Tourist Attractions in Patan, Nepal
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace can be found in Durbar Square and was constructed some time in the late 17th century. During the 18th century, Gorkhas launched many raids that caused significant damage to the palace. In 1934, earthquakes again caused significant damage to the structure. However, each time it was destroyed, it was rebuilt, and it today stands in splendour for the admiration of the tourists. Each of the three main wings of the palace, which are known as Sundari Chowk, Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk, and Mul Chowk, is distinguished by a certain set of characteristics. You may also go through the many stunning temples that are located inside the palace.
Patan Museum
The Patan Museum may be found in the most northern part of the Patan Palace complex. During the 17th century, King Yoganarendra Malla made this edifice his personal residence in his role as the ruler of Nepal. The museum has an extensive permanent collection that includes a variety of sculptures, wood carvings, bronze artefacts, photos, and photographs, as well as a golden throne. Every single one of the exhibits has been described in exquisite detail in English. You may pick up a variety of showpieces, mementos, and other products at the museum’s gift shop, which is conveniently located next to the building’s main entrance.
Golden Temple
The Golden Temple of Patan, also known as Hiranyavarna Mahavihara, can be found to the north of Durbar Square in Patan. It was constructed as a pagoda with three levels and is a component of the Kwa Bahal Buddhist Newar Monastery, which dates back to the 12th century. The early morning is the finest time to visit the temple since that is when the priests and people are offering their morning prayers. In the main place of worship there is a stunning statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. There are depictions of Buddhas and Taras on the front. In the centre of the courtyard is a little shrine that has been magnificently ornamented. Within the shrine is a gilded Swayambhu Chitya.
Kumbeshwar Temple
Patan is home to the Kumbeshwar Temple, which has the distinction of being the city’s most ancient religious structure. The temple was originally constructed in the 14th century. The original pagoda, which is now a freestanding structure with five stories, only had two roofs; later on, three additional levels were built. In addition to a Shivalinga made of stone, this temple also has a Shivalinga made of brass. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Within the larger complex of the temple is a little shrine dedicated to the goddess Bagalamukhi.
Ibaha Bahi
Ibaha Bahi Ibaha Bahi Monastery of Patan sits south of Durbar Square. It is the town’s second-oldest monastery and the oldest one still in use. The history of the monastery may be traced all the way back to the 15th century. This structure had some much-needed and extensive renovations a few years ago, and the Nippon Institute was happy to contribute financially toward those efforts. Both a Buddhist centre and a school are housed inside this structure at the present time.
Mahabuddha
In the Oku Bahal neighbourhood of Patan is where you’ll find the Mahabuddha, also known as the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas. The architecture of the temple is quite similar to that of the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, which is located in India. It is famous for the Buddha images that are imprinted on terracotta tiles. An individual who practised meditation at this location for a significant amount of time was likely the architect and builder of the temple, which dates back to the 17th century. The earthquake that struck in 1934 caused significant damage to the temple, but it was eventually brought back to its former splendour after a few years had passed.
Machhendranath Temple
The Machhendranath Temple can be found in the Ta Bahal complex of Patan, which is located a few hundred metres south of Durbar Square. Bricks were used to construct this massive pagoda, which has been around since the 17th century. The temple is well-known for the sandalwood statue of Rato Machhendranath that it houses within. This statue is washed in Lagankhel Square in Patan during the month of April, which is when the Machhendranath Raath Jaatya Festival is being held across the Kathmandu valley. During the following several days, in addition to the rituals already mentioned, further ceremonies will be carried out until the idol is eventually brought back to the temple.
Patan Industrial Estate
The handicraft industry showrooms have made Patan Industrial Estate famous in recent years. The location is in close proximity to the Southern Stupa. In the course of the estate’s guided tours, visitors will get a look at the many processes that go into the creation of the stunning Nepalese handicrafts. Observing artisans engaged in activities like as woodcarving, metalsmithing, rug-weaving, and thangka-painting is an enjoyable pastime. There are a lot of businesses and shops in this area, and many of them offer lovely shawls, jewels, thangka paintings, and other items at prices that are affordable.
Ashokan Stupas
The oldest of the Ashokan Stupas in Patan date back to the year 250 BC and may be seen in four distinct locations within the city. King Ashoka commissioned the construction of these stupas with the intention of spreading Buddhism over the globe. The Bahai Thura stupa, the Tetta Thura Stupa stupa, the Pulchowk Thura stupa, and the Lagan Thura stupa are the names given to these structures, and they can be found at the respective northern, eastern, western, and southern corners of Patan. The northern stupa is the one that has been kept the best out of the four stupas. It contains 13 steps, each of which represents one of the 13 stages on the path to enlightenment. The smallest of the four structures that make up the complex, Lagan Thura is still the largest stupa.
