Salahes Tourism Sector is one of among 18 tourism zones of Nepal consisting of 3 districts namely, Siraha, Saptari and Udayapur. It is bordered by Birat Tourism Area in East, Arun Tourism Area in North-East, Sagarmatha Tourism Sector in North and Videha-Mithila Tourism Sector in the west, and India in South. This tourism sector is connected by East-West Highway and Sagarmatha Highway. Rajbiraj Airport is the airport that lies in this tourism sector. The popular places of this sector are enlisted with the short information of the districts and the tourism of those districts.
Siraha District is situated in Province No. 2 of eastern Nepal covering an area of 1,188 sq. km. It is situated in the Terai belt of Nepal. Siraha is the administrative headquarters of this district. The district is bordered by Saptari in East, Dhanusha in West, Udayapur in North, and India in South. The majority of the population here is Yadav, Tharus, Muslims, and ethnic minorities with the majority population speaking Maithili language and Nepali language. The district is well connected with East-West Highway as this national Highway passes right through the district while connecting all the major towns. Other rural municipalities are also well connected by Postal Highway which is under construction and taking shape rapidly.
Tourism in Siraha
Many places in this district have religious and historical importance. We can enjoy the view of plain fertile land, beautiful river such as Balaan river, Kamala river etc. We can also enjoy fishing in these rivers. This place enjoys a subtropical climate year-round. The chilling cold during winter and dazzling heat during summer marks this climate. Due to its location in the pristine place followed by adequate transport facilities, it can be visited throughout the year. Except during the peak summer season that poses the risk of the flash flood in the low elevation area. One can access this district both by the air as well as road drive. The airport in proximity is Janakpur airport which his merely 40 kilometers away from this district. There are various tourist attractions in this place. Some of the prominent ones are Baba Tal Park, Salahesh Fulbari, Baba Lake, and others.
Places to visit in Siraha
Salahes Garden
The Salahesh Fulbari (garden) in Siraha has been identified as a new tourist destination. The decision of the government to include the site where a unique flower called Salahesh blooms once a year –1st Baisakh or the Nepali New Year–has brought happiness among the people of Siraha. The garden, which lies in Padariya of Lahan Municipality in Siraha, five kilometers west to the district major trade center Lahan, is now on the list of 100 new tourist destinations unveiled by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation recently.
Salahes Garden Temple
Another feature of the tourist site is the Salahesh Fulbari Temple which presents accounts of historic king Salahesh and his beloved, and is visited by a large score of devotees each year from home and as far as India.
Kamal Daha
This lake lies in Saptakoshi Municipality near to Bhagni Maleth and Chandra Canal. It is surrounded by the Chure Ranges saal forest from 3 sides and Chandra Canal from another side. Its area is about 2 sq. km. It is popular for the Red Lotus flower and another few aquatic fruits. Besides these, it is also famous for local breed catfish and other aquatic animals.
Manik Daha
A pond named Manikdaha, situated 4 hours walking distance north of Lahan is said to be dug by a king named Manik in ancient times. This 1 km long and 100 meters wide pond has the natural shape of a river and there are no records of it drying up. The area around the pond is clustered with small temples and shrines.
Devi Daha
The wetland can be reached through the Gol Bazar of the Siraha, after driving 3-4 km north. Gol Bazar is near Lahan along the East-West Highway. Devi daha is a natural lake, located in the foothills of the Churia mountain range along the Sal forest. The Devi Daha and its surrounding forests are home to six species of mammals. Similarly, the lake area is home to numerous species of residential and breeding birds. The vegetation along the catchment area is dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta).
Baba Taal
The Baba Tal is about 2 km north of the Bandipur bazaar on the East-West Highway in the Siraha district. The Baba Tal is a renovated wetland and has a relatively large open water body. It is located in the foothills of the Chure range and is connected to a small upstream wetland called Jordaha. It has become a good refuge for wild animals and bird species due to effective conservation practices. Baba Tal and its surrounding area support more than ten species of mammals. The most common mammal species in this area are the rhesus macaque, the golden jackal, and the wild boar. Similarly, the lake and its surrounding forest provide habitat for many species of residential and breeding birds. A high-value medicinal plant Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) can also be observed in this wetland area.
Saptari district is located in Province No. 2 of eastern Nepal covering an area of 1,363 sq. km. Rajbiraj is its district headquarter. It is an outer Terai district. It is about 380km from Kathmandu. Saptari is edged by India to the south, Siraha to the east, Udaypur to the north & Sunsari to the west. It is renowned for its agricultural efficiency, with the river Sapt Koshi flowing through it. The inhabitants of Saptari are in the main Madhesis, Bhramans, Baniyas, Newars, and Muslims.
Tourism in Saptari
Saptari district lies in outer terai and connected with East-West Highway. This district has religious importance and popular for ancient temples, monuments. There are many places to explore in this district. Rajbiraj, the headquarters of Saptari, is the hub point to travel eastern Nepal. Good Accommodation with proper services and facilities can be found in Rajbiraj. It has the oldest airfield, named Rajbiraj Airport, which is connected with the regular flights from Kathmandu. Chhinnamasta Temple and Kankalkini Temple are popular temples of this district. It covers the small part of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve too.
Places to visit in Saptari
Rajbiraj
Rajbiraj is the administrative headquarter of Saptari district. The city of Rajbiraj is named after Rajdevi Temple. The Meaning of Raj comes from the name of the Rajdevi temple which means "state" and biraj means "to reside" or "to live". It is famous for agricultural products, spices, and handicrafts. Mithila Paintings and Maithili culture is the main part of tourism to be explored. There are many religious Hindu temples to visit. Some of them are more than 2000 years old. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve famous for its wildlife, especially for bird-watching enthusiasts, is a mere 40-minute drive from the city. It is also home to the endangered wild buffaloes called "Arna" in Nepali. The Saptakoshi Bridge is also the attraction to visit it is only 25 km far from the city.
Rajdevi Temple
Rajdevi Temple is a historic 8th-century Hindu temple (as per Nepal Arechelogy) located on the east of the city and is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city. It is dedicated to the deity Rajdevi. The temple is a significant symbol for Hindus and the present structure was built between 1990. The temple attracts on average thousands of visitors annually.
Chinnamasta Bhagawati
Chinnamasta Bhagawati is a temple of Eastern Nepal. It is situated in Chinnamasta VDC, Saptari, and 10 km from Rajbiraj and also near to Indian Border. It is a main attraction for Nepali and Indian pilgrims. People from all over Nepal and India come here to Bada Dashain and other festivals. It is located near the Neur border which is located in India nearby the Indo Nepal border. Chhinnamasta Bhagawati is a Hindu goddess. She is one of the Mahavidyas or Shivasakthi or Parvati, ten goddesses from the esoteric tradition of Tantra, and a ferocious aspect of Devi, the Hindu Mother goddess. Chhinnamasta is a goddess of contradictions. She symbolizes both aspects of Devi: a life-giver and a life-taker. She represents death, temporality, and destruction as well as life, immortality, and recreation. Her public worship is rare.
Shambhunath Temple
Shambhunath is another one of the famous temples of Saptari District. It is situated 12 km from Rajbiraj and also near Mahendra Highway. This temple is the main attraction for Nepali and Indian pilgrims. People are likely to come here in Siruwa Mela during the month of Baisakh (the first month of Bikram Sambat, Nepali Calendar). The temple holds great historical, cultural, and religious significance in the locale and neighbors area. The Shivalinga was founded in Chandrabhoga Gadhi and has been kept in the same place. The present structure of the temple was reconstructed in 1996. The six-foot-long Shivalinga was believed to be growing earlier, but currently, it has stopped growing. On the western side of the temple, complex ruins are placed which indicates that the settlement of Shivalinga is very old.
Kankalini Temple
Kankalini Temple is the holy shrine of one of the powerful forms of the Hindu goddess of Durga whom people worship with full of devotion and faith. It is located in the Bhardaha village of Saptari district. The five-storeyed temple is located at the side of Mahendra Highway and is easily spotted. One can reach there by a bus with a 17 km ride towards the northeast from Rajbiraj or 5 km west of Koshi Bridge. According to the legend, the people settled in Bhardaha village had started to use the land for farming, however, while digging, some farmers had found a stone statue carved beautifully with the image of Goddess Durga and in that very place, this temple is said to have been built. It is believed that when a devotee worships with great devotion and true heart in the temple, their wish comes true. So, thousands of peoples from any part of the country come to this temple to worship the avatar of Goddess Durga, known famously as goddess Kankalini.
Chandrabhoga Gadhi
Chandrabhoga Gadhi is a historical ruins fort located in Saptari District. The ruins fort is located in the Rupani- Shambhunath Chure hill section northwest of Kanakpatti village around 4 km. The hillfort was originally built by the Sena rulers in the 15th century. The temple of Chandrabhoga- clan deity of Sena was built by 27th Sena King Chandrasen. The fort is locally known as Chanarbhoga Gadhi and is believed to be the remnants of the Ekagarh, the palace of Sen Kings during the winter season. The historical gadhi was believed to be made by King Chandrasen.
Udayapur District is situated in Province No. 1 of eastern Nepal covering an area of 2,063 sq. km. Triyuga is the administrative headquarter of this district. The district border of Udayapur is drawn by Natural border with rivers and hills. Koshi River in the east of the district separates it from Sunsari District, Sunkoshi River in the north draw a borderline which separates it from Bhojpur and Khotang. Sindhuli district lies in the west across the Tawa Khola and foothills of shiwalik in the south separates it from outer terai of Siraha and Saptari. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies in the east occupying the area of Udayapur, Sunsari and Saptari District. The Elevation range of this district is 360 meters above sea level or 1,180 ft. to 2, 310 meters above sea level or 7,580 ft. A wide range of people from different communities and cultures makes this place as their common home. Magar, Rai, Tamang, Danuwar, Sherpa, Satar are few of them.
Tourism in Udayapur
There are various interesting places in this district. Some of the prominent one is Koshi Tappu Wild Life Reserve, Rauta, Tribeni, Chaudandigadhi Durbar. The famous waterfall of Nepal Odari Kholako Jharna and Khuwa Jharna at the height 156 and 71 meters respectively lies in proximity to Katari municipality. Gaighat, Udayapur Gad, Katai Beltar, Tribeni, Rautaha pond, Murkuchi Lake are few of the attractive places of this district. This district can be accessed by the Sagarmatha highway.
Places to visit in Udayapur
Indreswor Mahadev Temple
After a walk of around one kilometer from the headquarters of Udayapur i.e. Gaighat, we can reach the temple of Indreshwor Mahadev. This temple is considered as holy as the temple of Pashupatinath. People from all communities and cultures have access to enter this temple.
Tribeni Dham
It is a place in Katari municipality where the three rivers Kamala, Tawa, and Dudhauli adjoins. It is visited by many devotees on the occasion of Makar (Maghe) Sankranti (first day of Nepali month of Magh) every year. On this occasion, a large fair is organized that lasts for about three weeks.
Rauta
Rauta is a holy place for Hindus located in Rautamai rural municipality. It is located on Mahabharat hills at the election of 2,000 feet (610 m) from sea level. There is a temple of Mahadev and a Pond called Rauta Pokhari. The pond is in the center of the surrounded evergreen tall forest. The major attraction of the Rauta Lake area is the view of the rising sun. Since watching the rising sun on the first day of New Year is taken as a special event in the locality.
Chaudandigadhi Durbar
The remains of Chaudandigadhi fort of Sen Kingdom can be seen in Chaudandi. The kingdom of Chaudandigadhi was captured by Gorkha Army on 16 July 1773. The remains of Chaudandigadhi is now part of Chaudandigadhi municipality.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the south-eastern Terai. The reserve was gazetted in 1976 to preserve habitat for the only remaining population of Wild buffalo, Arna (Bubalus arnee). The 176 sq. km. reserve is Nepal's smallest wildlife reserve. Koshi Tappu is a protected area for wildlife. It is located in the south-eastern part of Udayapur near Koshi River. Rampur is the nearest city in Udayapur from Koshi Tappu.
Moreover, this tourism sector has the popular religious and cultural sites which are popular for Nepal and Indian pilgrimage. With this, we can find the ancient fort in different places of this sector. This area is enriched in the wetlands, wildlife reserve, migrant birds, wild animals, herbal plants, etc. World-famous, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, lies in this region. Adventure activities like paragliding, rafting, and boating on the Koshi River is tested successfully in Udayapur. Many places have unique features but they are not explored yet. Hope this helps to explore the places to national and international tourism market.
