Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu (must see)
The Garden of Dreams, located in Kaiser Mahal, Kathmandu, is a historical and architectural marvel initially established in the early 1920s. Designed by Kishore Narshingh, a notable landscape architect, the Garden was built for Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana. It spans 6,895 square meters and features a Neo-classical style reminiscent of the Edwardian gardens popular in England during King Edward VII's reign. The design includes formal and axial arrangements of architectural elements combined with more naturalistic planting schemes.
This garden, also known as the Garden of Six Seasons, reflects its name through its six pavilions, each dedicated to a different season in Nepal. These pavilions are complemented by three other main structures, an amphitheater, and various decorative elements such as fountains, sunken flower gardens with central ponds, pergolas, and urns. The architectural features suggest influences from pattern books, adapted with local nuances.
Despite its initial grandeur and sophistication鈥攎aking it one of the most prestigious private gardens of its time鈥攖he Garden of Dreams fell into neglect after the death of Kaiser Sumsher in the mid-1960s. It was left unattended until a significant restoration project funded by the Austrian government brought it back to life. However, today, only half of the original garden remains.
In a dramatic turn of events in 1998, when the garden was at risk of being demolished for commercial development, intervention by Minister of Education Arjun Narsingha KC, following advice from conservationist Karna Shakya, saved it. It was then opened to the public under the new moniker, "The Garden of Dreams."
Located strategically across from the former Royal Palace and near the Thamel tourist district, the Garden of Dreams now serves not only as a historical site but also as a peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists in the heart of Kathmandu.
This garden, also known as the Garden of Six Seasons, reflects its name through its six pavilions, each dedicated to a different season in Nepal. These pavilions are complemented by three other main structures, an amphitheater, and various decorative elements such as fountains, sunken flower gardens with central ponds, pergolas, and urns. The architectural features suggest influences from pattern books, adapted with local nuances.
Despite its initial grandeur and sophistication鈥攎aking it one of the most prestigious private gardens of its time鈥攖he Garden of Dreams fell into neglect after the death of Kaiser Sumsher in the mid-1960s. It was left unattended until a significant restoration project funded by the Austrian government brought it back to life. However, today, only half of the original garden remains.
In a dramatic turn of events in 1998, when the garden was at risk of being demolished for commercial development, intervention by Minister of Education Arjun Narsingha KC, following advice from conservationist Karna Shakya, saved it. It was then opened to the public under the new moniker, "The Garden of Dreams."
Located strategically across from the former Royal Palace and near the Thamel tourist district, the Garden of Dreams now serves not only as a historical site but also as a peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists in the heart of Kathmandu.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Garden of Dreams on Map
Sight Name: Garden of Dreams
Sight Location: Kathmandu, Nepal (See walking tours in Kathmandu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kathmandu, Nepal (See walking tours in Kathmandu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kathmandu, Nepal
Create Your Own Walk in Kathmandu
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kathmandu is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kathmandu Introduction Walking Tour
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. With nearly 3 million residents in the metropolitan region, Kathmandu is also the largest city in the country. Kathmandu is notable for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The name "Kathmandu" comes from the name of the Kasthamanadap pavilion in Durbar Square. That name comes from the Sanskrit words for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
The name "Kathmandu" comes from the name of the Kasthamanadap pavilion in Durbar Square. That name comes from the Sanskrit words for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Pashupatinath Temple Complex Tour
Pashupatinath Temple Complex in Kathmandu is a sacred religious site that holds great significance for Hindus worldwide. The area in which it is located, near the Tribhuvan International Airport, is truly picturesque - surrounded by virgin jungle. This complex encompasses several notable locations, each contributing to its spiritual and cultural importance.
At the heart of the complex stands... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
At the heart of the complex stands... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Kathmandu's Street Markets Tour
Ardent shoppers 鈥� those keen on street markets in particular 鈥� will find Kathmandu a true heaven. In this city, street markets are where you can buy some exotic (and often good-quality) products, such as monk's robes, soft silks, woolen garments, artifacts, and more, at very good prices. The list of bargains is truly endless. Sadly, however, in Kathmandu, you are not allowed to buy... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles