Phora Durbar was a palace built by Bir Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana in 1895 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Located right in front of Narayanhiti Palace and spread over 8 acres, the palace was sold to the United States in the early '60s to build the US Embassy but was never built due to the protest of the Royal Palace, which did not want a foreign governments embassy so close to the palace. Having already purchased the land the US government decided to create a recreation complex, medical facilities, and maintenance buildings to support the many residences that the diplomats occupied. The original building had long passed its glory days when it was the palace of Bir Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana, which had a functioning fountain and moat surrounding the building. It was once a cinema hall but at the time of the purchase, it was in a derelict condition due to it being abandoned for several years. It was demolished promptly to build the facilities mentioned and many trees and bamboo were planted creating much-needed green spaces and a bird sanctuary for many years. It still is in the possession of the US government and is one of the last remaining 8 acre parks in downtown Kathmandu. Phora Durbar is also called the "American Club".
Aviation Report
Phora Durbar
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