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.
Service & Facility
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
& Bars
Krishnarpan
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.
"It was a step into exotic culture of
the Himalayas!" -Guest, 6/2/95
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!
"More than a dinner a token of an old
civilization."-Guest, 15/1/95
Toran
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.
"What a treasure this place is. A true
haven of heavenly delights, visuals,
audio and gastronomical experience."
-Guest
"Exquisite! world class service. The
holiday stay of a lifetime.
Congratulations and best wishes for
future success of your wonderful model
of culture, heritage and training."
-Guest
Library Lounge
Library 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's
Fusion 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!
Introduction
secrets of Nepalese art,
architecture and hospitality but
KRISHNARPAN. A special Nepalese
restaurant in an historic and beautiful
setting.