Foreign visitors flock to Hanumandhoka Museum

KATHMANDU, Nepal – Hordes of foreign tourists today flocked the Hanumandhoka Museum, part of World Heritage Site of Basantapur Palace, to savour the marvels of two Malla-era courtyards.

The Sundari Chowk and Mohankali Chowk drew the attention of more than 350 foreign tourists and 600 Nepali visitors, officials said.

Hanumandhoka Museum had arranged garlanding to welcome first entrants.

Lord Krishna’s Kaliyadaman statue of 18th century — made in a single stone — is the rarest in Asia, where ancient kings used do engage in parleys with foreign delegations.

The conflicts among three ancient states of the Kathmandu Valley were resolved by striking a deal at the Sundari Chowk.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City and museum had jointly implemented the ‘single ticket system’ for foreign tourists — probably the reason for increase in the number of tourists to enjoy the former palace.

The fee is Rs 750 for foreign tourists and Rs 150 for SAARC countries to see Basantapur Heritage. The fee for Nepalis is Rs 30 per person.

Culture expert Satya Mohan Joshi, who visited the museum said, “Joint efforts of local government and museum would probably be the best model in conservation and protection of monuments”.

On asked what are the things on public display, Saraswati Singh, chief of the museum, said that Chowks were open to public, but they have yet to decide on other sites. “The wood-carved and stone-carved statues are of much importance as we do not know of several of them,” added Singh.

CCTV cameras are fitted for scrutiny of the site as officials of the museum and Sardul battalion personnel ensure security of the heritage.