Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are many other tourist attractions in the vicinity
of Pokhara, including the Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa lakes;
Mahendra Cave; Devis Falls; and Seti Gandaki Gorge. The Seti
River passes through the city and, amazingly, flows completely
undergroundﾭbeneath the communityﾭthroughout much
of its course. It is often said that Pokhara “floats like a boat”
above the Seti. Other popular tourist activities in the area
include boating, swimming in lakes, golfing, microlight flights,
and whitewater rafting. Many tourists take the short hike to
nearby Sarangkot, a beautiful village located atop a low moun-
tain. From this community, visitors have a spectacular view of
Pokhara, Phewa Lake, and the Himalayas. In addition to enjoy-
ing the scenery, visitors can mingle with the local people and
experience some of their culture, including local foods.
Janakpur
Janakpur is the capital of the ancient Mithila Kingdom, which
is situated east of Kathmandu in the eastern Terai. Janakpur is
the birthplace of Sita, the wife of Ayodhya King Ram (a legend-
ary hero) who married Sita in the Janaki Temple. The famous
Janaki Temple is located at the center of the city. Thousands
of devotees come throughout the year to pay homage to Lord
Ram and Sita. The annual grand ceremony is held during the
festival of Bibah Panchami, which is celebrated as the wedding
anniversary of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. Lord Ram and Sita
are two major characters of the great Hindu epic
Ramayan,
which deals with the victory over devils.
Lumbini
Lumbini is the birthplace of Guatama Buddha, the “Enlight-
ened One” and founder of the Buddhist faith. The city, which
lies south of the Kathmandu Valley, is a place that evokes
feelings of spirituality, reverence, and devotion for thousands
of faithful every year. No place is more holy than the Sacred
Garden located at the site of Buddha's birth. The garden covers
