Bandipur, Nepal - A Culturally Preserved Heritage
By Holiday Dragons
Bandipur is a beautiful town located at the foothills of Himalayas mountains and on a top of a hill in Tanahun District, (Gandaki Zone) of Nepal. Bandipur is one of the best tourist destinations of Nepal as it is famous for Newari people and their cultures.
Bandipur is also famous for its natural beauty and the warm hospitality. Bandipur is one of the most beautiful towns of Nepal not only being naturally beautiful but also for preserving its unique history and culture over time. Bandipur is located on a wide saddle at a height of 1,030m and approximately 700m above the Marsyangdi River Valley. It is 143 km to the west of Kathmandu and 80 km to the east of Pokhara. The surrounding hills of Bandipur are ideal for hiking along trails that takes travellers through tribal villages, verdant forests, and hilltop shrines, which were also once doubled as fortresses.
Bandipur was established as a funnelling point of trade by Newar traders from Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu valley after it had been conquered in 1768 by Prithvi Narayan Shah. They took advantage of its malaria free location to develop it into an important stop along the India-Tibet trade route. With them they brought their cultural heritage and architecture which basically has remained unchanged to this day. Spring (March to May) is the time of maximum tourist flow in Bandipur. The humidity and the temperature together make the environment warm where average temperature ranges from 21.7°C to 32.5C.
Places to Visit
Khadga Devi Temple looks like a private house from the exterior but is regarded as mother temple by the Shrestha community. It preserves a sword of the 16th century King of Palpa, Mukunda Sen. There is popular belief that the sword was gifted to the King by Lord Shiva. The temple demonstrates woman power where Khadga Devi means the goddess of sword.
Siddha Cave is the largest cave of Nepal. The cave is 50 meters high and 437 meters deep. The Siddha Cave is popular among the visitors as a hiking route.
Padma Library is located at the centre of the Bandipur Bazaar. It is an important part of history of Nepal as it was built during the ran a period. The library is famous for its beautiful architecture and designs.
Bindabasini Temple stands on the northern side of the Bandipur Bazaar. It is built in pagoda style and consists of the picture of Bindabasini goddess along with the idols of the other goddess.
Thani Mai Temple The temple is located in the top of the hill and offers the visitors with breathtaking view of the mountains and the village downhill. The unique location has made the temple a location to view sunrise.
Tundikhel a large ground on the north of the Bandipur Bazaar previously was a spot for the traders to gather around and bargain for the goods from Tibet and India. The Gurkha soldiers also used the Tundikhel as a parade ground.
Mahalaxmi Temple is located at the southeast side of the principle Bandipur Bazaar. The temple dates back to the medieval period and was built in pagoda style. The temple reflects the unique artworks of Bhimsen and various animals.