Name: Bandipur

District: Tanahun

Status: Village

Population: 15,591 inhabitants in 2011

Altitude: 1,030 meters

Bandipur is a village perched atop a hilltop at 1,000 m altitude between Kathmandu and Pokhara. This former prosperous city, still illuminated by candlelight at night, offers panoramic views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the Annapurna range.

Beyond the impressive landscape, you can explore the Mahalaxmi Mandir temple, dedicated to the goddess of Abundance, or Bindebasini, which houses Durga, the destroyer of demons, in the heart of the bazaar.

History

Bandipur was once a thriving trade center between India and Tibet, and was also a relatively modest Magar village created by the Newars. Bandipur experienced its golden age during the Rana dynasty, from 1846 until 1951.

It fell victim to a malaria epidemic in the Terai in 1950. In 1960, the village's main hub was relocated to Damauli and it became an abandoned town following the completion of the Prithvi Narayan Road.

In 1973, the village regained importance as a key trading post for Newar merchants. The Bandipur Library was renovated in 2000 and remains there today. Like all cities in Nepal, Bandipur was also devastated by the severe earthquake in 2015, with many homes destroyed.

Today

Bandipur is a village situated on a hilltop in the Tanahu district. It is often compared to a living museum reflecting typical Newar culture and glorious 18th-century architecture. It is also among the best-preserved villages on the Dumre route.

Bandipur was designed in a simplistic style with narrow lanes lined with traditional Newar houses, giving it a certain old-world charm. The homes showcase pagoda-style roofs, mullioned windows, and large Newar doorways. Buildings abandoned by their original owners have been transformed into cafés and guesthouses to welcome travelers. Walking through the cobblestone alleys, you'll feel a delightful hint of Provence.

Bandipur enjoys a spectacular location, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna range as well as the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang. While exploring the surroundings, you can discover incredible countryside with breathtaking vistas. Be sure to uncover some of the village's hidden treasures. The Bindyabashii Temple and the famous library in the town center are wonderful discoveries. Continue your exploration to Tindhara, Raniban, the Queen's Forest, or the Siddha Cave.

To immerse yourself in village life, visit the bazaar to sample local dishes in a dynamic and lively atmosphere. Many farmers and merchants come to sell their goods to villagers who always display warm smiles.

During your stay, you'll quickly notice the hospitality of the locals, who are always eager to invite you to their table or share unique experiences. Head to the large Tundikhel football ground, renowned throughout the region, and enjoy a game with the locals.

Today, Bandipur is a town with great ethnic diversity and multiple belief systems, making it culturally rich. Among these groups are Bahuns, Chettris, Newars, Damais, Kamis, Sarkis, Kasais, Magars, and Gurungs.

With a bit of luck, you may arrive during one of the numerous festivals. The Bisket Jatra festival, the most important in Bandipur, celebrates the new year. Baishakh Purnima is worth experiencing for its many traditional dance performances called Ghatu.

To reach the village of Bandipur, take the bus to Dumre. The journey can take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour and a half depending on the route you take from Kathmandu.

As the village wishes to preserve its authenticity, all motorized vehicles are forbidden. The village is explored on foot.

What to do?

• Visit the Siddha Cave, the largest cave in the Asian subcontinent, about 90 minutes' walk from the village.
• See the Patalidwar Cave, also called the "gateway to heaven."
• Visit the Bindhabasini Temple with its famous portraits of the goddess Bindhabasini.
• See the village library and the Tundikhel ground.
• Admire the beauty of the Mahalaxmi Temple in the southwest of the main bazaar.
• Take memorable photos from Tundikhel with panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
• Stop to eat at the bazaar and participate in local life.