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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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