Discover Bandipur's Literary Treasure: The Historic Padma Library - Nepal Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideNear the end of Dumre-Bandipur Road, you find a historic building in the middle of the road: Bandipur Padma Library.
History and Origin of the Name Bandipur Padma Library
The Padma Library (Padma Pustakalaya) was established in 1945 and named after Padma Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, a progressive Rana Prime Minister of Nepal who briefly held office from 1945 to 1948. He was known for initiating educational reforms and promoting modern infrastructure, including libraries and schools. The library reflects his legacy and the town’s once-vibrant engagement with learning and literature.
During its heyday, Bandipur was a thriving Newar trading hub, and the library served as an intellectual center for the town’s merchants, educators, and youth. It provided access to books in Nepali, English, Hindi, and Sanskrit, which were rare and valuable resources in mid-20th-century rural Nepal.
What Makes Padma Library Special?
The Padma Library is not only a place of learning, but also an architectural and cultural gem:
The two-story building features Newari-style windows, a tiled roof, and intricately carved wooden details.
Its central location in Bandipur’s pedestrian-only bazaar makes it a focal point of the town’s heritage trail.
Inside, visitors will find vintage books, old newspapers, and historical documents, some dating back decades.
Though modest in size, the library evokes a sense of nostalgia and offers a unique glimpse into Nepal’s literary development during the early modern period.
The main entrance is on the opposite side from where you are coming.
The library seems to open on demand, and will likely be closed when you get there. We didn’t try it, but we heard that you can ask local shopkeepers to help track someone down who can let you into the library. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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