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Patan officially Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City, is
one of the major cities of Nepal. It is one of the
sub-metropolitan cities of Nepal located in the
south-western part of Kathmandu valley. It is best known for
its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of
arts and crafts. It is also called as city of festival and
feast, fine ancient art, making of metallic and stone
carving statue. At the time of the 2001 Nepal census it had
a population of 162,991 in 68,922 individual households
Several multi-sized and multi-styled temples occupy the
western part of the complex. Main among these are Krishna
Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple of Hiranya
Varna.
Fast Facts of Patan Valley
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Location |
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Kathmandu Valley |
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Importance |
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UNESCO World Heritage Site |
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UNESCO Category |
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Cultural |
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Major Attractions |
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Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles, Tusahity
royal bath |
Popular Sites in Patan Valley
 Krishna
Temple
This temple of red stone, dedicated to Hindu Lord Krishna
was erected in the 17th century. The temple is considered to
be the first one to be constructed in Shikara architecture.
Thanks to this attribute, it holds a commanding position in
the durbar square. The elegant shikhara-style temple is
ranked as one of the gems of Durbar Square. The temple is
compared with sacred Mount Meru, which is abode of the god
Shiva according to Hindu scriptures.
 Golden
Temple
This temple is known as Kwa Bahal among Newari people and
Hiranya Verna Mahavihar among the others. This unique
Buddhist monastery is well known as Golden Temple. This
monastery was found in the 12th century and recorded its
existence in 1409. The simple entrance gives no hint of the
magnificent structure in the courtyard within.It is simple
from the outside and majestic from the inside, with stone
gates produced by the silakars whose descendants can still
be seen working in the woodcarving industry.
 Kumbheshwor
The five-storied pagoda-style Lord Siva temple was
constructed by King Jayasthiti Malla. Inside the temple is a
natural spring whose source, is said to be the famous
glacial lake of Gosainkunda. The golden work was added later
in 1422 A.D. One the festival of Janai Purnima, ritual
bathing takes place and a fair is also held.
 Jagat
narayan Temple
Jagatnarayan temple is a tall shikhara style temple devoted
to Lord Vishnu. Red bricks are used for the construction of
the temple. The temple also holds a fine metal statue of
Garuda, Ganesh and Hanuman, all related to Hindu religion
and mythology.
 Mahaboudha
Buddhist temple Mahaboudha, which is made of clay bricks,
lies to the east of the Durbar Square. Hundereds of Buddha
images are engraved in the bricks. The temple is known for
its fine terra cota work.
 Rudra
Varna Mahavihar
This Buddhist monastery holds amazing collection of images
and idols in metal, stone and wood. Legend holds that the
Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery.
Many of the treasures offered by the people can be seen here
even today.
 The
Ashokan Stupas
Indian Emperor Ashoka visited Nepal in 250 B.C and
constructed four ancient stupas at the four corners of Patan.
The four stupas are located in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi
and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively.
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While in Nepal other things you should look for besides traveling are Yoga, Meditation, Astrology.
Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousands of years. It consists of Ancient Theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection which is now being proven by modern medicine. Substantial research has been conducted to look at the health benefits of Yoga- from the Yoga Postures (Asanas), Yoga Breathing (Pranayama), and Meditation. 
