Narayanhiti Musium
Kathmandu, Nepal
About
'Nepal and Beyond' has introduced the visit of Narayanhiti Durbar Museum in our tour itineraries in Kathmandu. The Narayanhiti Palace (Durbar), the throne and resident of the former Shah kings of Nepal, has been converted into Narayanhiti Durbar Museum recently. It took its name from the Narayanhiti, a famous historic waterspout situated at the southern corner of the museum. The museum is situated near the tourist hub Thamel and has been considered to hold a great significance for tourists. Many travelers are flocking to see the Palace-turned-museum. Spread in an area of over 700 acres, the museum has various historical relics, artifacts, sculptures and wildlife trophies on display for the public. The then King Birendra, queen Aishwarya and their two children and five other relatives were killed by the crown prince Dipendra, who at the end turned the gun on himself in the notorious royal massacre of 2001. Entrance fees at the museum is USD 8. The museum is opened for five days a week, except Tuesday, Wednesday and on public holidays. The visit takes approx 1.5 hrs. The visit of the museum is recommended to be combined with the tour of Budhanilkantha temple to make a halfday tour. Budhanilkantha temple is situated at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snakes. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water. The king of Nepal was not allowed to see the deity at Budhanilkantha. It is believed if the king sees this deity of Vishnu he will die immediately.
