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Patan Lalitpur, Nepal, nepal,
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Lalitpur
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Also known as: |
Popularly known as Patan |
Shopping: |
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History of: |
300 years |
Population: |
1.11 Lac |
Lalitpur sub-metropolitan city, popularly known as Patan is currently
one of the most vibrant cities of the kingdom of Nepal. It is located
in about 5 kilometers south-east of Kathmandu. With its urban history
dating back to as far as 2300 years, LSMC is one of the three major
cities located inside the Kathmandu valley, besides Kathmandu and
Bhaktapur.
Rich historic past, centuries old living culture of the people,
thriving city development are what this historic city today boasts of.
Of the fifty-eight municipalities of Nepal, Lalitpur is the third
largest city.
Lalitpur, since ancient times has been preserving its unique place and
role in the geo-political and economic arena of the country. For many
centuries, Lalitpur was a sovereign city-state. In 1768 AD, King
Prithivi Narayan Shah assimilated it into the Kingdom of Nepal.
Major Attractions
Patan Durbar Square
This durbar square located in Patan is a world heritage site. Patan
Durbar has many famous sites and unique architectures. Krishna Mandi,
Bhimsen temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabhihar are just a few among the
temples offering you an ecstasy of paintings, wood and metal carvings.
The Sundari Chowk contains exquisite samples of woodcarvings, stone
and metal sculpture. Patan Dubar Square and the Himalaya that can be
seen at a distance make an enchanting scene. A half-day sightseeing
tour of the Patan city is highly recommended.
Patan Museum
Offers an opportunity to view remainings of the ancient palace of
Malla Kings, and some of the most beautiful wood and stone carving
works in the world. Museum covers a long history and living traditions
of Nepal and is a-must-see for tourists to learn more about Nepali
craftsmanship and their traditions. Museum Gallery
Krishna Mandir
A king dreams of God Krishna and Goddess Radhan standing in front of a
temple. Next day, turning dreams into a reality, a finest stone
wrought monument is born! The Krishna temple located on the west side
of the Patan Durbar Square, was built in 1637 by the King Siddhi
Narsingha Malla. The temple holds a great position in the Patan
palace, it is also the only temple in Nepal which as 21 shrines and is
completely made of stone, and fine carvings. The temple has three
floors, Krishna, Shiva, Lokeshwor are enshrined in first, second and
third floor respectively. During the Krishnastami, the lord Krishna's
birthday, the temple is the destination of thousands of worshippers
from around the country. The temple is beautifully lighted by
thousands of oil lamps during the festival.
Fun Festives
Every monastery has its own
annual festival that commemorate its founding. This is the day when
the entire sangha (Members belonging to a particular monastery)
enthusiastically assembles for religious exercises and feasts. The
other important occasion for the Newar Buddhist community is Gunla
Dharma. Gunla is the Newar month (mid-July to mid-August) sacred for
Buddhists. Patan also celebrates Malaya or the festival of lights.
This occurs on the second day of Gunla. The devotees carry lighted
tapers, candles, and torches, and march in groups and visit the
various monasteries in the city. The Rato Machhendranath is another
festival of Patan. In this festival, the red faced image of the patron
deity is taken around the city and his chariot moves in daily stages
in a procession during the celebrations in Patan. The procession is
accompanied by musicians and soldiers and viewed not only by the royal
family, but also by the Patan's Kumari, the "Living Goddess".
Distance
from major cities
Kathmandu |
5 Kms |
Royal Chitwan |
240 Kms |
How to reach there
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Kathmandu is the nearest airport. |
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Patan is situated about 5 kms.
south-west of Kathmandu. |
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