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Bhakatpur
Situated to the east of Kathmandu at about 14 kilometers this city
is known for its pottery and weaving. Bhaktapur or the City of Devotees
still retains the 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 continue to be refleted at the
Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries.
Visitor can be reached by public transport and by trolley buses
from Kathmandu
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Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace
of 55 Windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the Gate is one of the
most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire
world. the gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous
intricacy. The Palace of 55 Windows was built in the 17th century.
Amoung the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design,
is a 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 carving. 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 1773 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 magnificient
statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on
a column facing the palace of the many windows. |
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The National Art Gallery
Contains ancident and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist
schools depicting Tantrism of various periods and descriptions. |
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Surya Binayak
Situated in a beautiful surrounding of Bhadgaon, the temple of Ganesh
is placed in a sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising
sun. It is a good picnic spot flanked by many attractive landscape |
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Changu Narayan
Situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the Valey,
it is said to have been built by King Hri Dutta in 323 A.D. and said
to be the oldest temple in the Valley. |
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Nagarkot
It is a popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated 32 Km east
of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 m above the sea level. The panorama
of the major peaks of the eastern Nepal Himalaya including Sagarmatha
(Mt. Everest) can be seen from here. |