The Narayanhiti Palace Museum near the Kaiser Mahal in Thamel Kathmandu is a must-visit tourist attraction during your vacation in Kathmandu. Situated just opposite the Lord Vishnu Temple, the Palace was named “Narayanhiti”, which is a fusion of two words: “Narayan”, which signifies the Hindu God Vishnu, and “Hiti”, which means “water spout”. The Narayanhiti Palace Museum is the most visited historical place in Kathmandu, Nepal. The museum houses a collection of artefacts and furniture that shows the lifestyle of the Royal Family. A visit to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum gives tourists an understanding of Nepal’s past and a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Royal Family.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum History
The history of Narayanhiti Palace Museum in Kathmandu is intricately intertwined with the politically tumultuous times Nepal experienced. The current structure of the Museum was built in the year 1936 and served as both an official and residential place for the Royal Family of Nepal.
The Narayanhiti Palace has been a witness to numerous significant incidents and moments in the history of Nepal, including the Kot Massacre in 1846 and the “Royal Family Assasination” in 2001. The museum showcases the royal family’s lifestyle, depicting the lavish rooms, halls, and expensive furniture used for holding ceremonies and political meetings. Visiting the museum is an eye-opener for anyone looking to learn more about the historic legacy of Nepal.
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Narayanhiti Palace Museum Architecture
Featuring a combination of modern design and Nepali traditional elements is the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, with Benjamin Kauffman Polk being the chief architect behind the museum’s reconstruction in 1963. The splendid architecture of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. Inspired by the Victorian architectural style, the Palace is known for its exquisite interiors featuring carved wooden panels, sparkling chandeliers, luxurious carpets and furnishings.
Besides the grand and decadent style evident throughout the palace, including the 52 elegantly adorned rooms, what uniquely stands out are the two striking figurines of Royal Bengal Tigers in the Reception Hall. The large windows and balconies further add to the rich aesthetics of the palace, offering glorious views of the landscaped gardens and the surroundings. A visit to this magnificent palace is a must for a connoisseur of history and art looking to discover the impressive lifestyle of the monarchs.
Significant Attractions Of Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Image Credit: Suraj Belbase for Wikipedia
Within the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, visitors will find an exciting selection of attractions that reflect the country’s royal heritage. Among them is the Golden State Coach that Queen Elizabeth II gifted to King Mahendra Shah during her visit in 1961. The Golden State Coach was used again in 1986 to transport Queen Elizabeth II from Basantapur to Narayanhiti Palace. Another centrepiece marking the sign of monarchy is the Royal Crown, crafted from precious metals and stones and adorned with feathers of the Humayun birds.
The tradition of wearing the crown commenced during the reign of King Rajendra Bikram Shahdeva. Within the premises, visitors will also come across Shree Sadan, which was once the royal family’s residence and was built by Prince Birendra on the occasion of him being crowned. Designed by the prince, the building’s architecture showcases Nepalese and Chinese design elements.
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Places To Visit Near Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Kathmandu is known for its rich cultural heritage and draws tourists from various countries owing to its cultural landmarks, mountains, vibrant streets, and many more. Here is a curated list of places to explore.
1. Thamel Street
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the heart of Kathmandu, Thamel is a vibrant street famous among tourists owing to its various shops selling colourful textiles, handicrafts, and trekking essentials. You can also try different cafes, bars, and other entertainment venues. Thamel is known as a prime entertainment place in Nepal. You can explore some clubs and casinos that are operating 24 hours. You can find a range of delicacies in the restaurants, from Italian to Israeli and French to Indian. Besides the vibrant street life, Thamel Street is home to many cultural gems like Tri Devi Temple, Shiva Shrine, Sunken Ganesh Shrine, Ghairi Dhara, and Ashoka Stupa. If you plan to visit Kathmandu, Thamel is a must-visit attraction on your itinerary.
Distance: 1 kilometre
Travel Time: 5 minutes
Timings: 24/7
2. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
Once used to be a ruling ground for the Malla kings, the first monarchs to rule Nepal, it is now considered a museum of temples. The Kathmandu Durbar Square consists of three squares known as Basantapur Square, Central Durbar Square, and Hanuman Dhoka. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a must-visit tourist attraction for its pristine places of worship. The Kathmandu Durbar Square preserves Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. The place offers a serene environment for tourists seeking peace from the hustle and bustle of the city. Explore the delightful Kathmandu Durbar Square on your next trip to Kathmandu.
Distance: 2.2 kilometre
Travel Time: 9 minutes
Timings: 10:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M every day except Saturday
Entry Fee: Foreigners – NPR 1000,
SAARC country citizens – NPR 200,
Students – No Entry Fee
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3. The Garden Of Dreams
Image Credit: Rodrigo.Argenton for Wikimedia Commons
Located in Thamel, The Garden of Dreams is a famous tourist attraction in Kathmandu. In 1920, Kaiser Sushmer hired renowned architect Kishore Narsingh to build this wonderful tourist attraction. The Edwardian style of architecture inspired the layout of The Garden of Dreams. The Garden is spread over an area of 6895 square metres. You can stroll in the more miniature garden guarded by walls, and a charming pond in between the gardens makes the place more enchanting. You cannot find a place more captivating than this to rejuvenate yourself from the daily hastiness of life. Besides this, you can explore the Kaiser Cafe and art gallery.
Distance: 600 metres
Travel Time: 3 minutes
Timings: 09:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M every day
Entry Fee: Adult- NPR 320; Child- NPR 160
4. Taudaha Lake
Image Credit: Shadow Ayush for Wikimedia Commons
Located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Taudaha Lake is a famous freshwater lake based on the story behind it. Surrounded by lush green forests and verdant hills, the Taudaha Lake offers a captivating and tranquil environment for tourists to rejuvenate from a busy day of exploring Kathmandu. This is an ideal place for birdwatchers as you can find various migratory birds like the Oriental Magpie Robin, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Bulbul, Mayna, etc. The freshwater lake is home to different fish species like barbs, snakehead catfishes, and large carp, such as silver carp, common carp, and bighead carp.
Distance: 11.4 kilometres
Travel Time: 22 minutes
Timings: 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free
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5. Patan Museum
Image Credit: Bijay chaurasia for Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO-acclaimed World Heritage site, the Patan Museum is a must-visit attraction in Nepal. Situated in the Lalitpur district, the Patan Museum preserves the valuable monuments of the Kathmandu Valley. The Patan Museum was a Buddhist monastery in 1734 A.D. After that, it served as a residence to the Malla Kings, the first monarchs to govern Nepal. Then, the Nepalese and Austrian Governments transformed it into a museum. Once you enter the museum, you can find a collection of cast bronze and gilt copper repousse work. If you feel hungry, you can visit the Patan Museum Cafe and try Nepalese delicacies with a beverage.
Distance: 5.9 kilometres
Travel Time: 12 minutes
Timings: 08:00 A.M. – 6:30 A.M.
Entry Fee: Foreign Nationals- NPR 1000, SAARC Nationals- NPR 250
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The Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a must-visit destination on your next trip to Kathmandu. If you want to learn more about Nepal’s history during the monarchs’ rule, the Museum is a perfect destination. It takes you on a fascinating journey into the affluent lives of the monarchs. Make sure to visit this museum on your trip to Kathmandu.
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Cover Image Credit : Suraj Belbase for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Why is Narayanhiti Palace Museum important?
The Narayanhiti Palace Museum holds significance in Nepal’s history due to the “Royal Family Assassination” in 200. The Museum preserves valuable monuments and artefacts of the monarchy period in Nepal.
What is the Narayanhiti Palace Museum entry fee?
To enter the Narayanhiti Palace Museum you have to deposit a small fee For Nepali Nationals: NPR 100 For Students: NPR 20 For SAARC Nationals: NPR 250 For Other Foreign Nationals: NPR 500.
What are Narayanhiti Palace Museum timings?
The Narayanhiti Palace Museum is open from morning 11:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M., the Museum is closed on Tuesday and the timings on Wednesday may differ.
What are the nearby attractions of Narayanhiti Palace Museum?
Some of the nearby attractions of Narayanhiti Palace Museums are the Kaiser Library, the Garden Of Dreams, Thamel Street, Durbar Square, and many more.
What is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
The best time to visit Kathmandu is during the months of September-December. The weather during this time in Kathmandu as the weather is exceptionally delightful and the average temperature ranges between 19-25 degrees.
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