Godawari is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, at the outskirts of Kathmandu. Many outdoor enthusiasts travel to Godawari to take in the stunning views and picturesque sceneries. You can travel to Godawari by microbus from Lagankhel Bus Park. The bus will take you exactly where you need to go. Along the bus ride, you can catch glimpses of quaint towns, such as Thaiba and Harisiddhi.
Godawari is a stunning location that everyone could visit and enjoy spending time closer to nature. Godawari is a home to a number of attractions, including the Naudhara, Godawari Botanical Garden, Godawari Kunda, and more. A popular activity around here is hiking to Phulchowki.
There are many things to do in Godawari and some of the activities are listed below:
1. Roaming around Botanical Garden
The name, Godawari, is itself stuck to the Godawari Botanical Garden. It is definitely to be visited, if you are in the town. However, you must pay Rs. 20 for those under the age of 10, and 50 for those above the age of 10. SAARC citizens pay lower entrance fees than foreigners do. It includes a natural landscape with many greenhouses for plants together with other themed gardens, such as a physical garden and a garden for teaching biodiversity. Japanese-style garden, VVIP plantation garden, fern garden, rock garden, taxonomy family garden, and unique garden. About 1000 plant species, including ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms, are preserved in this botanical garden. When you approach the botanical garden, there are many lovely pockets of greenery, a tiny river running alongside it, and small bridges over the river.
2. Hike to Phulchowki
The Phulchowki Hike is also known as the Godawari Hike. One of the best hiking trails around Kathmandu, the Phulchowki Hike has sacred significance to followers of both Buddhism and Hinduism. With a height of 2782 metres above sea level and a length of 14 km southeast of Kathmandu, this trail is far from urban areas and is teeming with natural beauty and local culture. It is encircled by deep forests, including rhododendron, oak, and pine, including several bird and butterfly species. For many, the Phulchowki day trek is a manageable, quick hike. There are celebrations on some important days on the hill, and, in winter, we can reach the summit and enjoy the snowfall.
3. Picnic
Everybody wants to relax and have fun with friends and family as the winter months arrive. Then, why not go to Godawari for a picnic? The Godawari picnic site is well-known for picnics, as the name of the location implies. Godawari picnic location is also not that far away, making it the ideal destination for a picnic. You have the option of taking a dry picnic or packing everything you will need for cooking. Many groups of family and friends can be seen having a picnic in this area as this is the season for picnics.
4. Visiting the historical places
Godawari is known for more than just hiking and picnicking. It comprises historical sites like Naudhara and Godawari Kunda. On the right, you can see a row of Shaivite shrines. While on the left, a calm road leads to Godawari Kunda, a sacred spring. An enormous festival occurs in the autumn at the Godawari temple every 12 years which is called “Maha Kumbha Mela''.
Naudhara is a man-made stone tap built during the Rana Regime. They are not associated with any particular religion or cultural beliefs because they were created to help the people. The water in the faucets comes from Phulchowki Hill and is available all year. Naudhara is a tranquil and quiet place to escape the summer heat.
5. Spend quality time with your beloved
Godawari is a great place to spend some quality time with your loved ones as Valentine’s Day draws near. While hiking to Phulchowki or Marble Danda, you can take your partner to a location named Santi Ban Buddha. Spending time in nature with the person you like while munching some chips and having interesting conversations. There is no way anything could be better than this. Plan a Godawari date on this Valentine’s Day, and surprise your beloved.
There are a number of activities you might do while visiting Godawari in addition to these. So, why wait? Enjoy your time in Godawari!
Compiled By: Nikita Gautam
photo credit: OYE Nepal, Khojnu.com, My Holiday Nepal, Alpine Club of Himalaya
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