Introduction
Situated south of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, also known as Patan, is amongst the busiest and biggest cities in Nepal. Established by the Kirant Dynasty in the 3rd Century BC, Patan was later extended and developed by the Lichhavis in the 6th Century BC. Lalitpur is known for its craftsmen, particularly metalworkers and wood-carvers. Holding historical significance, Patan is now considered one of the best-planned metropolitans in the entire country.
This beautiful town is relatively less busy than Kathmandu. There are numerous temples and historic landmarks reflecting the city’s rich history. Dominated by the Newari population, Lalitpur is famous for Jatras (a festival celebrated by the Newars). Apart from its history and culture, the city has multiple industries and businesses. This shows that, with time, this city has kept up with the fast-paced world. Lalitpur is surely a must-visit place if you’re around Kathmandu.
Here’s a list of famous places to visit whenever you’re in Lalitpur.
Patan Durbar Square
Located in the city’s heart, Patan Durbar Square has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The multiple temples, houses, and monuments inside the Durbar Square reflect the magnificence of the Newari culture. It was developed during the Malla period (14th to 18th Century BC). The Patan Durbar Square is home to several courtyards, including Mul Chowk and Sundari Chowk, palaces, and temples.
One of Durbar Square’s main recognizable features is the Shikhara-styled temples inside. The Krishna Temple and Vishwanath Temple are the two most significant Shikhara-styled temples. The temples and buildings in Patan Durbar Square offer a fascinating look at Nepal’s extensive religious and cultural past. Patan Durbar Square attracts tourists from all over the world. The Macchindranath Jatra is one of the most famous celebrations in the Newari culture.
How to get to Patan Durbar Square
Located only 5 km from Kathmandu, Patan Durbar Square is easily accessible. You can drive or ride to Durbar Square from Kathmandu’s Baneshwor and take the road leading up to UN Park and eventually to Patan. You can also take a local bus from Ratnapark, which will drop you at Patan’s bus stop in 30-40 minutes.
Patan Museum
Located in Keshav Narayan Chowk, this museum showcases excellent craftsmanship and rich Nepali culture. It is housed within the old Royal Malla king’s palace and features traditional Nepalese art, including sculptures and wood carvings. Its gilded doors and windows face one of the most beautiful squares in the world. You can also shop for multiple historic items in the museum.
Traditional stalls selling ancient Newari artisans surround the Museum. The museum highlights the 13 centuries of the Malla dynasty. Each exhibit has detailed labels describing what artifacts or carvings represent and their significance. The highest level of the exhibition is occupied by a multitude of medical thinking and imagination, with their different cultural histories and understandings of where disease nests and what it is to be healed. Also enlisted on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place is a must-visit if you’re around Lalitpur.
How to get to Patan Museum
Located only 4 km from central Kathmandu, this is another accessible place. You can either drive up to the museum from Baneshwor via Maitighar and eventually to Patan Museum. You may also take a local bus from Kathmandu, and you will reach Keshav Chowk in 25 minutes.
Central Zoo
The only central zoo in Nepal is well-maintained and home to numerous wild animals and bird species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, rock pythons, Monitor Lizards, Alligators, and multiple herbivores. Opened in 1956, this zoo has been home to 35 endangered species. The one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger are some of the most endangered species in the world, with a declining global population.
You’ll need to pay an entry fee to enter the zoo, which spans over 6 hectares and is a must-visit place in Lalitpur. After decades of neglect from various government bodies, this zoo has finally seen improvement, with a better overall quality. Flocked by thousands of visitors daily, this is one of the most crowded places in Lalitpur. The animals are well-kept, well-fed, and looked after by the zoo officials.
How to get to Central Zoo
The central zoo is located in Jawalakhel, 6 km from Kathmandu, and is accessible from two different paths. One route from Kathmandu crosses through Maitighar, Kupondole, Pulchowk, and finally, Jawalakhel. The alternate route starts from Lalitpur’s ring road and leads to Jawalakhel, which is shorter.
Godawari Botanical Garden
The National Botanical Garden in Godawari is located on the base of Phulchowki Hill, at an elevation of 1515 meters above sea level. This is the starting point for the Phulchowki Hike. Founded in 1962, this garden spans over 82 hectares. It is a famous place in Lalitpur, visited annually by more than 190,000 people. The garden hosts some of the best plant species and blooms year-round. This garden is famous among youths who visit it for research and outdoor excursions.
The garden has an exclusive collection of ornamental plants, rock plants, rose cultivars, trees and shrubs, lilies, ferns, medicinal plants, native flora, aquatics, cacti, and orchids. A research center in the heart of the Garden conducts various experiments related to plant species.
How to get to Godawari Botanical Garden
The Godawari Botanical Garden is a bit further away from Kathmandu. Located 16 km from central Kathmandu, you can reach this place in 40 minutes. The route starts from Satdobato and crosses Hattiban, eventually leading to Godawari.
Also Read:24 Hours In Kathmandu: Must-See Spots and Experiences
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