|
Bhaktapur Travel
Guide
Bhaktapur
is in many ways the most medieval of the three major cities in the
Kathmandu valley. Much of its glorious architecture dates from the
end of the 17th century. The city is famous for its pagoda-style
architecture. Tourists are more often attracted to the Hindu
temples, pottery crafts, colourful markets and lively people of
Bhaktapur.
Places to Visit
Durbar Square
As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner
harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the spacial layout
here. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, situated to the left as
you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National
Art Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden
Gate, is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace
building is a medley of temples of various designs. There is an
entrance fee of Rs. 30 for SAARC nationals and Rs. 500 for other
foreign visitors.
Taumadhi Square
It lies to the east of Durbar Square reached by a narrow brick-paved
lane. The towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple presides over the
square. The monument gracefully soars into the sky atop a five-story
plinth. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone
figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful
than the one immediately below.
Dattatreya Square
It takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a
three-headed combination of the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and
Shiva. If you want to experience the feel of the traditional urban
layout of Bhaktapur, Dattatreya Square is it. Set in a maze of
streets lined with richly ornamented houses, the square is famed for
its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The National
Woodworking Museum is also housed here. The Brass and Bronze Museum
is across the street.
Potter’s Square
A two-minute walk south of Durbar Square brings you to Bolachhen,
also known as Potter’s Square because of the many potters seen here
moulding wet clay into different kinds of earthen ware. It has a
display of fresh pottery left out to dry in the open square. This
place can be approached from Taumadhi Square also. The
elephant-headed Lord Ganesh is the patron of potters, thus the Jeth
Ganesh temple in the square.
Siddha Pukhu
Siddha Pukhu, a pond dating back to the Lichhavi period, is better
known as Ta-Pukhu, meaning big pond. Though situated right at the
bus stop, it provides a serene atmosphere with its sashaying fish
and the stone images of different Hindu and Buddhist gods.
Surya Binayak
Surya Binayak is one of Kathmandu’s most popular pilgrimage spots.
Situated in a thick forest to the south of Bhaktapur, it is a
20-minute walk from the trolley bus terminal. The temple, dedicated
to the Hindu deity Ganesh, is crowded with devotees especially on
Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Source:
nepal.saarctourism.org
Things
To Do and See in Bhaktapur
Taleju Temple, Bhaktapur
Attraction type: Religious site
National Art Gallery, Bhaktapur
Attraction type: Art museum
Pujari Math, Bhaktapur
Attraction type: Architectural building
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur
Attraction type: Religious site
Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza
You may
also be interested in...
-
Traveler Reviews of
Bhaktapur
-
Top10 Tourist
Attractions in Nepal - Photo Gallery & Map
-
Unbiased Hotel Reviews, Photos
and Travel Advice
|
>