A Journey To Katmandu (The Capital Of Nepaul)

The author reveals that this book is the recount by the author of his journey to Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal) from Colombo (Capital of Ceylon) through India, where they passed through Calcutta and Beneras. Travelling with the camp of the Nepalese ambassador, the author had the good fortune of seeing all the activities that accompany such a campthe cavalry, the hunting parties, the temples, the banquets etc. In Kathmandu he describes the surroundings and also gives a glimpse into the court life of Nepal. The entire narrative is peppered with amusing anecdotes and personal experiences. On his way back the author passed through Lucknow, Delhi and Indore. He had joined the team of Jang Bahadur Rana who was returning from England via Sri Lanka. The book mainly describes the condition of Nepal in 1850s, and some comparison between India and Nepal during that time. The book is not complete enough to understand the condition of Nepal though, because of limited time he spent in Kathmandu. He came to Kathmandu via the route of Hetauda, Bhimphedi and Chandragiri and returned via Sunauli to Lankenau. He admires the good things about Nepal army and Newari architecture of Kathmandu. He visited surrounding of Kathmandu but seems could not visit other parts of Nepal. His visit is limited to Shivapuri, Chandragiri and palaces of Rana. The narrative took place in 1851, and it is a reprint of the 1852 edition. So, the readers should take his description with a pinch of salt.