Dwarika's Hotel is a unique place in South Asia. It is a living example that tourism need not destroy heritage and the environment. On the contrary, it has demonstrated that a proper blending of cultural restoration and tourism leads to the preservation of historical artifacts and contributes to the growth of skills and culture that would otherwise have eroded from the crass commercialism of today. It has shown that heritage can be preserved and be used for further preservation works. In fact, it could be the model to demonstrate what must be done to preserve the look of Kathmandu Valley - a stepping stone towards the larger and more gigantic task of rehabilitating the uniqueness and beauty of Kathmandu currently experiencing severe environmental stress of uncontrolled modernization.

HISTORY OF A MISSION
In 1952, the late Dwarika Das Shrestha was out jogging when he came upon some carpenters sawing off the carved portion of an intricately engraved wooden pillar. It had been part of an old building which had been torn down to make room for a modern structure. Amidst the rubble, lay the bits and pieces of exquisitely carved woodwork several centuries old, ready to be carted off as firewood as the carpenters were merely trying to salvage reusable wood.As he stood amidst the ruins, Dwarika Das Shrestha experienced all the anguish that a sensitive soul feels when witnessing the destruction of the sublime and the beautiful by wanton and crass commercialism of modern times. He was confronted with the visible signs of destruction of an ancient culture which still lived in him as part of his heritage. Kathmandu's Newari art and traditions have a rich legacy of exquisite wood carvings, distinctive temples, sculpture, bronze works, terra-cotta work and the unique lifestyle of its people itself. Seeing the beautiful carvings destroyed, he could not control himself. Out of sheer impulse, he gave the carpenters the new lumber that they required and took the old ruined carved pillar.This impulse, born from the inner anguish of his spirit, became progressively a hobby, a passion and a lifetime work. As soon as he heard that an ancient building was going to be torn down to make way for a modern structure, he would rush to the spot and buy as much of the ancient wood carvings as he could before they were sold as firewood or lost in other ways for ever. If he was able to buy only a part of an artistic work because other pieces had been lost or he did not have enough money, he would still do so and try to recover the missing parts later. Often he would discover their historic significance in the process. In one instance, he was able to trace and acquire a missing piece after twenty-five years.As his collection grew, Dwarika Das Shrestha was faced with the problem of storing these bulky works of art which were scattered all over his garden in makeshift sheds. It was then he decided to construct a building in the old Newari style of Kathmandu using the carved doors and windows he had rescued from destruction. The edifice which was built to give the ancient works of art a new life is now one among several buildings of Dwarika's Village Hotel. These buildings contain some of the best woodworks of olden times restored to life and made to function for a modern age within the traditional architectural setting.

ACCOMMODATION Guests enjoy a tradition of casual elegance; comfort assured by an uncommon attention to detail and personal service. 74 Deluxe Rooms and Suites. Each of the rooms has its own character and individuality. There are 16th century windows in many, while there are private courtyards attached to others. Buddhist symbols on hand printed curtains and bed spreads are used with traditional fabrics and accessories. Spacious and luxurious, our suites and rooms have been individually designed with imagination and taste. Each one different and unique: you will find all the amenities of a luxury hotel; but perhaps what you will appreciate more is the elegant comfort of your room; handsomely appointed with handmade fabrics and furniture custom designed from traditional patterns. It has been called "a charming hotel", "a museum", "a palace".... to me its all that and more: it's a temple where man and his family devoted their lives to lovingly preserve here Nepal's history, culture and art. My deepest recognition to Family Dwarika Das Shrestha.

RESTAURANTS & BARSKRISHNARPAN The lore of Nepalese food is entwined with taboos of religion, superstition and caste.This has produced a satisfying, sustaining and healthy cuisine. Dwarika's Hotel, winner of the PATA Heritage Award now offers you not only the secrets of Nepalese art, architecture and hospitality but KRISHNARPAN. A special Nepalese restaurant in an historic and beautiful setting. For the best recipes of Nepal, the finest meat, vegetables, aromatic spices, purified oils and saffron are selected by the chef every day to create for you an exotic meal from 6 to 20 courses.KRISHNARPAN invites you to capture a moment of history of a rich and ancient culture, to dine at tables designed with centuries old lattice woodwork, served on antique traditional plates and glasses by charming hosts and hostesses dressed in different ethnic wear.Come share a mystical experience of the past with us at KRISHNARPAN!

TORAN Restaurant and gardens...all day international dining including Continental, Chinese, Indian specialties and fresh pastries and snacks. Dwarika's an oasis for lovers of the real thing, a lifestyle and experience that can become addictive. Library LoungeLIBRARY LOUNGE ...ideal place to spend a cozy evening by the fireplace, sipping your before or after dinner drink. Exclusive meeting point for friends or, spending a quite evening in solitary splendor, browsing into the books in our library.Blending graceful architecture, gracious service, warmth and devotion to detail. Dwarika's reflects the understated luxury of an earlier era.

FUSION The Bar at Dwarika'sFusion The Bar at Dwarika's... the newest happening spot in town. Live blues and Jazz music, alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks and great food in a fusion atmosphere of the traditional and new. Let the spirit live!

SWIMMING POOLSWIMMING POOL.. after a hot days sight seeing, dip into cool clear water!Our exquisite swimming pool is reminiscent of the 12th century Malla Dynasty bathsthat were fit for Kings.

DWARIKA'S FOR BODY AND SP IRIT....
Special in-room massages to enjoy after aday's excursion.

• Ancient Massage
  A dynamic massage which balances the energy in the body through stimulating pressure points along energy lines and passive yogic stretches.
• Ayurvedic Massage
  A massage utilizing traditional herbal oils to promote the body's natural healing process.
• Deep Tissue Vibration Massage
  A relaxing deep tissue oil massage, which loosens and softens muscles and joints and relieves stress and fatigue.
• Traditional Newari Massage
  Given with a soothing blend of herbal oils, using acupuncture points and spinal cord relaxation to stimulate breath and energetic circulation.
  

BUSINESS CENTER....Dwarika's Business Center has modern facilities and up to-date equipment.

• Secretarial Services
• Telephone
• Facsimile
• Business Directories
• Photocopy
• Personal W.P.
• E-mail
• Internet
  

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPSLook no further than Dwarika's for a very special venue for your conference, seminar or workshop.As well as a beautiful setting of authentic Nepali architecture, wood carvings and terra cotta brickwork, Dwarika's provides modern conference facilities.Our Lohn Hiti conference hall can accommodate 100 people theatre style and up to 50 people in hollow-block-seating style. All your audio visual, security, decoration and stationery requirements can be met. Catering is handled in-house with a wide range of snacks, full meals and special menus available.Optional program such as cultural shows and spouse tours can easily be arranged.Whether your meeting is non-residential or residential we will welcome you at Dwarika's.

SERVICES & FACILITIES

• Airport transfers/car hires
• Foreign Exchange
• Laundry and Valet
• All major credit cards accepted
• Meeting room to accommodate 100
• ISD/STD and Internet access from room
• Television in room on request
• Library - a collection of travel and Nepali Culture Books
• Airline reservations and confirmations
• Variety of massages in the privacy of your room
• Safety deposit boxes
• Shuttle Service for shopping