kathmandu city

kathamandu is the capital of Nepal. kathamandu is fully surrounded by green mountains ,Kathmandu the city presents a mystery. Numerous stories have been written about it and even songs have been sung about it. It is the capital of a mysterious Hindu kingdom which had remained isolated from the outside world for many, many years. It represents the awesome range of the Himalayas. It brings to mind images of a tough and hardy people who have earned for themselves the reputation of being one of the toughest fighters in the world. It recalls the days of the hippies when the colourful flower – people flocked to this city in search of inspiration for meditation. Kathmandu excites the imagination.

            Kathmandu is built in a broad valley. Our either side of it tower tall hills. Beyond these hills on a clear day can be seen the snow – covered peaks of mountains. It seems that they are taking the opportunity to peep discreely on the people living in the valley below. Legend has it that thousands of years ago the valley was a vast lake. It was drained after Manju Shri cleaved a narrow passage through a mountain with his sword. On this lake – bed was built the city of Kathmandu.

            The city of Kathmandu is not very big. For more than a thousand years it was known as Munju Patan after the legendary hero who drained its site. It received its present name towards the close of the sixteenth century. Kathmandu, in the Newari language, means wooden house or temple. The city itself seems to have been built around the old palace near the ancient wooden building after which the city was apparently named.

            Modern Kathmandu is a curious mix of the old and the new. Ancient buildings, palaces and temples and side by side with glass and concrete examples of modern architecture. Kathmandu has aptly been called a city of temples. There are temples on every corner. There are some even in the most unlikely places. The most famous temples of Kathmandu are Pashupatinath, Swoyambhu and Bouddha. Pilgrims flock to those places during festivals. Kathmandu also attracts large numbers of people who are less devout. The shops and super markets of the city are crammed with the most attractive goods from all over the world. New Road is the fashionable shopping center where tourists from India throng the shops.

            Kathmandu has a most pleasant climate. Even in the height of summer we can still fell the cool promise of winter and winter itself is moderated by the feel of summer round the corner. It is never unbearably hot and neither is it ever freezing cold. The monsoon is such that it provides the fields with adequate rain but does not cause concern.

Kathmandu is indeed a most beautiful city. It affords its inhabitants the advantages of a modern city while allowing them to live in the midst of their culture and traditions.