PATAN

Patan is the historic place to visit. It is separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati River. Patan has a long Buddhist History. The town is full of Bahals (Buddhist Monasteries) which are the supreme peace of art and architecture. Majority of people living there are Newars. The great places to visit in Patan are as follows:

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
Patan Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of Patan city, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Durbar Square forms the heart of Patan. The Square and its surroundings provide very good example of ancient Newari architecture. The palace has three main courtyards the central and the oldest is Mul Chowk. To the west of the complex are a dozen free standing temples of various sizes and styles. Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira and Sundari Chowk mark the architectural excellence of its era. The Sundari Chowk with the sunken bath of Tusha Hiti, contains exquisite woodcarvings, stone, and metal sculpture. Patan Durbar Square also houses a temple of Taleju Bhawani. Patan museum is also important place to visit. The main feature of the museum is an outstanding collection of cast bronze and gilt copper work, mostly of Hindu and Buddhist deities. The chowk has been superbly renovated and houses one of the subcontinents finest museums.

MAHABOUDDHA
Mahabouddha can be reached by walking about 15 minutes east from the southern end of Durbar Square and then turning right at the sunken water taps. This Buddhist monument is an excellent example of terra cotta art form which points to the skill of Patan’s ancient craftsmen with a variety of building styles. The main attraction about this shikhar style monument is thousands of Buddhas placed in its walls. Environment is peaceful and enjoyable.

OKU BAHAL (RUDRA VARNA MAHAVIHAR)
Oku Bahal is near to Mahabouddha and is one of the best known Buddhist places of worship in Patan. The stone-paved courtyard is enclosed by a two-story building with gilded roofs. The wood-carvings on the roof struts are especially attractive. The place is peppered with sacred images and other small shrines. There are dorjes (thunderbolt symbols of Buddhist power), bells, peacocks,,elephants, Garudas, rampant goats, kneeling devotees and many more to observe.

THE CENTRAL ZOO
The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel is a pleasant diversion after a tour of the cultural sights. The only zoo in Nepal, was first established in 1932 by a Rana Prime Minister as a private zoo and later opened to public in 1956. It is the collection of Nepali Wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, leopards, monkeys and many species of birds, large aquarium with the collection of different fishes and many endangered wild animals. You can enjoy zoo by paddling the boat there. The zoo is open daily except Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm.