Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu (must see)

The Garden of Dreams, located in Kaiser Mahal, Kathmandu, is a historical and architectural marvel initially established in the early 1920s. Designed by Kishore Narshingh, a notable landscape architect, the Garden was built for Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana. It spans 6,895 square meters and features a Neo-classical style reminiscent of the Edwardian gardens popular in England during King Edward VII's reign. The design includes formal and axial arrangements of architectural elements combined with more naturalistic planting schemes.

This garden, also known as the Garden of Six Seasons, reflects its name through its six pavilions, each dedicated to a different season in Nepal. These pavilions are complemented by three other main structures, an amphitheater, and various decorative elements such as fountains, sunken flower gardens with central ponds, pergolas, and urns. The architectural features suggest influences from pattern books, adapted with local nuances.

Despite its initial grandeur and sophistication—making it one of the most prestigious private gardens of its time—the Garden of Dreams fell into neglect after the death of Kaiser Sumsher in the mid-1960s. It was left unattended until a significant restoration project funded by the Austrian government brought it back to life. However, today, only half of the original garden remains.

In a dramatic turn of events in 1998, when the garden was at risk of being demolished for commercial development, intervention by Minister of Education Arjun Narsingha KC, following advice from conservationist Karna Shakya, saved it. It was then opened to the public under the new moniker, "The Garden of Dreams."

Located strategically across from the former Royal Palace and near the Thamel tourist district, the Garden of Dreams now serves not only as a historical site but also as a peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists in the heart of Kathmandu.