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Garden of Dreams, the garden filled with vivid dreams inside Kathmandu

 April 4, 2023      By Himalayan Hero
Garden of Dreams, the garden filled with vivid dreams inside Kathmandu

The re-decorated gorgeous Swapna Bagaicha (Garden of Dreams) is one of the most serene and heart captivating enclaves of K-town which lies just across the north street from former Royal Palace, Narayanhiti Durbar. This Garden is well-known as the backyard of Six Seasons. The library inside its premises claims the creator of this beautiful flowery garden to be late avid book collector and Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana (1892-1964), who built the infrastructure in early 1920.

Back in the late 19th century, this garden was considered as one of the most classy and highly talked about private gardens. History says, Kaiser Sumsher, owner of the garden beautifully designed the blueprint of construction by being inspired by the famous Edwardian style. The garden owner appointed, Kishore Narshingh, one of the prominent architects of Nepal who had designed and constructed Singha Durbar in 1907, as the principal supervisor and designer for the construction of his dream garden "The Garden of Dreams".

The legends of The Garden of Dreams Kaiser Sumsher and Kishor Narshingh brought in a luxurious collection of decors such as pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture's and European inspired structures including verandas, pergolas, balustrades, urns, and birdhouses, within the Garden walls. They erected six impressive pavilions where each pavilion is dedicated to one of the six seasons of Nepal. These pavilions provided the Garden's architectural framework and give a cosmopolitan flavor to the formal arrangement of flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Garden of Dreams
Caption: The reflecting vision of "Garden of Dreams", Kaiser Mahal. (Credit: trover)

Currently, only some portion of the Garden is in existence. On the demise of Kaiser Sumsher, the Garden of Dreams was completely handed over to the Government of Nepal. However, it was not properly managed for decades. Seven years (2000 A.D-2007A.D) of extensive renovation has revived the garden's charm as per the original concept with added modern facilities. It has now become the center of peace and serenity in the urban hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city. The size of the Garden is 6,895 sq. meter. This garden includes a total of three pavilions, an amphitheater, central square-shaped ponds, pergolas, urns and amalgamation of small gardens to larger ones.

The Garden of Dreams renovation project was financed by The Government of Austrian and this renovation project was implemented by Eco-Himal. This model project has become a sustainable historic site which lies hidden. Garden of Dreams has also contributed to improving the quality of life for both the citizens and tourists in the central Kathmandu and is also considered as one of most attractive tranquil oasis, tourism landmark which also runs a historic library where visitors can take advantage of, along with natural beauty of the garden, history and architectural flavor.

The Garden also allows events such as private and corporate functions, government receptions, government and private institutions' cultural programs, and classical concerts. During the festive month, Dashain and Tihar, you can also enjoy by swinging in a traditional bamboo swing.
 

Infrastructure inside Garden of Dreams

The Garden's architecture wholly resembles the ascent of European gardens. The garden showcases the Europen touch by annexing paved perimeter paths punctuated by pavilions, trellises, and various planting areas, surrounded by a sunken flower garden with a large pond as the center of attraction. The key highlights of this garden are the man-made yet natural-looking landscape, which attracts a large number of foreign and national visitors.

The wanderer paradise, filled with art, culture, nature insight
Caption: The wanderer paradise, filled with art, culture, nature insight. (Credit:tripadvisor)

There are gorgeous details in the small garden. The detailing including the original gate from past, a marble in scripted writings from Omar Khayam’s Rubaiyat, the new water fountains and ponds, and a strange‘ bizarre garden’ to the south. Of the original 1.6 hectares and six pavilions (named after the six Nepali seasons), only half a hectare and three pavilions remain are found and are in use.

Services inside Garden of Dreams

Many international visitors come to relax with a book or friend whereas the national visitors were found to visit the garden mostly for a picnic with family, for a date or for a short sightseeing. Those visitors who came for the purpose to relax are supplied lawn mats (free of cost). Wi-Fi is also available (Rs 50 per hour). Dwarika’s hotel operates the serene Kaiser eatery here and there and organizes occasional cultural events and exhibitions. In addition, they have recently started the service of souvenirs at the Entrance counter. Souvenir consists of postcards with a picture of the garden and a T-shirt printed with a trademark of "Garden of Dreams" and building of the Museum.
 

Organizational policy and rules of the Garden of Dreams Committee

  1. Normal entry into the Garden of Dreams is Rs. 100 per person for Nepali and Rs. 200 per person for Non-Nepali.  However, they provide a 25% discount on ten tickets.
  2. Children, senior citizen and disabled are subject to a 50% discount every day. 
  3. Membership and Benefit: 
Garden of dreams also welcomes everyone to be its prestigious members. Once a visitor is a member they provide the following facilities:
  • A membership card, which is valid for a year.
  • Newsletter, events information conducted on the premises of the Garden of Dreams.
  • Parking facilities on a first come first serve basis.
  • 10% discount at Kaiser Café - an international standard coffee shop.
  • Parking facilities on a first come first serve basis.
  • 10% discount at Kaiser Café - an international standard coffee shop.
Annual Membership fees are as follows:
  • Nepali: Rs. 2000  
  • Non-Nepali: Rs. 3000
They have also introduced the co-operate membership facility where a group of 10 or more than 10 people can be a member by paying the charge of Rs 1500 only
 
Located just across the street from the former Royal Palace at the entrance to the Thamel tourist area, the Garden was neglected for a decade due to which the rich variety of subtropical flora was disappearing beneath a jumble of weeds. But with the support of Austrian Development Aid and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Government of Nepal, this national treasure has got restored and has once again gained its rightful place, among "the great landscape monuments of South Asia".
The only eatery inside the Garden of Dreams "Kaiser Cafe".
Caption: The only eatery inside the Garden of Dreams "Kaiser Cafe". (Credit: Tripadvisor)

Operating since 2008 the garden has welcomed more than one million national and international visitors." The garden holds the potential to attract those visitors who are keen to know about the history and beauty of Nepal Since 2010 there has been an increase in a number of local people visiting the garden especially young youths but they are not using the facility with extra charges such as the café inside the garden and wifi- facility. Due to an increase in the number of tourists the operation timing of the garden was expanded, now it opens at 9 A.M and close at 9 P.M. Do visit this exquisite garden according to the timing favorable and don't forget to visit the library attached with lavish eateries.
 
Himalayan Hero Adventures has planned a half-day city tour in every package. Hence, we take you around the beautiful city of Kathmandu demonstrating the culture and artistic impacts. Book now! or contact us to know more about the travel packages.
 


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