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bhaktapur |
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Situated at an altitude of 1401m,
Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur
or the city of Devotees still retains a medieval charm
and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad
wonders of cultural and artistic achievement. The past
glory of the Malla rulers continuous to be reflected at
the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its
traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for
woodcarving and the Bhadgaonlen Topi or cap. This city
lies about 14km east of Kathmandu and can be reached by
public transport and trolley buses.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The Golden Gate is the entrance
to the main courtyard of the palace of 55 Windows. Built
by King Rangit Malla, the Gate is one of the most
beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the
entire world. This Gate also embellished with deities
and monsters with marvelous intricacy. The palace of 55
Windows was built in 1700 AD. Among the brick walls in
their gracious settings and sculptural design, is a
balcony |
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of 55 windows. This balcony is a
masterpiece of woodcarving. The stone temple of Batsala
Devi which is also located in the Durbar Square is full
of intricate cave range. 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 temple
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 Monument List in 1979.
The National Gallery: Contains ancient and medieval
paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist school
depicting Tantrism of various period and descriptions.
Nyatpola Temple: This five-storey pagoda was built in
1702 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a
five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a
pair of figure. This is one of the tallest pagodas and
is famous for its massive structural and subtle
workmanship.
Bhairavnath Temple: This temple was first built as a
one-stored pagoda but was later changed into
three-storey temple in 1718 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla.
The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is
dedicated to Lord Bhairav- the God of terror.
Dattatrya Temple: Built in 1427 AD, this temple is said
to have been built from the trunk of single tree. Near
this temple is a monastery with exquisitely carved
peacock windows.
Dattatraya Square: The squat takes its mane from the
Dattatraya Temple. This square is famous for ornate
monasteries known as Maths. The National Wood-working
Museum and the brass and Bronze Museum are housed here. |
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Outskirts Of Bhaktapur |
Surya Vinayak: Situated in a beautiful
surroundings of Bhadgaon, the temple of Ganesh is placed
in a sylvan settings to catch the first ray of the
rising sun. It is a good picnic spot flanked by many
attractive landscape.
Thimi: Thimi is a farming town situated 8km east of
Kathmandu on the way to Bhaktapur. Thimi is famous for
eastern pots, home spun cotton cloth and artistic masks.
Changu Narayan: Situated at the end of a long ridge
which runs well into the valley, it is said to have been
built by King Hari Dutta in 323 AD and said to be the
oldest temple in the valley. It was listed in the UNESCO
World Heritage List in 1979.
Khokana: Khokana is a Newari farming village lying 7km
south of the ring road that encircles the two cities of
Kathmandu and Patan. The village begins with a wide
cobbled street and in the middle of the main street lies
the temple of Shekali Mai, Khakana's local mother
Goddess. Khokana is famous for mustard oil, which is
still made the traditional way, and spun woolen yarn. |
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