Tuesday, April 8, 2008

World Heritage Site Of Nepal


Nepal, the land of Lord Pashupatinath and Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest ) and the birth place of Lord Buddha ( light of Asia ) and Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Ram ( Hero of Ramayana). Nepal is a sovereign independent kingdom situated on the southern slopes of the mid-Himalayas. Her borders are contiguous with India in the east, west,south and with the Tibetan autonomous region of P.R. China in the north. Nepal is endowed with a wide varieties of flora and fauna meandering Rivers, Lakes, Glaciers, Mountains and lush green Valleys. Not surprisingly, Nepal offers something for everybody – a Tourist, Trekker, River Runner, Wild Life enthusiast, Anthropologist, Poet, Artist, Writer or a Scholar. Viewing to explore above concept, We are offering the excellent services to fulfill your purpose while visiting in Nepal. Join with us feeling up our Intake Form. We assure you to offer reliable and comfortable services with homely Nepalese hospitality.






Short descriptions of Tourist destinations


Kathmandu Valley (1311m) having three fabled cities – Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur. The valley is great historical, cultural and political interest. The valley is open-air museum of artistic temples, monuments, stupas having seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. 2000 years before Kathmandu valley was a big lake. Manjushree, the saint of wisdom came to pay homage to the Lotus. To get closer to the flower, he cut the lake edge at Chovar by his wisdom sword and the water was drained away. Then the valley was created.

UNESCO has declared 10 World Heritage Sites, 7 inside Kathmandu Valley & 3 outside; Lumbani including Kathmandu Valley are Cultual Heriage & Chitwan National Park & Sagarmatha National Park as Natural Heritage Sites. These seven World Heritage Sites are all amazing man-made wonders still standing majestically – some of them as old as 2500 years .


THE KATHMANDU VALLEY:
In Kathmandu, the capital or in its suburbs, to cross a street is to travel across centuries. Shrines, temples, palaces, palace-squares, ageless sculptures and legends that are parts of every brick and stone and gilded masterpiece, make Kathmandu Valley a verifiable living museum.





Kathmandu Durbar Square


Lies in the heart of the capital and is popularly known as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace - the Gateway of Hanuman - an ancient seat of Nepalese Royalty. The Palace consists of the huge Royal square imposing a tremendous variety of the temples dedicated to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Most of the buildings were constructed from the 15 th – 18 th centuries. The Palace is named after the Hindu Monkey God, Hanuman , and is painted completely red right next to the main entrance (the Golden Gate) of the Palace. He is regarded as the protector of the entire Durbar Square.



Patan Durbar Square

Situated on a little plateau across the river Bagmati river, Patan is only 7.8km south-east of Kathmandu city. This city is considered one of the oldest among the three cities of Kathmandu Valley.
The city was founded in 3 rd century by King Veera Dev and has the distinction of being the home of the finest Newari craft. The finest Hindu and Buddhist monuments are scattered around but the most important monuments are in the square or close by.
Other features like the Golden window, the royal bath of Sundaru Chowk, the Taleju Temple, and Keshab Narayan Chowk are worth visiting. The four stupas, located in the four cardinal directions, were errected by Indian Emperor Ashoka the Great.






Bhaktapur Durbar Square


This is a unique city located east of Kathmandu at 1,400m above sea level. With an area of 5 sq. kms. this unique city is divided into 24 traditional localities. It was founded by King Ananda Dev in 889 A.D.
Bhaktapur in supposed to have been built in the shape of a conch shell, a scared symbol of Lord Vishnu. The world Bhaktapur means The City of Devotees.
Bhaktapur; at one time an independent city, was ruled by the Malla Kings. They were very religious and gave importance to their artistic heritage which is evident throughout the city. Some of the significant momuments here are:
The Lion Gate: Built by King Bupatindra Malla in 17 th century A.D.
Golden Gate: The main entrance to the famous 55 Window Palace and Royal Taleju. Constructed in 1754 A.D.
The statue of King Bupatindra Malla.
55 Window Palace: This architectural structure dominates the entire Bhadgaon Durbar Square. It is worth admiring.
Vastala Temple.
Pashupati Nath Temple.
Nyatapole Temple.
Bhairav Nath Temple.



Swayambhunath
A Buddhist stupa on a western hills of Kathmandu. The 2,500 year old monument is a holy site replete with symbols. The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. Pilgrims and tourists pass to Swayambhumath's holy premises through a path of 365 steps.
Close to the stupa is the Dewa Dharma monastery, noted for bronaze icon of the Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings.
Below are some important dates when pilgrims visit this holy site to take part in religious activities.
1. Buddha Purnima, the birth of Lord Buddha – full moon day of Baisakh (April-May)
2. Gunla, the holy Buddhist month, according to Newari calender (August – September)
3. Kojagrath Purnima (September – October)
4. Samyak Day of the Magh (January – February) every 12 years!


Boudha Nath Stupa

One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monument ever built in the Himalayan Kingdom it is 36m high. The stupa is unique with its three level, mandala style, platforms. The structural features of the stupa is somewhat similar to the Swayambhunath stupa. It was built around the 5 th century A.D.
What Mecca is to the Muslims, this Boudhanath Stupa is for Tibetan Buddhists. Every year thousands of pilgrims flock here from all over the Himalayan region.
During the Buddhist festivals, listed with Swayambhunath above, pilgrims gather to celebrate with great reverance to all Buddhist deities.

Pashupati Nath Temple
Pashupati Nath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. It is 6km. east of downtown Kathmandu. The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty.
The two tier magnificient golden temple, with four triple silver doorways, is a unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in South-Asia with hundreds of Shiva Lingam shrines and icons Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple is spread out over a large area.
The main entrance, for Hindu people only, is on the western side. Tourists may peak inside, or go on the other side of the river to have a glimpse of the temple complex from above. During the festival of Shivaratri (February – March) 10,000's of devotees and pligrims (many from India) visit this temple and make ceremonial fires.

Changu Narayan Temple
Situated on a small hillock overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this temple is 12km. east of Kathmandu. The temple is decorated with magnificent art works in metal and wood. This famous temple was built in the 3 rd century A.D. An inscription opposite the temple tells about a historic event which is the first epigraphic evidence of Nepali history. Some of the important sculptures here are:
1. Viswo Roop – 8 th Century A.D.
2. Vishnu Vikranta – 8 th Century A.D.
3. Vishnu mounted in his vehicle Garuda – the mythical manbird.
4. Nara Singh Vishnu in his half human and half lion form.







AROUND KATHMANDU VALLEY THE POPULAR HILL STATIONS

Nagarkot:

- The Hill Resort Village of NAGARKOT, located at 30 km east to the KATHAMNDU , at an altitude of 2099 m , offers great mountain views. NAGARKOT is popular tourist destination for the panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges and surrounding green valleys . Mountain watchers usually make their way up to the Village Resort, stay overnight in one of NAGARKOT 'S hotels & lodges, then wake up at dawn to watch the sun rise appear over the Himalaya. You will never forget the majestic view of the sunrise from this corner of the earth.




Daman: -
A three-hour comfortable drive towards west from KATHMANDU arrives DAMAN. It is situated at 2322 m above sea level , midway between KATHMANDU & HETAUDA . Its claim to fame is that it has , arguably, the most spectacular outlook on the Himalaya. There are unimpeded views of the entire range from Dhaulagiri to Mt. Everest. There is a viewing tower and it also has one of the best Hill Resort of Nepal. At least an overnight's stay is suggested here before or after the trip to POKHARA CHITAWAN

Dhulikhel: -

To the eastern edge of Kathmandu Valley, there is another popular Hill Resort called Dhulikhel . It lies on the way to Tibet border 60 km east from Kathmandu . This hidden hill resort is slowly gaining popularity as the perfect spot to view the excellent Himalayan panorama .There are very comfortable hotels and lodges. Also , one - day cycle tou r connecting Dhulikhel , Namobuddha and Panauti is popular to enjoy the outskirts of the Kathmandu valley.


Lumbani, the birth place of Lord Buddha
Brief description:
Siddharta Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. at the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian Emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.









Chitwan National Park
Brief description:

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in term of wild life and vegetations. Nepal's best known and most accessible national park , ROYAL CHITAWAN , was also its first. This park is located about 175 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu . In the heart of ROYAL CHITAWAN NATIONAL PARK are a couple of famous Jungle Resorts. Elephants greet those who fly into MEGHAULI airstrip and carry them to their accommodation. The park is also accessible by surface from KATHMANDU .Once arriving in the Park, the trained naturalists lead visitors on Safaris ( by foot , elephant, Land Rover or boat ) to search for the tigers , rhinos , crocodiles and colorful bird life. Roaming around the National park on the elephant back is the most exciting moment . If you have enough time a week long vacation can be spent here enjoying various safari activities.
"Chitwan National Park" was added to Unesco's World Heritage List in 1984. Chitwan is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. The park is inhabited by the rare Asiatic rhinoceros and Bengal Tiger. Besides these, there are many elephants, birds and butterflies.


Pokhara Valley
Two hundred kilometers west of KATHMANDU, nestled in a valley beneath the ANNAPURNA mountain lies the city of POKHARA. POKHARA is virtually in the geographical center of NEPAL . Located on the main road between KATHMANDU & BHAIRAWA , there may be no other place in the world from which the great Himalayan peaks can be admired from such a close distance. The town of POKHARA has quietly won the hearts of travelers from around the world. Many visitors find their most lasting impression of Nepal comes from the awesome " FISH-TAIL " of majestic MACCHA-PUCHARE mountain reflected in the still waters of POKHARA's Fewa Lake. POKHARA'S seclusion made it a place of mystery in the past . Once arriving in POKHARA you would definitely say - "Ohh ! The Mountain is still Young " .POKHARA is the finest natural city of the world and is marked by a half dozen lakes of varying sizes , all linked by a trekking trail. Hence, it is also known as a lake city of Nepal. It is Nepal's tourism capital and the second largest tourist destination too. Experience it by heart : it is honeymooners' paradise.The sites not to be missed in POKHARA are Devi's Fall , Fewa Lake & Barahi Temple , Sarangkot Hilllock , Beganas Lake , Seti Gorge , Mahendra Cave , International Mountain Museum , Bindabasini Temple & Kahun Danda.


Davi's Falls: -
It is a beautiful waterfall formed from the outlet of Fewa Lake. Why it is named Davi's fall might be the matter of interest. One Day Trekkers named Devin and David had their bath down to the Fewa dam but unknowingly the doors of the dam opened to reduce the water level. Both the trekkers did not notice the signal to run away and sadly they were washed away and one of them mysteriously disappeared down into the underground passage beneath the fall. Since then the fall was named Davi's fall. It is worth visiting site of POKHARA



Sarankot: -
Sarangkot is a small hill on the north west side of POKHARA. It is the best place for Sunrise and Mountain View like Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Annapurna range, and Dhaulagiri range, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal. Tourists reach there early in the morning to view the rolling sunrise and the dazzling mighty snow peaks in the morning tender sun.


Fewa Lake: -
Fewa Lake is the finest lake of Nepal. It is 41/2km long and 200m. to 2 km width. Boating on the lake is an exciting and most interesting moment. In the middle there is an island where Barahi temple is located. Every day thousands of visitors visit the temple. Surrounded by the green forest and lakeside city, Fewa lake reflects the beautiful images of Machhachapuchre.

Begnas Lake: -
Begnas lake is located 13 km east of POKHARA city. This lake is in a round shape and is surrounded by green hills. On the north beautiful Annapurna fourth Himal is overlooking the lake. While boating on the lake the images of the mountain is seen into the lake.



Gupteshor Mahadev Cave: -
South of the POKHARA valley there is a beautiful cave. The cave has different branches but the end has not yet been met. The main part of the cave is some 20m. down. The bottom is wide and spacious. There is an image of Lord Shiv. One of the branch of the cave goes towards the Devi's fall and after a 20 meters easy walk one can reach near the fall. It is a very wonderful moment to stand just below the fall inside the cave. Gupteshor Mahadev cave is a religious site for the Hindus. Many Hindu devotees visit the cave in different occasions.


Mahendra Cave: -
It is located on the north of POKHARA valley some 10 km from the city center. This is the most popular cave of Nepal. It is also unexplored. There has been made necessary arrangement for the visitor with service of the guides. Nearby the cave there is another cave named Chamera cave or the bat cave where hundreds of bats live. Both caves are worth visiting.





OTHER POPULAR DESTINATIONS

Manakamaka Temple: -
The Temple of Great female deity MANAKAMANA is about 120 km from KATHMANDU on the way to POKHARA and CHITAWAN. She is "Wish fulfilling" goddess and is popular among the Hindu devotees & specially among the newly married couples. After three hours drive to KURINTAR from KATHMANDU and 10 minutes cable car ride over the mighty TRISULI River, you can reach the temple. It is located on a hill that overlooks the TRISULI basin and the hill settlements. MANAKAMANA Temple visit can be made a part of POKHARA or CHITAWAN trip.


Gorkha: -
GORKHA is the historic place of Nepal from where the late great king Prithivi Narayan Shah unified the country of Nepal. At the time he came to the power Nepal was broken up into numerous small principalities but by the time he died he had created a unified state country under one roof.It is 128 km to the west of KATHMANDU and on the way to POKHARA . The GORKHA Palace , the old royal palace of the great king , is the best site to observe and experience the 300 year old administrative system of Nepal. Gorkha is the gateway to Manaslu trek and expedition. This historic site is worth visiting place also to understand the geographical terrains of Nepal. Gorkha visit can be added up as a three hour short trip while on the way to POKHARA & CHITAWAN .






























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































1 comment:

Unknown said...

This is only the invitation for you all to visit and experience the thrill of being there. It is really cool to visit those places than reading the published information