Bandipur

Bandipur, a charming hilltop settlement situated in the Tanahun District of the Gandaki Province in Nepal, is celebrated for its well-preserved traditional cultural ambiance. Here are some key details about Bandipur:

  Location:  

• Coordinates: 27.56 N, 84.25 E
• Elevation: 1030m
• Geography: Nestled on a mountain saddle (Mahabharat range) approximately 700m above the Marsyangdi River Valley.
• Distance: Positioned 143 km west of Kathmandu and 80 km east of Pokhara.
• Access: Linked by an 8km access road from Dumre (Prithvi Highway) since 1998.

  History:  

• Establishment: Bandipur evolved as a trading hub by Newar traders from Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley after its conquest in 1768 by Prithvi Narayan Shah.
• Trade Route: It gained significance as a pivotal point along the India-Tibet trade route.
• Cultural Heritage: The cultural heritage and architecture brought by Newar traders have endured over time.
• Heyday: Bandipur flourished during the Rana times (1846-1951) and boasted its library during that era.
• Decline: Trading dwindled in the 1970s with the construction of the Prithvi Highway, leading to the isolation of Bandipur.

  Wards and Municipality:  

• Wards: Bandipur Rural Municipality is divided into 6 wards.
• Municipality Status: Attained municipality status on June 2, 2014.
• Merge: Dharampani VDC was amalgamated with Bandipur to form the municipality.

  Education: 

• Secondary Schools: Nine secondary schools operate in Bandipur.
• Higher Education: Bandipur hosts one public graduate college, “Bandipur Campus,” affiliated with Tribhuvan University, offering a Bachelor in Education program.

  Social Organizations:  

• Library: Padma Library, established in the Rana regime, stands as one of the oldest libraries in Nepal.
• Youth Club: Tindhara Youth Cultural Group (TYC-Group) functions as an active youth club.
• Child Development: Hoste Haise Child Development Society is actively engaged in child development and children’s rights sectors.

  Eco-Cultural Project:  

• Bandipur Eco-Cultural Tourism Project (BECT-Project): A project designed to develop and promote Bandipur as a unique tourist destination, with the support of EuropeAid.

  Demographics (2011 Nepal Census):  

• Population: Bandipur Rural Municipality had a population of 20,077.
• Languages: Predominantly Nepali, Gurung, Magar, Newar, and others.
• Ethnicity/Caste: Mainly Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, Hill Brahmin, Newar, and others.
• Religion: Primarily Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, and others.
• Literacy: 71.8% were literate, 2.3% could only read, and 25.8% were unable to read or write.

Bandipur’s rich history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural surroundings make it a significant and captivating destination in Nepal.