Nepal is known as the abode of the gods. For many years a
secret, unknown country, it was, in the 1950s, faced with making
a leap from the 11th century to modern times. Visited first
by mountaineers and trekkers, it later became the haunt of hippies.
In 1989 restrictions barring several areas to tourists were
lifted.
The Nepalese Government has set aside more than 35 per cent
of the total area of the country as natural sanctuaries. There
are now nine National Parks and three wildlife reserves, located
both in the mountainous zones as well as in the tropical plains.
The Terai lowlands in the south form the richest habitat in
the country. Five protected areas are located in the region
and many species of wildlife, including the rare Royal Bengal
tiger and leopard, can be observed.
Kathmandu (Discount
Kathmandu Airfare)
Kathmandu, the capital and also the cultural, commercial and
business hub of the Kingdom, is a magical place. In the centre
is Durbar Square where there is a wonderful collection of temples
and shrines, both Buddhist and Hindu. They are generally built
in the pagoda style with a mass of intricate exterior carving.
The old Royal Palace is in the square, as is the Statue of Hanuman
the Monkey God, clad in a red cloak. Here also is the house
of the living goddess - the Kumari. A few kilometres from Kathmandu
is the hugely impressive Bodnath Stupa. It has become a centre
of Tibetan exile culture and is a good place to buy Tibetan
handicrafts and artefacts. Climbing upwards from the city one
can reach the famous Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, popularly
known as the Monkey Temple. There are a great many steps leading
up to the temple, which is frequented by an even greater number
of monkeys. The monkeys should be treated with some caution
since their behaviour can be unpredictable. The monkey temple
is noted for its large staring eyes. There are also a number
of monasteries. Respect should be shown for local sensitivities
when visiting religious sites or temples. |
Nepal Airport Guide
