Banepa is very rich in her culture heritage, and is inhabited by two main religious groups, Buddhists and Hindus. Though the people are divided into two main faiths, they are very close socially and culturally.
Amoung its festivals, Chandeshwari Jatra is one of the most mportant and interesting of all. It is held every year on Baisakh Purnima(April-May). Other festivals are Sindur Jatra, Laskus Sacrifice, Dipankar show, Swasthani fastival, and the festival of Dhaneshwor.
Banepa is full of relgious monuments. It is surrounded by eight Ganeshes, nine ponds, ten courtyards, seventeen stone spouts,thirty-three public inns and seventy-two temples and stupas. There are ninenty nine wells, all are also considered to be fine specimens of stone , terracotta, brick , wood and metal work.
LAYAkU
This is the old palace area.At present there is a high school and the office of wards no. 3,4 and 5 there. The palace, its main gate, and the Taleju temple are no longer in existence. But stone taps, some idols and ruins can still be found.
BRICK STUPA
This stupa was built in the fifteenth century. Constructed with brick and lime, it has many stories connected with it from the Budhas life. It is decorated with 28 beautiful terracotta images.
STUPA
This large stupa was built in the 8th century A.D. Ancient Lichhavi period stupas are erocted at each of the four corners of the main one. In front are headless image of two deer. The stupa which was built out of bricks and lime has been platered are with cement mortar.
ITIHITI
There are two huge images of Saraswati and Laxmi at the western side of a stone tap constructed in the 14th century A.D. Both these images are amoung the best examples of the craftsmanship of the seventeenth century. In addition, a weight supporting Yaksya, and damaged images of laxmi and Ganesh add further importance to this place.
SURYA IMAGE
A sun god image, dated 1394 A.D on a Layaku stone tap has been preserved at present in the muncipality building of Banepa. This sun god images, is semicircular in shape and made of sandstone, is artistically carved. The image of sun god chariot pulled by seven horses,the symbol of the seven lights, is a typical exampie of Nepalese art.
STHANAPATI
This is a very popular religious place.Besides two pagado style temples, there are other artistic images of Shiva and Uma Maheswor belonging to the 8th century A.D. Two other Narayan temples and images were constructed by the king of Banepa,Keshab Malla in 1530 A.D. The erotic figure displayed on the support of the temple are very attractive and worth seeing.
SHIVAPARIVAR
the image of Shivaparivar belonging to the 8th century is very beautiful. in this image, beside Lord Shiva and his consort, Nandi, Kumar,Ganesh, and other followers of shiva have been anterestingly portrayed, depicting the genuine originality of Nepalese art.
CHANDESWARI TEMPLE
chandeshwari is not only popular in Banepa: but it is also worshipped by the people of kathmandu valley as one of its main guardian deities. Hindus know her as chandeshwari,the Mahayan Buddhists take her as one of the goddesses of protection and call her Ekjati.Inside this temple are displayed terracotta images of kind are very rare in Nepal.
The temple of chandeshwari is one of the best temples of the Nepalese pagoda style. This 3 storied temple has popular tantrik figure and poses on the temple struts. There is a picture of Bhairab on the western wall of the temple which is considered to be one of the largest wall painting in Kathmandu valley. At the front courtyard of chandeshwari temple, the ancient shivalinga of chandeshwari and Sikhara style temple are not to be missed.Other than this the images of Ganesh and other gods and goddesses which are scattered here and there are also very attractive.
NALA
This tiny ancient town is situated 2 km north west of Banepa.It contains images of many Hindu gods and goddesses as well as Buddhist monasteries.A four storied pagoda style temple is very rare in Nepal. The example here is known as Nala Bhagvati and is the main attraction. A big colourful festival of Nala Bhagawati is held in month of March/April everyyear. We can also see some typical Newari houses of the Malla peroid. The main attraction of this place are the remains of the wall once built as a fort and the bunker which could accommodate thousands of people to protect them from external attacks. The trekking route fromBanepa to Nagarkot and also from Sangha passes through this town.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
There are many sites of ancient ruins which are yet to be explored such as Swamu Degal, Budol etc.
GOSAI KUNDA
This pond is situated at the upper portion of the small hill 2 km east of Banepa town. After nearly one hours trek, one can reach thisbeautiful spot. Even though the path is narrow, the treak is enjoyable and a panoramic view of the Himalayas is visible from the top. Even on a cloudy day, a beautiful view of the typical village, country side, terraces, green valley of Kavre palanchowk district, inciuding panchkhal to the east and Banepa town to the west, is available.
Nearby in a temple resides a holy man who keeps an eternal flame.A moment of chatting with this holy man will enrich ones knowledge of the Hindu way of life. This place is also known as Lovers paradise.
