Balaju Water Garden

Balaju Water Garden (Balaju Baisi Dhara) is a landscaped park at the foot of the Nagarjun forest hill on Kathmandu's northwestern outskirts. Its centrepiece is a row of 22 intricately carved stone water spouts (baisi means twenty-two, dhara means spout) set into a long stone wall, from which water flows continuously — fed by natural springs from the Nagarjun hill above. The spouts date to the 18th century and are considered among the finest examples of hiti (traditional Newar water infrastructure) craftsmanship in the valley.

Beyond the spouts, the garden shelters a sleeping Vishnu statue (Jalashayana Narayan) reclining on a bed of serpents in a shallow water tank — a smaller but equally beautiful counterpart to the famous Budhanilkantha statue across the valley. A modern swimming pool (seasonal), manicured lawns, and enormous shade trees make the garden one of Kathmandu's most popular picnic spots, particularly for local families on weekends and public holidays.

Balaju Water Garden is open daily from dawn to dusk. The modest entry fee (NPR 100 for Nepalis, slightly more for foreigners) supports maintenance. The garden is a 10-minute taxi ride from Thamel or accessible by local bus heading toward Nagarjun. It pairs naturally with a visit to the Nagarjun Royal Forest (hiking trails begin just above the garden) or a trip to Budhanilkantha temple, which is 20 minutes east by road.