The Famous Durbar (Palace) Areas of Nepal

Nepal is a country which has a very long history. It has been ruled by many rulers which belonged to different tribes. Some tribes of rulers who ruled over Nepal are Kirant, Lichchhavi etc. Among those tribes, Malla is also a tribe which brought out many changes in the structure of Nepal. It is the dynasty when Nepal got developed to some extent due to art, architecture etc. So, the reign of Mallas is a also known as the Golden Period of Nepal. The Mallas created many infrastructures in Nepal during their regime. The even constructed many temples, statues, palaces etc. in different places including Kathmandu (Kantipur), Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) and Lalitpur (Patan). They constructed Durbars (Palaces) in those places which covered a large area. The descriptions of the Durbar (Palace) Areas of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur are given below:

1. Kathmandu Durbar Area: Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the Durbar Areas which are situated in Nepal. This Durbar Square was constructed by the Malla Kings during their regime. The Kathmandu Durbar Area is a beautiful place which is full of beautiful, ancient and cultural crafts, drawing and handicrafts etc. This place contains a famous palace which was the residence of ancient Nepalese Kings. There is a temple named Kasthamandap in this place. It is said that this temple is constructed by using only one tree. Kathmandu has got its name after Kasthamandap. The pleasant and beautiful gate of Lord Hanuman (Hanuman Dhoka) can also be found here. Due to this same reason, this Durbar Area is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Area. Likewise, we can find the temples of Goddess Taleju, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Kumari (Living Goddess), Lord Shiva and Goddess Parwati, Lord Ganesh etc. Similarly, the place for coronation of new Kings can also be found here. This place was used to organize the coronation ceremony of new kings of Nepal.

2. Bhaktapur Durbar Area: The Bhaktapur Durbar Area is situated in the smallest district of Nepal, Bhaktapur. Though this plaza is located in the smallest district of Nepal, it is not small in its area. It is even more beautiful than other Durbar Areas of Nepal. This Durbar Area is well-preserved and well-promoted than the other Durbar Areas of Nepal. This place contains the Taleju temple, Pashupatinath temple, Dwarikanath temple, Krishna temple etc. The main attraction of this area is the Fifty Five Windowed Palace and the Golden Gate. In front of the palace and the golden gate, there is a pillar which contains the statue of Malla King Bhupatindra Malla. There is a temple called the five storied temple (Nyatapola) near to this area. Everyday thousands of tourists visit this place for sightseeing. Likewise, a museum is also located here in which the ancient structures, statues, arts and pictures etc. are preserved and displayed. It is even said that, this place contains altogether 99 courtyards (chowk) due to which this place is even known as the 99 chowk.

3. Lalitpur Durbar Area: Lalitpur Durbar Area is one of the excellent examples of artwork by the Nepalese architectures and craftsmen. This place contains different temples, statues, crafts etc. which represent the ancient Nepalese art and architecture. The monasteries, the temple of Rato Machhindra Nath etc. add beauty to this area. Likwise the famous temple of Lord Krishna also attracts the people towards this place. The main attraction of this place is the Palace which is very much beautiful. This palace displays the lifestyle of the Kings of the ancient Nepal. This place contains architectures which have windows made of elephant bones (hides), the statue of King Yog Narendra Malla, Taleju temple, stone taps and ponds etc. This place is situated at the heart of Lalitpur city. Like the Bhaktapur Durbar Area this area consists of three courtyardds namely the Central Mulchowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk.