened only once a year during Dashain for the people.

Hanuman Statue

The kneeling figure of Hanuman, the Hindu God who is always depicted in the form of monkey, sits on a tall stone pedestal. It was consecrated by Pratap malla in 1672 AD. To the right of this image is the golden main door of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, guarded by a pair of stone lions.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Gaddi Baithak

The eastern side of the palce is closed off by this white neoclassical building. This imported European style building was built as a part of the palace by Chandra Shamsher in 1908 A.D. during the reign of Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah.

The National Museum

Located about 2 km west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is closed on Sunday, Monday and government holidays. Entry Fee for SAARC nationals is Rs. 10 and for other foreign tourists is Rs 50.

Natural History Museum

Situated 3 km west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swaymbhunath hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.

Pashupatinath

The temple of Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath lies about 5 km away from Kathmandu. Two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The Temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Guheswari

Near Pashupatinath Temple is another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Narayanhity

It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic water spout called Narayanhity is situated at the southern corner of the Palace. Foreigners are allowed to visit the Royal Palace on Thursdays from 13:00 hrs - 15:00 hrs.

Basantapur Durbar

Basantapur Durbar also called Nau-talle Durbar was built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1770. This dominant nine-storeyed Basantapur Durbar (Kathmandu Tower) was built along with three other towers named after three other ancient cities of the valley the Kirtipur tower, the Bhaktapur tower and the Lalitpur tower.

Bouddhanath

The Stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. is also called khasti. It stands on a massive mandala style platform and has features similar to swoyambhu thought it is bigger. It has 108 niches (khowpa) which houses idole of different gods and goddesses and 147 more niches around the stupa which contain prayer wheel.This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Entrance fee at bouddhanath for SAARC (South Asian) nationals is Rs. 15 and for other foreigners Rs.50.