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East India Tourist Destination (Nepal - The Buddhist Hotspot)
Nepal - The Buddhist Hotspot
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity
due to its unique geographical position and latitudinal variation. The elevation
of the country ranges from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth,
Mt. Everest at 8,848 m. all within a distance of 150 km with climatic conditions
ranging from sub-tropical to arctic. This wild variation fosters an incredible
variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical
jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills
and frozen valleys.
Within this spectacular geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes
anywhere. The country is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups who
speak over 70 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity
of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else
on earth. And you can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celebrated
throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and
beliefs.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is one of the world's oldest cities.
The old part of the city, with narrow medieval streets and lovely little
shrines, centers on the Durbar Square. Here one can find distinctive pagoda-roofed
temples, stone sculptures, old monasteries and historic monuments.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur or also known as Bhadgaon , is a museum of medieval art and architecture
with many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples
consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city is shaped like a conch
shell-one of the emblems of the god Vishnu and was founded by King Ananda
Deva in A.D.889. The city is 1,402 meters above sea level. Pottery and weaving
are its major traditional industries. The city lies fifteen Kilometers to
the east of Kathmandu.
Patan
The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur meaning, city of beauty. It is indeed
a city of beauty and grace and is planned on a circular format with Buddhist
stupas at each of the four points of the compass. The city is three Kilometers
south-east of Kathmandu across the river Bagmati. Like Kathmandu, its center
of attraction is its Durbar Square complex, situated right in the middle
of the market place. The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples
with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted
for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is also know as the city of artists.
The city is believed to have been built during the reign of Vira Dev in
A.D. 299.
Pokhara
Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley (827m), is the
starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting
destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-trail
summit of Machachhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it create an ambience
of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests,
gushing rivers, clear lakes and the world famous views of the Himalaya.
Situated 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well as
by road from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town near India. Pokhara offers
manificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of
Annapurna and others.
Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam. The Shakya prince and the
ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the
world’s millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. UNESCO
lists this nativity site, identified by Indain Emperor Ashoka’s commemorative
pillar as a World Heritage Site. The main attraction of Lumbini remains
the Sacred Garden which spread over 8sq km , possessing all the treasures
of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims
and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, Lord Buddha’s
mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the
oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. Emperor Ashoka erected the
pillar in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the
south of the pillar, we find the sacred pond, {Puskarni} where Queen Mayadevi
had taken a bath just before giving birth to Lord Buddha. Places of various
interest surrounds the area There are other places of interest too nearby.
It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes
about eight hours by bus or car.
Chitwan
Chitwan is one of the finest national parks in Asia, renowned for its concentration
of wildlife and top class tourist lodges, which provide the opportunity
to see animals in their natural habitat. Chitwan which means the ‘heart
of the jungle’ is among the last surviving example of the continuous
band of forests and grasslands, which once extended from the Indus River
in Pakistan to the Burmese border. The main attraction here is the Chitwan
National Park, One of the largest forests regions in Asia teeming with wildlife
such as the rare great one-horned rhinoceros, several species of dear, sloth
bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water, dolphin, crocodile, more than 350
species of birds and the elusive Bengal tiger. Chitwan National Park is
listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site (natural) list. Visitors to Chitwan
may enjoy elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips and jungle
treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safaris. Visitors
may also take a river raft. First driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli
or Seti Khola. The five-hour drive to Chitwan (165km overland) from Kathmandu
is filled with thrilling views of the hills, rivers and plains with jungles
on either side.
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is scenic and town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on
the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here one can have a
panoramic view of the Himalayan range. From the main town, a short visit
to Namobuddha, with stupa and Buddhist Monastery is highly recommended site
to visit. Panauti, a village noted for its numerous temple with magnificent
woodcarving, is a short distance from Dhulikhel
Muktinath & Jomsom
It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relieved once you visit this
temple (Mukti=Nirvana, Nath=God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies
in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18km northeast of Jomsom
at an altitude of about 3,749m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple
dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it is 108 waterspouts
from which pour holy water. The temple is situated on a high mountain range
and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath
from Kathmandu. Either take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to
jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours via Kagbeni or trek all the way from Pokhara
which takes 7-8 days. It is believed that one should visit this temple after
competing pilgrimages of four Dhams in India. This temple is held sacred
by Hindus as well as Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring
and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. Jomsom is a major center
in the Annapurna region. There is a world-class accommodation facilities
in Jomsom from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty
Gorkha
Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah the great, the founder
of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya
is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive
temples of Gorakhanth and Kali inside the place precinct. Gorkha can be
reached in about six hours by road from Kathmandu and four hours from Pokhara.
A side trip to Manakamana temple , on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable
and interesting. The Nepalese believe that MANAKAMANA Goddess fulfills the
wishes of all people and that's one reason why the temple is visited by
the tourist and the locals all through the year......WHY NOT TRY.
Nepal - The Buddhist Hotspot, Reservation Form
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