Simraun Tourism Area

Bara District is situated in Province No. 2 covering an area of 1,190 sq. km. Kalaiya is the administrative headquarters. It lies in the Terai region. The district is surrounded by Rautahat in the east, Parsa in the west, Makawanpur in the north and India in the south. It varies the altitude ranges from 152 m to 915 m from the sea level. The main languages spoken in Bara are Bhojpuri, Bajjika, Tharu, Abadhi, Maithili, Tamang, Magar, Newari and Nepali.

Tourism in Bara

Bara district is one of the richest cultural districts of Nepal in terms of economy, socio-culture, history, and nature since the Mithila kingdom of prehistoric days. A visit to the place allows us to observe the cultural and social aspects of Mithila culture. The place is rich in culture and is famous for pilgrimage due to the presence of temples like Kankalini temple of Simrongarh, Jhorahar Pond of Karchorba, Gadimai temple and Sahajnath of Kantghant. These cultural and religious heritages also call for major tourist attractions in the district. The major rivers flowing through the district of Bara are Anruwa, Bagheri, Lal Bakaiya, Shati, Mohan, and Sirsiya. Besides these, Amalekhganj, Bariyadpur, Kalaiya, Raniwas, Simara, and Simraungadh are the major tourist attractions in the district. Bara district is accessible through regular domestic flights from Kathmandu to Simara airport as well as by bus from various parts of the country. 

Places to visit in Bara

Kalaiya

Kalaiya is the headquarters of Bara District. People often visit this place because it is the gateway to the great Gadhimai temple. And Kalaiya is famous for Sekuwa (chicken or goat meat which is cooked using the charcoal grill) and Bhaja (chatpate). And it is the spot for some other historic importance like Simraungadh. The city is a really small and beautiful place filled with people of different racial backgrounds including the people from Bihar, India. The other place to visit would be Siddheswar Temple and Ram Mandir.

Gadimai Temple

Gadhimai Temple is a temple of the sacred goddesses of power, in the Hindu religion. The temple is situated in Mahagadhimai Municipality in Bara District of south-central Nepal, about 160 km south of Kathmandu, and about 8 km east of headquarter of Bara district Kalaiya city, in southern Nepal, near the Indo-Nepal border, adjacent to Bihar. Gadhimai festival is a centuries-old tradition where the world’s biggest animal sacrifice held every 5 years at the Gadhimai Temple of Bariyarpur, in Bara District where Millions of people gather around for this festival. Animals are sacrificed as part of the Hindu festival, with the hope that the sacrifice will lead to the fulfillment of wishes by the goddess. The event involved the large-scale sacrificial slaughter of animals including water buffaloes, pigs, goats, chickens, Pigeons, etc. with the goal of pleasing Gadhimai, the goddess of power. 

Simraungadh

Simraungadh or Simraongarh or Simroungarh was the fortified city and an ancient capital of the Tirhut Kingdom founded by Karnat Kshatriya King Nanyadeva in 1097. Simraongarh was the capital of an independent Hindu kingdom of the Mithila or Tirhut from the 11th century to the early 14th century. The fortified city was built along the present-day border between India and Nepal. The rule of the Karnata dynasty marks an important milestone and a golden age in the history of Tirhut. The Simraon, Karnat, or Dev Dynasty originated with the establishment of a kingdom in 1097 CE headquartered at present-day Simraungadh in Bara District. The kingdom controlled the areas we today known as Tirhut or Mithila in India and Nepal. This region is bounded by the Mahananda River in the east, the Ganges in the south, the Gandaki River in the west, and by the Himalayas in the north. The boundary line was made between the two countries after the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816.

Parsa District is situated in Province No. 2 covering an area of 1,353 sq. km. Birgunj is the administrative headquarters. It lies in plain Terai. The district shares its boundary with Bara in the east, Chitwan in the west, Makawanpur in the north, and Bihar (India) in the south. According to the locals, Parsa is named after the Parsagadhi temple situated in the district.

Tourism in Parsa

Birgunj is the second largest city of the Terai region. It is the main entry to Nepal from Patna and Kolkata of India. So, the city is widely visited by the Indians. There are good 3-star hotel to stay in Birjung while visiting Parsa. Some of the good three-star hotels to stay are Hotel Vishwa, Hotel Diyalu, Hotel Makalu, and Hotel Suraj which are in the main center of the city. These hotels operate some mini-casinos as well. During the Chhath festival, Ghadiarwa Pokhari is visited by the mass number of people coming from the whole country. Parsa National Park lies here in this region, known for inhabiting Royal Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris), Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) and also various species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The park can be visited by one hour drive by bus from the Birgunj city. 

Places to visit in Parsa

Parsa National Park

Parsa Wildlife Reserve is also one of the popular safari destinations of Nepal. Parsa Wildlife is located to the east of the Royal Chitwan National Park of Nepal. This Wildlife reserve is spread over 499 sq km of hills and flatlands in the Terai region, and has a sub-tropical monsoon climate. The type of forests are predominantly sal, with other species like Chir Pine, Sissoo and Khair, and grasslands making up the rest. This reserve has Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs (dhole), Blue Bull (nilgai), Hog Beer, and Barking Deer. It also is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered giant hornbill and the Bengal florican. Snakes found are cobras, kraits, and pythons. Canoe Ride, Village Tours, Elephant Safari, Jungle Drive, Elephant Breeding Center are the major attraction of the visit to Parsa National Park. 

Ghadiarwa Pond

This region constitutes a pretty pond surrounded by a garden known as Ghadiarwa Pond. It’s popular amongst Nepali youth as a hangout spot. The pond has a Hindu god situated in the middle. This place is also a destination during the Chhath Festival (Sun God Festival). It is visited by the mass number of people coming from the whole country.

Birta Mai Temple

It is one of the oldest temples of Birgunj. It is built and renovated several times in the collaboration of his majesty government as well as the local development committee. The premises is well-preserved and has small temples. The perfect environment is present around the temple in Birgunj with the great market around it. A big fair is organized during Dashara (Dashain) festival in Ashwin (October) in this area.

Birgunj

It lies 135 km (84 mi) south of the capital Kathmandu, attached in the north to Raxaul in the border of the Indian state of Bihar. As an entry point to Nepal from Patna and Kolkata, it is known as the "Gateway to Nepal". The town has significant economic importance for Nepal as most of the trade with India is via Birgunj and the Indian town of Raxaul. Birgunj was established as a conglomerate of several villages in and around the Gahawa Mai Temple. Gahawa Mai Temple remains the epicenter of the town. The settlement was named after the Rana Prime Minister Bir Shamsher, thus acquiring the name Birgunj.

Vishwa Buddha Vihar

Vishwa Buddha Vihar is located near to the Birgunj city. Vishwa is shaped like a stupa and has engravings of Lord Buddha facing the cardinal directions of the universe. This place has a tranquil ambiance and it attracts those tourists who want to flee the bustling life of the city. The term Vishwa is derived from the word vicchu-wa, which is translated as a resting place for vicchu(s) or Buddhist monks and means a resting place. In the ancient times, the pilgrims stopped at Birgunj amid their journey between Lumbini and Bodh Gaya (India). The mound is protected by a boundary wall, and future excavations may well tell us about the history of not just Birgunj but also its importance to Buddhism 2,500 years ago.

Maisthan Mandir

Maisthan Mandir, also known as Gahawa Mai Mandir, lies in the center of Birgunj, Parsa District, Nepal. This temple is believed to have been established about 200 years ago, and like the Samaya Mai Mandir of Western Nepal and the Samsari Mai of the East. It is a temple built in honor of a goddess named Mai. The temple is in the attractive structure at the heart of Birgunj. It is the scene of a large festival on the occasion of Navratri, during which many people from Birgunj and the surrounding region visit the temple to offer animals as a sacrifice to the Goddess and also to keep jamara.

Narayani Stadium

This is the second-largest stadium of Nepal with 15000 capacity after Dasarath Rangasala Stadium but in terms of area, it is the largest in Nepal. It was built in 2038 B.S. It has conducted national games and sports of Nepal. It has also conducted some international friendlies games. It is located at Birgunj, Nepal. It is the regional track and field stadium of the Central Development Region. The stadium underwent renovations starting in December 2015. 

Makwanpur District is situated in Province no. 3 (Bagmati Pradesh) covering an area of 2,426 sq. km Hetauda is the administrative headquarters of the district and the province also. It is surrounded by Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Sindhuli in east, Dhading in North, Chitwan in west and Parsa, Bara and Rautahat in South. During the Rana regime, the district was named Chisapani District, and the headquarters of the district was situated in Chisapanigadhi. The district renamed as Makwanpur on the name of Makwanpurgadhi and the headquarters moved to Hetauda in 1982.

Tourism in Makwanpur

Makwanpur is the best destination for tourists in Nepal. It is only 50 kilometers from Kathmandu. Thaha municipality and Indrasarovar village are in the northern area of ​​Makwanpur, these places are developing as a center of economic activity and a tourist destination. More recently, the northern area of ​​Makwanpur has also been taken forward as a tourist hub for tourists coming to Kathmandu as it is closer to Kathmandu. 

Places to visit in Makwanpur

Makwanpur Gadhi

The Makwanpur Gadhi which lies in about 17 kilometers north from Hetauda is the great achievement of the Sen Dynasty. Before the unification of Nepal “The Sen/Sheng dynasty” ruled over Makwanpur until 1819 B.S. Then ruler of Palpa “Mani Mukunda Sen” divided his huge state into four parts among his four sons and so Makwanpur came under his youngest son “Lohang Sen”. Another king of the same regime “Tula Sen” constructed the Makwanpur gadhi during his ruling period. Later on his granddaughter, Indra Kumari was married to King Prithivi Narayan Shah of Gorkha State, who annexed Makwanpur to Gorkha in 1819.

There are two castles in the fort, one is called the “Mool Gadhi” (the main fort) and the other is “Sanno Gadhi” (the small fort). About 35 years ago, there was a palace called “Jungey Darbar”, which had its supernatural beauty and it was an important belonging of the “Sen Dynasty”. But instead of conserving the historical monument, the later Sen King used the palace (Jungey Darbar) for their personal uses. Having historical and cultural importance, The Makwanpur Fort is a very precious wealth of Makwanpur district. 25 feet high and 7 feet wide wall surround the fort. There is a 10 feet deep canal, which was constructed to protect themselves from the enemies.

Sahid Smarak Park

Sahid Smarak is situated at the west of Hetauda city. It is one of the famous parks in the Hetauda. Among the popular attractions of Hetauda, it is the unique place that was constructed to honor the martyrs of Nepal, including the ones who lost their lives since the time of British colonial wars to the ones who overthrew the autocratic Panchayat System in 1989. The Park has become a tourist spot since its completion in 1994.

Things to see in Sahid Smarak Park

Martyrs Sculptures

The main attraction of the park are the sculptures of these martyrs that are sculpted on one big boulder. Madan Kumar Bhandari (June 27, 1952 – 1993) was a Nepalese politician and communist leader. He is one of the historical personalities in Nepal history who fought for democracy. In 1993 Bhandari died, supposedly in a car accident. The sculpture of Madan Bhandari is kept in which he is pointing a finger implying unity.

Sahid Smarak Little Zoo

The park has a zoo which consists of some of the endangered and some common wild animals from Common Monkey, Leopard, Tortoise, Deer, Owl, Ducks, Crocodile, etc. The park is the most famous as a picnic spot among younger generations. Also has a swimming pool which is popular among youth during summer days. Park has a play area for kids where they can enjoy different circus games.

Indra Sarovar (Kulekhani Dam)

Indra Sarovar is the largest man-made lake constructed at the deep Gorge between Markhu & Kulekhani VDC by the Kulekhani hydro project. This is only hydro project based on the reserve system. Several rivers are blocked by a huge dam. This is 7 km. long and famous for rowing and fishery. It is in the distance of 35 km far from both Hetauda and Kathmandu. One can't miss the beautiful surrounding of hills, green forest, and starry sky being amazingly reflected in the lake during the bright full moon. The brooks that join the lake (Indrasarovar) and the lake itself are famous for their freshwater fish like trouts.

Chitlang VDC and Stupa of Chaitya Lhown (Ashoka Era)

Chitlang Village lies on the southwestern ridge of Katmandu Valley and is very close to Kathmandu. The village is spectacularly beautiful and is surrounded by glorious nature and wildlife. The village route was the only way to get to India in the Rana regime. The village itself is a unique destination for the visitors filled with huge ethnic diversity. The history of Chitlang VDC is believed to be related to this stupa which itself holds the history of the visit of the great Indian emperor Ashoka. The legend tells us that the name of the VDC ‘Chitlang’ has been derived from Newari ‘Chaittya Lhown’ meaning ‘Chaittya-made of stones.

Hetauda City

Hetauda city, inhabited by almost 100 thousand people and named after Hedamba, is one of the important industrial areas of Nepal. It is the headquarters of Makawanpur district and has many facilities like hotel and guest house, school and college, drinking water, transportation, and telecommunication. The city is famous for its neat and clean environment with greenery. Puspalal Park, Bhutan Devi Temple, Banaskhandi, and the industrial area are the main attraction of the city.

Chisapani Gadi

This is one of the historical places of Nepal. Chisapanigadi is popular for the strategic defense of the nation in the past. This Gadhi located at the strategic height where the weapons & resources were stored for the defense purpose is surrounded by the deep trench wall. It used to be the check post for the foreigners and

even for Nepalese to show their 'Rahadani'. As there was no motorable road to Kathmandu everyone had to travel on foot and so motors and cars were carried by porters through this gadhi. Popular KALITOP (Cannon) enhances the beauty of Ghadhi.

Churiya Mai

Situated on the lap of Churiya Mountain range, the temple of goddess i.e. Churiyamai is one of such temples, where thousands of devotees come to worship. The vehicle owners have great faith in the goddess Churiyamai. When a new vehicle is purchased it is first offered to the Churiyamai before commencing any business. The main temple to which all devotees pay homage worship and respect, and the tunnel territory is preserved and developed to make it historical as well as beautiful heritage.

Daman

Daman is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Makwanpur. It lies on the Tribhuvan Highway, about 77 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu (about halfway to Hetauda) at an elevation of 2,322 meters (7,620 ft). Daman has among the greatest views of the Himalayas, extending on a good day from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mount Everest in the east. During winter, snowfall occurs in the hills, augmenting the beauty of the village. There is a religious site near called Risheshor Mahadev Temple. The main festival occurs in Fagu Purnima and Thulo Ekadashi. There is a beautiful botanical garden in Daman which is one of the biggest and oldest botanical garden in Nepal. Different varieties of Rhododendron are available here. There are lots of picnic spots for regular outings. It can be visited just as a one-day trip or stay a few more days, taking some deep breaths from the hustle and bustle of the city life. There are so many hotels, resorts and lodges for accommodation. There are the best services at most reasonable rates; choose any of them which fits a budget.

Sisneri Natural Swimming Pool

Breathtaking Sisneri Natural Swimming Pool is located in the Makwanpur district of Nepal. It is about 33 km away from Kathmandu. But it is better to reach there on a private off-road vehicle. The beauty of the Sisneri natural swimming pool along with the cold crystal clear aqua green water is the main attraction of this place. The water at Sisneri is so clear that you can see the fish inside the water. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city Sisneri lies in the remote village near Kathmandu. It is a perfect spot to spend your weekend near Kathmandu valley.

Chitwan District is located in the southwestern part of Province no. 3 (Bagmati Pradesh) covering an area of 2,238.39 sq. km. Bharatpur is the administrative headquarters of this district which is the fourth largest city of Nepal. It is surrounded by Makwanpur and Parsa in the east, Gorkha and Dhading in north, Nawalpur, and Tanahun in the west and India in the south. The district takes its name from the Chitwan Valley, one of Nepal's Inner Terai valleys between the Mahabharat and Siwalik ranges, both considered foothills of the Himalayas. The name Chitwan is a composite of the Sanskrit words चित्तwhich is transliterated "citta" meaning heart and वन which is transliterated "vana" meaning jungle or forest. Thus, the meaning of Chitwan is Heart of the Jungle.

Tourism in Chitwan

Chitwan has a particularly rich flora and fauna. Nepal's first national park, the Chitwan National Park together with the adjacent Parsa National Park supports a species diversity much higher than any other on the Indian subcontinent. The Rapti River flows east to the southwest in the south of Bharatpur and forms the northern border of the Chitwan National Park. Small Island, like Nagarban in Narayani River, is a popular picnic spot. Bishazari Tal (20 Thousand) Lake is close by Chitwan National Park, about 5 km (3.1 mi) south of Bharatpur. The lake serves as an important bird watching center and is attractive for bird lovers. It also harbors crocodiles. Das Dhunga is a famous place in Chitwan. The people's leader Madan Bhandari has died there in an accident. Narayangarh is the main shopping area of Bharatpur city, and the main transit point for all the vehicles traveling via the east-west Mahendra Highway, also for the people traveling from Kathmandu, Gorkha, and Pokhara through Mugling. It is also the center for the hospitality industry which includes hotels, lodges, restaurants, and transportation hub for the district.

Places to visit in Chitwan

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal. It was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers an area of 932 sq. km. It is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the districts of Nawalpur, Parsa, Chitwan, and Makwanpur. In altitude, it ranges from about 100 m (330 ft) in the river valleys to 815 m (2,674 ft) in the Churia Hills. The Park offers interesting sites and activities. The display at the visitor center at Sauraha provides fascinating information on wildlife and conservation program. The women's user groups' souvenir shop offers a variety of handicrafts and other local products for gifts and souvenirs. Elephant safari provides an opportunity to get a closer view of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. One may also get a glimpse of the exclusive Bengal tiger. The Elephant Breeding Center at Khorsor, Sauraha gives you information on captive elephant and the calves born there. The museum at Kasara, the Park headquarters, has informative displays- near the HQ visitors can see Bikram Baba, a Hindu religious site of archival value. A short walk (1km) from the Park HQ will take you to the Gharial Breeding Center, which is also a home to the Marsh mugger, gharial crocodiles, and other turtles.

Bishazari Tal

Bishazari Tal, also spelled Beeshazar Tal, is an extensive oxbow lake system in the buffer zone of the Chitwan National Park. This wetland covers an area of 3,200 hectares (7,900 acres) at an altitude of 286 meters above sea level and is situated between the Mahabharat mountain range (Lower Himalayan Range) to the north and the Siwalik range to the south. In August 2003, it has been designated as a Ramsar site. The words 'bis' (twenty), hazar (thousand), and tal (lake) mean '20,000 lakes'. The forested wetland provides habitat as a waterhole and wildlife corridor for wildlife species including Bengal tiger, sloth bear, smooth-coated otter, one-horned rhinoceros, white-rumped vulture, Pallas's fish-eagle, lesser adjutant stork, ferruginous duck and mugger crocodile.

Jalbire Waterfall

Jalbire Waterfall Chitwan also known as Lamo Jharana. It is a twenty-minute walk from the Jalbire temple, situated at the Narayangadh-Muglin road section. Dropping 100 meters, this waterfall is a popular destination in Bharatpur and gaining popularity, while tourists often enjoy swimming there as well. Jalbire Waterfall is also renowned for one of the best Canyoning in Nepal in terms of the natural Rockslide and jumping pool. It is more convenient for the visitors who are visiting Chitwan National Park for Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour can also make their stop there to enjoy the natural spring in the summertime.

Tharu Cultural Museum

Tharu Cultural Museum Chitwan offers information about Tharu Culture and Tradition who are approx 40,000 in Chitwan. Tharu Cultural Museum is nearby Sauraha which is one of the popular destinations for domestic and international tourists. Tharu Cultural Museum Chitwan offers different clothes, daily household objects, house style, tradition, and other many more which reflect the Tharu Culture and their living way. Tharu museum remains open 7 days a week from 09 AM to 07 PM for the visitors. We can also watch the dance to Tharu people every day Sauraha which is famous among foreigners. Fire Dance, Peacock Dance, Stick Dance are some of the best dances which people love to see.

Rani Pokhari

This is one of the newest destinations in Chitwan. It has been developed into an open-air sculpture museum and is famous for a picnic. We can enjoy boating as well.

Devghat Dham

Devghat is one of the famous religious and cultural centers in central Nepal. It is located at the junction of the Seti Gandaki and Krishna (Kali) Gandaki rivers and is one of the holiest places in Hindu mythology as well as a holy place for Hindu gods. In Makar Sankranti, huge melas (gatherings) are observed each year making it one of the largest religious melas in Nepal. Hindu pilgrims bathe at the junction of the Krishna (Kali) Gandaki river well known for its rare 'Saligram Sheela (holy stone), which Hindu devotees worship as Lord Vishnu.

Meghauli

Meghauli is the western entrance of the Chitwan National Park that attracts thousands of visitors every year to explore its rich flora and fauna. The huge 25 km long community forest is another eye-catching object of Meghauli. The new concept had been materialized for the tourism development in Meghauli. National park entrance gate, elephant stable, view tower, Eco-Park. National crocodile dreediy pond and medicinal herbal farming in the buffer zone are the main attractions in the Meghauli. It is also a very interesting place to learn about the local indigenous Tharu people as the village is a very well preserved example of a traditional settlement and now is possible to stay at one of the 5 Tharu Homestays. Apart from these, Meghauli has excellent potential for the establishment of resorts and hotels. Rhino Resort, Golaghat Wildlife Resort, Barahi Resort, Chital lodge, Chautari lodge, Ecopark Volunteering and restaurant etc. are serving to some extent who come to visit Meghauli. Rafters, after a trip end at the Golaghat, the confluence of Narayani and Rapti River, can see the sunset and a view of the Himalayas. Meghauli has a good balance between human settlement and wildlife.

Sauraha

Sauraha is a village in Chitwan District of Nepal situated close by the Rapti River and the Chitwan National Park. It is the eastern gateway to Chitwan National Park and jungle safaris for budget, mid-priced, and 3-4 star tourists. All the safari activities can be done in Sauraha which is the best factor. Safari activities like Elephant Safari, Jeep Ride, Jungle Walk, Elephant Breeding Center, Elephant Bathing, Tharu Culture Program, and Village Tour, Tower Night Stay inside the Jungle, Bird Watching and other many more activities can be booked here in this little town which is situated nearby park.

Chepang Hill Trek

The unexplored Chepang hill trail is a new attraction in Chitwan. Chepang Hill Trek goes through the settlement of the Chepang people who are some of the most backward and endangered communities of Nepal. Week-long trip takes us to places of cultural interest and also to naturally scenic places. Besides nature and culture, the most interesting things are the homestay experience which is offered during the trek. From sharing the farm work to food is a unique experience of this trek. This trek starts from a place called Hugdi and ends at Shaktikhor, one of the places where the Maoist guerrillas were kept during the peace process.

Major places of Chepang Hill Trek

Siraichuli (1,945 m)

It is one of the highest hills of Mahabharat range that offers spectacular views of the mountains and magnificent sunrise and sunset views. The view includes a wide range of Himalayan peaks such as Rolwaling, Gaurishankar, Langtang, Gorkha Himal, Peak 29, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and the Royal Chitwan National Park in the Terai.

Upperdang Gadi (1275 m)

The remains of a historic fort that defended the surrounding countryside are still here, which is said to have been built by Shatru Bhanjan Shah. Offering spectacular views, camping service is available through the community along with Homestay facilities.

Shaktikhor 

It is the place where the trek formally ends gives ample opportunity to visitors for a wholesome cultural experience. Home-stay experience, Cultural shows, Chepang Museum and Visitor’s information center, Caves, and waterfalls around Shaktikhor make Shaktikhor a unique experience. Traveling to Chitram waterfall on the next day and stay at Chepang houses in Majhbang village is yet another attraction.

Elephant Polo

Nepal Elephant Polo is famous all over the world as it has its assets and oomph factor. This game is conducted every year in-between the last week of November to the first week of December in Chitwan National Park. Each year the event is organized by World Elephant Polo Association (WEPA). Each year WEPA conduct the tournament in the Grounds of Meghauli that is situated on the park’s northern boundary. Elephant polo is one of the best tourist attractions.