File photo of Nepal's former monarch Gyanendra Shah
Nepal's former monarch Gyanendra Shah on Sunday left on a three-week visit to India, where he enjoys close relations with members of the erstwhile Indian royalty.
Though it is said that Gyanendra will be attending a marriage in Rajasthan, sources close to him told IANS that he would also meet some influential Indian political leaders particularly from the BJP.
Mr Shah is accompanied by his wife Komal, elder granddaughter Purnika, an aide and more than two dozen officials and relatives.
Mr Shah, who stepped down in 2008, has been critical of Nepali political players.
After ceasing to be a king, he has stayed on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley with his wife Komal.
His son Paras lives in Bangkok and has snapped ties with his parents and family.
"The country (Nepal) is not in a good shape," Mr Shah told journalists before leaving for New Delhi. "They (political parties) should respect the wishes of the people."
He said he was visiting India for family reasons but did not say whether or not he will meet Indian political leaders.