Patan

Patan was once a fiercely independent, and is now almost a suburb of Kathmandu separated by the murky Bagmati River. The city is known for its rich tradition of arts and handicrafts, and many locals still call the city by its original name of Lalitpur (city of beauty). Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. Even after the 2015 earthquake, Patan remains the finest collection of temples and palaces in the whole of Nepal.

Attractions
The major attraction of Patan is the Golden Temple which was built in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Verma, and is located just in the north of Durbar square. This three-roof Buddhist monastery is adorned with a golden facade, four large gateways, a clock tower, and two lion sculptures. Inside are golden images of Buddha, wall carvings, and a prayer wheel.

Another famous temple here is the Machhindranath Temple, which is dedicated to the God of rain and plenty. The temple has four doorways with intricate carvings, and each door is adorned with the figures of lions, and statues of a variety of animals atop its pillars. This temple is the site of the Rato Machhindranath celebrations, which include a parade with a temple chariot and end in a nearby village called Bungamati.

Another major attraction is the Mahaboudha Temple, which is locatrd just east of Durbar Square. Made of terracotta tiles, this 'Temple of the Thousand Buddha' is modeled after the temple of the same name in Bodhgaya, India, where Buddha is said to have reached enlightenment.

The Jagat Narayan Temple, located at Sankhamul, on the banks of the Bagmati, is another major attraction of Patan. The temple is a tall red brick building with many fine stone and metal statues, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Offering a peek into the bygone era, The Durbar Square Central will take you back into times of the royals. It is a popular place among the tourists, and is well known for the ancient Royal Palace, which faces next to the square.

Best time to visit Patan
The best time to visit Patan is from October to April. The Rani ka vav festival is held in the month of January and December and is a delightful sight.