Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is located on the south of Bagmati River and it is one amongst the three royal cities in Kathmandu valley. It is also the oldest among the three cities. Patan Durbar Square has been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, Patan is home to fine arts. The splendid woodcarvings and metal statues speak stories of the skills of artisans. Considered to be established during the 3rd century BC, Patan is a cultural center where many festivals are celebrated every year. Four Ashoka Stupas built in four cardinal points of Patan are considered very important architectural treasures of the land. The Stupas are said to be built by Emperor Ashoka during 250 BC. Temples, palaces, statues and stone baths are some of the constructions found in Patan Durbar Square. Given below are some of the famous places in Patan Durbar Square.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: Also referred to as the Golden Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar was built by King Bhaskar Verma during 12th century. The golden façade of the three-storied Pagoda looks stunningly beautiful. Buddha’s golden images and wall carvings are found inside the temple.
Patan Museum: Patan Museum ranks among the best museums in the Asian continent. The museum is situated in an ancient palace, which dates back to 1734. The collections in the museum depict the rich cultural history of Nepal. Most of the collections are bronze statues and gilt copper objects. The garden adjacent to the museum offers a pleasant sight and a peaceful resting place.
Patan Zoo: Nepal’s only Zoo, Patan Zoo, was established in the year 1932. Initially a private zoo, the year 1956 saw the zoo opened to public. The zoo is home to more than 700 species of animals, which include 14 endangered animals in Nepal. The pond in the zoo offers boating facilities.
Godavari Botanical Garden: Godavari Botanical Garden is situated on the southern side of Patan Durbar Square. The garden has a wide range of plants and the dense forest offers great scope for bird watching and hiking. It is also a famous picnic spot.
Kumbeshwor Temple: Kumbeshwor Temple is one among the two 5-tier temples in Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple dates back to 1391 and it was initially a two-tiered construction. The natural spring inside the temple is considered to come from the famous Gosainkunda Lake.
It is also famously called as Basantapur Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. Located in front of Kathmandu’s royal palace, this spectacular Durbar Square reflects the artistry that prevailed in the past. Kathmandu Durbar Square houses palaces and ancient temples that belong to the periods between 12th and 18th centuries. The cultural spirit of Nepal centers in Kathmandu Valley and hence Kathmandu Durbar Square gains more prominence. It consists of two divisions, which are referred to as outer complex and inner complex. The outer complex has famous temples namely Taleju Temple, Jagannath Temple, Shiv-Parvati Temple, Big Bell and Kumari Bahal. The inner complex has old palace, courtyards, Basantapur Durbar, Hanuman Dhoka and other structures.
The palace in the complex was the residence of the Nepalese Royal family until 19th century and coronation of kings took place here. The temples representing Hindu and Buddhist faiths are constructed in pagoda style. The stunning architecture involved in the construction of temples and palaces in Kathmandu Durbar Square makes the place one of the most frequented tourist destinations. No wonder, Kathmandu Durbar Square ranks amongst the eight Cultural World Heritage sites. Some of the important places in Kathmandu Durbar Square are:
Taleju Temple: The first three-tired temple of the land, Taleju Temple, is considered an important religious site by followers of Hinduism and Jainism. Legend goes that Goddess Taleju had appeared before the king in the form of bee to advice that the temple be built resembling the design of yantra.
Jagannath Temple: Jagannath Temple was initially dedicated to Lord Vishnu and later it was re-dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple is a fine example of architectural splendor of the past. Exquisite carvings on the doors and windows are an inspiration to any artistic mind.
Shiv-Parvati Temple: It is one of the famous temples in Kathmandu Square Durbar. Dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, the temple is believed to be reconstructed later.
Kumari Bahal: Kumari Bahal is the abode of Living Goddess. Built in the year 1757, it resembles a monastery. A girl chosen to be living goddess of the town lives in the place until she reaches puberty after which she returns to her normal life.
Bhandarkal: Bhandarkal is yet another attraction in Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is a botanical garden established by King Pratap Mall during 17th century. The garden earns its name after a palace that houses the statue of Jalashayana Narayan, the Sleeping Vishnu. With wide range of fauna, Bhandarkal is haven for nature lovers.
Antiparos
Antiparos may be a little island within the southern Aegean that’s approachable by a brief ferry ride from the close island of Paros. The city district section of the most town, additionally calledAntiparos, is pretty touristed therefore travelers searching for a a lot of authentic expertise square measure advocate to run through it to the quiet village that lies on the far side. town itself wasengineered around a fifteenth century Venetian castle, The oldest prehistoric village within theCyclades is found in close Saliagos. Spelunkers can notice the oldest stalagmites in Europe in a verycave close to Aylos Ionnis Hill. tho’ there square measure a lot of lovely Cycladic islands, Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Pierce Brosnan different other celebrated individuals appreciate Antiparos enough to possess a villa on the island.
Delos
Delos, an island within the central Cyclades, is one in every of the foremostnecessary mythological, historical and archaeologic centers in Balkan state. it’s the house of twinsGreek deity and Greek deity in Greek mythology. Plus, early inhabitants is derived back to the third century BC. The island’s prime sights embody the Sacred Harbor, currently a dry lake; the Terrace of the Lions, dedicated to Greek deity by Naxos in 600 BC, and therefore the House of Dionysius the Elder, a luxury personal home inbuilt the second century. but twp dpzem individuals live here. The island is accessibly by daily ferry from Mykonos, except weekday, as a result of the archeologic site is closed that day.
Milos
Milos lies between Ellas and Crete, and is understood as a colourful island thanks to its volcanic beginnings. It is, however, most known as being the place wherever the sculpture of Venus was found; the sculpture is currently on show at the Louvre in Paris. This horseshoe-shaped island couldsolely have regarding five,000 residents, however it will have over 70 beaches. Ocean waters vary from blue to violet, depart by white and pink rocks, additionally tributary to the colours of the island. April and May are considered the best times to visit because of the blooming vegetation.
Ios
Ios is a hilly island with cliffs descending to the sea. During the summer months, it’s known as a party island where revelers dance the nights away in clubs in Chora, the main town and port city, where white-washed houses climb the hillside. But it also has picture postcard views of stunning scenery. Visitors rank its golden sand beaches as the top tourist attraction, but the tomb of Homer, who wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey, also is a popular draw. Skarkos is a good place to see excavated prehistoric ruins.
Tinos
Tinos, the name for each the island and its main town, can be delineated as ecumenical, because itis vital to the Catholic Church and Catholic religions. Greek pilgrims come back here doubly annually to wish at the church of Panagia Megalochari or Virgin Mary. The island conjointly has forty ancient villages,fantastic beaches and is home to several illustrious Greek artists, particularly marble sculptors who live largely around Pyrgos. Timos has 3 ports serving speed boats and ferries; villages on the island are joined by bus. The island has concerning eighty windmills furthermore as picturesque villages rise the mountainsides.
Naxos
Naxos, the biggest of the Cyclades islands, figures conspicuously in Greek mythology and conjointly was invaded within the Crusades throughout the centerAges. Some locals still wear ancient vesture on this island that’s each mountains and inexperiencedvalleys. The capital is Naxos town, conjointly called Chora, that is near many beaches, as well assome that permit nude sunbathing. Walking through the previous space of Chora ranks high on travelers’ must-do lists Another favorite is that the Portara, associate entryway that is still of a Greek temple to Apollo; sunset is that the best time to go to the temple.
Paros
Paros is one in every of the foremost picturesque of the Greek isles with its charming previouscities of cobble streets, painted buildings and spirited vines of bougainvilleas. attributable to itsseveral convenient ferry connections, Paros makes an excellent base if you wish to go to alternative islands within the Cyclades. If you’re craving for a beautiful nightlife scene, you may be spoiled for selection on this Cycladic island because it offers several places that feature a large vary of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The beaches on Paros square measure plentiful yet, starting from the quiet and remote to the additional huddled wherever windsurfing competitions are oft hosted
Mykonos
One of the smallest of the Cyclades islands, Mykonos features two primary towns, Mykonos Town and Ano Mera. Embellished with charming whitewashed buildings and winding lanes, Mykonos Town pulses with lively shopping boutiques, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and stylish bars. Sites not to miss here include the 16th century windmills, the stunning Byzantine church, Panagia Paraportiani, and the romantic seaside district of Little Venice. Like most of the Greek islands, Mykonos boasts beautiful beaches. Tourists will find tavernas, restaurants, beach umbrellas and deck chairs on most of the beaches here.
Images by , Francisco Aragão, Herry Photos, Butch Osborne under CC License.
Koufonisia
Located between Naxos and Amorgos, Koufonisia is a small group of two islets: Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi. The two islands are separated by a narrow 200 meter (650 feet) wide strait. Pano Koufonissi is the only one that is inhabited and has all the tourist facilities. Kato Koufonisia has some beautiful beaches and a lovely church. Koufonisia is a great place to go walking and cycling or to enjoy one of its many fantastic beaches.
Folegandros
Folegandros is a small island on the southern edge of the Cyclades with the Sea of Crete to its south. The landscape on the island is varied, and includes tall cliffs and a large cave. The capital of the island, Chora, is built on the edge of a 200 meter (650 feet) high cliff. Boats dock at the little harbour of Karavostasis, on the east coast. There are several good beaches, but many of them can only be reached on foot.
Amorgos
The easternmost island of the Cyclades group, Amorgos is just 30 km (19 miles) in length but reaches over 800 meters (2600 feet) at its highest point. It is one of the most impressive islands in the archipelago, boasting good beaches, beautiful caves, ideal spots for diving, scenic bays and ancient footpaths leading through its steep rocky terrain. Its beauty inspired the filmmaker Luc Besson to shoot scenes of the 1988 movie “The Big Blue” in the beach of Agia Anna. Amorgos has two ports, Aegiali and Katapola while the enchanting town of Hora lies amid a rocky landscape high above Katapola.
Syros
One of the smallest islands of the Cyclades and relatively rural outside of the capital Ermoupolis, Syros is a beautiful island off the normal tourist track. Despite its size it has the highest population in the Cyclades since Ermoupolis is the legal and administrative center of the archipelago. It’s a great place to experience authentic Greek island culture.
Andros
Andros is the second largest and most northern of the islands in the Cyclades archipelago. The capital, Hora, is a photographer’s dream, with Aegean waters splashing on to the colorful houses that line the shore. The city is a base for famous Greek ship owners and captains. Outside the city, travelers will find sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, hiking trails up the mountains and a Frankish castle left over from the 13th century. Several island towns date back to prehistoric times, with ruins still visible. Olive oil lovers might want to take in the Olive Museum at Ano Pitrofos.
The Cyclades, south of Balkan nation, are thought of variety of the foremost beautiful islands among the planet. Mountains, white movement villages and black and golden sand beachescombine to create the islands image postcard-perfect. The Cyclades, so named thanks to the archipelago’s islands square measure discovered throughout a circle Delos, in addition via very important roles in mythology. they are an honest play to solely relax on a beach, go hiking among the mountains or tour prehistoric ruins. Since the full world have discovered the Cyclades Islands, they need an inclination to be very crowded with guests,significantly in high summer. but the bulk feel the islands attractions are price putt up with the crowds.
Anafi
Anafi is also a quiet, unspoiled island placed near Santorini. as a results of its small size and few inhabitants, Anafi remains a pure island, untouched by mass tourism in contrast to most of the other islands within the Cyclades. it’s only one village and numerous crystal beaches. A visit to Anafi provides all the privacy and relaxation some tourists may well be yearning for. In season, theresquare measure daily connections from Santorini and a minimum of one every two days in low and middle season.
Kimolos
Although it’s placed very close to the favored island of Milos, Kimolos island maintains its pure nature and a peaceful ambiance. The boats dock at Psathi, from where it’s 1.5 kilometer to the attractive capital of Chorio, the only real village on the island, Chorio offers a step back in time with its made-up slender streets and abandoned stone homes, though terribly by very little the recent buildings are being restored, and new ones are appearing.
Kythnos
Kythnos is generally an agricultural island with inexperienced valleys and lots of unspoiledbeaches. The island has 2 main settlements, the village of Messaria, identified regionally as Chora,and therefore the village of Dryopida, additionally called Chorio. each villages are notable for his or her winding and sometimes stepped streets, too slender for vehicle traffic. The villages square measure terribly picturesque however in numerous discipline designs. Chora has the more-typical flat roofs of the Cyclades, whereas Dryopida’s rooftops are slanted and covered.
Serifos
Serifos may be a tiny island wherever tourism is simply commencing to extremely develop. Its main attractions are some glorious beaches, and therefore the unspoiled top capital of Hora with its painted buildings. tho’ tiny, Hora has most of the services a individual needs, as well as hotels and restaurants and a minimum of one bank and market. Smaller villages are scattered round the remainder of the island.
Sifnos
Inhabited since early times, Sifnos’ main claim to fame at intervals the traditional world was for its gold and silver mines, some remains of that also exist. nowadays Sifnos is believed as a typical Cycladic island, with ancient white-washed style, pretty beaches, sea-coast taverns and low hills. the foremost common beaches are settled on the southern side of Sifnos and have crystal water, soft sand and much of tourism facilities. Kastro is that the foremost picturesque village in Sifnos, with slender made-up streets, stone homes and nice ocean views.
Image by Francisco Aragão, Herry Photos, Butch Osborne under CC License.