Godavari is a small village situated at the foot of Phulchoki, at an altitude of approximately 5000 feet above sea level, and 14 km southeast of Kathmandu. The road of Patan city (9 km) passes through the small scenic Newari town of Harisiddhi, Thaibu and Badegaon, where people still hang chillies and onions on their windows. Godavari is famous for its picnic spots and the Royal Botanical Garden. A fish hatchery, the St. Xavier’s School, and the Phulchowki (the highest hill in the valley – 2715 metres.), are part of the landmark of Godavari.

SIGHTSEEINGS AROUND GODAVARI

THE ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

An hour’s walk away (3 km.), is the Royal Botanical Gardens. Located at the foothills of Phulchowki (2715 Mts.), the highest of hills surrounding Kathmandu Valley, the garden is landscaped over 72 hectares of land. Over 500 species of plants can be found in the various gardens. The peak flowering seasons in the garden fall in spring and in autumn. The coming of spring is indicated by the bloom of Rhododendron arboretum, the national flower of Nepal, and the dramatic appearance of a number of colorful flowers in the garden beds and the surrounding forests. The gardens are also the dwelling place for butterflies, Godavari area being the reservoir for hundreds of species, Maps and plant listings are available at the gate. A small admission fee is charged. The gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm during Spring, Summer and Autumn and 10 am to 4 pm during winter months.

GODAVARI SPRINGS

Very close to the Botanical gardens (200 mts. Away from the main gate) is what is called in Nepali, the Godavari Kunda – a fresh water spring forever spouting forth cool, crystal clear water. A pilgrimage place revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, the water is channeled through five carved stone spouts (Panchadhara in Nepali) where pilgrims bathe, drink and worship. There are various temples and a retreat monastery in the surrounding vicinity.

Hindu legend has it that a certain realized saint, Bahadur Puri Swami, in ancient times, used to walked to the river Godavari in India daily to take a purification bath. The Goddess, being pleased with his devotion, manifested herself at his doorstep so that he would not have to walk the distance everyday.
The Buddhists believe that the Great Indian Mystic, Padmasambhava, who initially introduced Vajrayana Buddism in Tibet, while passing through Nepal struck the rock and created the spring in order to symbolize the ultimate truth always clear, always fulfilling the thirst of people for supreme knowledge.

NAUDHARA

20 minutes walk away, on way to Phulchowki, is Naudhara – the temple of the foot of Phulchowki Mai, whose main temple is at the top of Phulchowki. The temple complex houses nine stone water taps or Naudhara, which is similar to Panchadhara. The water flows from a spring and forms a small pond. There are plenty of interesting stone carvings in the temple complex.

PHULCHOKI

The Resort is situated on the foothills of Phulchowki (2715 mts.), the highest point in Kathmandu valley. It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours of uphill walking to get to the top or one can drive up (four wheel drive recommended) in one hour. The hike starts from Godavari School (10 mins. drive away from the resort). The school is run by the Jesuits Missionaries and is worth a visit, as it is one of the oldest and the most well known school in Nepal.

It is a tiring but beautiful walk up to the top of Phulchowki. From the top, on a clear day, one can get a spectacular view of the entire Kathmandu Valley, the Himalayas. There is a temple of Phulchowki Mai or mother at the top. It is also a good spot for bird watching. Shortcuts are not recommended as you could lose your way and get lost in the surrounding jungles. As it is about seven hours round trip, an early start (7 am) will give you enough time to spend at the top and get back before nightfall. During winter months, it is cold and the road is slippery with ice. Warm clothes and good shoes are required.

SANTANESHWOR MAHADEV
(Approx. 2 hrs. round trip)

A nice way to spend the morning or afternoon would be to take a short hike to the temple of Santaneshwor Mahadev (a manifestation of Lord Shiva) who grants children to those who are barren. From the resort, the trail leads through the picturesque villages of Arroubot and Jharuwarasi to the base of the hill where the temple is located. A short steep climb takes you to the top from where you can get excellent views of the surrounding valleys and the Himalayas. There is also a stone slab in the temple, where it is believed that if you sit on for an hour, all your diseases will be cured.

MURALI MOUNTAIN

The hike to Murali Mountain takes approximately 3 hrs. round trip. One can get excellent views of the valley, surrounding villages and the mountain ranges from the top, which is crowned with evergreen pines.

VAJRABARAHI TEMPLE

An hour’s walk away from the resort is the Vajrabarahi Temple. Vajrabarahi is located in the Chapagaun Forest and is an important temple for the Nepalese. The temple was constructed by Sri Bas Malla and empowered by Guru Viswanath in B.S. 786. Vajrabarahi is one of the nine manifestation of the Goddess Durga (the boar manifestation). In the great Earthquake of B.S. 1990, the temple was unharmed although all the surrounding buildings were totally destroyed. Vajrabarahi is also considered scared by the Buddhists and is an important deity of the Yoga Tantra School. The trail to the temple leads through terraced paddy fields and small villages – a pleasant walk.

LOCAL VILLAGE

A short easy walk takes you towards the village on the way to Santaneshwor Mahadev and Bajra Barahi. The villages, Jharuwa Rasi, Tasim Chowk and Aroo Bari are typically Brahmin village where one can observe the daily life style of these people.