Lalitpur is also known as Patan. According to Nepalese history, Lalitpur is thought to have been founded by the Kirant dynasty. The third century was extended by the Licchavis, and then further expanded by the Malla dynasty. It is considered to be one of the oldest Buddhist cities. There are four little, historic stupas that resemble the four corners of Patan.
Lalitpur is recognized as an artistic and handicraft-rich region. This location is still quite intriguing and has a lot more to offer. The Durbar Square was built somewhere in the third century, during the Licchavi era. It served as the royal palace of the Malla kings who governed Patan for a number of centuries. However, during the 13th and 18th centuries, the Malla kings constructed the majority of the temples, structures, and monasteries. The Patan Durbar Square’s floor has been beautifully tiled with red bricks since ancient times. It is also one of the most photogenic spots.
Places to roam around Patan
- Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is situated at the center of Lalitpur city. A large collection of antique wood and metal carved artwork, art and architecture can be found in Patan Durbar Square. There are several spots to sit and unwind in the Durbar square area.
- Chyasin Dewal
Consider this to be the Patan Durbar Square landmark. A temple with a Lord Krishna deity on it that was constructed in the 1630s by King Siddhi Narasimha. It is built on an eight-sided shikhara-style temple made from stone which reflects art and architecture from the Malla era.
- Taleju Bhawani Mandir
Designed and constructed in honor of the female royal deity of Kings Malla during the reign of King Shree Niwas Malla. This temple is situated at Mul chowk of the royal residence. It is also the largest monument in the area.
- Bhimsen Temple
Bhimsen was known to be brave and strong from ancient times and is worshiped as the god of business and trade in Newari culture. The giant lion pillar is placed on the opposite side of Bhimsen Temple, facing it. It is also known as the “three interlinked golden windows” among tourists.
- Taleju Bell
It is situated to the north of Krishna Mandir. It is said to be the warning beacon for the king against the grievance or invaders installed by King Vishnu Malla in 1736. This bell is a sign of the deity Taleju, who used it to secure Durbar and its surroundings.
- Hiranya Varna Mahavihar(Golden Temple)
Newari Buddhist monastery; this place came to fame as the Golden Temple by its visitors due to its golden appearance. There are different myths related to its construction as well as its child priest. This place has both Hindu and Buddhist cultural significance. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Patan.
- Hari Shankar Mandir
Hari Shankar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated half to Lord Vishnu and a half to Lord Shiva. It was constructed by the sister of King Yoga Narendra Malla. The three-tier pagoda-style architecture was newly renovated after the earthquake of 2015. The temple with the best lighting can be seen at night, which has attracted more visitors. The building’s roof structure is covered in carvings representing the agony of the condemned in different hells.
- Krishna Mandir
A three-story temple built in northern Indian Shikhara style, on which the 1st level is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the main deity of this temple, the 2nd story is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the 3rd to Lord Avalokiteshvara. It is believed to have been built in the 17th century at the same place where King Siddhi Narsing Malla saw gods Krishna and Radha standing in front of the palace in a dream. A golden garuda on a pillar faces this temple. It is also most famous for having the finest stone carvings in Nepal.
- Vishwanath Mandir
Keyword: Vishwanath, where “Vishwa” means the world and “Nath” means lord, that is, “lord of the world.” A large stone Shivalinga is also enshrined inside the temple, with the characteristic Nandi facing it, and at one side of this temple, two impressive statues of elephants and their mahout can be seen at the door. This Pagoda-style temple is enriched with the finest wood crafting details. This temple is devoted to the god Shiva.
- Mahaboudha Mandir
This temple dates back to 1585 and is believed to have been built on the recommendation of a priest who was inspired by the Mahabodhi temple of India with the permission of the king on the site of Durbar Square. Its unique appearance makes it quite popular among tourists. There are up to 9000 Buddha images engraved on the wall.
- Patan Museum
Patan Museum was also a royal residence of the late Malla kings. Museum sections are well maintained and managed. The museum has a large collection of cast bronze and gilt copper repose work from different eras. Nepal is the foundation of Buddhism. Some of the most priceless Buddha idols are well preserved and are only available in this museum; they are not available anywhere else in the world. It is a must-visit place in Patan where you can spend hours peeking into the old times of Nepal’s history. The museum also has a beautiful Bhandarkhal water tank and garden at the back.
- Central Zoo
Central Zoo, which was established as a private zoo in 1932 by the late Rana Prime Minister and lies approximately 2 km further away from the premises of Patan Durbar Square, has taken care of more than 100 species operated by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. There are more than 800 animals, which you can see live, and there’s also a preserved space for boating that is accessible to all visitors.
- Patan Dhoka
It is the main entrance to Patan, which is also the representation of culture and history. This gate is believed to have been built during the medieval period. God and goddess portraits painted during the Malla era showcase the Nepali culture’s artistic talent.
- Kumbheshwar Mandir
One of two five-tiered pagoda-style temples in Nepal, which is devoted to Lord Shiva Although the temple’s history dates back to a relic There are two ponds on the temple premises, and it is believed that the water in these ponds is directly drawn from the sacred lake of Gosainkunda.
- Pimbahal Pokhari
It is believed that this pond was built by Lakhes (the demon). This pond was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1943, was restored to its original look in 2017, and is a well-known pond in Lalitpur. This pond has many myths surrounding its origin. This place has become a popular place to hang out with friends because its surroundings have many cafes and restaurants. On the northern side of the pond, there is Chandeswari Temple, which dates back to 1663, and at the side of the pond, there is a stupa, which was destroyed by Muslim invaders in 1357.
- Sundari chowk
The smallest of the three courtyards is Sundari Chowk. Additionally, it is the first one to arrive from the Durbar Square south side. Hanuman, Ganesh, and Nara Singha sculptures stand to watch at the entrance to this courtyard. Tusha Hiti, a skillfully carved sunken water tank, is located in the middle of this area.
- Keshav Narayan Chowk
The name of the chowk is derived from the Keshav Narayan Temple, which is located in the center of the chowk. It is the youngest of the three courtyards. The newest and most stunning of the three courtyards is entered through a magnificent golden gate. The Patan Museum is also located within the boundaries of this yard.
- Mul chowk
Between Sundari and Keshav Narayan Chowk lies the center courtyard known as Mul Chowk. Among the three, this courtyard houses Taleju temples and is the largest and oldest courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard is the Vidhya temple. Taleju Temple is the main attraction of this place.
