Bandipur Nepal: A Historical Town Amid Verdant Hills

  • Mon-Jun-2019

Bandipur Nepal: A Historical Town Amid Verdant Hills

Although the unorganized array of building and crowd of people in every street you visit can give a different picture, just when you have visited Nepal. But behind these tall structures lies quaint and picturesque villages; so authentic and so full of culture.

Bandipur is one such village in Nepal with rich cultural aspects. And because of its preserved, old-time cultural atmosphere, Bandipur Nepal has increasingly been coming to the attention of tourism.

Visiting Bandipur Nepal, you will witness the perfect mix of primeval lifestyle in the most traditional setting inspired by the touch of modernity. It is the astoundingly stunning village you will ever encounter, so what lies further in Bandipur Nepal, let's get a know.

More about Bandipur Nepal

Bandipur is located midway on the day-long drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara, in Tanahun district. Its hilltop settlement at 1,030 meters is a perfect gateway for nature lovers, which has a very magnificent backdrop of Ganesh Himal range, entire Annapurna Range along with Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Langtang peak and Marsyangdi Valley too.

Mainly inhabited by Newar traders from Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, it won’t be wrong to refer Bandipur Nepal as a Newar town, where you can observe the age-old flavor of Newari culture there.

The town invites with a climb through pristine forest on the historical trail that has hardly changed. Despite its history as a trading hub in the past to till today, Bandipur has retained its ancient cultural attributes like temples, shrines, Newari architecture, sacred caves, and several unique festivals.

Before Bandipur was center of attraction and developed as a tourist and trading hub, it was only obscure mountain village amid the stunning setting of green hills. Later, Bandipur Nepal became a funneling point where all the trails from central Nepal and Tibet to the north converged to head southwards, crossing the great Narayani River and the Chitwan jungle to reach the Indian railhead of Narkatia Ganj.

Bandipur Nepal Weather: When should you visit?

During March to May, Bandipur Nepal receives the highest flow of tourist. Average temperature ranges from 21.7 degree Celsius to 32.5 degree Celsius. So, the humidity and the temperature makes the environment warm and perfect for hanging around.

Summer is equally popular to visit Bandipur Nepal, where the days are very clear. Due to the maximum visitors, prices in hotels and resorts of Bandipur can rise. Similarly, winter and autumn season are also well-visited by tourists. Its considerable elevation makes it perfect for visiting for any time of year.

Things to do in Bandipur Nepal

Hiking

Its hilltop location at 1,030 meters and the mesmerizing hilly surrounding, makes Bandipur ideal for hiking through tribal villages, verdant forest and hilltop shrines that once were fortresses.

Hiking around Bandipur that takes around two to three hours is popular things to do in Bandipur Nepal; through shady forest, scattered settlements and waterspouts. Likewise, hiking from Bandipur to Ramkot, which takes around four hours is equally sought-after.

Enjoy the local cuisine

Newari cuisine is already the most famous food in Nepal, and as Bandipur Nepal is literally the hub of Newars, they offer excellent local food. The place is full of cozy restaurants and cafes, which are very cozy and feels like home. From Dal, Bhat and tarkari to Newari khaja, enjoying the local cuisine is one of the best things to do in Bandipur.

Stroll around Bandipur Bazaar

Looking at the vibrancy of Bandipur Bazaar, it is hard to believe this town has gone through so much. During the Rana regime (1846-1951), Bandipur became an important center of trade and commerce.

Then in the 1950s, as malaria began to be eradicated from most of the Terai region, several other commercially important town was formed. And as a result, Bandipur lost this sheen. When in 1973 Prithvi Highway by-passed Bandipur along with the lower lands, it affected Bandipur more than anything.

However, now Bandipur Nepal has rejuvenated itself as a prosperous town. It receives a large influx of visitors, both national and international, who wants to visit somewhere nice and quiet to enjoy nature and admire the enticing scenery.

Know the culture and tradition

Bandipur now homes a variety of ethnic groups including Newars, Magar, Gurung, Bahuns, Chhetris, Damais, Kamis, Sarkis, and Kasais. However, before Bandipur Nepal used to a Magar village.

You will get an opportunity to have an insight into the cultural pool in Bandipur Nepal. The several festivals of Newari and Magar, held in a different time of year can be an interest for you. Cultural dances, Sorathi, and Chutka are pleasing to see as well.

Places to visit in Bandipur Nepal

Raniban

Comprising of two words, Rani meaning Queen and Ban meaning Forest, Raniban is a delightful forest of Sal located in the east side of main Bandipur Bazaar. Although Raniban might just be a forest, it is one of the major places to visit Bandipur because of its awesome greenery and serenity.

Tundhikhel

Centuries before, traders used to gather on the human-made plateau of Tundikhlel to haggle for goods from India and Tibet before starting a long journey towards Lhasa or the Indian plains. Tundikhel Bandipur also served as a former parade ground for Gurkha soldiers.

Located in the north of Bandipur Bazaar, now Tundikhel is a famous viewpoint, picnic spot and a perfect place for a day-hangout making it a popular place to visit in Bandipur Nepal. Along with the captivating sunrise and sunset view, from Tundikhel, one can have an unobstructed view of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Langtang Lirung, Machhapuchhare, and Ganesh Himal.

Siddha Cave

Siddha Cave is the largest in Nepal and the second largest in South Asia. It is 50 meters high and 437 meters deep. Founded in 1987, the cave is a popular place to visit in Bandipur Nepal. It also serves as a popular hiking route from Bimalnagar fromPrithvi Highway which takes 1.5 hours of uphill walk.

Inside the cave, it is really fascinating with stalactites and bats making noises and as the caved is also a revered side, Shiva linga and a structure of Lord Ganesh can be seen. Also, be careful while entering as the cave is very slippery and carry a torch light too.

Thani Mai

Located in the top hill of Gurungche Hill, Thani Mai is popularly visited for it offers the spectacular 360-degree view of whole Bandipur and mountains beyond. Hiking up the hill early in the morning, which is a steep 30-minutes walks starting near the school at the southwest end of Bandipur Bazaar is a perfect start of the day.

It is one of the sacred places to visit in Bandipur Nepal, and the incredible scenery it provides has heightened its beauty even more.

Tindhara

Tindhara translates as three tapes in Nepali and just as its name suggests, there are three beautifully craved wooden water spouts(actually there are five water spouts, four of them still giving water), which are still the main source of water for villagers.  It is located in the east of Bandipur Bazaar and takes fifteen minutes to arrive from there.

The place is considered more like a shrine and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a popular place to visit in Bandipur Nepal, where its green surrounding and shady spots provide the best place for picnicking.

Khadga Devi Temple

Khadga Devi is the most sacred sanctuary in Bandipur Nepal. The place looks more like a house than a shrine. It is a very restricted place and opens only once a year on the occasion of Phulpati amid the celebration of the greatest festival of Nepal, Dashain. The Pradhan clan of the Newari community consider this temple as the mother temple.

The temple is very unique and unlike any other, with no idol or statues of any deities or divine beings. It has a Khadga, a consecrated sword wrapped in layers of fabric, and if anyone has a glace of it, the death will come to him/hear by heaving blood.

Another legend suggests that the relic was present by Lord Shiva to Mukunda Sen, who was the ruler of Palpa from 1518-1553 AD and the Khadga was venerated as an image of female power. Later the name Khadga Devi temple was kept, which means Goddess of the Sword.


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