Kathmandu is a small city founded around AD 723 as Manju-Patan. In the days of the Malla Kingdom, it was known as Kantipur and was in the same rank as Patan and Bhaktpur. King Prithvi Narayan Shah was the man who made Kathmandu his capital in the 18th century and it never looked back after that. The opening of the country around 40 years back led to tremendous growth of tourism in the valley and the capital became a Mecca for trekkers, heaven for hippies, and a thriving cosmopolitan city.
Kathmandu Facts:
• Area 29.124 sq. km
• Population 421,258
• Altitude 1,350 metres above sea level
• Languages Nepali, Newari, and English
• Best time to visit October to March
• STD Code 01
Tourist Attractions in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Bharatpur, and Patan are three different cities not far from each other and each having their distinct architectural and cultural value. Kathmandu has four World Heritage sites, namely, Durbar Square, Swaymbhu Nath, Boudh Nath, and Pashupati Nath Temple. Patan is a spiritual city with Durbar Square in the centre and many stupas, shikharas, and temples. Bhaktpur is again a royal city where most of the attractions revolve around Durbar Square and the Palace of 55 Windows.
Tourist Attractions around Kathmandu
Nepal is an exotic country and a place for the brave hearted. Trekking, river rafting, and mountaineering options are astonishing and unparalleled. The Himalayas has blessed the country with some of the most beautiful sites in the world. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Janakpur is considered the birthplace of Sita, wife of Lord Rama. Most of the places are in the vicinity of Kathmandu, which is connected by road and air to India.
|
