It hasn’t been long since I visited Taudaha for the first time. As the saying goes, with some people and places, it’s not the frequency but the impact that counts. I didn’t even know Taudaha existed until, out of the blue, a random plan popped up: 'Let’s go to Taudaha after class today.' Just thinking about the distance from my college to Taudaha and then the trip back home already had me feeling exhausted. My friends were quick to say, 'Please don’t be the one to cancel the plan again.' And, for God’s sake, I didn’t, not this time.
Who would've thought I’d discover one of my favourite go-to places? I certainly hadn’t. From the bus window, I caught my first glimpse of the view and oh my goodness, it looked nothing short of magical. A while back, some friends on social media had posted a photo of a lake with the caption, 'Clicked from the bus window.' It somewhat resembled that. And yes, it was undeniably breathtaking.
Once I stepped into the beauty of it all, the scene felt complete: the lake itself, a tree perfectly placed at the center, swans gliding gracefully, people feeding fish, and even a temple nearby. It was such a sweet, serene sight.
You're almost compelled to buy the fish food (machako aahar) from the vendors around the lake. The elderly people sitting there gently insist you buy from them. Photographers are busy finding the perfect angle, while I stood there, busy challenging my fear of deep water yet drawn closer to the lake’s edge, embracing the graceful swans with awe.
Taudaha holds spiritual significance too, which moves me deeply. It is believed that the serpent deities, Nag Raja and Rani, reside in its waters, and there’s a peaceful discipline that seems to surround the place. However, the sight of dead fish floating on the surface breaks my heart. Sometimes, too much ruins things. Too much love, too much hatred, too much anger and yes, too much feeding. It’s not deprivation but overfeeding that harms the fish. Still, the fish, in their vibrant colors, add even more to the beauty.
The place has seen business flourish. Various restaurants and hotels now surround the lake, offering a wide variety of food options. It’s very much a view-friendly space. And the view? It’s a story of its own. The rich green hills visible from Taudaha captured my heart. They calmed me, grounded me, and made me feel undisturbed amidst all the chaos around.
Taudaha small, yet so wholesome has my heart. Since that first visit, I’ve been there countless times, and not once has it felt dull. It always feels familiar. Unknown, yet known. Different, yet comforting. I wonder how many souls find solace in Taudaha’s enchanting presence. It has to be Kirtipur’s gem, it really is one of a kind.
Some things are never cliché, and for me, Taudaha is one of them.
PC: Wikimedia Commons
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