Nepal a Pictorial Nation in South Asia I Srimal Fernando I TROPICS MAGAZINE I South Africa

TROPICS MAGAZINE (NOVEMBER / NOVEMBRE 2012)

Nepal a Pictorial Nation in South Asia 

By Srimal Fernando

November 2, 2012

 

Nepal is one of the   most visually stunning   countries in South Asia for which any number of praising words seems inadequate. The Himalayan Mountain nation has long been known in the world over for its Majestic Everest Mountains as the highest peaks in the planet, Lumbini , the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha and for the world- renowned Gorkha soldiers for their reputation as fierce kukri-wielding warriors winning many battles. The landlocked Himalayan Mountainous country is nestled between China to the North and India to the South. The countries natural and historical attractions appeal to many visitors from all parts of the world. The country boasts a varied landscape ranging from flat rolling farmland to dramatic towering mountains. Of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, the country has eight that include Mount Everest known as Sagar-matha in Nepali at 29,021 feet it is the world’s highest point. This fascinating country has more than 240 peaks which are over 20,000 feet above sea level. Nepalese are warm, welcoming people who enjoy sharing the pleasures of life with others. Greetings are an important part of social interaction. “Namaste” is a common way of greeting outsiders with both   palms placed together and raised below the face. Nepal is a land of history, a country filled with the memory of many told and untold events. The country’s glory has always been its culture. The true spirit of the country’s culture is reflected in the Nepali flag. It is the only national flag in the world that is not rectangular in shape. The flag’s blue border signifies peace. The curved moon on the flag is a symbol of the peaceful and calm nature of Nepalese, while the sun represents the aggressiveness of Nepali warriors. The country boasts a wide variety of interesting places. Among them are Katmandu, Lumbini, Pokhara, Manakamana, a Hindu temple and Chitwan, wildlife Park are some of the prominent attractions that appeal to many visitors from all parts of the world. One can also fly from Kathmandu in a one hour flight in  Yeti Air jet to experience the panoramic view of the Mount Everest.

As the most populous cosmopolitan city of Nepal, Kathmandu known as the ‘City of Temples’  is situated amidst a splendid panorama in the bowl shaped Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu is the most vibrant city in the country with number of buildings and fair assortment of other country style houses. It has a vibrant cultural life crowded with a   legacy of a rich cultural past .There is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in this city. Among its highest-esteemed attractions is the Durbar Square nestled in the heart of the city. It was the ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The entire palace complex named after a monkey god called Hanuman. The best-known Bouddha-nath stupa on a three tiered platform is one of the most recognizable tourist spots that attract thousands of visitors every day. Swoyambhu-nath world’s largest Shiva temple is located on a 360 steps hillock. The Swoyambhu-nath and Pashupati-nath temples are some of the prominent land marks in the city. Shopping is undoubtedly an attraction in itself as choices and variety for items here is incalculable.

 

Over centuries the country has assimilated influences of many religions. The city of Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Buddha is located in the south-western side of the country .It is another heritage attraction. It was once an extensive centre of Buddhist culture. This world heritage site is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Buddhists from all over the world.  “Hidbhudhejate Shakyamuniti” which means “Lord Gautama Buddha was born here” is mentioned in the Asoka pillar of Lumbini erected by the great King Dharmasoka. The Nepalese Government has declared 2012 as Visit Lumbini Year.

Pictorial Pokhara city known as the city of lakes needs little introduction to many visitors to Nepal. Having long been known as one of finest hill station of the country, Pokhara lies between the Great Himalayas and Mahabharata Range in the central region of the country. The great mountains of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manusha can be seen from Pokhara. The Gurkha Memorial Museum is one of the most recognizable places to visit in Pokhara. It is a living testimony to the history of   the kukri-wielding Gurkha soldiers who won many battles .On the way to Pokhara is Manakamana a Hindu temple situated on a hill, which is nearly thousand meters high and is a place worth seeing. The temple can be reached through a cable car. Wildlife in the country is as diverse as its landscape, ranging from the famous Royal Bengal Tigers in the Baridia, Shiva-puri national park to the one-horned Rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park and the Himalayan black bears loitering in the Himalayan foothills. Nepal is called the land of festivals where colorful celebrations are held throughout the year. Fairs are an inseparable part of the traditional culture of the people of Nepal. Some fairs are organized because of their traditional value and social importance.Some are simply for fun and amusement. The quiet and charming environment of this country attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is a land history, heritage and visual delights. The scenic beauty which one gets to admire in Nepal is certainly a joy forever.

 ( Source : Tropics Magazine November 2012 )