INTRODUCTION Some eight kilometers south of central Kathmandu situated on a plateau across the bagmati river is a lovely little city called lalitpur, the city of fine arts. This city also known as Patan, once an independence Newar Kingdom before the present dynast took over is best known for its finest traditional crafts and rich artistic heritage. This city of Lalitpur divided into 22 municipal wards and its inhabited by approximate 160,000 people. A substantial portion of its population is engaged in its various trades, specially in traditional handicraft and cottage industries. Lalitpur in fact is the only town in entire Nepal that has produced the highest number of most talented artists and finest craftsman ever recorded in Nepalese art history. The most famous artists and craftsmen, like Araniko, Abhay Raj, Siddhi raj, were all born in Lalitpur. It is said that the city was designed and built after the Buddhist drama Chakra (the wheel of righteousness). It is surrounded by four big stupas - one at each corner of its cardinal points. These monuments are said to have built by the Indian Emperor Ashoka when he came to Kathmandu Valley on his pilgrimage tour some 2,250 years ago. When we look at the size and shape of these stupas, in much way they seem to breathe their antiquity in a real remote past. It is interested to know that there are more than 1,200 Buddhist monuments of various sizes scattered in and around this city alone. However, the most important monumental center of this city is of course, Patan Durbar Square, which to our great delight has been recognized by UNESCO as a world Heritage Site. A British Traveler Percival London was highly impressed by the sight of this beautiful square wrote way back in 1928 “ As an ensemble, the Durbar in Patan probably remains the most picturesque collection of building that have been set up in so small a place by the piety of oriental man” Intact Patan Durbar square is the only monumental area in all three cities of Kathmandu Valley that still outstands with its most magnificent architectural splendor and unique artistic beauty. Patan, in its long chequered history, has undergone many sociopolitical upheavals. Even so this lovely little city seems to have fairly well preserved its glorious culture heritage and the history of its finest craftsmanship. Lalitpur said to have founded by King Veer Deva in 299 A.D has many old names such as Yala, Yupagram , Lalitpatan, and Maningal. Several historical legend plus many other legends, also indicate that Patan is the oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu valley. According to very old Kirat chronicle edited by a noted research scholar Prem Bahadur Subba, Patan was founded by Kirati Rulers long before the Lichhavi rulers come into the political scene in Kathmandu Valley. According to him the earliest known capital was most possibly shifted from Thankot to Patan after the Kirati King Yalamber came into power sometime around second century A.D. It must be mentioned here that one of the most common and typical Newari name of Patan is Yala. It is said that King Yalambe named this city after himself and ever since then this ancient city was known as Yala. top Attraction of Patan KUMBESHWOR Kumbeshwor temple in Patan and Nyatapole temple in Bhaktapur are the only temples in the Valley with five roofs, with the exception of the round five tiered Pancha Mukhi Hanuman of Kathmandu’s Hanuman Dhoka Palace. This temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasiddhi Malla. Later a golden finial was added to it. A religious fair is held here on the janai Poornima day in August. THREE MAIN CHOWKS The main attraction of Patan Durbar square is the ancient Royal Palace indeed. It consists of three main chowk, Sundari Chowk and Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk. In the northeastern corner of the Mul chowk is the three storied octagonal temple of Taleju Bhawani Buildt by King Shree Niwas Malla in 1667. The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone sculptures popularity known as Royal bath. Between the central Mul chowk and Mani Keshab Naryayan Chowk lies a temple of Degu Taleju looking out into the main square. MAHABOUDDHA About 10mins walk from Patan Dubar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of high quality bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. The Terracotta structure is one of the 14th century Nepalese architectural masterpieces. It was constructed by an architect named Avay Raj. RUDRA BARNA MAHAVIHAR this unique Buddhist monastery complex contains an amazing collection of five images and statues in mental , stone and wood. Many Kings in ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today. ACCHESHWOR It was established towards the beginning of the 6th century to house an idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar was reconstructed not too long ago. It has altogether 30 rooms in this complex including, “Dhyankuti” research room, Training room, library and review room guest room and so on. Situated behind the ashoka Stupa at Pulchowk, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of Kathmandu Valley. TEMPLES OF RED MACHHENDRA NATH AND MINNATH The temple of Red Machhendra Nath , built in 1408 A.D is situated at Tabahal. Red Machhendra also known as Avolokiteshwor is housed here in for six months and another temple of Min Nath is situated at Tangal which is supposed to be older than the temple of Red Machhendra Nath. HIRANYA VARNA MAHAVIHAR (GOLDEN TEMPLE) This three story golden pagoda of Shakyamuni (Lord Buddha) was built in the 21st century by King Bhaskar Verma , it is located in the courtyard of Kwabahal. Inside the upper storey of this pagoda, placed on the pedestal, are the white image of Amoshpash Lokeshwor and a large prayer wheel. There is a wealth of gems like beautiful carving on its walls and painting depicting a complete life history of Buddha. top Places to visit in Patan GODAVARI Situated at the foothill of Pulchowki this place has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaon. Godavari is a very good picnic spot with the only Royal Botanical Garden in Nepal. Fish Hatchery and a marble quarry also are located here. It is open daily including Saturday and government holidays. Buses of Godavari are available at Lagankhel. PHULCHOWKI located around 10 km of Southeast of Patan, this mountain, 279m high, is good spot for hiking. Rhododendorns of different varieties and colours from pure white to dark red are found here. A Buddhist Shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeepable road. PATAN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE Patan industrial estate is located at Langankhel in Lalitpur District near Satdobato. This industrial state is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as wood carving, metal crafts, carpets, thanka painting. It is very interesting to see how these goods are made in the different workshops. For the convenience of the tourists, there is shopping arcade with in the premises of the industrial Estate where various handicraft products of the Estate are exhibited and sold. JAWALAKHEL HANDICRAFT CENTER It is an extremely interesting place where one can see the spinning, dying and weaving of Tibetan carpets. This center has also a well-stocked show room. THE ZOO The zoo is situated at Jawalakhel in Patan. There are many animals, birds and reptiles, mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond inside it built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 17th century. It is open daily from 10:00 am to 5 pm. top