Situated on a hilltop above the town of Dumre, that lies midway on Kathmandu – Pokahra highway is the picturesque town of Banditpur, nesteled in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal. The town is famous for its natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its people. Apart from the breathtaking natural beauty, the town offers a heady mix of glorious history, magnificent architectures and numerous other attractions that include unspoiled nature and awesome caves. One can enjoy a spectacular panorama of entire Annapurna Range and the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang that form the backdrop of Marshyangdi valley sprawling in the front. It makes a worthwhile detour or a leisurely retreat while on your way to the scenic city of Pokhara.
Situated on a hilltop above the town of Dumre, that lies midway on Kathmandu – Pokahra highway is the picturesque town of Banditpur, nesteled in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal. The town is famous for its natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its people. Apart from the breathtaking natural beauty, the town offers a heady mix of glorious history, magnificent architectures and numerous other attractions that include unspoiled nature and awesome caves. One can enjoy a spectacular panorama of entire Annapurna Range and the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang that form the backdrop of Marshyangdi valley sprawling in the front. It makes a worthwhile detour or a leisurely retreat while on your way to the scenic city of Pokhara.
Bandipur Bazaar:
The heart Bandipur is the medieval-looking Bandipur Bazaar that sweeps in a gentle curvealong the top of the hill in an east-west axis. The stone-pavedmain street is lined with compact town houses with ornate windows and doorways and roofs of tin or slate. All along the street, a covered veranda extends in front of the rows of houses providing shade in summer sun and monsoon rain.
Tundikhel:
Tundikhel, a field to the nothern end of Bandipur's main bazaar, is an excellent vantage point for viewing the Marshyangdi Valley (below 500 m) and the magnificent Himalayan Range (above 8000 m) in a single frame. It includes the spectacular peaks of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, among others. The legendary Gorkha Palace and the famous Manakamana Peak are clearly visible from here. Other sights include Bimalnagar and Dumre Bazaar.
Thani Mai (Punaro Kot):
Purano Kot, originally a fort, lies at a distance of about 500 m to the west of the main bazaar. It takes about twenty minutes of easy and gentle climbing to reach the top. There is a small temple nearby containing a number of old statues. Next to it stands a newly built temple of Thanithan Mai. The local people believe that praying to the god Mahadev at this spot during a drought will bring rain. Since, this spot lies on a hilltop above the bazaar, it provides stunning views of the mountains and the bazaar especially at sunrise and sunset.
Teendhara:
This picnic sopt lies to the east of the main bazaar and can be reached in fifteen minutes. The name of this place derives from the original three water spouts which is still the main source of eater for the villagers. The shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva lies nearby with rest houses and shady spots scattered around making this a favourite place for picnickers.
Nature walk in Raniban:
This mixed Sal forest is located to the east of the main bazaar. It is a tranquil heaven for nature enthusiasts with abundant local flora and fauna, including langurs, orchids, butterflies, etc.
Exploring the Siddha Cave:
Bandipur's hillsides are dotted with caves, often carrying religious significance for the locals. The must-see distination here is the Siddhi cave discovered only in 1987. Rich in stalactites and stalagmites, it is said to be the largest cave in the Himalayan region. Siddhi Cave is situated just above the cliff of Bimalnagar, from where it is a 30-minutes climb.
Hike to Ramkot Village:
Ramkot is a two-hour easy hike to the west of Bandipur. It passes through Muchuk Village from where you can also visit Mukundeswari. Ramkot is a typical Magar village with traditional round houses, untouched by modern development offering an opportunity to experience authentic lifestyle of rural Nepal. From here, one can go on to Chabdi Barahi, a pilgrimage spot, which can reached after two hours of easy hiking.
Orchid Trail:
Bandipur hosts more than 24 species of orchid. The month of June is the best season to enjoy the different varieties of orchid in full bloom. Although you can see orchids in most parts of Bandipur, the best route to enjoy these beautiful flowers is on the way to the silk farm west of Bandipur Bazaar.
Khadga Devi Temple:
This highly reversed temple of Kadga Devi could be mistaken for a residential house were it not for the finial. The shrine does not contain any idols, but a Khadga, a sacred sword - a gift from Lord Shiva to Mukunda Sen, the King of Palpa. Wrapped in layers of cloth, legend has it that anyone looking at the bare sword invites instant death. The Khadga is worshipped as a symbol of the female power. This temple is opened to devotees only once a year on the day of Phulpati, the seventh day of the Hindu festival of Dashain usually in October.
Bindhebashini Temple:
This pagoda-style temple is located in the main bazaar. Enshrined here is an image of the goddess Bindhebashini. It also contains idols of other goddess. During the New Year celebrations in April, the image of Bindhenashini is put on a chariot and pulled through the town amidst other revelry.
Mahalaxmi Temple:
This pagoda-style temple from the medieval period is located to the southeast of the main bazaar. Its struts and tympanum are adorned with figures of Bhimsen and various mythical creatures.
Name :The Old Inn Resort
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Name :Gaun Ghar Resort
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Name :Bandipur Mountain Resort
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Location:
Situated in the Mahabharat Range in Tanahu district, it lies 143 km to the west of Kathmandu, 73 km to the south of Pokhara, 70 km to the north of Chitwan and 8 km from Dumre Bazaar on the Prithvi Highway.
Climate:
Temperature in the summer (March - July) however between a maximum of 32-33 degree celsius and a minimum of 12-13 degree celcius. In the winter (October - February), the temperature fluctuates between 18 - 21 degree celcius and 2 - 3 degree celcius. The clear skies over Bandipur at this time of the year provide magnificent views of the mountains. Heavy downpours mark the rainy season from June to August.
