Trip to India & Nepal -Patan

On our first morning we ventured out to Patan's Durbar Square, across the Bagmati River. Once a fiercely independent city state, it is now almost a suburb of Kathmandu. Its Durbar Square is considered to have the best collection of temples in the Valley.

Its a World Heritage Site, one of 7 in the Valley. Most building in the square were constructed during the 14th to the 18th centuries.

Reconstruction inside the Royal Palace.

There are beautiful carvings everywhere.

To the locals its just the town square.

The statue of King Yoganarendra Malla installed in 1700. Above the Kings head is a cobra and above the cobra is a bird. Legend has it that as long as the bird remains the king may return to his palace.

School children "hanging out" on the Vishwanath temple before class. Legend has it if the bird
flies off the king's statue these elephants will go to the Manga Hiti (step well) for a drink. This temple was built in 1627.

A man drawing water in Manga Hiti.

Up the steps and on his way home.

Some nice cafes ring the square which are a nice place for a break and a cup of tea.

Unfortunately it was a bit misty for views from the windows.

There are a few bead sellers in the square who also string the beads. A fascinating process to watch. There is a bigger bead market in Kathmandu.

Some repair work being done on the street.

Some women wearing beautiful saris for some sort of celebration. Click on the photos for closeups.