Dwarika's is a unique place in Kathmandu, Nepal. Back to where it all began doesn't necessarily mean basic! Today I will share a secret with you... A secluded place, full of bygone charm. If Kathmandu, Nepal, means to you: hippies and flower power, if Kathmandu means Himalaya, pristine blue skies and deep green fields, then let me tell you that there’s something else. Kathmandu also means heritage. You will find the heritage respect in the temples and the villages of the Kathmandu valley. But I would like to recommend to you, a place I fell in love with. The Dwarika’s hotel is a unique place run by Mrs Shreshta, who is a dignified and elegant Nepali lady of the high society of Kathmandu. The building itself, an ancient edifice salvaged by Mrs Shreshta’s husband (Mr Dwarika Das Shreshta) in the 70’s, is in pure Newari art, with exquisite wood carvings, temples and sculptures, all of them authentic local artefacts. The palace is large and airy and your room (probably the size of suite) will be located in one of the little yards. As you will enter it, you will notice the unusual door: a heavy wood carved palace door, (same as you may find in the Neemrana Palace of Rajasthan, see my other travel report about it). And you will be given a huge ancient lock and a heavy big key. Now will start your Nepali experience: the dark wood, furniture, the bed wrapped in the Newari colourful rugs, small alcoves furnished with little gods watching over you and the view from the balcony down on to the small paved yard. In the bathroom, you will be under the charm of tiny pottery mugs and phials, here plastic is banned! Terracotta tiles on the floor will make you want to walk barefoot. Though you will fall for the truly traditional nepali atmosphere, you will also appreciate the modern commodities such as hot water and air con. When night falls, you will be mesmerized by the Nepali dancer and her musician both wishing welcome and goodnight to guests; you will not resist the many little tea candles twinkling in the dark, and last but not least you will enjoy the traditional menu of 8 dishes served on low tables at the restaurant by waitresses in embroidered local dresses and beautifully crafted jewellery. No doubt that you will be tempted by the hotel shop which displays a local production of silk wraps, flower entwined rag papers of all sorts, necklaces set with green stones. Let me tell you that Dwarika is definitely NOT a sleeping beauty, and Mrs Shreshta likes it with a twist. On some nights, you will linger by the pool, listening to live jazz music. I really hope that you will be able to meet Mrs Shreshta, she will teach you this: if children want to work, better teach them a good job! A woodcarving school has been established within the hotel premises. There are thirty woodcarvers and carpenters employed in the school's workshop reproducing to the perfection, the ancient techniques of carving and pottery. Their production is directly used in the palace hotel. Early morning, monkeys coming from the nearby temple will be heard on the roof of your room and will gently wake you up. Dwarika’s of Kathmandu proves that tourism can be useful to local people, and here, it brings its own unique contribution in maintaining the unique Kathmandu Valley heritage. So do not hesitate and follow the steps of Richard Gere, Orlando Bloom and many others! ---The website is : http://www.dwarikas.com/---