Maula Kalika, Gaindakot

Across the Narayani from Narayangadh, a forested hill rises above the town of Gaindakot. On top stands the temple of Maula Kalika, a form of the goddess Kali, one of the most visited shrines of the central Tarai.

Getting up

The traditional way is the stairway of 1,882 steps, a steep 45-minute climb through the trees. Since 2023 a cable car of about 1.2 km carries visitors from Gaindakot to the top in around five minutes, making the temple accessible to elderly pilgrims and families.

The view

From the hilltop the Narayani river curves out of the hills, Narayangadh and Bharatpur spread across the plain, and on clear winter days the forests of Chitwan stretch to the south.

Festivals

Dashain, Chaite Dashain and Saturdays bring the biggest crowds. Go early on a weekday for a calmer visit.