Krishna Mandir Patan
A 17th-century stone masterpiece, Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square captivates with intricate carvings and spiritual ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Krishna Mandir Patan
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century stone masterpiece, Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square captivates with intricate carvings and spiritual ambiance.
"It's a must-visit spiritual landmark, a perfect example of tradition and community coming together."
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate stone carvings; early morning light is best for photography.
🚶♀️ Explore the Square
The temple is part of Patan Durbar Square; allow time to wander and soak in the history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Stone Carvings
Temple Facade
Marvel at the 17th-century Shikhara-style architecture, entirely carved from stone.
Patan Durbar Square Ambiance
Surrounding Square
Experience the vibrant mix of worshippers, locals, and visitors in this historic gathering spot.
Spiritual Serenity
Temple Interior
Find peace and connection in this spiritually rich landmark, a masterpiece of Hindu culture.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate stone carvings; early morning light is best for photography.
🚶♀️ Explore the Square
The temple is part of Patan Durbar Square; allow time to wander and soak in the history.
🙏 Respectful Visit
Dress modestly and be mindful of worshippers. It's a sacred site.
☕ Nearby Cafes
Grab a refreshing drink or snack at cafes like H2O Cafe & Pub in the vicinity.
Need to find that Krishna Mandir
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate stone carvings; early morning light is best for photography.
🚶♀️ Explore the Square
The temple is part of Patan Durbar Square; allow time to wander and soak in the history.
🙏 Respectful Visit
Dress modestly and be mindful of worshippers. It's a sacred site.
☕ Nearby Cafes
Grab a refreshing drink or snack at cafes like H2O Cafe & Pub in the vicinity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Krishna Mandir and Patan Durbar Square for their stunning stone carvings, rich history, and vibrant spiritual atmosphere. Many find the area to be a beautiful and peaceful place, offering a glimpse into Nepal's cultural heritage. While some mention that structures are reproductions after the 2015 earthquake, the overall beauty and historical significance are highly appreciated.
"It was my proper visit to this place as the only time I came across here was while running from sukedhara with my friends. It was very eye pleasing and had a lot of fun with chilly guava refresher on the way and combo set at laphing house with discount because of the happy hour. Made me really happy to have had spent time with my friend."
Jackie Rai
"Krishna Mandir in Patan is one of the most beautiful and spiritually rich places in the Kathmandu Valley. Located just 15 minutes' walk from my home, I visit the temple 2–3 times a week. Each visit brings a sense of peace and connection. Despite being a sacred and religious site, the area is always bustling with energy — a mix of worshippers, locals, and visitors all coming together in a truly vibrant space.
Built in the 17th century during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, the temple is a masterpiece of traditional Shikhara-style architecture, carved entirely out of stone. It holds immense importance in Hindu culture, especially for devotees of Lord Krishna.
Over the years, Krishna Mandir has also become a cultural and social gathering spot — a place where people from all walks of life come not just to pray, but to connect, reflect, and enjoy the heart of Patan Durbar Square.
The atmosphere is both sacred and lively — a perfect example of how tradition and community come together in daily life. Whether you're a devotee or a traveler, Krishna Mandir is a must-visit spiritual landmark in Nepal."
Sanjaya Sharma
"Another amazing place filled with history. Many of the buildings fell during the 2015 earthquake, but honestly I’d never have known the current structures are reproductions. It’s beautiful."
Noelle McGarvey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Patan, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Taxis are also readily available for a more direct route.
Yes, Krishna Mandir is a central feature of Patan Durbar Square and is easily walkable once you are within the square.
Walking is the best way to explore Patan Durbar Square and its surroundings, allowing you to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere.
Some tour operators offer direct bus services, for example, from Kathmandu to Delhi, which might pass through or near Patan.
Based on traveler accounts, it's possible to reach the temple from areas like Jorpati via bus, with travel times around 20-25 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Krishna Mandir itself is generally free, but there might be an entrance fee for Patan Durbar Square as a whole, which is common for heritage sites.
The temple is usually open from early morning until evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architecture.
Yes, visitors typically need to pay an entrance fee to access Patan Durbar Square, which includes the area around Krishna Mandir.
Krishna Mandir is usually open on public holidays, and these times can offer a unique cultural experience, though crowds may be higher.
During major festivals, visiting hours might be extended or adjusted. It's advisable to check local information closer to the festival dates.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the exterior areas of Krishna Mandir and Patan Durbar Square. However, check for specific signage regarding photography inside the temple premises.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for capturing the intricate stone carvings and the overall ambiance of the temple and square.
The entire facade of the temple is a photographic marvel. Capturing it from different angles within the square provides varied perspectives.
Drone usage is typically restricted in heritage sites and densely populated areas. It's best to avoid using drones to prevent any issues.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both the details of the carvings and the wider shots of the temple and square.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Krishna Mandir was built in 1637 during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla.
The temple is a masterpiece of traditional Shikhara-style architecture, carved entirely out of stone.
It holds immense importance in Hindu culture, especially for devotees of Lord Krishna, and is a significant spiritual landmark.
While many buildings in Patan Durbar Square were affected, the current structures, including Krishna Mandir, are often well-maintained or reproduced beautifully.
King Siddhi Narsingh Malla was the ruler during whose reign the Krishna Mandir was constructed, marking a significant period in Patan's history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes and eateries around Patan Durbar Square. H2O Cafe & Pub is a newly opened spot mentioned for chilling and enjoying food.
You can find a variety of local Nepali dishes, snacks, and refreshing drinks. Some places offer combo sets and may have happy hour discounts.
Exploring the smaller eateries and local stalls within and around the square can offer more budget-friendly options.
While local Nepali cuisine is prevalent, some cafes and restaurants in the area might offer a selection of international dishes.
Travelers have mentioned enjoying 'chilly guava refresher' and 'laphing' in the vicinity, suggesting these are popular local treats.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the temple itself is a place of worship, the surrounding square provides ample space for kids to move around. Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more comfortable experience. Bringing along snacks and drinks, perhaps from nearby cafes, can also help keep younger ones happy during your exploration.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Look for local eateries and street food vendors around the square for affordable and authentic Nepalese snacks and meals. Many travelers mention enjoying local refreshments and combo sets at reasonable prices, especially if you find places with happy hour deals.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles within the square to find unique perspectives. The surrounding temples and courtyards also offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially inside the temple premises.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Krishna Mandir
Visitors often remark on the temple's ability to transport them back in time, evoking a sense of historical immersion. The detailed stonework depicts various deities and mythological scenes, offering a rich visual narrative for those who take the time to observe. The surrounding Patan Durbar Square itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Krishna Mandir stands as one of its most significant and visually striking monuments.
The spiritual significance of the temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, adds another layer to its appeal. It's not just an architectural wonder but a living place of worship, where the vibrant energy of devotees and locals creates a unique atmosphere. This blend of historical grandeur, artistic detail, and spiritual devotion makes Krishna Mandir a truly captivating destination.
Experiencing Patan Durbar Square
Beyond the Krishna Mandir, the square offers numerous other architectural gems, including the Royal Palace complex, the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), and various pagoda-style temples. Wandering through the narrow alleys surrounding the main square can lead to hidden courtyards and smaller shrines, revealing more of Patan's artistic legacy. The atmosphere is often described as both sacred and lively, a perfect reflection of Nepalese urban culture.
Community gatherings and cultural events are frequently held in the square, making it a dynamic space. Visitors can enjoy local snacks, observe traditional crafts, and simply soak in the unique ambiance. The proximity of cafes and eateries, like the mentioned H2O Cafe & Pub, also adds to the convenience for visitors looking to relax after exploring.
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