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Visitors
destination
Pokhara, the city itself offers quite a few places of
interest for the casual and longer staying visitor.
These are:-
Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is the center of all attraction in Pokhara.
It is the largest and most enchanting of three lakes
that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can
sail or row a hired boat across the water of the lake
or visit the island temple in the middle of the lake,
The eastern shore, popularly know as Lakeside or Baidam,
is the favorite haunt of all travelers restaurants,
handicraft shops and other tourist facilities are located.
Barahi Temple
The Barahi temple is the most important monument in
Pokhara. Built almost in the Center of Fewa Lake, this
two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation
of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female
force of Shakti.
Devi’s
Fall
Locally known as Patale Chango (Hell’s Falls)
also know as Devins and Davids is a lovely Waterfall
is about 2 km south West of Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha
Highway. Legend has it that a trekker by the name of
Davy, was washed away by the Padi Khola and mysteriously
disappeared down into an underground passage beneath
the fall.
Mahendra Cave
Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the
Mahendra gufa. This large limestone cave is locally
known a s the House of Bats an apt name for it. A two-
hours walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring
our own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites,
as well as the local winged residents.
Seti Gandaki Gorge
Another of Pokhara natural wonders is the Seti Gandaki
River. Flowing right through the city, the boisterous
river runs underground at places. Amazingly, at certain
places the river appears hardly two meters wide. However,
its depth is quite beyond imagination, over 20m. Mahendra
pul, a small bridge near the old mission hospital, provides
a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and
the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
The Old Bazar + Bindyabasini Temple
Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are
its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments
can be seen ties to the old Newar Architecture of the
Kathmandu valley, Located about 4 k.m from Lakeside,
the market S original charm is still evident. This area
is strewn with shops selling commodities ranging from
edibles to and cloth to cosmetics and gold, is a pleasant
and shady spot to stroll around.
The old Bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara’s
most important shrines. Locally called the Bindhyabasini
Mandir, this white dome- like structure dominates a
spacious stone – paved courtyard built atop a
shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhgwati, yet
another manifestation of Shakti. The park – like
grounds offers a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays,
and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices,
it takes on a festive flavor.
World peace pagoda
This Pagoda is situated on the top of a hill on the
southern shore of Fewa lake. It has four images of Buddha
facing in four directions. The Pagoda is an impressive
sight and its hilltop location commands a grand view.
It is a great vantage point, which offers spectacular
view of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city.
Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake
Begnas Lake is situated in the eastern part of Pokhara
valley, at a distance of 15 km from Pokhara. Tourist
can relax in the lodges and resorts situated alongside
the lake. Yet another popular lake of Pokhara is the
Rupa Lake. It is separated from Begnas Lake by a bridge
known as Pachabhaiya. The lakes offer the prefect nature
retreat because of their relative’s seclusion
and opportunities for boating and fishing.
Mountain
Views:
Clearly, the most stunning of Pokhara’s sights
is the spectacular panorama of the Anapurna range that
forms its backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the
Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna
South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna
I at 8091 meters, it is Machhapuchhre, which dominates
all others in this neighborhood. Standing tall, proud,
and dominating the skyline, Machhapuchhre, the fishtailed
pinnacle is the classic snow – capped, needle
– pointed mountain.
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