Patan, also called Lalitpur is “the City of Artists”. Second city of the Kathmandu Valley with 250 000 people, Patan is famous for its colourful paintings called Tangkas.
The limits of the city are marked with four pillars situated at the four cardinal points. These columns were erected in 250 BC by the Indian Emperor Ashokan.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF PATAN:
Patan Durbar Square
In the 15th century, the Kathmandu Valley is divided into three distinct kingdoms: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Each kingdom compete with others by building beautiful palaces, courts and temples. Today, these places are called Durbar Square.
The Patan Durbar Square is registered as a World Site Heritage by UNESCO.
Old Royal Palace
The Old Royal Palace is the main attraction of Patan Durbar Square. It has been restored few times following an important earthquake in 1934 which destroyed a part of it. The Palace is composed of three courtyards also called chowks. The first courtyard, Keshav Narayan Chowk, has been transformed into a museum and a restaurant. The central courtyard is Mul Chowk. It hosts the Taleju Temple and this is there that happen animal sacrifices for Dashain Festival. Finally, the last courtyard is Sundari Chowk. Closed to the general public, it hosts the Old Royal Bath.
Krishnamandir
Krishnamandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple was the first temple to be totally carved in the stone. It is typical of the Shikara architecture which is different than the Pagoda architecture. It is made of 21 shrines.
Malla Column
Front to the Old Royal Palace is a pillar at the top of which the former King of Patan, Yoganarendra Malla, is sitting and praying. Upon the King is a cobra, the symbol of protection. And on the serpent's head is a small bird. The legend says that the people of Patan believe that for how long the bird stays here, the King is not dead, he is somewhere, watching over the city. When the bird will fly away, the King will die.
Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a two pagodas temple with extremely fine woodcarvings where the curious can see the 14 positions of Kamasutra.
Bhimsen Temple
Bhimsen was a hero of the Mahabharata and was said to be made of surnatural strength. People come to this temple to pray and find the strength to overcome obstacles of life.
Big Bell
The Big Bell is a bell who rang and gathered people in order to announce events.
Entry Fee: Rs. 200
Khumbeshwor Temple
Kumbeshwor Temple in Patan and Nyatapola Temple in Bhaktapur are the only five pagodas temples in the country. Here, pilgrims come to pray for a happy married life and the ones who are single to find a good husband or a good wife.
Golden Temple
A little further from Patan Durbar Square lies the Golden Temple. It is very interesting to visit this place as it is specific to the Newari Community who practice both hinduism and buddhism.
Entry Fee: Rs. 50
Mahabouddha
Mahabouddha is a Buddhist temple made of terracotta in which thousands of image of Lord Buddha are engraved. For this reason, it is also called the "Thousand Buddhas Temple". The structure is a 14th century Nepalese architectural masterpiece.
Entry Fee: Rs. 50
Jawalakhel Handicraft
This carpet factory is managed by the Tibetan Refugee Camp of Patan and is a place where one can see the entire process of spinning, dyeing and weaving Tibetan design wool carpets. The center also has a well-shocked show room for carpet purchasing.
