Stroll through the ancient Mithila city to experience the Terai culture of southern Nepal and visit the Ram Janaki Temple in the center of the city that draws allusions to the famous Hindu epic Ramayana.The city that has been mentioned in Ramanayana as birthplace of Sita, Ram’s consort. As Ram is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sita is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi as per the great Hindu epic Ramayan.It is also believed that it was in Janakpur that Lord Ram and Sita met and were married to each other. Janakpur is also on the holy route of Parikrama (holy circle) carried out by Hindus as a form of worship in Ayodhya, Kashi and Brij in India as well
TRAVEL PLAN
Biratnagar is Nepal's second biggest city that is located at the southeastern border to India. Well connected by aerial route and road route. The city is one of the largest commercial and industrial hub in Nepal. In a way, it is a transit point for all kinds of trades with India. The very few manufacturing industries that Nepal has, is located in an around Biratnagar. It also acts as a way for tourists to get entry in to Indian hill stations such as Gangtok and Darjeeling. From here, 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. Moreover, there are hill stations very near to Biratnagar i.e Bhedetar (Hill station praised by Prince Charles of England) and Hille. Also no one can miss Terhathum,Capital of Nepals national flower Rhododendern. 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.
Among the places worth visiting, Koshi Tappu is your best bet. This place is just 2-hours drive from the heart of the city. This wetland is heaven for the bird watchers and runs almost parallel to the Sapta Koshi River and attracts a lot of migratory birds. In fact, it is one of the best wetlands 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 neighbour, India. The spectacular thundering Koshi river finds its way to India, is breathtaking.
Baraha Chhetra is another must visit site in Biratnagar. This Hindu pilgrimage site is situated at the confluence of Sapta Koshi river. It will take a 20 minutes' walk to reach to the temple site. The front pedestal of the temple gives a magnificent view of the riverside. The place is very popular among the locals for taking the holy dip. It is popularly believed that the devil Hirayankashyapu was slayed on this very spot. Apart from that, don't forget to visit the weekly haat (Communal Market) that is organized on different places on different days.
Experience Nepal
Since time immemorial, Pathibhara Pilgrim Tour has fascinated the Hindu Nepalese in a usual way as any other famous pilgrim tour attracts its devotees. Pathibhara is a female deity, who fulfills the wish of a devotee. Hundreds of devotees flock to Pathibhara every day, and in the festive season, this place is packed with people, who have come from different parts of Nepal, as well as from India.
A brisk walk in a tea garden, tranquil picnic and sightseeing stops, short treks along gentle slopes, or a trudge into the nearby woods – all this and more is offered by Ilam. An excellent getaway from city life, Ilam, famous for its tea, is a small hill town with pristine landscapes of sloped tea gardens, mountain streams, dense natural forests, holy sites and a unique culture. Using Ilam Bazaar as a base you can take excursions for a day or more.
Chitwan National Park is one of the premier drawcards in Nepal. This World Heritage–listed reserve protects more than 932 sq km of forests, marshland and grassland containing sizeable animal populations, making it one of the best national parks for viewing wildlife in Asia. You’ll have an excellent chance of spotting one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, and some of the more than 500 species of birds. If you’re extremely lucky, you may spot a leopard, wild elephant, or sloth bear – though it’s the once-in-a-lifetime chance to spot a majestic royal Bengal tiger that is the premier attraction. You’ll also have the chance to experience domesticated elephants, although how that interaction takes place is now undergoing a paradigm shift driven by animal rights concerns. Admission fees are paid at park headquarters, although they are usually bundled into the overall cost of a tour.
Pokhara is Nepal’s number 1 adventure and leisure city, a trekking gateway to the Annapurna’s with plenty of entertainment for individual travellers as well as families with kids. In Pokhara you can experience the best in trekking, boating, hiking, pony rides, paragliding or simply relax at one of the lakes near the city with the stunning Annapurna mountain range at the background. Pokhara will overwhelm you with one of the greatest photo spots in the world. While you walk along the shores of the Fewa lake you will be surrounded by a panoramical view over the Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna Massif that reflect in this lake. A beautiful color combination that is created by the wooden boats and paragliders that are sailing, flying and rowing over the lake is probably going to be one of the highlights of your travel experience in Nepal.
One of the world’s most important spiritual sites is home to the historic birthplace of the Buddha. Today you can visit over 25 international Buddhist monasteries, study Buddhism, meditation and visit Buddha’s birthplace itself within the sacred Mayadevi Gardens! Mayadevi Temple is one of the important sites in the Lumbini Garden with many historians and archaeologists referring to it as the place of birth of Lord Buddha. Inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar also refers the spot as his birthplace. It is said that here the newly born Prince took his first seven steps and gave a peace message to humanity.This happened in the beautiful Sal grove, which is now the focal point of the Lumbini Garden. Mayadevi, the Queen of Shakya King Suddhodhana of Kapilvastu, while passing through the Lumbini Garden, on the day of Baishakha Purnima (full moon day of May in 623 BC) took a bath in the Pushkarini (the Sacred Pond) and soon after she took support of a tree branch, and gave birth to the Prince Siddhartha, who became the Buddha.
Discover ancient temples and myths in the valley of gods where Hinduism and Buddhism meet. Smell and eat traditional Newari food cooked on wood ovens while you are strolling through the small little alleys around the “durbar squares” in one of the ancient king cities of the Kathmandu Valley; Bhaktapur, Patan or Kathmandu.Buy handicrafs from artisans that still work according to centuries-old traditions. Or try if you are talented yourself in one of the many workshops that are available.Watch how the people of the valley still use their temples to practice rituals that have been passed from generation to generation. Discover the temples of the valley, learn more about the rituals of the people of Nepal.
