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Baber Mahal Revisited

I often feel that capturing my experience can sometimes take away from the experience itself. It’s tough to find a balance between getting the perfect shot and also just taking the time to breathe it all in and really feel it. It’s one thing that I’ve really pushed myself to find more of a balance in over the last months, since travelling to historic place, I find there are so many more times when I really do just want to shut off the phone and the camera, to just focus on the moment.

Since that moment, I feel like I really have made a conscious effort to really appreciate every moment and not just to see it through a screen. I never want to be one of those travelers who just runs in, gets the pic and just leaves without feeling a place. I love to soak up every part of an experience, so that later I can translate how it felt, smelt, tasted and sounded on to the page.

The crucial aspect of any trip is to have fun while getting in touch with the character of the people and places you visit. States, regions and cities all have their own ingredients, specialty fare and must-visit markets and restaurants. Similarly, my last time visit to Kathmandu, I had stumbled into a sweet hideaway spot i.e., Baber Mahal revisited and through this post, i would like to share some info down below.

The roots of Nepalese history lie in its historic forts, the ancient temples, and the alluring Ranas period architecture. Unraveling these marvels in Baber Mahal revisited will offer you a peek into the glimpse of Nepalese history. Its grandeur and beauty will have you spellbound. It’s a unique combination of historical significance, luxurious elegance and abundance of recreational and fine dining options.

Beautifully restored former palace is the peculiar complex is also called Museum of Rana Architecture which is an exemplary piece of architectural restoration. A modern old courtyard has been refurbished into an endearing upscale mall of sorts i.e., interspersed small outlet side by side, intertwined with corridors along with varied cafes and restaurants. 

As the name suggests, it is a re-creation of the old Babar Mahal - and now a sort of antique up-market shopping mall and a recently opened boutique hotel. Babar Mahal revisited is a well maintained cluster of historic buildings to visit and observe the exhibition of sublime old discarded neo classical structures. 

Baber Mahal Revisited, across the street from the former Baber Mahal palace, a reconstructed old place remolded into set of courtyards, up market shops and five restaurants with beautiful buildings and a beauty salon. It is highly recommended, if you want to have a rejuvenating staycation, away from the traffic, pollution, noise and chaos of Kathmandu.

As soon as you set foot into this place you will heed the serene and calmness, it’s the specialty of place, accompanied by its remarkable history.

You can browse many fancy shopping complexes specialized in high quality authentic Nepalese handicrafts, antique objects jewelry and architecture with explicative panels, exclusive watches, nice designed jewelry, paper art, an interesting art gallery, and a cornucopia of classic shopping. You can do some high-end in small boutique shops in a series of courtyards selling a range of clothes, and crafts, leather goods, pashmina, carpets furniture, textile. It will definitely worth a detour.

Compared to Thamel, prices are high, but you get what you pay for, as the quality and surroundings make it quite a treasure. You can get everything from furniture to table cloths, chunky fun necklaces to trinket boxes, candle holders to lamps. Everything is on the pricey side and yes, non negotiable.

The place itself is tucked away amongst some fascinating which worth a visit while in Kathmandu.

Favorite restaurant- Chez Caroline: Situated in the midst of fascinating place; Chez Caroline is definitely the best French restaurants which serve authentic food of modernized flavor with class standard. They have western style menus (it is in French language) and so is the food. So we being the Nepalese might get confused and unaware about the listed food items because of the French language. Therefore, u may consult with the waiter on the food menu. Place is suitable to go for having coffee, breakfast and lemon tart (best dessert) in tranquil atmosphere.

When you’re traveling, you’re going to eat out, though, and that’s where things can get a bit pricey. They don’t have to, though! Some cheap thrills that locals love are of course burger but if you’re looking for some unique places to have a bite, then please don’t miss Chez Caroline.

I would like to recommend you to have a light fare and pasta, pancake with Deux Garniture of two fillings of tuna and cheese, a sandwich and a lemon tart as a dessert. Because it’s the best and you will get what you pay for.

A big basket of Bread and butter is complimentary with the order of the breakfast.

Average breakfast with drinks will be of minimum 2500-3000 Nepalese rupees equivalent to 25-30 USD. The prices are generally high BUT the quality is worth it. It is reasonable but steep for Nepal prices. 

What I personally experienced: 

• staffs were courteous
• If I had to benchmark then it is expensive for normal visit to eat often 
• It is appropriate for a stroll and lunch which is a completely other world than Thamel!
• Unfortunately the opening hours of the shops are irregular so you cannot go expecting to find everything open.
• Different gift shops to buy souvenirs to present your friends and families
• Worth a visit for the architecture and the atmosphere surrounded by a kind of luxury. 

If you are a bit of a historian as well as a foodie you might want to look up some of the older French eateries, each of which boasts a rich and colorful history and some fantastic food to boot then Baber Mahal Revisted is the perfect place.

once again please excuse my posture (since i look so lame hehe) and the picture quality as these are take from the Mobile. i will be soon fixing it. 

FOR FURTHER INFO YOU CAN EMAIL ME. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME 

MANJEETA KHANAL

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