Pokhara
Pokhara, known as the second city of Nepal, is
situated in the western part of Nepal. Popular
for various kinds of scenery, you can see the
whole Annapurna range, three lakes (Phewa,
Begnas and Rupa), caves and gorges. The local
people with their Hindu temples and Buddhist
monasteries will keep you fascinated.
Lumbini
Lumbini situated south west of Nepal. Lumbini is
the hallowed birthplace of Buddha. The Buddha
The main attraction at Lumbini is the sacred
Garden that is spread over 8 sq km and possess
all the treasures of the historic area. The
Mayadevi temple, currently under renovation, is
the main attraction for pilgrims and
archeologist alike. This is where we find a bass
relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother, giving
birth to him as two Hindus gods shower him with
lotus petals and holy water. Shakyamuni Buddha
was born in Lumbini, in Southern Nepal, twenty
five hundred years ago. Lumbini has a holy
ground for Buddhist all over the world. A large
stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor
Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the
birth of the Buddha. An important part of
Lumbini is the temple of Mayadevi giving birth
to the lord Buddha, as she holds into a branch.
It has been well worn by the strokes of the
barren women hoping for fertility. To the south
of the temple there is a pool where queen
Mayadevi is said to have bathed and also to her
son for his purification. A quiet garden, shaded
by the leafy 30 trees (the type of under which
Buddha received enlightment) and newly planted
forest near by lord an air of tranquility which
bespeaks Buddhas teachings.
An important archeological site near Lumbini,
Kapilvastu evokes the ancient place where the
lord Buddha spent his formative years. Scattered
foundations of the palace are abundant and
archaeologists have by now discovered 13
successive layers of human habitation dating
back to the eight century BC. Besides its
religious and historical significance, Lumbini
offers culture insights in to the villager of
life of southern Nepal.
Gorkha
Gorkha is situated in the western part of Nepal.
The main attraction in Gorkha is the16th century
royal palace. Also of interest is the temple of
the most powerful and popular god, Kalika. This
is decorated with ancient art and architecture.
Three mountains ranges, the Manasalu, Annapurna
and Ganesh Himal which include more than 40
mountains, surround the area. Here you can see
the culture of the western ethnic groups
Chitwan
Chitwan is another interesting place to visit
due to the Royal Chitwan National Park (where
one can see a wide variety of wild animals,
including Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned
rhinos, among others. The area is also famous
for bird watching. It is easier to reach the
site by air and by road.
Resorts and lodges are available to suit one's
budget both in and outside the national park.
One can experience jungle safaris, elephant
ride, canoeing and cultural programs during the
stay in Chitwan. |