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Popular Tourist
Destinations In Nepal |
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Places To See In Eastern
Nepal |
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Biratnagar |
BIRATNAGAR* (pop. 130,000) is
an industrial center in the Terai. Nepal’s first
large-scale industry, Biratnagar Jute Mills, was
set up here in 1936. Koshi Tappu Wildlife
Reserve (90-minute drive) is a bird watching
spot. The Koshi Barrage on the Koshi river
(two-hour drive) is an impressive sight.
Biratnagar is the hub of air routes in eastern
Nepal. (Temperature 8-39 degrees Celsius.)
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Dharan |
DHARAN (pop. 66,000) is 41 km
north of Biratnagar where the Himalayan
foothills and the Terai plains overlap. It is 17
km from the intersection at Itahari on the
East-West Highway. Dharan was formerly a
recruitment center for Gurkha soldiers, and most
of the population are ex-army. A huge hospital
now stands at the recruiting camp. Bijayapur
hill contains several sacred sites. The hilltop
of Bhedetar (16 km, one-hour drive) is popular
for its views of the Himalaya and the Koshi
river. Barah Chhetra, a Hindu holy place, is a
30-minute drive plus a two-hour walk.
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Dhankutta |
DHANKUTA (pop. 17,000) is 52 km
north of Dharan. It is a charming hill town of
cobbled streets and white-washed houses
populated by Rais, Limbus and Newars. The
villages to the north are starting points for
treks to Makalu and Kanchenjunga. An excursion
to Hile, 13 km north, is an opportunity to view
the eastern Himalaya. Basantapur (elev. 2,200 m)
is a large bazaar 35 km north of Dhankuta. It is
situated on a ridge above Tanmaya Khola, and
offers a view of the entire Kanchenjunga range.
The road continues north up to Terhathum.
(Temperature 5-30 degrees Celsius.)
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Ilam |
ILAM (pop. 13,200) is a hill
town 83 km north of the intersection at Birtamod
on the East-West Highway. Ilam is known for its
tea gardens. Sacred sites include Mai Pokhari,
where pilgrims take holy dips on Haribodhini
Ekadasi (Oct.-Nov.), Maibeni which attracts
ritual bathers on Makar Sankranti (Jan.) and
Gajurmukhi where a fair is held on the Kartik
full moon day (Oct.-Nov.). A number of hilltops
around Ilam offer views of the Himalaya. The
road winds north to Phidim (68 km) and on to
Taplejung where there is an airport. Taplejung
is the trailhead to Kanchenjunga, the world’s
third-highest mountain. Limbus and Lepchas are
the main ethnic groups here. (Temperature 6-31
degrees Celsius.)
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Kakarbhita |
ILAM (pop. 13,200) is a hill
town 83 km north of the intersection at Birtamod
on the East-West Highway. Ilam is known for its
tea gardens. Sacred sites include Mai Pokhari,
where pilgrims take holy dips on Haribodhini
Ekadasi (Oct.-Nov.), Maibeni which attracts
ritual bathers on Makar Sankranti (Jan.) and
Gajurmukhi where a fair is held on the Kartik
full moon day (Oct.-Nov.). A number of hilltops
around Ilam offer views of the Himalaya. The
road winds north to Phidim (68 km) and on to
Taplejung where there is an airport. Taplejung
is the trailhead to Kanchenjunga, the world’s
third-highest mountain. Limbus and Lepchas are
the main ethnic groups here. (Temperature 6-31
degrees Celsius.)
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Janakpur |
Janakpur is the capital of the
ancient state of Mithila. The Janaki Temple,
located in the center of the city, is well known
in the Hindu Kingdom. Sita the wife of the
legendary hero Ram was born in Janakpur.
Throughout the year, many pilgrims come to pay
their respects to Ram and Sita who are the main
religious attractions in Janakpur. The city is
thronged by worshippers and visitors alike
especially during the festival of Bibah Panchami.
This annual festival is celebrated on the
occasion of Ram and Sita's marriage and their
wedding ceremony is enacted throughout the week.
Access:
Regular bus services are available from
Kathmandu and other cities. It has an all
weather airport with regular flights from
Kathmnadu.
Accommodation:
There are a number of good hotels and lodges in
Janakpur..
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