Tranquility of Namobuddha

I am not a Buddhist but when I get tired of busyness and noise of Kathmandu I like to go to one of Buddhist sites, for a dose of peace and tranquility. And Namobuddha is one of my favourite such places. It is an hour drive from the capital and is quite a popular pilgrimage spot. According to the legend Buddha, in one of his previous incarnations, sacrificed his body in order to feed a starving tigress and her cubs and it happened just there, at Namobuddha.

Admiring the Himalayas from Kakani

It can happen with you only in Nepal I believe: you drive the winding road zigzagging among the green hills. The views are spectacular, the air is refreshing and cool. Then one more turn and bum! they are there, the snowy peaks of the Himalayan range. Where were they hiding just a moment ago? You knew they were somewhere out there and still, when you see them before your eyes, you are stunned. By the suddenness of it, by their closeness, by their beauty, by their grandeur. That's what happened with me on the way to Kakani. This place is known as one of the best viewing points to see the Himalayas. But as it turns out the peaks come into perfect view even before you reach your destination.

Visit to Nagdaha, the Serpent Lake

Namaste!

Though I've been living in Nepal for many years I found out about Nagdaha just a few days ago. So today was my first visit to the place and I really enjoyed it. Nice weather, peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings...everything that one needs to have a good day. Besides, boating was also available. Before boarding life vests were provided for everybody.

Peacocks, crocodiles and picturesque scenery

Yesterday I spent in a nice peaceful place in Therai called Narayani resort. It is near Gaidakot town. So, what did I see there? Many things. First of all on arrival I was welcomed by a peacock who after seeing me decided to give greet me by spreading his beautiful feathers and showing them off in a dance.

The most interesting places to visit in Nepal

Here is my personal list of the most interesting places in Nepal

1. Bhaktapur. Of the three ancient capitals of the Kathmandu valley (Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Basantapur) Bhaktapur has better preserved its medieval character and unique identitiy. Visiting Bhaktapur is like visiting the past. In addition to the main square, which includes many ancient temples, the Palace of the 55 windows, the Golden Gate, the dog-barking bell, etc., there is also the potter place, the tallest in the Valley five-roofed temple and it is a pleasure to simply wander the town's narrow old streets admiring the finely carved windows, watching the townspeople, who do not pay any attention to the tourists and go about their normal activities. In my opinion, in Bhaktapur there is much more interesting things and artistic treasures to see than Lalitpur or Basantapur cat offer. So if you have to choose between these three, go to Bhaktapur. (more about Bhaktapur)

Sigiriya Lion Rock, the eighth wonder of the world

The place that most impressed me in Sri Lanka was Sigiriya, so called "Lion's Rock". Looking at this 180-meter high cliff to which 1200 steps lead one can't believe that once there was the royal residence up there. The idea of ​​building the palace in such an unusual place came to the king Kassapa, who lived in the 5th century. He was the eldest son of King Dhatusena and his wife, a commoner. Therefore, the throne was to inherit his other son, though younger, but from his wife of royal blood. That prospect did not satisfy Kassapa and he just decided to seize power by force. After doing so, he put his father in prison, but not for long - rumors that the former king had hidden treasures somewhere, did not give Kassapa rest.

Nature wonders of Koh Samui

Of course, the most important natural landmark of Koh Samui is the sea and the beaches. The beaches here are clean and sandy; the sea is calm and clean; sunrises and sunsets are colorful and picturesque.
The most popular beach of the island is Chaweng. This is a kind of tourist center of Ko Samui. The largest number of hotels, restaurants, shops and people you will find in this area.

Godavari Botanical Garden

This is a really pleasant spot where you can enjoy a walk or organize picnics. Though it seemed to me a bit neglected, maybe because it is winter now. It was opened in 1962 and nowadays there are approximately 500 specimens of flowering and non-flowering plants, including some 66 different species of fern, 115 orchids, 77 cacti and succulents, and about 200 trees and shrubs, some of them endangered or rare.

The Grand Palace of Bangkok

The Bangkok’s most famous landmark is the Grand Palace. This complex offers a display of beautiful architecture, creativity and craftsmanship of Thailand. This is a former royal residence which today is used by the king only for certain ceremonial occasions.

Bhaktapur, the most medieval town of Nepal

The picturesque town of Bhaktapur situated 16 km from Kathmandu is called the most medieval town of Nepal. It's not just that the city was founded in the 9th century, but also that it managed to retain its medieval appearance. Bhaktapur amazes with its unique architecture, temples, statues and works of wood carving. Right at the main entrance to the Durbar Square you are greeted by two statues of 18th century - 18-armed goddess Durga and 12-armed god Bhairav that used to guard the now lost part of the royal palace. Strong earthquake of 1934 destroyed many temples in this part of the town. Nevertheless, there is much to admire.

Sightseeing in Patan

Patan is another ancient capital of the Kathmandu Valley. It is believed that this town was founded by Emperor Ashoka, although there is no documentary evidence of this. Another name for Patan - Lalitpur, which means "beautiful town". The town is indeed beautiful and unique. No wonder it is listed as the World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Pokhara, the resting place of Gods

Pokhara is one of the most beautiful places on the Earth. It is said that Gods created this place to spend their holidays there. The Himalayas are seen at their best mirroring on the surface of the lake Phewa. They are so close, just about 50 km away. There are 7 lakes in the valley and that is where the name of the place comes from: in Nepali lake means “pokhari”. There is a legend about Phewa lake. Once upon a time there were a beautiful town at this place. People lived rich, prosperous, they didn't have any problems and due to such life their hearts become hardened.