Bandipur Bazaar:
The heart of Bandipur is the medieval-looking Bandipur Bazaar that sweeps in a gentle curve along the top of the hill in an east- west axis. The stone –paved main 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 is front of the rows of house providing shade in summer sun and monsoon rain.
Tudikhel:
Tudikhel, a field to the northern end of Bandipur’s main Bazaar, is an excellent vantage point for viewing the Marsyangdi valley (below 500 m) and the magnificent Himalayan Range (above 8000m) 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 (Purano 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 spot 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 water for the villagers. The shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva lies nearby with rest houses and shady spouts scattered around making this a favorite place for picnickers.
Silk Farm:
An offbeat choice, a visit to Silkworm Farm takes you through the fascinating process of how silk is produced. The farm comprises orchards of mulberry plants, which are grown for worm food – the worms themselves are reared indoors, usually from August to December and March to May. But you can visit any time, with someone on hand to explain the process using jars of preserved displays. To get here follow the road past Green Hills View Lodge downhill for around 2km.
Nature walk in Raniban:
This mixed Sal forest is located to the east of the main bazaar. It is a tranquil haven 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 destination here is the Siddha Cave discovered only in 1987.Rich in stalactites and stalagmites, it is said to be the largest cave in the Himalayan region. Siddha Cave is situated just above the cliff of Bimalnagar, from where it is a 30 minute 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 be 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.
TEMPLES AND FESTIVALS
Khadga Devi:
This highly revered temple of Khadga Devi could be mistaken for a residential house were it not for the final. The shrine does not contain any idols, but a Khadga, a scared 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 devotes only once a year on the day of fulpati, the seventh day of the Hindu festival of Dashain usually in October.
Bindhebasini Temple: This pagoda –style temple from the medieval period is located to the southeast of the main bazaar .Enshrined here is an image of the goddess Bindhebasini .It also contain idols of other goddess. During the New Year celebrations in April, the image of Bindhebasini 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 is adorned with figures of Bhimsen and various mythical creatures.
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