Ranipokhari (Queen's Pond), Kathmandu

Queen’s Pond is a large artificial pond in the heart of Kathmandu and one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Covering about 7.7 acres, it was built in 1670 by King Pratap Malla to console his wife, Queen Ananta Priya, after their young son, Prince Chakravartendra Malla, died tragically. Originally built outside the old city walls, the historic pond now lies near Kathmandu’s busy modern center.

According to tradition, the king had holy water brought from sacred sites such as Gosaikunda, Muktinath, Badrinath, and Kedarnath before filling the basin. At its center stands the Balgopaleshwor Temple, reached by a stone causeway stretching from Kanti Path. Dedicated primarily to Lord Krishna in his child form, the inner sanctum also serves as a multi-deity shrine, housing a Shiva Lingam and a rare idol of Harishankari, a divine combined representation of Vishnu and Shiva. Four smaller guardian temples stand at the pond’s outer corners, while the southern embankment features a massive historic stone statue of King Pratap Malla and his sons riding an elephant.

The pond is securely fenced and generally closed throughout the year, opening to the public primarily during the religious festivals of Bhai Tika and Chhath. Even from outside the gates, visitors can admire its calm water, central shrine, stone embankments, and rare sense of stillness amid the bustle of modern Kathmandu.