Lalitpur (Patan)

The major tourist attractions in Lalitpur (Patan)

This ancient city of Patan also known as Lalitpur of the city of fine arts is about 5-kms south-east of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The major tourist attractions of Patan are:

Durbar Square:
Durbar SquarePatan Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the city consitutes the focus ofvisitor?s attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisitevings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone architecture, the royal bath called ?Tushahity?.

Krishna Mandir:
Built in the 17th century, the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone.

Mahaboudha:
A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the 14th century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.

Hiranya Verna Mahavihar:
Located inside, kwabadehal, this three storey golden pagoda of lokshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by king bhaskar verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda,a re the golden image of lord buddha and a large prayer wheel.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar:
This unique buddhist monastery contains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.

The Ashokan Stupas:
There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by emperor ahoka at the four corners of patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, lagankhel, ebahi and in teta (way to sano gaon) respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city?s ancient religious importance.

Temple Of Machhendranath And Minnath:
The Pagoda of red Machhendranath built in 1408 A.D. is situated in Tabahal. For six months the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.

The Zoo:
Situated at Jawalakhel, the zoo has many animals, birds and reptiles in its collections mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in 17th century A.D.

Phulchowki:
Located around 10-km south-east of Patan, this mountain, 2,758 m. High, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill, which can be reached through a jeepable road.