Patan

The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts.The city is full of Hindu temples and buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hindusim and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in the is vity for today's vistors.

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Place of Patan

Krishna Mandir

Krishna Mandir, the three storeyed Shikhara type of stone Temple of Lord Krishna, is situated in the Durbar Square of Lalitpur. It was built by King siddhi Narsingha Malla of Lalitpur(Paten) in 1637 AD. It is the only temple having 21 golden spires, and is completely made of stone.The carvings on the walls of the second floor depict war second from ancient Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, and show the mastery of Nepalese medieval architects in stone works. In front of the temple, there stands a statue of an eagle, made of metal at the top of the stone pillar, representing the vehicle of Lord Krishna.This first ever temple in Shikhara style has eight sides, and the myth says that all these sides resemble the eight wives of a Mala King from Newar clam of Patan, who committed sati by burning themselves in the funeral pyre of their husband, when he died.During Krishnastami, thousands of devotees in their fine red garments and ornament, are seen in the Durbar Square of Patan, paying homage to Lord Krishna.It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal.

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Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the city, costitutes the focus of visitors' attraction. The Square is full of anvient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO WEorld Heritage Monument List in 1979.		Patan Museum This museum inside the Durbar Square specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. It is considered one of the best museums in Asi. Opens daily from 9:00 am to 5:pm. Entrance fee Rs. 120 for other foreign visitors and Rs.30 for SARRC nationals. It is cloed only for 3 days during Dashain and for 3 days during Tihar.
The Ashokan Stupas There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 BC by Emperor Ashoka at the four cardinal directions of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchok, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas are evidence of the city's ancient religious importance.		Patan Industial Estate Patan Industial Estate is situated at Lagankhel in Lalipur (Patan) near Sat Dobato. this industrial estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as wood carvings, metal craft, carpets and thangka paintings. For the convenience of tourists, there is a shopping arcade where all the handicraft products are exhibited.
Kumbheshwor This five-tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. On the Janai Poornima day in August, a fair is held in Kumbheshwor.		Jagat Narayan Temple This tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu is situated at Sankhmul. The temple has many fine stone images and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.
Rudra Varna Mahavihar This unique Buddhist monastery contains an amazing collection of images and statues in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.		Mahabouddha A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. the terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
Achheswor Mahavihar It was established towards the beginning of the 17th century by one Achheshwor who built a temple to house an idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchok, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the kathmandu Valley.		Godavari Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki, the Royal Botanical Garden of Godavari has splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the southeast, passing through the small old towns of Harisiddhi, Thiba and Badegaun. The only botanical garden in Nepal, it is open daily including weekends and government holidays.
The zoo Situated at Jawalakhel, the zoo has many animals, birds and reptiles in its collection representing mostly the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in the 17th century.		Bajra Barahi Situated in a small wooded park, it is about 10 km south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from here is worthwhile.
Hiranay Varna Mahavihar Located inside Kwabadehal, htis three-story golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. It is famous as the Golden Temple. Inside the upper story of the pagoda, are the golden images of Lord buddha and a large prayer wheel.		Phulchowki Located about 10 km southeeast of Patan, this 2,758m hill, 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.
Temple of Machchendranath and Minnath The pagoda of REd Machchendranath built in 1408 AD 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.