Biratnagar

Biratnagar is Nepal’s second biggest city which is located near the south-eastern border to India. It is known by agriculture, commerce and industry. Biratnagar is well-known for Nepal’s first large scale industry, the Biratnagar Jute Mills established in 1936. Today, the city has some of the largest industrial undertakings in the country. It is Nepal’s second biggest city which is believed to be the capital of language, culture and politics of the country.

Tourists discover Biratnagar on their way to the Himalayan states of India, known as Sikkim and Darjeeling. It also acts as a way for tourists to get entry in to Indian hill stations such as Gangtok and Darjeeling. From there, the mountaineers and hikers proceed for Kanchanjunga, the second highest Himalayan peak. It is also a gateway to the tea estates of Nepal that are confined in the districts of Illam and Dhankuta. Biratnagar has also evolved itself to become the melting pot for the various religions and cultures in the Terai. The place is known for its vibrant culture activities. Its temperature goes up to 39 degree centigrade in summer and it goes down to 8 degree centigrade in winter.

Places to Visit in Biratnagar:

Baraha Chhetra: Baraha Chhetra is the “must visit” site in Biratnagar. You can reach here after an hour’s splendid scenic drive away from central Biratnagar. This Hindu pilgrimage site is situated at the confluence of Koka and Sapta Kosh rivers. It will take a 20 minutes walk to reach to the temple site. The front pedestal of the temple gives magnificent surrounding view of the riverside. The place is very popular among the locals for taking the holy dip. According to Hindu legend, Lord Vishnu came down to earth and sled Hirayankashyapu, an evil demon at this very spot.

Biratnagar Haat Bazaar:

Open Market (Haat Bazaar) takes place every Wednesday in a field east of Biratnagar. Make sure to visit the Haat when you get to this place.

Koshi Tappu:

Among the places worth visiting, Koshi Tappu is your best bet. The place is just 2-hours drive from the heart of the city. This hidden wet wasteland is the heaven for the birdwatchers that runs almost parallel to the Sapta Koshi River in the Terai belt of Saptari and Sunsari districts of eastern Nepal attracting a lot of migratory birds. In fact, it is one of the best wastelands in Asia in terms of number of species of birds they attract. Close to this place is the Kosi barrage. This is the largest barrage in Nepal and a bone of contention with its neighbor, India. The spectacle of thundering Koshi, river finding its way to India, is breathtaking.

Getting to Biratnagar:

Biratnagar is the hub of air routes in eastern Nepal. Biratnagar is linked with Kathmandu by road and air. Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar for 40 minutes, or take a bus for about 8 hours.