Lalitpur

Lalitpur/Patan
Location: Bagmati Zone/Central Development Region
Headquarter: Patan
Area: 385km2
Locals: Newars, Brahmins, Chhetris
Language Spoken: Newari (Nepal Bhasa), Nepali

Connectivity:
Roadways:  5 kms south-east of Kathmandu
Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport is at a distance of 5 kms

Attractions:
    Natural Heritages
1.Phulchowki, the highest hill in Kathmandu Valley is very popular site for amazing view of Himalayan Range

Cultural/Religious Heritages
1.Patan Durbar Square(Palace of Ancient Malla Kings) has been listed as World Heritage Site
2.Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavir), built in the 12th Century  is located to the north of Durbar Square
3.Rato(Red) Machhindranath Temple is dedicated to the god of rain and plenty is just outside the Patan Marketplace
4.Kumbheswor temple hosts an annual pilgrimage of Hindus during the Janai Purnima day in July/August
5.Four Ashoka Stupas, marking the four corners of Patan, are symbolic of the Buddhist Wheel of Righteousness (‘Dharma-Chakra’) and are located at Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and Teta
6.Krishna Mandir within the Durbar Square premises is built out of stone and has 21 spires and bas-relief art depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana Epics.
7.Bagalamukhi Temple, some 5 mins walk from the Durbar Square sees a huge turnout of devotees on every Monday praying for good luck and wish fulfillment.
8.Bajrabarahi Temple at Chapagaun and KaryaBinayak Temple in Bungamati are worshipped as deity of power
9.Rato-Machindranath Bhoto Jatra is a month long fest in April/May where the Chariot of Rato Machindranath is pulled through the city.
10.Hadigaun Jatra is another popular fest in Hadigaun on way to Godawari

Special Cuisine:
Khokana is very popular for ‘Cheura’- the bitten rice and mustard oil
Godawari area is famous for Lapsi-a typical sour fruit for candies and q    pickels

Other Attractions:
Patan is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly tradition of arts and crafts. It’s the city of festivals and feast, fine ancient art making of metallic and stone carving statue.
The 16th Century Newari towns of Bungamati and Khokana are worth a visit to see the beauty in the lives of the locals
Central Zoo is located at Jawalakhel
Gowadari Botanical Garden, is located some 15kms from the city
Bajrabarahi is a very popular picnic spot these days
Lots of Homestay options are available in Lamatar, BisankhuNarayan, Bhattedada

Adventure Options:
Hiking routes to Phulchowki and Bishankhu Narayan are popular these days
Bike rides to outskirts of Lalitpur around Chapagaun, Lele, Kaleswar.
Paragliding from Bisankhu Narayan is being setup.

Best time to Travel: October to December
April to February