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KANHA

KANHA NATIONAL PARK : One of the best places in India for viewing wildlife, Kanha is famous for swamp deer,tiger.jpg (25607 bytes) bison, barking deer, sloth bear, etc. This park is specially known for tiger and chital. Other animals to be seen are leopard, hyena, gaur, black buck and pig. The bird life includes black Ibises, vultures and crested serpent eagle. Kanha is now a tiger reserve under Project Tiger. April to June, and again November to January are the ideal times to visit the Park.
 

KATHMANDU

Also known as ‘Kantipur’ and situated at 4,423 ft. Kathmandu is surrounded by mountain walls and snow-capped peaks. The art and architecture reflect an interesting blend of Hindu and Buddhist thought.

Sightseeing includes visiting Hanuman Dhoka - historic seat of royalty, Temple of the Living Goddess, Kasthamandap, Machhendranath Temple, Pagoda Temple and Patan.

SWAYAMBHUNATH : Two miles west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is 2000 years old and one of the world’s oldest Buddhist Chaityas. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is very holy pilgrimage centre for Buddhists and Hindus alike.

PATANA : On a raised ground five kilometers south-east of Kathmandu stands the ancient city of Patan, full of gateways, guardian deities and endless carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and mental workers, it is known as the "City of Artists". Visits include Durbar Square, Hinayana Varna Mahavira, Krishna Mandir, Macchendranath Temple, Meri Nath Temple, The Ashoka Stupa and Tibetan Refugee Camp.

PASHUPATINATH : Five kms. from Kathmandu and dedicated to Lord Shiva this Pagoda style is situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river. It has a gilt roof and richly carved silver doors and is one of the holiest temples in the entire Hindu world. Pashupatinath is the centre of an annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivratri. Only Hindus are allowed to go inside the courtyard of the temple. Tourists can view the temple from eastern side of the Bagmati river.

BODHNATH : 8 kms, from Kathmandu, this colossal stupa, one of the biggest in the world, is built on an octagonal base. It too has the all seeing eyes of the Buddha inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of the Goddess Mani Jogini and Lamas or Buddhist priests.

BHADGAON : Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur - "the City of Devotrees") is a centre of medieval art and architecture. The legendary city was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 A.D. and is shaped like a conch-shell. Pottery and weaving are itsd traditional industries. Visit Durbar Square and Nyatapala Temple - a 5 storied pagoda style temple.

KAKANI : 6,500 ft. above sea level and 27 kms. from Kathmandu, the city overlooks the north-western Himalayan ranges,. Its attractions range from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificient Himalayan Panorama, particularly of the Ganesh Himal massiff.

KIRTIPUR : A small town, eight kilometers from Kathmandu on top of a plateau shaped ridge. This historic town has much to offer - the Tribhuvan University, old shrines, temples, old houses, people dressed typically in old traditional costumes and working on ancient looms.

DAKSHINKALI : This temple is a place of pilgrimage dedicated to Goddess Kali, the deity to whom animals are sacrificed on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Dakshinkali sanctuary is located approximately 45 minutes by car from Kathmandu city. The road leading to Dakshinkali is very picturesque.

DHULIKHEL : (5,000 ft.) A small quiet township on the Chinese built road that links Kathmandu to Lhasa (Tibet). From its flower covered hillsides, one of the most spectacular scenic views is visible, specially the sunrise and the sunset over the snowcapped mountain ranges.

Sunrise : (Winter - 4.30 a.m. to 8.00 a.m.)

(Summer - 4.00 a.m. to 7.30 a.m.)

NAGARKOTE : 22 miles east of Kathmandu and 7,133 ft. above sea level, Nagarkote is a round the year holiday resort. The major peaks of most of the eastern Nepal Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can be seen from here. Best at sunset and sunrise.

Sunrise : (Winter - 4.15 a.m. to 8.15 a.m.)

(Summer - 4.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m.)

SIMBHANGYANG PASS : About 96 kms. each way, highest point 8,000 ft., on the highway to India. A breathtaking view of mountains including Mount Everest.

KODARI : The Kodari Road, also known as Chinese Road, was built with the financial and technical assistance of the People’s Republic of China, by Chinese and Napalese engineers. It links Kathmandu with the Chinese border and beyond that it continues upto Lhasa. This border point is reached by a thrilling 115 kms. drive through mountainous terrain. Kodari commands a fine view of the mountain peaks including Mount Everest.

POKHARA : The Pokhara Valley is one of the most picturesque spots of Nepal. The Lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa here have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. 203 kms. from Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well as a land rout.
 

KAZIRANGA

430 kms in area, Kaziranga is the home of the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The animals are seen at close proximity on elephant back. The wild buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer, the black-necked stork, ring-tailed fishing eagles and other waterbirds are to be found at the Jheels. A ‘jheel’ is a swampy flat with a broad pool of shallow water in the middle, usually fringed with reeds and is typical of Assam.

One can see these animals as well as elephants and tigers in a wilder setting, deeper in at Baguri, Near Kaziranga village there is a pelicanry. There are motor roads in the sanctuary and riding elephants are available.
 

KHAJURAHO

Khajuraho is known for its magnificient temples which are among the most creative examples of Indian architecture. Built between 950 and 1050 A.D., only 22 temples out of 85 now survive. Khajuraho sculpture is sublime and sensuous, the centre of new imagery in art. The popular theme is woman: reflective, playful, amorous. The carvings also depict griffins, nymphs, beasts, demons in revolt, gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consumate passion. The temples of Khajuraho can be divided into three geographical groups-western, eastern and southern.

Sightseeing of Khajuraho: Visit the temples of Khajuraho which are world famous not only for their symmetry and design, but also for intricate and erotic carvings on their walls. The main temples are Kandariya Mahadeo, Chitragupta, Parsvanath and the Ghantai.

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